Filling seats: Proven strategies that actually work!

Speakers: Jay Schwedelson

October 7  - 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM PT

Description: Let’s be real—event marketing isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the stuff that actually moves the needle. In this session, I’m breaking down the proven strategies that drive registrations and keep your events packed. No theory. No fluff. Just quick wins you can steal and use right now.

We’ll hit the email tricks that slice through inbox noise, the social moves that create FOMO-fueled buzz, and the personalization tactics that make people have to sign up. And it’s not just about getting butts in seats—it’s about keeping them coming back. You’ll also walk away with post-event plays that turn one-time attendees into loyal fans.

If you want real-world, zero-BS tactics to boost attendance fast and build long-term loyalty, this is the session you don’t skip.

Your Career, Your Brand: Create a Personal Brand that Gets You Hired

Speakers: Vimari Roman, CMM; Leanne Calderwood, CMP; Amy Brown

October 7 - 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT

Description: Whether you're currently seeking employment, or positioning yourself for future opportunities, career transitions are more complex than ever. Regardless of your career goals, your personal brand is your greatest asset.

In this interactive session, career coach Vimari Roman, CMM and LinkedIn strategist Leanne Calderwood, CMP team up to help you uncover the brand behind the resume and bring clarity to your professional presence. You’ll walk away with a sharper sense of who you are, what you bring to the table, and how to confidently showcase it across both your resume and LinkedIn profile. It’s the perfect blend of introspection and implementation.

Crafting impact: the art & science of unforgettable moments

Speakers: EJ Corporan

October 7 - 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM PT

Description: They clapped, they smiled… and by Tuesday, they remembered nothing. This session is for event professionals who are done settling for “well executed” and are ready to design experiences attendees will never forget.

We’ll explore the psychology of memory, uncover why certain moments linger while others fade, and show you how to turn audience insight into experiences that inspire, connect, and deliver measurable results. Packed with research-backed frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable tactics, you’ll leave ready to transform any event—whether it’s a conference, incentive trip, or gala—into a lasting, memorable experience.

Understanding conflict

Speakers: Gaylen Paulson

October 7 -  1:00 PM – 1:30 PM PT

Description: Understanding Conflict offers a brief but impactful exploration of how individuals and teams can navigate moments of tension more effectively. Through key insights into the dynamics of conflict, participants will begin to recognize the underlying causes of disagreement and consider practical strategies to foster productive dialogue. Designed as an introduction to conflict resolution, this session encourages reflection, reframing, and a more intentional approach to communication in challenging situations.

Launch an Event Led Growth (ELG) Strategy

Speakers: Matt Smoot

October 7 - 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM PT

Description: When done right, events aren't just standalone tactics—they're strategic growth engines driving brand awareness, pipeline, and customer loyalty. But turning events into an integrated GTM channel requires more than good intentions—it takes clear strategy and actionable alignment.

MPI 101! Advance your career with MPI

Speakers: TBA

October 7 - 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM PT

Description: Discover how the premier global association for meeting and event professionals can help propel your career and expand your connections and knowledge. With more than 12,000 members in 70 Chapters and Clubs worldwide, MPI provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges for all our members. During this session we will explore how you can engage on a local, national or international level to help you become a stronger meeting and event professional.

The why beyond the buy: emotional drivers in destination & experience planning

Speakers: Victoria Matey

October 7  - 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM PT

Description: Behind every decision to choose a destination lies more than logistics—it’s about identity, emotions, and human needs. This session explores the psychology of destination marketing and how understanding deeper motivations can shape more compelling campaigns and transformative travel experiences. From post-pandemic shifts in traveler behavior to the emotional triggers that drive incentive travel choices, we’ll unpack how belonging, esteem, and self-actualization are showing up in today’s attendees’ expectations.

The new rules of engagement: event experience that moves people

Speakers: Jessie States

October 8 - 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM PT

Description: In a world where attention is currency and connection is the ultimate ROI, event professionals are responsible for creating moments that are deeply meaningful. Discover the latest strategies for designing onsite experiences that don’t just engage—but transform.

Explore how today’s most successful events use science, empathy and intentional design to meet attendees where they are—and move them somewhere new. You’ll discover how to design for curiosity, create belonging at scale and build empathy into the agenda. This session is for strategists ready to move beyond “engagement” as a buzzword and into a future where every touchpoint is a chance to connect, inspire and transform.

