Speakers and SessionsThe 2024 National Education Conference (NEC) will take place on May 7 – 9, 2024 at the Hilton Omaha and CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Our theme is “New Era. New Opportunities.” Review Sessions by Schedule | Review Sessions by Speaker | Review Sessions by Core Competency Earn up to 10 hours of continuing education and professional development on a variety of topics of interest to government meeting planners and suppliers. Core competencies essential to government meeting planner continuing education include the following:
ScheduleKymberli Speight (Keynote)Opening Keynote: It's an Inside Job: Networking for Internal Engagement Interactive Panel - Sharon Delvisco & Sierra FisherDrafting & Responding to the RFP Adam WhiteThe Art of Servant Leadership Yinka FreemanMastering Productivity: Unveiling the Latest Apps and AI Tools Chris McLaughlinThe Power of National Sales Dallin CooperThe Morality Matrix: Understanding Ethical Decision Making Nicholas R StrattonMeeting Planner First Aid 101 Tyrone HolmesReducing Unconscious Bias in Customer Service Interactive Panel - Sharon Delvisco & Sierra FisherDrafting & Responding to the RFP Adam WhiteThe Art of Servant Leadership Yinka FreemanMastering Productivity: Unveiling the Latest Apps and AI Tools Chris McLaughlinThe Power of National Sales Dallin CooperThe Morality Matrix: Understanding Ethical Decision Making Nicholas R StrattonMeeting Planner First Aid 101 Tyrone HolmesReducing Unconscious Bias in Customer Service Justin Schiffner & Crawford Jones Jaketra Bryant Kathleen Ryan Preethi Fernando Interactive Panel - Johnita Romine & Jackie Ramos Linda Hampton Norris Tracy Stuckrath Tom Reuseink Ilissa Moregon Orlando Espinosa Tamay Shannon Shakira M. Brown Sharon Andrade Linda Hampton Norris Tracy Stuckrath Suzanne Sukalski (Keynote)Closing Keynote: Believe in Yourself
Session DescriptionsKymberli Speight
Build powerful teams that engage well. This helps them consistently accomplish successful end results. Leaders and team members within an organization or business understand how to measure successful performance as well as dysfunctional poor performance. But how do you turn a poorly performing team around? Or more importantly, how do you develop and maintain effective teams that thrive – progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances? The key factor in high level teaming behavior is how well leaders engage with their teams and team members engage with each other. Meaningful connections or “networking” that is not based on reciprocity, conveys genuine appreciation for the unique talents of everyone. When a team member feels seen, trusted, and valued, they are more likely motivated to contribute more. Kymberli Speight believes in enhancing your personal brand to reach your target audience. She is an author, professional speaker and workshop facilitator. She wrote the book I Need To Know You: How to Meet Ordinary Extraordinary People and Improve Your Life where she shares her original research on networking. Kymberli knows people do business with, promote, and hire people they know, like, and trust, but first, you must become known. She also believes that people’s stories play a powerful role in changing the lives of others. Everyone, not just celebrities, has a story worth being told. She regularly speaks to audiences about networking: becoming more known, becoming more likable and building trust. “Kymberli is an excellent presenter, and brought the material to life even in a virtual setting. Kymberli brought an interesting approach to relationship building to our Employee Resource Groups during our annual event. She connects well with her audience, shares stories and examples, and provides excellent expertise.” – Reggie Willis, Ally Bank Executive She is certified at the master’s level with the Reach personal branding process and holds additional certifications in executive coaching, career coaching, Conversational Intelligence, and several others. Kymberli has served on multiple boards, including the National Speakers Association-Austin Chapter as President. Her claim to fame is that she once spent $954M. Early in her career, as an active-duty Air Force officer, she was the buyer for 36 McDonald Douglas F-15E fighter jets. Kymberli is married to a retired Air Force colonel and has two adult sons. She is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and considers it a privilege to have served in the Air Force for 5 years active duty and 6 years in the reserves. Kymberli is passionate about giving back to the various communities she comes from. Suzanne Sukalski
Suzanne Sukalski, also known as Sunshine Suzy, believes that all people have a special place in this world and can make a difference. Suzy is a breakfast hostess at the Fairmont Hampton Inn in Minnesota. She is an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, artist, and farmer. She started Sunshine Suzy corn nibblets in 2015 on a mission to spread love and show that every person has great value and bigger purpose. In this inspirational session, learn Suzy's story of self-determination. She offers career advice, talks about her employment at the Fairmont Hampton Inn as Breakfast Hostess, expresses what it means to her to be a fifth-generation farmer, describes her journey developing the Sunshine Suzy brand, and the impact she has made by sharing her many talents and abilities. Sharon Andrade
