Q3 Spark: ArchiTECH: Determine, Design, Digitize

The U.S. is fortunate to see a return to businesses and travel re-opening. As we emerge, how do we design, plan and execute our meetings? What are the questions we need to ask ourselves and our stakeholders? Join us for PCMA Capital Chapter’s Hybrid Q3 Spark – ArchiTech: Determine, Design, Digitize on August 11 at the MGM National Harbor. We are looking to experts and industry thought leaders on approaches, considerations, and case studies from early pioneers who have held in-person or hybrid events already. And we will look at the international status and how that will effect travel restrictions and virtual components. Let’s reunite (safely) or join (digitally) to forge on and revive the industry.

Agenda

12:30 PM              In-Person Registration and Networking

*Students and Emerging Professionals: visit the Career Advice Office Hours Lounge during session breaks for one-on-one support for writing your resume, LinkedIn profile, and career development support. Print off a copy of your resume or LinkedIn profile if you would like it reviewed.

12:30–1:10 PM     Career Advice from the Emerging Professionals Committee

The Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) is dedicated to supporting the development of meeting professionals early in their career. The EPC will host “office hours” with experienced meeting professional providing one-on-one advice on resumes, LinkedIn profiles and career development. The “office hours” will be held in the registration area from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Bring a printed copy of your resume or LinkedIn page if you would like it reviewed.

12:40–1:10 PM     Membership Orientation

PCMA Capital Chapter’s Membership Committee invites you (existing, new and/or non-member) to join our Member Orientation. During this time we will share the mission of our chapter leaders, PCMA membership details and information surrounding the various committees available to you.

1:15 PM                Virtual Program Begins

1:15–2:30 PM      Opening Keynote: Justin Boone – Reimagining the Audience Journey

The experience economy was a term that was all the rage prior to the pandemic. This time was considered the “heyday” for events and experiences, as well as experiential retail. But as the pandemic limited the potential for in-person gatherings, the concept of what was considered an experience significantly broadened. Post pandemic, we’ll be living in a truly experiential world where everything and anything can be considered an experience. This discussion will focus first on the human psychology behind why we both desire and need experiences in our lives, including the functional, behavioral, habitual, cultural and ritualistic aspects to everyday and unforgettable experiences. We’ll then dive into the wide variety of tools that planners, designers, marketers and facilitators have at their disposal to reimagine the way they engage with audiences, resulting in a more robust audience journey and sustained engagement.

Click here for a sneak peak of Justin’s Keynote session!

2:30–2:45 PM     Break

2:45–3:30 PM     Session 1: State of Affairs in Event Sponsorship & Exhibits with Jennifer Kerhin, MBA, CEM, CEO of Sponsorship Boost

Covid shut us down… but it did not close us down forever! Virtual events happened. In-person events are taking place. Hybrid events are being formed. All of these formats have drastically changed the state of exhibits/sponsorships for our events. In this session, hear from Jennifer Kerhin, the CEO of an association tradeshow sales/management company, Sponsorship Boost, on the current state of affairs in event sponsorships and exhibits. You will ….

a. Learn how virtual events transformed the business model of exhibits/sponsorships.
b. Evaluate the pros/cons of the new model of exhibits/sponsorships.
c. Create new sponsorship opportunities for the hybrid event model.

Click here for a sneak peak of Jennifer’s session!

3:30–3:45 PM     Break

3:45–4:30 PM     Session 2: Legal Considerations for the Future of Meetings with Nisha Thakker, Esq., Counsel of Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Let’s lean on legal to help provide some event guardrails as we explore what organizations should be aware of when contracting, marketing, and executing events in this new now.

4:30–4:45 PM     Break

4:45–5:45 PM     Closing Panel: Tale of Three Meetings

With many people starting to have in-person/hybrid meetings in the fall, there are many questions and concerns about the design of the meeting. How does one hold a meeting safely? Do you still social distance? With CDC and state guidelines changing what feels like daily, do you keep updating your organizations’ plans or stick with one plan?

Meetings are moving forward, and Ashton, Rebecca, Annette, and Greg will close out our day, discussing how each has planned their in-person and hybrid meetings successfully through all the changes. You will hear how each planned a meeting at different times during spring and summer and how they adapted to the rules and regulations. Knowing every organization is different, this session will give you a few ideas on how you can blend to create the best meeting possible for your organization.

Panelists:   
Ashton Hald – Sr. Meeting Manager, Association Headquarters
Rebecca Kane – Meetings Manager, US Grains Council
Annette Suriani – Business Events Strategist, AMS Meeting Solutions

Moderator: 
Greg Morris – Director of Meetings, Destinations International

5:45 PM              Virtual Program Ends

5:45–7:00 PM     In-Person Networking Reception

6:30 PM              Tour of MGM Grand (Optional)

This event is eligible for 4.5 CE credits.

All Access Passholders: This event is included in your pass. Please contact [email protected] if you have not received your discount code.
*To attend in person, there will be an additional $15 fee.

The student rate to attend this event is normally $5, but we are currently offering a limited number of student scholarships to attend this event for free!  Please contact [email protected] for additional information.

Registration closes August 9th at 5pm!

COVID-19 Guidelines

• Per guidelines from Prince George’s County, all attendees at the MGM Grand National Harbor are required to wear masks indoors unless eating or drinking.
• Be respectful of others and allow for social distancing
• Protect yourself by frequent hand washing & minimizing face touching
• Do NOT attend if feeling ill or had recent COVID-19 exposure

Community Service Project

Martha’s Table believes that every Washingtonian deserves the opportunity to thrive; supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities by increasing access to quality education, health and wellness, and family resources.

Martha’s Outfitters is an innovative, no-cost community store focused on supporting families with young children in the crucial early years of a child’s life. Martha’s Outfitters offers baby items, children’s clothing, and professional workforce attire for adults!

As we begin to have face to face meetings and change back into our business attire, now is the time to donate any unused items from your and/or your children’s closets! Clothing accepted from infant to adult sizes.

Information on making the clothing donations directly to Martha’s Table in D.C. can be found here.  If you wish to bring the donations with you to Q3 Spark for a volunteer from the Capital Chapter to make the donation on your behalf, please text (443) 788-0692 upon your arrival to the parking garage at the MGM Grand and someone will meet you at your car to collect your items.

You can also support Martha’s Table with a financial donation that can be made here. You can contact Briana Cleveland at [email protected] from Martha’s Table if you have any additional questions.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Venue Sponsor

Platform Sponsor

Speaker Sponsor

Photography Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor