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Education
Meet, share and learn when you join other meeting planners in our education sessions. Whether you’ve been in the industry for one year or 20, you will find something that fits your needs. Our topics range from marketing to contract negotiation with beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks. We also offer pre-conference Planner Boot Camps—intensive, three-hour lectures and workshops on specific topics. Today’s meetings are different, and so is Rejuvenate Marketplace. It’s a think tank, a forum and a networking experience designed to produce meeting solutions, strategies, continuing education (yes, credits are available) and professional development. In order to receive credits, make note of the sessions you attend (the speaker, time and date) to submit it to the Convention Industry Council. Download available session handouts below each description or click here for a complete list.
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San Jose + Rejuvenate Marketplace | Collaborating with your host city is key.
Boot camps are pre-conference learning sessions focused on a specific topic. Seats are limited and go fast, so register early.
Are you new to the meeting planning industry? Start with the basics. We’ve selected topics and speakers that will help you begin your new career.
Need fresh ideas that don’t overwhelm you? Take some courses in our intermediate track. They’re designed for people who have been in the industry from three to eight years.
Have you been a meeting planner for more than eight years? Our advanced track is just for you. We’ve handpicked veteran speakers and chosen topics relevant to today’s meetings.
Boot Camps
The Four Cs of Social Media
Monday, Nov. 7, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Presented by Jeff Hurt, Director, Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting
According to a recent study, 80 percent of American adults use the Internet and 75 percent belong to a social network. Social media use is increasing and event organizers need to adopt new thinking, new directions and new strategies for event communications and engagement. During this in depth boot camp, Jeff Hurt explains the four Cs of social engagement, the four Cs of conference attendees, developing a social media strategy, and offers free social technologies and tools that can be used for engagement before, during and after events. Hurt has worked in the events/nonprofit arena for more than 20 years as a consultant, trainer, writer, professional development manager, and director of education and events, as well as been on the board of directors for several national charities and organizations.
Education credit: 4 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Hot Technologies in the Meetings Industry
Monday, Nov. 7, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Presented by James Spellos, Meeting U.
This fast-paced look at what’s here now and in the near future for meeting planners includes reviews of what’s new and cool in meeting industry technology. The session helps planners identify critical desktop and mobile applications, understand the new lingo for the latest technologies, and see the latest tools. James Spellos is the founder of Meeting U., and a leading expert on meeting technology. Attendees at all levels of technology experience will benefit from this session.
Education credit: 4 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Beginner
7 Steps for Launching a Social Media Plan
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Robin M. Ware, CMP
Social media is one of the best tools planners can use to attract and engage attendees before, during and after a meeting. This introductory‐level class teaches how to use Facebook, Twitter and Google effectively, how planners can identify which social media platforms are best for their events, and how they can incorporate team members into a social media strategy. Robin Ware, CMP, has served as director of events and conferences for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (25,000 members) and director of special events for Georgia’s Kennesaw State University.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
60 Sites in 60 Minutes
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by James Spellos, President, Meeting U.
Planners spend a great deal of time determining how their event websites can best serve attendees, but what websites best serve planners? This session covers the most indispensable websites for today’s busy professional. Time-saving sites, niche search engines, Microsoft Office support and information portals are just some of the cool tools attendees can use in their current and future planning. James Spellos is the founder of Meeting U., and a leading expert on meeting technology. Attendees at all levels of technology experience will benefit from this session.
Dealing With Stress to Increase Performance
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Jeff Ashby
A growing body of research indicates that stress negatively affects our productivity, concentration, problem-solving, decision making, communication, physical health, relationships and sense of well-being. Organizations that deal effectively with stress employ individuals that are more flexible, more productive and live longer, happier lives. This presentation will explore where stress comes from, what stress does to us, and what we can do to ensure more productive and healthier organizations, work groups and personal lives. The founding principal and president of Summit Performance Group, Dr. Jeff Ashby is director of the Ph.D. program in counseling psychology at Georgia State University and a licensed psychologist. He has more than 18 years experience consulting on team dynamics, communication, leadership, and stress management in both corporate and nonprofit settings.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs
Shooting with a Purpose
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00-4:10 p.m.