Technology and social platforms are constantly evolving. How do you decide which platforms to use to engage and communicate with your travelers or customers? Instagram? TikTok? Internal Intranets? From managing policy and reputation to meeting the expectations of and communicating with the five generations currently in the workforce, we will explore options and opportunities to remain relevant. Sharon Andrade is an innovative and passionate facilitator who has been leading and transforming teams for over 30 years. Her applied approach to professional development enables increased productivity and engagement. Sharon led marketing sales and the call center as VP Sales at Pineapple Hospitality the sales organization as Senior VP of Sales at Red Lion Hotels and had multi-property sales and marketing oversight for Hilton Worldwide. Prior to her roles as an executive in hospitality she was a leader with the Effectiveness Institute where she had the opportunity to assess and facilitate solutions for teams and leaders across industries including banking credit unions hospitality and retail. Shakira M. Brown
Despite phone and email being a primary form of interaction for government meeting planners for many years, using video more often with facilities and service providers adds another dimension. But did you know how you present yourself during video meetings can either advance or impede your ability to negotiate effectively? Join Award-Winning Leadership Communication Strategist and National Soft Skills Expert Speaker, Shakira M. Brown, to learn proven strategies to present yourself as a highly-skilled/professional government meeting planner unhindered by often complacent negative remote work behaviors. Shakira M. Brown (https://shakirabrown.com) is an Award-Winning Leadership Communication Strategist, National Speaker and Soft Skills Maven with a focus on effective communication, leadership, innovation, public speaking and branding addressing thousands of in-person and virtual audiences annually. She has over 30 years of experience, 13 awards for her work and is a seasoned business consultant. Jaketra Bryant
Participants will gain a deep understanding of culture, engage in self-reflection on their own cultural perspectives, and learn to implement cultural sensitivity in their interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds, especially those in marginalized groups. The session will address toxic oppressive behaviors and their impact on cultural sensitivity. Attendees will leave with practical tools, including five specific steps to establish an inclusive office environment. Dr. Jaketra Bryant is a globally recognized Diversity Strategic Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Licensed Professional Counselor, renowned for her advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her extensive background in Biology, Psychology Pre-medicine, a Master's in Community Counseling, and a Doctorate of Leadership has empowered her to serve thousands, guiding personal transformations focused on mind, body, and spirit. Her impactful work has liberated individuals and organizations, enabling them to better serve themselves, workplaces, and communities. Dallin Cooper
We often learn about ethical decision making in a “nice little prepackaged ethical dilemma”. But unfortunately, real life doesn’t label the difficult moral questions we face everyday as ethical dilemmas so we can apply all those handy decision-making skills we learned in our ethics training. It doesn’t matter how good you are at resolving ethical dilemmas if you never even realize there’s a problem that needs solved. While still fun and entertaining, The Morality Matrix is a highly educational presentation that digs deep into providing participants with the hard and soft skills required to habituate ethical behavior. Dallin Cooper is an author, entrepreneur, award-winning humorist, and award-winning shepherd! In addition to founding a digital marketing agency and a zero-waste dog chew company, he has been certified by the Daniel's Fund Ethics Initiative and the NASBA Center for the Public Trust. Dallin strives to subvert that reputation by crafting speeches and trainings that don’t feel like “ethics training.” Instead, audiences will learn about how their actions impact their relationships with others as well as themselves in such a way that they yearn to behave more ethically not because of compliance, but because of the benefit that behavior brings to their lives. Orlando Espinosa
Government meetings play a pivotal role in shaping policies, decisions, and the future of our communities. To truly engage and influence stakeholders, effective storytelling is key. Join us for a unique workshop, "The Art of Storytelling," tailored for individuals who plan and execute government meetings. Learn how to harness the power of storytelling to transform these gatherings into impactful, memorable experiences. In this immersive workshop, participants will explore the art of storytelling as a strategic tool to enhance government meetings. This workshop will equip participants with the skills and techniques needed to craft compelling narratives that captivate their audience and drive meaningful outcomes. Orlando is the co-founder of Emineo Media, an award-winning company that designs, develops and implements business and outreach curriculum for Government agencies, Municipalities and non-profits to help market their brand. As an instructor and business advisor to Miami Bayside Foundation, Jim Moran Institute and Goldman Sach’s 10KSB, he has presented programs on numerous topics focused on business growth. He graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and from Nova Southeastern University with a Master in Education. Espinosa is the recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year for 2023. Preethi Fernando
