IMEX America Smart Monday 2023

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Actionable Sustainability for Today's Event Strategist

October 16th, 2023

Our industry is changing rapidly and we need to be armed with the best cutting edge information possible. As planners, part of that means being able to answer questions from the Chief Sustainability Officer or stakeholder(s) in or organization. We have been talking about sustainability in events for years and many of us have implemented small changes, but now we have to go further. We have to redefine how we plan. This boot camp will dive into specifics around what you need to know about sustainability, government regulations, creating impact in the community, food & beverage, carbon offsets and tracking and how to engage your supply chain. We will cover it all and give you the boost you need to start implementing real change in your planning process. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand terms for several sustainability topics that lead to a deeper understand of how to implement
2. Learn tools for success around several key areas of event - carbon emissions, food and beverage, reducing single-use items, engaging suppliers and social impact
3. Create a deeper foundation for your organization to grow your sustainability goals and objectives

Speaker: Courtney Lohmann 

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Adopting an AI mindset in the events industry

October 16th, 2023

AI is everywhere these days, but have you incorporated the technology into your events strategy yet? Adopting an AI mindset will empower you with new tools to overcome your biggest challenges, streamline processes and save valuable time. Discuss tangible ways you can begin using AI to better plan and execute dynamic events, and take your content strategy to the next level.

Speakers: Donny Neufuss and Jeremy Kidd 

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Beyond the boycott: Using ethical strategies in discriminative climates

Hosting events in regions with ethically questionable legislation can create obstacles. Yet it can present an opportunity to champion inclusivity, bolster diverse communities and amplify social equity. Using recent examples, the panel will share ways to transform adversity into an avenue for justice. Examine the effectiveness and limitations of state-wide boycotts, and leverage these challenges to promote justice, inclusivity and community support. 

Learning outcomes:

Understand the implications of organizing events in regions with discriminatory legislation, and recognize the potential for positive change. Examine the effectiveness and limitations of state-wide boycotts. Gain insight into how destinations, hotels and venues respond to state-wide boycotts.

Speakers: Gary Murakami & panel

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Black meeting professionals: Wins, challenges and upskilling opportunities

There has been a ton of movement in the event tech landscape that has got all of our heads spinning! In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the direction of the consolidation of event technology and how it is changing hands, with VC roles taking ownership, and other movements in the event tech landscape. We will explore the potential impact of these changes on the credibility of event technology providers and their services. As event planners, it is crucial to understand how to navigate these shifts and continue to depend on technology solutions that meet our needs.

During this session, we will discuss the key questions event planners should be asking when choosing event technology partners. We will explore what information event planners should be sharing with technology providers to ensure a successful partnership. Additionally, we will explore strategies for effectively communicating an exit strategy in case the need arises.

Join us as we uncover insights, strategies, and best practices to adapt to the evolving landscape of event technology. Discover how to maintain credibility, depend on technology solutions, and effectively communicate your needs and expectations.

Key Takeaways:
Understand the direction of the consolidation of event technology and the changing ownership landscape.
Explore the potential impact of these changes on the credibility of event technology providers and their services.
Learn key questions to ask when choosing event technology partners.
Discover what information to share with technology providers to ensure a successful partnership.
Gain strategies for effectively communicating an exit strategy, if needed.

Speakers: Dahlia El Gazzar & Panel 

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Catch my drift: Adapting Rapidly in a Ever-evolving Industry

During this thought-provoking session, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of changes and trends that are affecting the overall success and impact of meetings. This dynamic event is designed to empower event organizers, meeting professionals, and industry partners and suppliers to understand what customers want, today with the insights and strategies needed to create unforgettable, purpose-driven event experiences that resonate long after the curtains close.

Our panelists, thought leaders, and practitioners, will share insights, strategies, and practical tips to adapt to change to create an immersive and enriching event experience.