Presented by Chris Savas
Professional event photographer Chris Savas teaches planners how to maximize their relationship with photographers to get the best “shot” for their buck. He offers tips on what to ask the photographer before booking one and how to communicate before, during and after the event. Savas is a professional photographer specializing in corporate, celebrity, nonprofit and political events.
Earning Your CMP Designation
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Katherine McCarthy, CMP, and D’Wayne Leatherland, CMP
According to The Convention Industry Council, the Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation is the foremost certification of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Will you be numbered with the more than 13,000 CMPs? This course explores the designation, its purpose and impact, and what it takes for you to thoroughly prepare for the CMP exam. Recommended study materials, explanations, examples, practice tests and references, as well as the review of essential general management topics, are covered during this session. Bring your questions and your note pads.
Generating Your Wish List: Negotiation Tips
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Robin Ware, CMP, The Ware Agency
Complimentary welcome reception? Rebate? Commission? In-room Internet? Parking? Room rental? Comps? Points? Too often it is after the fact that meeting planners realize they “wish” they would have negotiated non-traditional items in their contracts. In this session, attendees learn how these and other not so common items are successfully negotiated as part of planners’ wish lists prior to any site visits. Robin Ware, CMP, has served as director of events and conferences for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (25,000 members) and director of special events for Georgia’s Kennesaw State University.
Innovative Conference Formats
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Jeff Hurt, Director, Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting
In a world of multi-tasking and high-tech innovations, today’s attendee wants a meeting experience that will inspire and influence change. Jeff Hurt’s presentation helps attendees identify which learning techniques work and how to apply them in a variety of situations, discover what others are doing to create engaging learning experiences and understand generational learning styles. Hurt has worked in the events/nonprofit arena for more than 20 years as a consultant, trainer, writer, professional development manager, and director of education and events, as well as been on the board of directors for several national charities and organizations.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
San Jose and Beyond: Meeting Planner Highlights
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Paula Zimmer, Team San Jose
Team San Jose takes you through the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose Civic and California Theatre, all located within one block of each other. Visit the kitchen and learn how Chef Gilbert Hitzler prepares fresh, creative cuisine for thousands of conference attendees using local farms and purveyors. Get the inside scoop on the $120 million dollar expansion of the Convention Center and our innovative design/build project slated for completion in Fall 2013. Paula Zimmer is national sales manager for Team San Jose.
Roadmap to Successful Contracts
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45-10:55 a.m.
Presented by Jonathan T. Howe, President, Howe and Hutton, Ltd.
This session offers a basic understanding of contracts as well as explains offers, acceptance, counteroffers and agency issues. Jonathan T. Howe, president of Howe and Hutton, Ltd., has been recognized as one of the leaders of the nonprofit organization bar as well as the hospitality and meetings, travel, incentive, hotel and trade show industries. Howe is general counsel to MPI, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and International Special Events Society; he is a Member Fellow of ASAE; and has taught courses in association management and hospitality industry law at Roosevelt and DePaul Universities.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here
Smartphones…Smarter Meetings
Presented by James Spellos, President, Meeting U.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Have planners unlocked all the killer tools from their smart phones? Or are they still using their phones just to make calls? This interactive session provides attendees with ideas for learning what these smart devices can do for meetings and for customer interaction. During this session, attendees learn to identify meeting industry smartphone applications, understand social media mobile applications that enhance attendee and client communications, use smartphone marketplaces to add apps and enhance productivity; and identify why and how websites should be optimized for mobile devices. James Spellos is the founder of Meeting U., and a leading expert on meeting technology. Attendees at all levels of technology experience will benefit from this session.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Working with a CVB
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Al Hutchinson, Virginia Beach CVB, and Bob Snyders, Experience Grand Rapids
This open discussion between meeting planners and convention and visitor bureau representatives gives everyone the opportunity to ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. How can you better your working relationship with a CVB? What services do CVBs offer that meeting planners may not realize? How can CVBs better serve meeting planners? What are meeting planners looking for when evaluating a destination? This session facilitates the conversation that will make everyone’s job a little easier. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see inside the brain of your counterparts.