Fractured trust is hard to repair and mend, People no longer know who to trust. They have been lied to, manipulated, and mistreated. When trust is breached and shattered to pieces, it takes effort, time, and new ways of thinking to glue it back together. Damaged trust leaves residue of anxiety, anger, and stress. A trustworthy organization, company, association, and a trustworthy individual share many things in common. They are congruent, straightforward, transparent, and truthful. As the CEO of Kelum, Preethi Fernando inspires people on emotional intelligence, trust building, and wellness topics. Her simple messages make deep connections with her audiences. She speaks at associations, corporations, and does consulting for city staff and private companies. She has published 14 books. Preethi is the CEO of Kelum, a training and consulting company based out of Colorado, kelumteam.com Visit preethifernando.com Yinka Freeman
Efficient time management is paramount for professionals working within tight deadlines. The rapid evolution of personal productivity technology, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence, has presented an array of tools that are not only cutting-edge but also increasingly accessible. In this session, Event Technology Specialist Yinka Freeman will guide you through the latest applications designed to save time and enhance efficiency. Key Learning Outcomes: 1. Explore the newest productivity apps tailored for busy professionals. 2. Gain valuable insights and tips on effective task organization. 3. Uncover the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on supercharging productivity. Join us in this insightful session to stay at the forefront of productivity technology and learn how to optimize your workflow for peak efficiency. Yinka Freeman, owner of Triple Pocket Events, is a seasoned event planner with over 15 years of experience. Her expertise in event planning, coordination, and design has allowed her to create unique and dynamic experiences that leave a lasting impression. With a think outside the box approach, Yinka flawlessly executes concepts for events of all sizes, including virtual experiences. Known for her keen eye for detail, creative imagination, and contagious enthusiasm, Yinka thrives in producing mission and value-driven experiences. Her coordination style is influenced by her extensive background in national and international hospitality, restaurant and catering management, and sales. Tyrone Holmes
This session describes 3 customer engagement modes that are prone to bias in any type of organization and offers specific steps we can take to mitigate that bias. The modes include EXCHANGE (the provision of products and services), EMPATHY (the understanding of customer needs and the manner of service delivery) and EXTRA MILE (doing what you say you’re going to do and solving problems if they arise). Dr. Tyrone Holmes is a professional speaker and consultant who has spent over 25 years teaching thousands of people to build powerful relationships in diverse settings. As the owner of T.A.H. Performance Consultants, he has facilitated over 1,500 live, and both synchronous and asynchronous virtual presentations that have taught participants to reduce the “noise” in their lives, to effectively communicate their messages, to connect with diverse audiences, to create equitable environments and to reduce the negative impact of unconscious bias. Crawford Jones
Crawford is currently a Meetings & Groups consultant for Southwest Airlines in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Houston, and has over 10 years of experience in media relations and event management. Chris McLaughlin
Learn about the structure of National Sales and the role of the "Intrapreneur" as well as consultative versus traditional selling. In this session, Chris McLaughlin and Zondra White Jones will help you to leverage National Sales as a business resource. Chris McLaughlin, CGMP, has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is the Director of Global Sales for Sonesta Hotels. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing systemwide government and military strategies across 17 brands comprised of 1,200 hotels. He also serves as 2nd Vice President (2021-present) on the SGMP National Board of Directors. He has been a devoted member of SGMP since the year 2000 and earned his CGMP in 2009. Prior to his current leadership position with SGMP, he served as National Treasurer for 2 terms (2017-2021) and was Treasurer of NATCAP Chapter from 2013-2015. Notably, Chris was the 2020 recipient of Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year and SGMP President’s Award recipient in 2022. Ilissa Moregon
