Thursday, October 27

1:15 PM to 2:30 PM - General Session

The Necessaries About Non-Verbal Communication: Colleen Rickenbacher
With the amount of communication we do via e-mail every day, we need to be aware of how to communicate properly without our non-verbal cues to assist in expressing what we are trying to say.  In addition, we need to be careful about what we are communicating in person without saying a word.  In this session you will learn all about non-verbal communication, and how to use it effectively. 

2:45 PM to 4:00 PM Breakout sessions

Managing Attendees and Exhibitors- Intermediate
What do you do to keep your attendees in the exhibit hall? What do you make sure your exhibitors are happy? Hear the best practices from our panel of experts.

The Change Up/Day in the Life of a Booking - Advanced
Is “revenue management” a dirty word in your office? Do you cringe every time a planner tells you the committee will make the final decision? Prepare to swap jobs for this interactive, role-play session where you will become the “other side”. Groups will work together to answer an RFP, obtain approval from the Revenue Management team, and then present the proposal to your company’s Executive Team for authorization. Prepare to experience a day in the life of … the “Other Side.”

4:15 PM to 5:30 PM - General Session

App Session/Social Media with James Spellos, CMP., President of Meeting U. - Advanced
Everyone knows about what generation uses or does not use Social media… but let’s talk about how it can help you recruit more members, energize your events , activate their community online, engage volunteers by leveraging your social capital and much more!

7:00 PM - Beach Party!

Friday, October 28

8:00 AM to 8:45 AM Breakfast & Session

Best “Little” Tips in Texas
Are the “little” ideas that you learn from your peers the ones that make an educational opportunity worth attending? In this tech-savvy, fast moving session, we will ask you for your best “little” tips and practices. Be prepared to share (and hear) the most comfortable brand of on-site shoes, your favorite travel tip, what you wish you knew when you started in this industry, the most important item in your on-site kit, and more.

8:45 AM to 10:00 AM- General Session

Shocking Truths about Liability and Your Organization: Scott Joslove , President and CEO of Texas Hotel and Lodging Association
What is your role in minimizing liability for your organization? This topic will lead participants through the perilous pitfalls of liability issues and risk management with immediate takeaways from real world examples, resources to help you now and in the future.

10:15 AM to 11:30 AM Breakout sessions

Revelation hour: Misconceptions from Hoteliers and Seasoned Planners - Intermediate
Why does a gallon of coffee cost $70? Why does an RFP have a response date of tomorrow and a decision date of two years from now? In this session a panel of your peers will answer these questions and more to help you understand what makes your counterpart “tick”.

But I am Not In Sales!: Donny Hurwitz, Associate Professor, Management Department- Advanced
If you are a meeting planner, exhibits manager, director of membership, etc., you probably think that you are not in sales.  The truth is, you sell to your members, sponsors, exhibitors, board members, even to your vendors.  Learn why you are actually in sales, and the basics of how to excel in that portion of your job. 

11:45 AM to 1:45 PM Lunch and closing program

What State Are We In? State of the Industry Panel
Back by popular demand, you will not want to miss this State of the Industry panel discussion with some of the top meeting and hospitality executives from around the state.