Full Schedule

In a quickly changing political landscape, many organizations are thinking through their future approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Yet embracing inclusion isn't just a buzzword – it's an essential strategy for success and innovation. Does your association tap into the expansive potential of diversity? The common approach to DEI often zeros in on talent acquisition and training. Yet, as pivotal as these strategies are, they only scratch the surface. Associations and organizations that are built for the future realize that success demands the seamless integration of equity and inclusion into the very fabric of the organization. In this session, bestselling author and speaker Bernadette Smith shows how associations can use purpose, strategy, and accountability (PSA) to become Inclusive 360 and truly reap the rewards of diversity.

Discussion Topics:

· Using Interactive Digital Technology to expand sponsorship offerings and expo/exhibitor footprint

· Creating exciting experiences for attendees and unique onsite offerings for exhibitors within interactive formats

· Providing Sponsors and Exhibitors detailed metrics and ROI from their activations

· Using AI and Behavioral Tracking to map attendee movement, reactions and engagement and translating that data into useful metrics to grow sponsorships and exhibit sales

· How the eShow Ecosystem streamlines this entire process, saving you time and manpower

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, associations must continuously innovate to stay relevant and meet the growing expectations of their members. This session will explore the latest trends in learning that are transforming how associations engage with their members and generate revenue. Attendees will gain valuable insights into:

• The growing importance of eLearning as a key driver for membership recruitment and retention
• How personalized and flexible learning experiences can meet the diverse needs of your members
• Strategies to repurpose content effectively and meet the expectations of modern learners
• The role of AI in transforming learning experiences and accelerating content development
• Case studies showcasing successful implementations that have led to significant revenue growth and increased member engagement

You have a license to Microsoft CoPilot… what now? Are you using it as part of a team? On your own? Both? Come join your colleagues for an interactive conversation with some use cases of Microsoft CoPilot. If you are an experienced CoPilot user – please share your learnings, successes, and failures. If you are novice (or almost) CoPilot user – please share your questions and curiosity.

As associations respond to rapidly shifting workforce and economic developments, our staff and members are spending less time face-to-face than ever before, leading workplace belonging expert Smiley Poswolsky to make the case that the future work is human connection. In this timely, inspiring, and highly actionable presentation, Smiley will share how association professionals can attract and retain top talent across all generations, reignite human connection, and increase team engagement by creating a culture of belonging for our employees, our members, and at our meetings and events. Smiley will share actionable tools for association professionals to foster employee engagement and support our people with the challenges of the new world of work including generational differences, hybrid work, flexibility, inclusion, psychological safety, well-being, and the impact of AI. At the end of this presentation, you will have an easy-to-use action-based toolkit to create a culture of human connection for your team and your members, and become a leader in the future of the association industry.

The Brunch Keynote is available with live captioning and in Spanish via live human translation. Attendees can access both services via a smartphone app. Attendees wishing to use live Spanish translation must bring their own headsets. 

• Sustainability in Hotel Kitchens - Discover how hotel kitchens are leading the charge in sustainability. From sourcing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to embracing plant-based menus and energy-efficient appliances, kitchens are revolutionizing eco-friendly dining. Learn about their innovative waste management techniques, responsible sourcing partnerships, and water-saving strategies that make every meal a step toward a greener future.
• How Meeting Planners Can Support Sustainability - Transform your events into sustainability success stories. Meeting planners can craft eco-friendly menus with locally sourced, seasonal, and plant-forward dishes while minimizing waste with precise headcounts and food donations. Discover how to prioritize venues with green certifications, align with hotel sustainability initiatives, and embrace greener choices like reusable tableware and bulk dispensers. Plan smarter, greener, and more impactful events!
• Mutual Benefits - Go green and gain more! Sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions, and optimizing resources. From slashing energy and water bills to streamlining food budgets, sustainability drives efficiency. Plus, it boosts your reputation, drawing eco-conscious attendees and spotlighting your commitment to corporate social responsibility. A win for the environment and your bottom line!