Ilissa Moregon is excited to break this glass ceiling and empower planners with all the knowledge they need to be in the driver's seat for planning and negotiating AV production. This workshop will empower you to understand what kind of equipment, staff, and set up for what your event actually needs to function properly, look great, and be cost-effective. Ilissa Moregon is an expert production manager and strategist with recognized expertise in developing and executing live/hybrid and virtual national events for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and cutting-edge market-driven programs. Her career background includes extensive experience in audio and video engineering. She is a leader in sales revenue, client retention and has been an event manager for 20 years in 100's of venues. Ilissa has the ability to take mood board ideas from concept to implementation. Linda Hampton Norris
Designed to provide a reminder for experienced event planners and basic insight for beginners on the (4) four basic elements of event planning: 1. Selecting the appropriate venue; 2. Negotiating pricing and contract specifics; 3. Arranging the necessary event services; 4. Planning the overall event. Participants leave with a base working knowledge of all aspects of what goes into planning a meeting or event. Linda has been with Norris Conference Centers since its inception in 1990. Starting out as the company’s conference coordinator, she is now Co-CEO. Previously, Ms. Hampton was employed with Prentiss Properties, in the area of commercial property management. Prior to 1989, she was employed in various positions with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Linda holds a B.S. in Education from Baylor University, an MBA from Southwest Texas State University, and a Masters in Human Resources and Developmental Leadership from The University of Texas – Austin. In 1997, Linda became a Certified Meeting Planner. Since 2012 Linda has presented “Meetings Are A SNAP” workshops for State & National Associations and numerous private organizations. Linda has been involved in various non-profit organizations. Most recent responsibilities include 2023 Chairman of the Board for the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Meeting Professionals International – Houston Area Chapter. Tom Ruesink
This session will provide an overview as well as an update of the latest activities of the government's FedRooms lodging program. The speaker will also share the latest government travel trends and interesting data slices about the program and a look at the vision for both the lodging program and Small Meetings Management going forward. Tom began his career by buying a franchise of an improvisational comedy show and bringing it to Minneapolis. He isn't funny, he just saw a business opportunity. Needing an actual paycheck, he started working for a Fortune 500 company and got hooked on data and analytics. He took a job with a large Minnesota Travel Management Company when they were forming their client consulting group and headed up their analytic modeling group. He has spent the last 20 plus years helping companies and the government negotiate and travel in more efficient ways. For a long time, Tom was a frequent speaker in travel forums and events and in 2011 was named 1 of the top 20 most influential people in the travel industry, largely for his work with Coca-Cola developing a travel scoring system that helped drive compliant behavior. Tom consulted with the government since 2012 and became a federal employee in October 2021 working with the City Pair Program, FedRooms, and leading the market research component of ETSNext, the booking and expense platform currently out for bid. He's excited to be here as one of his initiatives is exploring how we can utilize technologies such as small meetings registration tools to ensure that proper procurement processes are followed. Kathleen Ryan
Learn about the laws and regulations regarding the U.S. flag and patriotic customs on how to display it. Determine the precedence of and how to incorporate other flags into displays such as international flags, state and organizational flags, and positional & personal flags. Attend this interactive session and test your flag knowledge! Kathleen is a Boeing Customer Engagement Team Lead for the Washington D.C. region and is responsible for planning and executing senior customer meetings and demos, special events and exhibits for Boeing’s Space, Defense & Security businesses. Kathleen is a retired Air Force Officer and a former Chief of Protocol for the Department of the Air Force supporting both the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. She was also Aide-de-Camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a small business owner, she was an Associate of the Protocol School of Washington®, where she collaborated on the development of their Protocol Officer Training Course. She is a Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) and was awarded SGMP’s 2020 Sam Gilmer Planner of the Year. Justin Schiffner
Justin is an experienced Government Account Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the airlines/aviation industry. Skilled in Operations Management, Team Building, Management, and Leadership. Strong sales professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Marketing from University of Kansas. Tamay Shannon
