2022 MIC Agenda

Sponsored by:

For questions regarding setup, please contact Andrea Brennan, CMP at ‭(720) 325-2264‬ or andrea@kinsleymeetings.com.

Moderator: Barb Taylor Carpender

Topic tables provide an interactive experience discussing pressing industry issues with veteran suppliers, industry professionals and MSU students on their journey to join the event industry.  This creative session will bring unique viewpoints, opportunities to hear students share their vision of the industry’s future and focuses on engaged exploratory conversations packed with networking and mentoring moments.  Don’t miss out on this innovative session designed to foster local community engagement and unique dialogue. 

 

Speaker: Carol Benavidez, HelmsBriscoe

 (advance registration and fee required)

This intense CMP Study Boot Camp is specifically designed to help you concentrate on the core areas required to successfully pass the CMP test.

1. To obtain a clear understanding of the ins/outs of the rigorous exam, the process, the testing center and the actual taking of the exam
2. To identify several features of each Domain using real life experiences from the audience to emphasize knowledge and education within the industry
3. To gain additional study tools applying sample testing materials, using an app as well as past student participation

Panel: Michael Dominguez, ALHI; Trevor Wessman-Lavelle, AislePlanner;  Jason Lusk, VisitDenver

Moderator: Dawn Williams, VenuHub

 

Speaker: Stella Roark, Brella

How did the pandemic affect the way we connect at events – and how will we network in the future? We’ve examined results from 10,000+ events over 5 years to bring you essential networking trends and insights. 

 

(highlighting additional industry certifications)

The PCMA Digital Event Certification (DES) (Megan Martin, Juno)
SGMP – Certified Government Meeting Professional (Clele Clark, Pam Temple)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            MPI’s Certifcate in Meeting Management (CMM)  (Elizabeth Kretchmer)
The Latest on CFEA (TBA)

 

Speaker: Kyle Jordan, INFORMS

As meetings professionals we are often challenged to effectively evaluate the success of our meetings while also quantifying and conveying the ROI. This session will outline several strategies for gauging a participant’s (i.e. member, attendee, exhibitor, etc.) satisfaction, including the use of Net Promoter Score (NPS), which offers a unique look into retention and brand loyalty. Participants will learn about the importance of evaluation data and how you can demonstrate and leverage the true value of your events with that data. After all, numbers do not lie and it’s more important now than ever to showcase the impact of meetings.

Sponsored By:

Meet up for an early cup of coffee with exhibitors

Sponsored by:

Sponsored By:

 

 

 

Entertainment: The Silhouettes

Emcee: Carolyn Strauss

The Tenets of Events Transformation: Stewardship, Strategies and Support

Creating outstanding events requires organizers to think big, ask questions, and embrace change. This is especially true in today’s evolving events landscape. Harness the power of transformation at MIC and find the stewardship, strategy, and support you need to create events that embody excellence. This event kicks off with an opening keynote, addressing the three most important areas of focus for event planners today: (1) Stewardship: a look at industry sustainability and responsibility; (2) Strategy: trajectory and best-practices for the future of in-person events; and (3) Support: the power of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (DEI).

Michael Clarke, Director, B2B Programs & Events – US & Canada, Marriott Hotels
Scott Morrissey, Senior VP, Sustainability, Denver International Airport
Lori Pace, Multicultural Strategist, Changing Paces International, LLC

Sponsored by:

Environmental Resiliency Within the Events Industry
(Scott Morrissey, Denver International Airport, Adam Schlegel, Chook & Snooze Socially Responsible Restaurant, Megan Stansell, City and County of Denver, Moderator: Cassy Cadwallader)

Today, environmental sustainability is driving organizational decision making, whether as part of ESG efforts or in pursuit of the triple bottom line. This is especially evident within the events industry. What does this mean for you, your events, and your company? How can you reap the benefits of understanding and incorporating an environmentally resilient mindset in event coordination? Join us for a panel discussion with some of Colorado’s premier sustainability stewards as they discuss environmental resiliency within the context of event planning and execution.