The Attention Algorithm: How to Win Attendee Hearts and Minds in a Distracted World

Speakers: Tim Hines

October 8 - 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT

Description: In an era of shrinking attention spans and endless digital noise, capturing audience interest isn’t enough—you have to keep it. This session unpacks the science and strategy behind attention marketing, offering event marketers a playbook for creating scroll-stopping content, emotionally resonant messaging, and experiential campaigns that transform fleeting moments into meaningful engagement.

Learn how to map the modern buyer’s mindset, craft irresistible hooks, and harness behavioral insights to drive conversions and long-term loyalty. Attendees will leave with actionable tactics to elevate their brand presence and build real connections in the chaos.

Community intelligence: Data, trends, and the future of event experiences

Speakers: Steve Boyce, Adam Milner, Kolet Bailey

October 8 - 12:00PM – 12:30 PM PT

Description: From the rise of personalization and data-driven engagement to the balance of physical and digital touchpoints, we’ll explore how these forces are reshaping the event landscape and creating opportunities for growth.

Future Forward: The next Era of Elevated Event

Speakers: Jack Scafide, Kelly Dalisa

October 8 - 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM PT

Description: Join us for a dopamine-decor boost and discover the transformative power of immersive activations, smart technology, and personalization. These innovative event design strategies are no longer just buzzwords—they’re redefining how brands connect, engage, and create lasting impressions at conferences, product launches, and large-scale receptions.

Learn how the right choice of furniture, paired with thoughtful personalization, can set the tone, evoke emotions, and craft unforgettable moments. Get ready to reimagine the future of event experiences with CORT Events.

Neuroinclusion strategies for association & event management

Speakers: Jessie States, Rachel Lowenstein, Megan Henshall, Celia Chomón Zamora, Ph.D, CAE

October 8 - 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM PT

Description: Discover new insights and findings on neuroinclusion in association and event management, from the ASAE Research Foundation and the MPI Foundation, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive environments that embrace neurodiversity, ensuring all members and attendees feel a sense of belonging and can fully engage.

Gain knowledge and tools to foster a supportive environment, enhance member engagement and build stronger organizations and events. Learn about neuroinclusion, discover key research insights, identify barriers and explore practical strategies for integrating neuroinclusive practices.

Event evaluation

Speakers: Maksim Godovykh

October 8 - 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM PT

Description: Event professionals face increasing pressure to demonstrate the value of their work to a wide range of stakeholders. This session, based on the new MPI-supported book Event Evaluation, offers practical tools and strategies for measuring event experience, engagement, impact, and success across all event types. Participants will explore why evaluation matters now more than ever, discover innovative methods for measuring experience, and receive a simple framework to integrate evaluation into their planning process.

Getting ahead – enhancing your career through MPI

Speakers: Timothy Gunn, Tim Luepke

October 8 - 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM PT

Description: In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, making strategic decisions around events has become increasingly complex. What will the next year bring? How are organizations, destinations, and meeting professionals adapting to uncertainty and driving growth? This session offers a deep dive into MPI’s latest Meetings Outlook research, published quarterly in The Meeting Professional magazine, to uncover the trends shaping our industry.

You’ll gain insights from three key perspectives—the event organizer, the venue, and the attendee—to understand the full pulse of today’s event ecosystem. Alongside this data-driven exploration, discover how MPI, the premier global association for meeting and event professionals, can elevate your career. With over 12,000 members across 70 Chapters and Clubs worldwide, MPI provides innovative education, powerful networking, and meaningful business exchanges.

Learn how to engage locally, nationally, or globally to become a stronger, more connected meeting professional—and take actionable steps to get ahead in your career.

Design for impact: transforming events with event canvas methodology

Speakers: Roel Frissen

October 9 - 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM PT

Description: An introduction to the language of Event Design. A sneak peek into a methodology that is used by leading organisations globally to design for behaviour change; Systematically design innovative events using the Event Canvas. This language helps professionals transform into Trusted Advisors.

The Welcoming Edge: Turning “Leave Me Alone” Into Loyal Guests

Speakers: Mary Delia Allen

October 9 - 11:00 AM –11:30 AM PT

Description: In today’s world of distracted, anxious, and independence-seeking guests, the first hello has never mattered more. This session will reveal how intentional, human-centered welcomes transform micro-moments into measurable guest satisfaction and loyalty. Participants will leave equipped with simple, no-cost rituals that elevate culture, energize teams, and set their hospitality experience apart from the competition.