Speakers: Jackie Beaulieu & Panel 

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Dare to interrupt: unfiltered advice from leading women

More women than ever before are leading organizations from the C-suite, however, there is still much to be done to ensure that women are in rooms where decisions are being made. From career adversity and office politics to salary negotiation and strategic visibility, leaders in the meetings and hospitality industry share their greatest successes - and challenges - unfiltered. Attend an exclusive live recording of Meetings Today's podcast "Dare to Interrupt," as host Courtney Stanley interviews influential leaders who aren't afraid to speak up, get vulnerable, and spark some real talk about what it takes to succeed, grow, and thrive.

Speakers: Courtney Stanley & Panel

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Designing Inclusive Environments

DEI is an issue that continuously requires examination, influence, and active participation. While efforts are active in principle, they are lacking in practice. Join members of the EIC Equity Task Force as they discuss findings and observations of the 2022 Equity benchmarking study, what we know and what we learned, and what's next for DEI. In the second part of this session, we will delve into additional inclusivity concerns, such as accessibility and neurodiversity conditions and how to plan events with a budget, and setting realistic expectations as the highest priorities.

Speakers: Melissa Cherry & Panel

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Elevate Your Event Trends

Every minute it seems like something new is going viral – how do you tell the difference between a true, inspiring trend from a fleeting fad? Join CORT Event’s strategic business development executives Kerri Otto, and Jack Scafide on Nov. 8th as they share tidbits and on-trend layouts and décor insights to inspire stylish, elevated event design.

Speakers: Jack Scafide & Kerri Otto

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Evolution of an Industry: Partnering with Hotels in 2023

It’s definitely not 2019 anymore ... it’s not even 2022. Join this interactive workshop and discover how you and your hotel partners can best work together in an evolving world and continue to deliver successful and intentional events for your stakeholders. Learner Outcomes: Learn what challenges hotels are facing in this era of shorter planning windows, and how to overcome them together. Work together with your partners on well-being and sustainability goals. Apply new knowledge to existing and new relationships, negotiations and design practices.

Speaker: Steve Enselein

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Exploring the Untapped Potential of AI in the Events Industry

Get ready to unlock the limitless possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the events industry! Join us for an enlightening session that delves into the unexplored potential of AI and its transformative impact on events. In this session, we are excited to welcome Heather Munnell, the Director of Client Experience at VDA, who will provide a captivating live demo showcasing the power of AI in event planning and management. Heather's expertise and hands-on experience will shed light on how AI can elevate event experiences to new heights. Discover how AI technologies, such as machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, can revolutionize event planning, attendee engagement, and overall event success. Witness firsthand the seamless integration of AI into event operations as Heather demonstrates the practical applications of AI-driven tools, personalized recommendations, and intelligent data analysis. But that's not all! This session isn't just about watching the demo; it's about engaging with the audience. We invite you, the participants, to become the experts and share your own interactions with AI over your event tenure. Heather Munnell will facilitate a conversation on how AI has been utilized in various events, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved. Whether you are a seasoned event professional or new to the field, this session promises to inspire and empower you to harness the power of AI in your event strategies. Join us to uncover the possibilities, gain practical knowledge, and explore how AI can reshape the future of events. “Written by ChatGBT”

Key Topics:
1. Introduction to AI in Events: Unveiling its untapped potential
2. Live Demo by Heather Munnell, Director of Client Experience at VDA: Showcasing AI in event planning and management
3. AI-driven Tools: Enhancing attendee engagement and personalization
4. Predictive Analytics: Leveraging AI for event success and optimization
5. Intelligent Data Analysis: Harnessing AI for actionable insights
6. Ask the Expert Panel: Engage with industry leaders, including Heather Munnell, and gain valuable insights
7. Future Directions: Exploring the limitless possibilities of AI in the events industry

Speaker: Heather Munnell

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Future-proofing your event’s next destination for success: Navigating Workforce Development, accessibility, sustainability, and urban revitalization for the future of our industry.

In an era of rapid urbanization and global challenges, cities are at the forefront of innovation and transformation. For this session, our subject matter experts from different key host cities from CVB’s DMO, etc.. – will offer a comprehensive exploration of key aspects crucial to the thriving of modern metropolis.