Working with Your Decorator
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Mark Herrington
The look of your event is the first impression attendees get. From registration to the exhibit floor, the setting that is presented leaves a lasting mark. During this session the Marketplace decorator shares ideas, methods and cost-saving measures that you can implement to get more bang for your buck while dealing with your own decorator. We’ve all seen pipe and drape, but learn what else a decorator does, the additional services they provide and how they can add a little spice to your hum-drum exhibit hall. This behind-the-scenes look from a decorator’s point of view offers tips, advice and creative ways to utilize your decorator’s services.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Intermediate
Program Design and Development
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Bonnie Wallsh, CMP, CMM
Make every meeting a must-attend event and learn to design and develop programs that engage attendees. Discover how to create opportunities for attendees to learn from one another in addition to speakers and facilitators and how to extend the learning process before and after the meeting. This session is a must for strategic thinkers who want to create an environment conducive for participant involvement and learning. Learn critical elements in designing educational programs, varied learning styles (including your own), educational techniques, the impact of generational issues and cultural diversity, and how to create the physical environment to fulfill your learning objectives. Attendees leave with a bibliography of adult learning-style material. Registered attendees are asked to complete an advance questionnaire to determine individual learning styles and to submit current program challenges, which may be used as case studies during the session.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here
The Importance of the Leader's Heart
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Michael Hyatt, Chairman, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Your impact as a leader does not primarily depend on your experience, knowledge or skills. It comes from your heart. In this presentation, Hyatt provides three reasons why you must guard your heart and five practical ways to cultivate it. Hyatt is chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, the largest Christian publisher in the world and the seventh largest trade book publisher in the United States. In his 30-year career, he has worked in nearly every facet of book publishing, including serving as the CEO of Thomas Nelson for six years. He is also the former chairman of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. His blog, MichaelHyatt.com, is ranked by Google in the top one-half percent of all blogs with almost 250,000 visitors a month. He also has more than 90,000 followers on Twitter.
Communicating with Impact
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Jeff Ashby
In business you communicate to survive. In nearly every human endeavor what you say and how you say it determines the outcome of events, either positively or negatively. Effective communication is easy to recognize but hard to reproduce. This presentation explores the difference between outstanding communication that builds trust, inspires vision, relates vital information effectively and enhances teamwork, and the style of communication that produces the opposite. Attendees learn 10 easy-to-apply techniques and strategies for communicating—both personally and electronically—with impact. The founding principal and president of Summit Performance Group, Dr. Jeff Ashby is a tenured professor and the director of the Ph.D. program in counseling psychology at Georgia State University, a licensed psychologist, and a diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He has more than 18 years experience consulting on team dynamics, communication, leadership, and stress management in both corporate and non-profit settings.
Google-licious: Find Anything on the Internet
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by James Spellos, President, Meeting U.
Google is the most utilized search engine on the Internet. Millions of people use it daily to find out about almost anything. However, Google has dozens of advanced capabilities of which most people aren’t even aware. With billions of information-rich websites (a number that’s growing daily), the task of finding the piece of information you require for your job is becoming even more arduous. This session is for everyone from Google novices to search engine pros. It will demystify how to use the various search tools to find what you need…and do so in minimal time. New Google features such as Google+ and Google Flights will be discussed.
Utilizing Mobile Apps
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Chris Rash, Vice President, Consumer Marketing & Digital Solutions, Collinson Media and Events
Mobile technology has become a must for meetings. Everything from travel to itineraries to session schedules can be accessed in one place with the right app. Attendees learn what’s available, which mobile apps are best for meeting planners and how to leverage the right one for your event. Chris Rash is a strategic marketing and brand consultant with experience in media and brand planning, marketing analytics, social CRM, search marketing and optimization, mobile strategy development and more.
