May Sparkler Event: Beyond the Hype: How Smart Tech Enhances Event Planning & Execution

Join the PCMA Capital Chapter for the first in-person learning event of the year at Marriott International Headquarters in Bethesda, MD. Spend the day with the PCMA Capital Chapter for an inspiring series of networking and learning events, including a behind-the-scenes look at CES, in Marriott’s fresh and exciting new headquarters. Attendees can attend an optional HQ tour of Marriott International or participate in the Back to the Basics Pre-Conference: Expanding Perspective: Inclusion in Motion while Leading through Change before the afternoon Sparkler programming begins.

Date:

May 7, 2025

Location:

Marriott International Headquarters

7750 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Agenda:

10:45 am – 6:00 pm: Registration Open

11:30 am – 12:30pm: Pre-Conference Events (optional; select during the registration process)

Marriott HQ Tour (limited capacity; planners encouraged to attend)

Back to the Basics Pre-Conference: Expanding Perspectives: Inclusion in Motion while Leading Through Change 

Inclusion isn’t a box to check—it’s a dynamic, ongoing process that requires intentional action. This session will begin with a guided reflection where you will explore the Wheel of Power & Privilege. After, you’ll engage with a panel of Marriott executives as they explore inclusive leadership, crisis management, aligning on shared values, and fostering authentic allyship. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps to create more equitable and welcoming spaces within their organizations and events.

Speakers:

Jerry Gray, VP Technology Strategic Portfolio, Marriott International
Michele Turner, MSBC, MBCP, FBCI, CISA,CRISC, CCRP, Head of Global Business Resilience, Marriott International
Porsche Pettiford, VP Hotel Openings, Transitions, and Operations Support Resources US/Canada and CALA Marriott International
Cara Anderson, Sr. Manager, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International
Bianca DeStout, Senior Sales Manager, Visit Cincy
Christina Garneski, Vice President, Meetings & Membership Services, American Public Transportation Association (Moderator)

11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch break (open to all attendees)

Those attending a pre-conference event will head to lunch at 12:30 pm.

1:00 pm – 4:45 pm: Educational Sessions (open to all attendees)

General Session: Beyond the Sizzle: How Smart Video Powers Event Strategy

Speaker: John Wilson, CNTV

In today’s event landscape, video is no longer just about glitzy sizzle reels—it’s a powerful tool to plan smarter, execute seamlessly, and extend event value long after the closing keynote. In this session, CNTV explores how smart video technology enhances every phase of the event lifecycle. From planning and promotion to engagement, sponsorship, and measurement, discover practical strategies and real-world examples of video done right. Learn how to turn content into a revenue generator, not just a line item.

Technology Breakouts (select your top 3 breakout preferences during the registration process. You will receive an email with your breakout/room assignment the week prior to the event):

Wellness & Tech (Speaker: Jamie McClean – Ambitious Image & Wellness)
Tech in Programming & Tech in Capturing Content
Tech in Sales
Tech to Increase Exhibitor Engagement
Sustainability in Tech
Tech in Registration

Closing Session: Mastering Event Logistics: Best Practices from the World’s Most Powerful Tech Event

Speaker: Kevin Murphy, Sr. Director of Operations and Adrienne Whitestone, Director of Registration – CES

Go behind the scenes of CES – the most powerful tech event in the world, renowned for its breakthrough technologies, global innovators, and high profile media coverage, In this exclusive session, a CES team members will share proven strategies for executing seamless, large-scale conferences. Learn how to efficiently manage a high-traffic trade show, multitude of learning sessions, prominent sponsorship activations, extensive security, partnership management and more while ensuring a flawless experience for attendees, exhibitors, and media. Even at its scale, CES still harbors best practices applicable to any event organizer. Hear how this CES team tackles it all and their best practices for approaching this massive, global, public event.

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Wellness Mocktail Mixer (open to all attendees)

Thank you to our Event Sponsors!