August Spark: State of the Industry

Agenda:

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Registration/Information Open

2:00 PM – Welcome

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – What’s Next? Lessons Learned from 3 Years of Hybrid
Over the past three years associations have tested various digital delivery methods for conference content: virtual, hybrid, synchronous, asynchronous, live, and pre-recorded. This period of pivoting (yes we used the “p” word) has resulted in an ever-growing body of knowledge in the association world on the topic of digital content. Important benchmarks are now being released about attendance, costs, and ROI. Best practices and case studies are being shared in hundreds of outlets. As such, many organizations are going with a digital-first strategy while others are longing for a return to 2019. Join us for an engaging and lively discussion where we explore the lessons learned and the possible paths for moving forward. Define what “hybrid” means, how to have knowledgeable conversations with your stakeholders about digital delivery, and what the possible outcomes of the various options could be.

Speakers:

Barry Schieferstein, CMP, DES   Director, Events   American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Sara Stehle, CAE, CMP   Owner and Independent Planner   Wow Moments Experience & Event Design

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM – Decision Made. Conference Relocated or Remained. Now What?
Today’s Political Climate is complex. Beth Surmont of 360 Live Media will guide the conversation on how legislation affects the events industry and speak with two planners from organizations that have navigated either relocating an event or remained at destination despite opposition. This session will focus on the next steps that the organization needed to focus on and act upon after that decision was made.

Speakers:

Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP-Fellow, CAE   Vice President Event Strategy & Design   360 LIVE MEDIA

Robin Troutman   Deputy Director   National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Nneka St. Gerard, CMP   Chief Program Officer   Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Better Together – Industry Idea Xchange
As we roll into the end of 2023, we want to create open space for our smart community to learn and share from each other. This fun and interactive session will give you a moment to reflect, an opportunity to learn, and the chance to help out a fellow event professional.

3 Takeaways:

1. The audience will reflect on the great things they have seen and done this year
2. The audience will present issues to each other to get feedback on resources and opportunities
3. The audience will have a chance to collect great thinking from their peers

Speaker:

Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP-Fellow, CAE   Vice President Event Strategy & Design   360 LIVE MEDIA

5:15 PM – 6:30 PM – Reception
We’ll wrap up PCMA’s Capital Chapter August Spark with a reception where you can reconnect with old friends and make new ones. We hope to see you there!