Conference Program

Conference program registrants receive access to all Expo schedule activities with exception of Design Lab and exclusive access to the enclosed conference program schedule, sponsored by Marriott:

7:30 - 8:15 a.m.

Networking Breakfast 

8:15 - 9:00 a.m. - Choice of two education sessions

3 Marketing Moves to Make Now

"Me too" marketing just doesn't cut it anymore. You need out-of-the-box event promotions that smash through the clutter. But where do you start? What's really working? And how can you squeeze the most firepower out of a tight budget? Let marketing expert Rafael Mael show you how to rock your next event with powerful, proven marketing strategies. Discover 3 marketing moves to make NOW!

Speaker: Rafael Mael, Marketing Strategist, Brand Launcher
Location: Education Room I (Conference attendees only)

Event Planning Documentation: Creating the Checklists from A to Z

Find out how to create the ideal checklists for your event from A-Z! This session will highlight everything from writing and finalizing agreements, troubleshooting for event production, and the importance of tie-downs before the event! This sessions is a can't miss!

Speaker: Dianne Budion Devitt, President, The DND Group

Location: Education Room II (Conference attendees only)

9:15 - 10 a.m. - Choice of two education sessions

Hot Issues Facing Nonprofits

Given the current funding environment for nonprofits, the million dollar question facing those in the leadership hot seat is: “What should we do with resources down and demand for our services as great as it has ever been?” Come get the scoop on whats happening within the nonprofit world today get answers from those who know firsthand.

Co-Moderators: Dara P. Richardson-Heron, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Stephanie Thomas, President, Susan Ulin Associates Ltd.
Location: Education Room I (Conference attendees only)

Planner Appreciation prize to be awarded: South Sea pearl earrings (Must be present to accept prize)

Do You Measure Up? The New Measurement Standards for Green Events

New globally accepted best practices and standards will soon be the norm for the meeting and event industry. Will you be ready to meet these standards and validate your expertise? In this session, explore the competencies, knowledge and skills used to define a meeting and event professional from competent to expert, as well as assess how you match up to these new green standards.
Speaker: Janet Sperstad, CMP, Program Director, Meeting and Event Management Degree, Madison Area Technical College
Location: Education Room II (Conference attendees only)

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Catering Trends Forecast Luncheon

BizBash style editor Lisa Cericola talks with three top New York caterers about the latest food trends and what to serve now.

Speaker: Lisa Cericola, Style Editor, BizBash Media; Panelists: Olivier Cheng, Founder, Olivier Cheng Catering and Events; Thomas Preti, Owner and Founder, Thomas Preti events to savor; Carla Ruben, President and Owner, Creative Edge Parties
Location: Rear of the Tradeshow Floor (SW Corner)       
Conference & Design Lab Registrants attendees only

Planner Appreciation prize to be awarded: Pasadena travel getaway (Must be present to accept prize)