Authentic Representation Goes Beyond EDI Requirements
(Lori Pace, National Speakers Association, Kinette Richards, PhD, NCC, Mud & Lotus, Don Mamone, The Mamones LLC, Amara Martin, Dress for Success, Moderator: Dr Autumn Thomas, Mud & Lotus)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is about more than checking boxes. The purpose of these initiatives is to foster broad-spanning contributions from individuals across the spectrum of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and many other variables. Only authentic representation has the ability to deliver results. Join us for a powerful conversation with EDI thought leaders about what it means to cultivate collaboration through a variety of different lenses, to foster success at every level. Most importantly, we’ll discuss the stark differences between simply satisfying EDI requirements and truly empowering people

Coping with Constantly Evolving COVID Regulations
(Michael Clarke, Marriott Hotels, Michael Tedford, Colorado Convention Center, David DuBois, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Shelly D. Fava, MA, CAE, CMP, Metro Denver Dental Society, Justin Ball, Bespoke Events)

The changes brought by COVID-19 have been constant and disruptive to the events industry. And, just as disruptive are the ever-changing regulations, guidelines, and best-practices set forth to combat the pandemic. As COVID regulations continue to attempt to keep pace with an evolving virus, event coordinators need a fallback: best practices they can rely on no matter what the state of the industry. Join our subject matter experts for a panel discussion where they share experiences, lessons learned, successes, and setbacks—all to help you navigate a continually changing regulatory landscape.

Out of the Shadows and into the Light – Let the Transformation Begin
(Lynne Waggoner-Patton, The Silhouettes)

Step out of the shadows and into the light with this powerful, interactive session that will help you begin the transformation toward success in today’s world. Presented by the Owner, Creator and Director of The Silhouettes, Golden Buzzer Act on America’s Got Talent The Champions and most popular shadow performance company in the world, you will discover new ways to reshape your future with “The Power Of Yes”. Imagining the possibilities, believing in the future and stepping through the portals of opportunity will be the driving forces that will help reshape the future for talent, businesses and creative presentations.

The MIC Speaker Showcase Featuring NSA Pro Members

Showcase Emcee: Jerome Wade
– Authentic Leadership; Creating Human-Centered Connection and Belonging (Jenn DeWall)
– Succession Planning: Handing Over The Reins (Richard Bryan)
– The Game You Must Win, and Now More Than Ever Before! (Will Matthews)
– Getting a Million Dollar Wardrobe for Pennies! (Susan Frew)
– Making the Most of Meetings: One Conversation at a Time (Debra Fine)

Event Risk Management: A Framework for Safer Gatherings
(Liz Warwick, Warwick Strategic Planning)

This session will address how to create a high-level event Risk Management Framework that enables Planners to identify and address event related risks. It will also identify current trends in risk categories that should be included within the Risk Framework. This information will enable Planners to discuss potential risks as well as mitigation steps with their organization’s executives.

Fireside Chat: A Deep Dive into Pandemic Contract Language
(Christian Hardigree, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Tyra Warner, College of Coastal Georgia, Moderator: Barb Taylor Carpender)

Still using 2019 event contracts? It’s time to review and revamp! From tried-and-true performance clauses like rooms and F&B attrition, to determining whether the cancellation of an event triggers the cancellation or force majeure clause, contracts have been under extreme scrutiny since COVID-19 hit. Yet, new clauses and verbiage might be too narrow. Listen as lawyer-educators break down the finer points of pandemic contracts, cutting through the legal-ease to outline the practical impacts of new contract language. Bring your questions, scenarios, and an open mind to this session!

But Is It Local? An Interactive Journey through the Food Stream
(Laura Zaspel, MEPM, Serendipity Catering)

Get your hands dirty and feel connected to your attendee experience through a deeper understanding of sustainability, and sourcing, from root to leaf. Get inspired in this interactive session with Laura Zaspel owner of Serendipity catering as she shares her hands on approach, unique perspective and passion for environmentally responsible events.

12 Years of Saving Food – We Don’t Waste & Centerplate: Building Environmentally Responsible Partnerships
(Mathew Karm, We Don’t Waste, Kayley Boyle, Centerplate, Moderator: Carolyn Strauss)

Working hard to become a sustainable steward within the events industry? You can’t do it alone. Successful events are built on the backs of strong partnerships, and it’s becoming increasingly important for event planners and coordinators to partner with vendors who share their emphasis on environment. Attend this session and leave with actionable ways to find and engage with environmentally responsible partners—or, conversely, to have articulate conversations with existing vendors about sustainable efforts. We’ll also explore the power of marketing yourself as a sustainable force within the events industry, to attract likeminded clients and forward-thinking partners.

