
On Your Mark, Reset…Go
August 16 @ 1:00 pm– 7:00 pm EDT
Event Navigation

More Than Ever, the Importance and Need for Strategic Planning
Lean staff, new leadership, instability of resources – while we are seeing the return of in-person meetings, it comes with these rotating challenges that event professionals are working through. Let’s take the time to reflect, refocus and reset on what trends and solutions we can bring back to our organizations and help the business of events work smarter, not harder.
The August Spark event will open with a keynote on 2022 Event Trends from influencer and industry thought icon, Will Curran, Founder and Chief Event Einstein of Endless Events. From there, let’s dig into those challenges that affect our current landscape – inflation, staffing shortages, new contractual clauses, DEI, sustainability – to raise awareness and better prepare event professionals.
Agenda:
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12:30 pm – 1:00pm
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Registration & Networking
Virtual Sign In (12:45pm) |
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1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | KEYNOTE: 2022 Event Trends
Just like that, we blinked and it’s already half way through the year. You might be asking yourself, what will be shaking up the industry next year? How will the industry evolve? We have some predictions! This year we stepped it up and surveyed hundreds of #Eventprofs to weigh in on the hottest trends for the year. We could list out hundreds of trends but at that point is it even a trend? We don’t think so. Instead, we’re bringing you a curated list of the top event trends for the year. Buckle up, it’s going to be an exciting ride! Learner Outcomes:
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2:30 pm – 2:40 pm | Break . |
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2:40 pm – 3:25 pm | Breakout Sessions
Session 1: (Livestream) A key part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, (DEI) an aspect of the many focuses of DEI is generational representation and its widespread impact in our society. JOIN IN on this interactive session where YOU are a part of the content creation! Attendees will create a living agenda and focus on specific topics related to generational DEI and communications you would like to explore in deeper dialogue. Panelists will respond in REAL TIME to your content requests and as this session will be tailored to deliver exactly on the learning objectives in the room! Learner Outcomes:
Panelists:
PCMA Capital Chapter has curated a panel to help the hospitality professional, whether you are just beginning your career or are more seasoned, navigate thru the challenges that affect the current landscape, with topics that will cover staffing, labor shortages, and overall customer service. Below are the topics that we would like the panel to discuss. The panelists will include a college placement or HR recruiter, a young professional, and a senior meeting planner.
Panelists:
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3:25 pm – 4:05 pm | Capital Connections Learn more about PCMA Capital Chapter while helping to give back!During Capital Connections, we will assemble Snack & Activity Bags for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in WDC. The families spend LONG hours at the hospital and we can help by providing grab and go snacks and activities. Destination Toronto is donating all of the items needed for the bags and you just need a Spirit to Serve! . |
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4:05 pm – 4:50 pm | Breakout Sessions
Session 1: (Livestream) Sustainability and ESG are increasingly important concepts for meetings and events. Awareness and expectations on these topics are ever changing, particularly after COVID-19 made planners feel like they were put on the back burner. It’s time to better explore what these terms actually mean, and how we can effectively plan a more sustainable meeting without breaking the budget. This session explores just that, and where you can focus your efforts to have the greatest impact.
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Session 2: Rethinking How We Measure Event Success Measuring event success is never far from our minds – the last few years challenged us on this more than ever. While previous KPIs and goals are important strategies to measure success, are you and your organization focused on not only the tangible but also the Emotional Quotient intangibles? What story does your event experience tell? How does this fit into the strategic planning for your event? Join us for this interactive session on rethinking how to totally measure event success. Exchange ideas with your colleagues on strategies for what’s worked, and what hasn’t, and tips and tricks of additional measurements as we bounce forward. Walk away with new ideas to bring back to your teams and the next event. Learner Outcomes:
Speaker:
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4:50 pm – 5:00 pm | Break . |
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5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Labor Shortage: Perspectives and Insights from Suppliers Travel, tourism and meetings are finally back and at full speed. However despite high demands so many sectors are struggling with inadequate staffing and supply chain disruptions.Our panel of industry professionals will talk about how these challenges are affecting their companies and organizations and what they are doing to offset these shortages. Panelists:
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6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Closing Reception and Networking . |
CE Credit: PCMA CC has been approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) as a Preferred Provider of the below-listed continuing education courses, which qualify for CMP continuing education credit. Determination of continuing education credit eligibility or Preferred Provider status does not imply EIC’s endorsement or assessment of education quality. This event qualifies for 4.5 CE credits.
All Access Passholders: This event is included in your pass. Please contact capital@pcma.org if you have not received your discount code.
COVID-19 Guidelines
The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is a top priority for the Capital Chapter. We will be implementing the following guidelines:
Registrants for the event must be fully vaccinated or have had a negative PCR or laboratory administered COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the start of the event. You will be required to show proof of vaccination or the results of your negative test prior to entrance.
- Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks while not actively eating or drinking.
- Protect yourself by frequent hand washing and minimizing face touching.
- Do NOT attend if feeling ill or if you have had recent COVID-19 exposure.
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Room Block
The Westin Alexandria Old Town is offering a special group rate of $89.00 USD a night for those attending the event. Please book your accommodations using this link.
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Martha’s Table was selected as the PCMA Capital Chapter Charity of the Year. Every week 5,000 families turn to Martha’s Table for healthy food – more than double the number of visitors from before the pandemic.
Please bring trail mix, goldfish, and granola bars to ALL of our Capital Chapter events. Your healthy snack donations will help the 200+ neighbors experiencing hunger who rely on Martha’s Table for their meals. If you’re unable to attend the June Sparkler, please consider a cash donation!
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Thank you to our Sponsors!
Annual Educational Partner
Presenting Partner
Event Partner
Venue Partner
Photography Partner
Signage Partner