In this session, you will achieve the follow take aways/objectives:
Workforce Development: Discover innovative strategies for fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce that can meet the demands of an ever-changing job market. Learn how cities are collaborating with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to empower residents with the skills needed to excel in the jobs of tomorrow.
Accessibility: Explore how cities are working to create inclusive environments where all residents can fully participate in urban life. Dive into discussions on accessible infrastructure, transportation, and digital services, ensuring that cities leave no one behind in their quest for progress.
Sustainability: Delve into the sustainable practices that are not only safeguarding our planet but also enhancing the quality of urban life. Learn about eco-friendly initiatives, green infrastructure, and resilient urban planning that are helping cities reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing their residents' well-being.
Urban Revitalization: Discover inspiring stories of urban renewal and revitalization that are breathing new life into cities. Explore how cities are reimagining their neighborhoods, repurposing vacant spaces, and attracting investments to create vibrant, thriving urban centers.

Speakers: Maria Grasso & Panel

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Keynote The Artist's Guide to Unlocking Innovation

The last few years have been a merciless reminder to businesses that complacency will ruin us. Our competition is ferocious and customers expect more from us than ever. Yet, McKinsey has found that only 6 percent of leaders feel fully tapped into their teams’ potential to nurture original thinkers who take an active role in authoring the future of their businesses.

After spending a decade alongside world-class innovators at institutions like Stanford and Google, Tucker Bryant has discovered an unexpected perspective professionals can adopt to confront the future with confidence: the outlook of a poet. As a nationally renowned poet, Tucker has identified five powerful tools poets have relied on for millennia to unshackle themselves from their comfort zones and innovate through language—tools that offer business leaders the expanded perspective we need to weather our murkiest tomorrows.

Discover how The Poet’s Keys™ empower leaders to unlock the doors to enhanced creativity, collaboration and competitive advantage in the areas our businesses care about most. Leave equipped with the tools to build a culture of creative disruption and bold exploration in every arena of your organization.

Speaker: Tucker Bryant

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Lead with Hospitality: Be the GUIDE in their Story

Hospitality industry veteran turned author, speaker, and leadership development consultant, Taylor Scott will share principles, stories, and applications for how you can earn your clients' trust, gain credibility, and in turn, their partnership for years to come. Storytelling can build long term, meaningful relationships with guests, customers, clients, and even one's own team as a leader. Taylor will share the six virtues of leading with hospitality, and how anyone anywhere can apply them to take their business and their lives to the next level. Join us for this experience, and you'll leave inspired to simply be human, emotionally connect, and serve selflessly. 

Key Takeaways: How to create emotional connections with guests, customers, clients, partners, and one's own team. How striving for self-mastery, intentionally leaning into improving one's emotional intelligence, will separate the best Meeting Planners and Leaders apart. How to be a Servant Leader in your role as a Meeting Planner, and how that accelerates one's business relationships and joy of life outside of work. How to engage purposefully with clients and fellow team members to transform mere "jobs" into truly meaningful work. How Meeting Planners can lean into their role as a "Coach", for their clients, teammates, leaders, and in the communities they serve. How to leverage storytelling and humanness to not only serve clients, but to inspire them in ways that create hope and trust in their hearts and minds for years to come.

Speakers: Taylor Scott

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Navigating Change: Unveiling the Evolution of Exhibitions & Events

In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to adapt and thrive amidst change is a crucial skill for individuals and organizations alike. This session aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the current trends shaping the exhibition landscape. Through CEIR research and practical examples, attendees will leave with a heightened awareness of the opportunities and challenges presented by these trends and how to strategically position themselves and their organizations for success and how to effectively manage change with confidence.

Learning Objective:

• Understand where the industry is post-pandemic and level set for the future
• Learn how brands are redefining and enhancing their online value propositions
• Hear how the exhibition industry model is being disrupted through advancing technologies

Speakers: Karen Gonzales

IMEX America 2023 Smart Monday Network with Intention: Own Your Power to Connect with Confidence and Amplify Your Value

Join us for an interactive workshop where you will learn how to speak confidently and impactfully in any environment, create strategic visibility to amplify the work you do, and awaken the power of owning your influence. Then, flex your muscles and put your sharpened skills to use in a unique networking experience to connect meaningfully with other leaders in the meetings and hospitality industry.

Speakers: Precious Williams