Designing Big General Sessions
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Jeff Hurt, Director, Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting
Finding the right keynote presenter that has content specific for your conference audience is frequently as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. Many times the content experts are not the greatest presenters. Yet the good presenters don’t have any content of value to the attendees. So what do you do? How can you design conference general sessions that are relevant to your audience? How can you use recognized experts with poor delivery skills? What expectations does your audience have from a general session? Attendees to this session learn audience expectations from general sessions, discuss strategies for using speakers, emcees and content experts, and identify how to apply adult learning and attendee engagement principles to ballroom presentations. Jeff Hurt has worked in the events/nonprofit arena for more than 20 years as a consultant, trainer, writer, professional development manager, and director of education and events, as well as been on the board of directors for several national charities and organizations.
Doing More with Less
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Bonnie Wallsh, CMP, CMM
No doubt every planner has been asked to do more with less. Join this brainstorming session for new cost saving strategies and collaboration with planners who have saved money for their organization and want to exchange ideas with others weathering the economic storm. Attendees will pool the creativity, ingenuity, knowledge and experience of industry colleagues and take away a truckload of ideas for reducing the bottom line, without sacrificing quality. Learning objectives include: creative ideas on how to save on all line items, including AV, food and beverage, transportation, decor and more; an understanding of concessions that can be negotiated to save money and enhance meetings; and a truckload of creative suggestions for adding value to your meetings. Bonnie Wallsh, MA, CMP, CMM, has taught courses in meeting and event planning for multiple colleges and universities including NYU, Rosen College of Hospitality and Virginia Tech. Bonnie was a 30 year member of MPI and is active in PCMA and serves on the Faculty Task Force.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download an updated version of the PDF with class notes and discussion here.
Advanced
Avoiding Legal Risks
Presented by Jonathan T. Howe
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Sponsored by Crowne Plaza South Central Region
From the time we get out of bed, maybe even before we do, everything is at risk. The savvy meeting professional today knows that risk management is both an art and a science, but in this session, learn some of the more important aspects to combine the two to limit your liability and reduce the risk to those who depend upon you to provide a safe, calm and healthy environment for the event. Hospitality industry attorney of the year Jon Howe provides a provocative and insightful discussion of risk management and the five essentials of it. Howe is general counsel to MPI and has taught courses in hospitality industry law at Roosevelt and DePaul universities.
CMP Application — Meeting Management: .125 points; CMP Recertification: 1.25 points.
Designing Next-Gen Conference Formats
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Jeff Hurt, Director, Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting
In a world of multi-tasking and high-tech innovations, today’s attendee wants a meeting experience that will inspire and influence change. Jeff Hurt’s presentation helps attendees identify which learning techniques work and how to apply them in a variety of situations, discover what others are doing to create engaging learning experiences and understand generational learning styles. Hurt has worked in the events/nonprofit arena for more than 20 years as a consultant, trainer, writer, professional development manager, and director of education and events, as well as been on the board of directors for several national charities and organizations.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Meetings Beyond Logistics
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Joan Eisenstodt, Meetings & Hospitality Consultant,Facilitator & Trainer, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC
For years meetings have looked, felt and sounded like the worst school classes anyone experienced: rooms set in rows that dare not be disturbed, lights low so no one can see the visuals, teachers (a.k.a. “subject matter experts”) lecturing in front of the room, stern looks given to anyone who doodles or appears otherwise engaged, and little time for interaction. As planners hone their skills to develop meeting objectives, present meetings that have a high ROI, and work to provide all that is needed for meeting success, they sometimes forget about the energy and emotion needed for a great meeting experience. In this session, planners develop a greater awareness of learning styles; advance their ability to create different learning environments and delivery formats; and create steps to move meetings to a new level of inventiveness. Joan Eisenstodt founded Washington, D.C.-based Eisenstodt Associates, a meetings/hospitality consulting, training and facilitation company in 1981. She brings more than 35 years experience to her work with corporations, associations, hotel companies and DMOs, facilitating and designing meetings, conducting training, performing departmental audits, negotiating contracts and serving as an expert witness.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here.
Writing a Post-Conference Report – Part 1
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3:00–4:10 p.m.
