SESSIONS

Thursday, February 27

9:15-10:15am
Framing the Future: Strategic Crisis Planning for Your Organization's Success (1.00 CEUs)
Renee Radabaugh, President & CEO, Paragon-Group
Renee Radabaugh

In this session, attendees will learn how to view crisis management as an art form, where strategic planning, risk assessment, and effective communication blend to craft resilient organizations. Like curating a museum exhibit, leaders must thoughtfully prepare and adapt to the unexpected while preserving their association’s mission and member trust. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, participants will explore key crisis management techniques, from assigning roles and assessing risks to developing communication strategies that align with organizational values, ensuring they are equipped to navigate any crisis with confidence and poise.

10:45-11:45am
Framing the Future: A Hands-On Workshop for Crafting Your Crisis Management Plan (1.00 CEUs)
Renee Radabaugh, President & CEO, Paragon-Group
Renee Radabaugh

In this hands-on workshop, you'll move from theory to practice, collaboratively creating a tailored crisis management plan. Building on the foundations of strategic planning, risk assessment, and communication learned in the prior session, participants will work through real-world scenarios to define roles, identify risks, and develop action plans specific to their organizations. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a fully drafted crisis management plan, ensuring their associations are prepared to handle crises with agility and confidence.

2:00-2:45pm
Comprehending Contracts – Understanding Terminology and Creating Revenue Opportunities (.75 CEUs)
Colleen Briley, Senior Director of Sales & Account Management, Eisenman & Associates

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with a notable shift from onsite sales teams to regional sales offices. This change can impact the level of service and personalized attention you receive, especially when you have an established relationship with a salesperson.

As a planner, it's crucial to stay informed and adapt to these changes when negotiating contracts for conference events. This session will discuss strategies to help protect your organization’s interests while ensuring a memorable experience for your attendees.

3:15-4:15pm
Gentle Networking: How to Draw Out the Introverts and Wall Flowers (1.00 CEUs)
Tiffany Brown, Program Assistant, Virginia Tech


For some introverts, the word “networking” scares up images of receptions filled with people they don’t know, all in each other’s faces, practically yelling over one another to be heard… and these non-extroverts have to somehow insert themselves into this madness when all they want to do is find a quiet space and hold up the wall. It’s not that these wallflowers don’t want to engage, it’s just that the traditional format of networking is difficult for some and they’d like another option.

Let’s explore how thoughtful, structured activities can mesh the face-yellers and the wallflowers into one cohesive networking session that is comfortable for all.

Friday, February 28

8:30-9:45am
Shaping Your Event's Destiny: 
How to Work with DMOs/CVBs (1.25 CEUs)
Facilitator:
 
Lisa Meriwether, Visit SoSi
Panelists: Jamie Rawls, Virginia Beach CVB; Ann Hayes, Visit Loudoun; Lisa Meriwether, Visit SoSi

Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are a powerful partner in the planning of your meeting. DMOs and CVBs are key influencers within the destination and can help drive maximum results for a planner’s event. They serve as an extension of the planner’s staff to provide collaboration and access to their city from the very first step in your planning process. Join us for a discussion with DMO/CVB professionals who have a combined 105 years of experience in the industry to learn how these organizations can shape your event’s destiny.

10:00-11:15am
Practical AI Applications for Meeting Planners (1.25 CEUs)
Tarah M. Warner MBA, FMP, CMP, Assistant Professor of Practice, Virginia Tech


This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the various types of AI, while reviewing key terms and vocabulary essential for leveraging this new technology effectively. Participants will explore how AI can transform event planning by streamlining the creation of event timelines, enhancing decor planning, optimizing email communications, and analyzing survey results, among other tasks. The session will also spotlight the top platforms for event planners and engage attendees by utilizing writing prompts designed to enhance everyday event planning and management. 

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