Sponsored By:

 

 

 

 

MIC State of the Union Address

Sit down to a delicious, 100% plant-based meal and join us as we recap the state of the events industry. We’ll also take this opportunity to recognize excellence across the breadth of the Colorado events industry with awards for distinguished individuals. Join us in the Four Seasons Ballroom for this illuminating look at the present and future of the hospitality industry.

• Rachel Benedick, VisitDenver
• Michael Dominguez, Associated Luxury Hotels International
• David DuBois, International Association of Exhibitions and Events
• Sherrif Karamat, Professional Convention Management Association
• Alexis Steigerwald, Marriott International

Moderator: Nicole Marsh, Imprint Events Group

 

 

You Are What You Eat: Welcome to the Dawn of Purpose-Driven Food
(Tracy Stuckrath, Thrive Meetings)

Awaken, encourage, and educate your audience to rethink their food and beverage. If you’re hosting a keynote, continuing education, or a lunch-n-learn, Tracy will take your attendees on a journey of purpose and passion to create safe, caring, and inclusive events, workplaces, and dining experiences for all. Attendees will walk away with information they can immediately incorporate into their lives.

The Future is Fluid
(Don Mamone, The Mamones LLC)

There are numerous ways to describe it, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary, Gender Queer and yet no possible way to adequately cover what it means with just a few words. How a person experiences and expresses their gender identity is varied and exactly as unique as that individual. Sounds great, right? WRONG! Living authentically and unapologetically YOU is truly amazing but achieving that can be exceptionally difficult in our current society. Before these individuals were courageously living their lives outside the gender binary they were likely confused, frustrated and filled with feelings of guilt, shame and fear. It is time for everyone to learn, accept and create an inclusive safe space for any and all gender identities and expressions.

The State of Events, and a Path to Recovery and Reorientation
(Tim Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office, Jeremy Bronson, Occasions Catering, Sherrif Karamat, PCMA, Moderator: Justin Ball, Bespoke)

The COVID-19 pandemic created the most challenging circumstances the events industry has experienced in modern times. Uncertainties and ongoing disruptions have forced event professionals to pivot and innovate, forging ahead into new territory. Meet the members of our community who rose to the challenge and poured their hearts into advocating for industry relief, while simultaneously charting the course ahead for remote events and a return to in-person expositions. Listen as thought leaders share their insights on current recovery efforts, and leave inspired as they lay out a brighter future for events and the professionals orchestrating them.

Create Your Compelling Future: One Thought at a Time
(Cindy Saylor, SaylorsJourney)

Are you experiencing an infestation of ANTs, (Automatic Negative Thoughts)? The best pest control to exterminate your ANTs is YOU! There are seven highly regarded pesky ANTs potentially running havoc in your life, at work and at home. A good dose of mental fitness will set you up to stomp out your ANTs and allow you to create your compelling future, one thought at a time.

Equity Mindset: Are your external facing assets attracting diverse clients?
(Dr Autumn Thomas, Mud and Lotus Consulting, Kinette Richards, PhD, NCC, Mud & Lotus Consulting)

This workshop will help you navigate conversations about diversity. Also, we walk you through external facing assets of various websites and discuss how they could be more inclusive. They will address how you can survey your business or workspace to keep a daily focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Finally, you will be directed toward resources to continue equity work on your own as you attract and support diversity in the event planning community.

The MIC Speaker Showcase Featuring NSA Pro Members

Showcase Emcee: Jerome Wade

– Secrets of Using Words that Create Cooperation and Eliminate Conflicts (George Walther)
– Becoming The Everyday Ethicist™: Doing Things the Right Way the First Time (Amanda “Jo” Erven)
– Peak Performance Playbook: Simple Strategies to Thrive Under Pressure (Margit Henderson)
– The Future Leader is the Renaissance Leader (Jean Marie DiGiovanna)

Sponsored By:

 

 

 

 

 

André van Hall, The van Hall Company

Change is all around us, and while it can be tiring and scary, the truth about change, is that change itself is not the enemy….but how you choose to handle it, certainly is!

During his presentation, André will show you that you hold the power to not only deal with change, but most importantly, how to stay ahead of it, if you just apply some of his very basic philosophies.