Presented by Michele Wierzgac, CMM
Writing a clear and compelling post-conference report is as important as the flawless execution of the conference itself. How do you structure a post-con so that the reader can find the information quickly? Are the conclusions and recommendations derived from the post-con accurate and clear? Report writing is an essential element in demonstrating return on investment to senior management. In this session, different report structures and various elements that could be included in your post-con are discussed. Attendees learn to identify the elements of a post-con report that effectively communicate ROI. Michele Wierzgac, CMM, is an experienced business leader and speaker focusing on marketing, personal branding and leadership.
Legal Matters for Meetings
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Jonathan T. Howe, President, Howe and Hutton, Ltd.
Meeting planners have several legal concerns: hotel contracts, negotiations, risk management, financial and legal liabilities. Jonathan T. Howe addresses issues that all meeting planners face as well as additional questions they’ve always wanted answered. Topics include requests for proposal, contract formation, rates, room block attrition, food and beverage attrition, cancellation fees, force majeure, negligence, ADA, indemnification, insurance, releases and waivers, and more. Be prepared to share questions and to jump into real life case studies with colleagues. Howe, president of Howe and Hutton, Ltd., has been recognized as one of the leaders of the nonprofit organization bar as well as the hospitality and meetings, travel, incentive, hotel and trade show industries. Howe is general counsel to MPI, Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and International Special Events Society; he is a Member Fellow of ASAE; and has taught courses in association management and hospitality industry law at Roosevelt and DePaul Universities.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here
Risk Anticipation and Emergency Management
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Joan Eisenstodt, Meetings and Hospitality Consultant, Facilitator and Trainer, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC
The potential of illness, weather, interruptions, blackouts or food poisoning occurring is there at every meeting. And still, planners and suppliers do not plan individually or collectively for the “what ifs.” Large or small, paper cuts or disasters, planners are not prepared for contingencies. Attendees of this session learn to think and act more critically about meeting and event contingency planning, how to better determine partners who provide necessary resources to anticipate and manage contingencies, and learn to prioritize actions to be taken immediately to protect people, places and things. Joan Eisenstodt founded Washington, D.C.-based Eisenstodt Associates, a meetings/hospitality consulting, training and facilitation company in 1981. She brings more than 35 years experience to her work with corporations, associations, hotel companies and DMOs facilitating and designing meetings, conducting training, performing departmental audits, negotiating contracts and serving as an expert witness.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here.
The Art of Negotiating
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Bonnie Wallsh, CMP, CMM
Do you want to improve your negotiating acumen? Could you benefit by participating in interactive exercises with your counterparts? This session on the art of negotiation is designed for experienced meeting professionals. Bonnie Wallsh, MA, CMP, CMM, a 33-year veteran meeting planner, facilitates scenarios that allow participants to compare negotiating skills with colleagues; identify strengths and weaknesses in negotiating contracts, and integrate bold new techniques into negotiations. Wallsh has taught courses in meeting and event planning for multiple colleges and universities including NYU, Rosen College of Hospitality and Virginia Tech. Bonnie was a 30-year member of MPI and is active in PCMA and serves on the Faculty Task Force.
Writing a Post-Conference Report - Part 2
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4:30–5:40 p.m.
Presented by Michele Wierzgac, MS, CMM
The second part of this session focuses on writing a clear and compelling executive summary in order to demonstrate ROI. The executive summary is the last section of a report to be written and sometimes the only section a busy executive will read. Attendees learn to determine elements that effectively communicate ROI and how to write an impactful executive summary. Michele Wierzgac, CMM, is an experienced business leader and speaker focusing on marketing, personal branding and leadership.
Business Ethics
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9:45–10:55 a.m.
Presented by Joan Eisenstodt, Meetings and Hospitality Consultant, Facilitator and Trainer, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC
Attendees learn what to say or not to say on a resumé or in a job interview, what to think about when offered or offering a prize or gift in a business setting, considerations for offering or accepting incentives to gain business or favor, and how, when crossing boundaries, if doing business ethically changes. Eisenstodt uses scenarios to highlight issues and topics that can result in gray areas to industry professionalism and ethical behavior. Attendees are encouraged to send ethical dilemmas, which, if used, will be done so in confidence and anonymously, to joanleisenstodt@gmail.com.
Education credit: 1.25 CEUs toward CMP Certification
Download a PDF of the session handout here.
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