Stop, Collaborate & Listen: Bridging the Generation Gap

Jun 15, 2023 11:10am ‐ Jun 15, 2023 11:50am

Identification: DD6

The Evolution of SMM: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Jun 15, 2023 11:10am ‐ Jun 15, 2023 11:50am

Identification: C18

Learn from industry veteran Deborah Dickerson with her wealth of experience in the Strategic Meetings Management sector and examine the past, present and future importance in managing all of your organization’s events, planning processes, preferred vendors and meetings data. Deploying an SMM program ensures that your meetings and events truly align with overarching strategic goals and organizational vision.

Learner Objectives:

• Learn how SMM has changed in the last 20 years.
• Apply lessons on how to apply SMM strategies to your business, or even start your own SMM program.
• Use preferred vendors, consilidated meeting processes and data in smart ways to help improve your meetings and events.

The Impact of Bans and Boycotts and How/Why to Avoid Them

Jun 15, 2023 11:10am ‐ Jun 15, 2023 11:50am

Identification: C23

Destination boycotts and bans have been a topic of hot conversation for a few years, but do they work? Deep dive into the pros and cons of these realities and how we can continue to support the efforts of the destinations that are fighting for equality in places where human rights are being stripped away.

Learner Outcomes:

• Learn how planners can support inclusive destinations.
• Discover how destinations can provide an inclusive event experience even in less-than-inclusive regions.
• Find ways to partner with destinations and local communities to support diversity and inclusion wherever you host events.

What does Gen-Z REALLY Want? And Why Should We Care?

Jun 15, 2023 11:10am ‐ Jun 15, 2023 11:50am

Identification: C17

It’s no secret that there is a talent crisis in our industry, especially at the entry- to mid-level. As the generation that is soon to take over the workforce, it’s a good thing that Gen Z cares about impact and purpose and wants to be a part of the solution. “Gen Z workers are expected to more than triple to 87 million people by 2030 in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, accounting for 30 percent of total employment," according to a study by Oxford Economics. Go straight to the source with a collaborative panel session of emerging industry leaders! Hear students and event professionals starting their careers share their experiences breaking into the industry, challenges they face and aspirations to build a better future together.

Upgrade Your Everyday RFP

Jun 15, 2023 11:10am ‐ Jun 15, 2023 11:50am

Identification: C20

Join this panel of industry peers sharing best practices and updates to the standard RFP process. What are procurement teams looking for? How do we differentiate ourselves from our competition? Learn how to present your best selves and nurture lasting partnerships.

Learner Outcomes:

• Capture your audience on both sides of an RFP.
• Capitalize on priorities during RFP process and beyond.
• Create a lasting impression in the Live Pitch.

MPI MD: More Than A Pretty Booth: A Strategic Approach to Exhibit Marketing

Jun 15, 2023 12:05pm ‐ Jun 15, 2023 12:45pm

Identification: C24

Every convention, event and exhibit program has unique needs. Recognizing those needs and implementing a 360ᵒ strategic approach will ensure that your company’s convention marketing program achieves optimal success. Several main considerations play a role in the development a of successful program. Join Jacqueline Beaulieu, director of strategic marketing at Poretta & Orr, Exhibits & Events, and discuss successful strategies utilized in the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech sectors. Discuss key considerations to ensure success and help you reimagine your tradeshow marketing strategy and toolkit.

Learner Outcomes:

• Identify appropriate partnerships and clearly define roles and responsibilities.
• Create and implement a growth strategy based on program metrics and evaluation.
• Develop a tiered convention strategy including national, regional and local opportunities.

How Positive Criticism Can Empower Others: The Velvet Hammer Approach to Leadership

Jun 15, 2023 12:05pm ‐ Jun 15, 2023 12:45pm

Identification: C22

Have you ever had a boss who patted you on the back, criticized you and then praised you again ... all you can remember is the criticism. The sandwich method is out! This old format of criticism doesn't create strong teams, empower individuals or develop free thinkers. There's a new way to criticize, even those of authority, with a simple change in vocabulary.

The Velvet Hammer approach makes every difficult conversation a "we" solution and balances the playing field between different levels and diversity you find in the workplace. Learn how, even without a title, being a Velvet Hammer allows your voice space to be heard equally to those with higher titles or more experience and inspires teamwork at the same time.

Learner Outcomes:

• Move away from the old sandwich method of criticism.
• Understand how language can make or break outcomes.
• Become the velvet hammer!

Wow Your Attendees Without Breaking the F&B Bank

Jun 15, 2023 12:05pm ‐ Jun 15, 2023 12:45pm

Identification: C21

Learn how to create memorable F&B experiences utilizing the latest trends, all while working under the constraints of a specific budget. Prices continue to rise, yet attendees are seeking unique and extraordinary experiences. Learn how to design and deliver memorable and up-to-trend F&B experiences while honoring ESG goals and staying within budget.

Learner Outcomes:

• Apply the latest F&B trends to your meal and break functions.
• Implement ESG (environmental, social and governance) best practices into your menu planning.
• Take advantage of cost saving strategies for F&B and ancillary expenses.

Insights to Maximize the Outcome of Your Attendee Acquisition Approach

Jun 15, 2023 12:05pm ‐ Jun 15, 2023 12:45pm

Identification: C19

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released results from its most current research. This study identifies which approaches are most successful today at events that have reopened post-pandemic. Ensure your attendee acquisition approach is in line with what is apt to work best. MPI is one of multiple organizations that supported this research by inviting its membership to participate, and the results are global in scope.

Learner Objectives:

• Learn the factors to consider when planning your next event campaign.
• Apply best practices for creating great marketing messaging and pulling together the best marketing channel mix.
• Set the right performance metrics to help rebuild attendance
• Use the most recent data around partnerships, discounts and premiums; marketing automation and dashboards; out-of-pocket costs; attendee-fee revenues; and more.

Putting the B in DEIB: How Event Design Can Reinvigorate Company Culture

Jun 15, 2023 12:05pm ‐ Jun 15, 2023 12:45pm

Identification: F11

Meeting professionals and C-suite executives are facing many of the same challenges in the new world order. Chief among them: Earning people’s attendance and attention. Designing events for belonging and inclusion—the powerful yet often overlooked tenets of both DEI Strategy and event design—can deliver outcomes to the C-suite to cultivate culture, drive attendance and increase engagement. Future-focused event teams are leading the important conversations in business and facilitating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at the event design table. Engaging and empowering diverse teams when strategizing, developing, and planning events will deliver environments where all stakeholders feel welcomed, invested and included in the business of the day.

Learner Outcomes:

• Define the true culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Use event design methodologies to unlock diversity in the event creation process.
• Evaluate solutions in the marketplace based on accessibility across cultures and neurodiversity.