8 – 8:30 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:45 am
The Attendee Experience: Making Your Show Count
Michael Owen, EventGenuity LLC, and Carol Norfleet, Destination Nashville

Many meeting professionals are slow to adapt to new methods. But organizations that aren’t comfortable with the risk required to deliver a fresh approach may be left behind. If you aren’t adapting, participants may simply zone out, or worse, stop attending entirely.

Today, attendees of all ages expect and react positively to novelty and deviation from routine events with a focus on originality and unique experiences. Planners need to understand the importance of venue, room set and food choices alongside content to bring attendees something new that will have a greater impact and be more memorable. They must be focused on quality both in and out of the meeting room with engaging and interactive learning experiences throughout the meeting including sessions, networking and down time.

• How to deliver a “wow” experience that will leave attendees impressed
• How the use of unique venues helps create a memorable event
• How creative room sets mix up and invigorate a program
• How to make content delivery memorable and actionable

10:00 – 11:00 am
 Choosing a Nontraditional Venue and Managing Success
Sharon Brawner, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

What will entice attendees to register? Why should you get out of the ballroom? Join us to learn about the unique options available when booking a nontraditional venue. Tips on unexpected in-house services will help guide you through the planning process. Knowing the right questions to ask will make your next event unforgettable.

11:15 am -12:30 pm
Networking Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 pm
Lights, Cameras, Microphones! Budgeting Realities for Your Live Event Production
Colleen Cussick, ON Event Services

Every meeting and live event has basic production needs that must be met successfully. The speaker must be elevated (stage), heard (audio), seen (lighting), and displayed (video). Add in specialized general sessions, evening events, presentation elements, decor and scenic elements to these basics, and all of a sudden you find yourself needing a LARGE budget for the proper equipment. Learn the fundamental elements of production needs and how to realistically budget for them. With the knowledge of what essential component price tags should be, you can negotiate with venue A/V companies or establish working relationships with trusted providers. The client saves money; you look like a hero and everyone wins.

1:30 – 2:00 pm
He Costs What?  The Realities of Buying Corporate Entertainment
Jill Kopecky, EntertainmentBuy

Who do you want to play your next event?  It’s time to understand what your budget can really afford when it comes to live corporate entertainment.  Understanding the intricacies involved with pricing, availability, offers, contracts, riders and production can help get you amazing entertainment for your event.  Be in the driver’s seat – learn what to do and not do with corporate entertainment.

2:15 – 3:15 pm
Creating Mobile and Digital Strategy for Your Meetings & Events
Greg Nasto, Mousetrap Mobile

Today most of us are being forced to do more with less, and as mobile app’s and digital technology continue to evolve they can become a meeting planners best friend. In this session you will learn about today’s available technology and trends and what is coming down the pipe. Incorporating mobility into your programs can save you time, money and create new revenue opportunities while also engaging your attendees and providing them with a unique experience.