Explore the future of government meeting planning with ChatGPT. This workshop delves into harnessing AI for efficient coordination, streamlining agendas, and enhancing communication. Discover how ChatGPT can revolutionize your planning process, ensuring timely, effective, and innovative government meetings. Tamay Shannon stands out as a seasoned expert in social media strategy, with a specialization that resonates strongly with government meeting planners. Boasting over a decade of experience, her 'Where2Start' framework has been instrumental in guiding numerous business owners through the intricacies of online branding. As a best-selling author, Tamay's approach melds innovative methods with data-driven analysis, ensuring her strategies are both cutting-edge and results-oriented. Her collaborative experiences with entities like Goodie Nation, ACE Veteran Realty, and PATHWorks reflect her adeptness in tailoring strategies to elevate organizations in a government and public sector context. Nicholas R Stratton
Nicholas Stratton will speak on Meeting Planner First Aid 101. This will be a fast-paced session about being prepared for emergencies. Nick’s current role is a Training and Meeting Planner at the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan. He is a member of Michigan SGMP, Michigan Society of Association Executives, and was previously a board member of Michigan MPI Chapter. Nick has experience as a planner, hotelier and as a Convention Visitors Bureau staffer and brings a unique perspective to planning and organizing events due to working all three sides of event planning. He is also a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and Medical Examiner for over 14 years and has extensive training in dealing with fire, search & rescue, and other emergency situations. He has also delivered two babies during emergency situations. Tracy Stuckrath
In this session, we will introduce a forward-thinking strategic meetings management approach designed specifically for government professionals. You will gain insights into the art of designing events that foster inclusive food and beverage environments, ensuring that every participant feels valued and accommodated. Moreover, we will delve into the complexities of disability laws and their application to event participants, equipping you with the knowledge needed to ensure accessibility and inclusion for all. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey where you will not only discover the profound connection between diversity, inclusion, and food and beverage but also establish a comprehensive framework to manage for diversity and inclusivity. This session is your roadmap to creating government meetings that truly embrace diversity and unlock the untapped potential of a diverse participant base. Founder and president of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, Tracy Stuckrath has had a 30+ year career in corporate, association and social event planning. In 2009, her personal health journey changed the trajectory of her career. She works with meeting professionals and organizations worldwide to create equitable event experiences that reduce risk, improve engagement, and drive revenue through safe, sustainable, and compassionate food and beverage. She has spoken to audiences on five continents, co-authored two books, written and/or been featured in hundreds of articles, published more than 200 podcast episodes, and is recognized as a meetings and event industry leader, including Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry and Top 500 People in Events. In her spare time, she visits local farmers markets, enjoys the beach, attends NC State football games, or drives her Mini Cooper convertible with the top down. Tracy's ongoing exploration as a meeting planner, consultant and podcast host revolves around the profound impact of food and beverage (F&B) on individual experiences, inclusion, sustainability, culture, community, health and wellness, laws, and more. She continues to be a pioneering force in her field, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Adam White
THE ART OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP "The Pathway to Greatness” Servant Leadership is often talked about, but many leaders and organizations struggle to adopt a true Servant Leadership ability and culture. In this powerful program on, “The Art of Servant Leadership”, Adam White, speaker, author, and leadership expert uncovers what it takes to become a servant leader, have more impact and develop more influence. Adam is CEO of AWEmpowers,Inc. which includes the brands of Adam White Speaks, Adam Empowers, and Adam White University, organizations devoted to developing Leaders, Managers, Employees, and Individuals in business, non-profit, education, government, and various associations. Adam has spent more than 10 years studying human potential, leadership ability, organizational culture, and what causes people to effectively live out their purpose in life, Drafting & Responding to the RFP
In this hands-on, interactive session, both planners and suppliers will strengthen skills in drafting and responding to the Request for Proposals (RFP). Facilitators will review the essential components of the RFP and response, followed by a group activity. Make the most of your time at the NEC and take advantage of our interactive sessions! This session will be facilitated by Sharon Delvisco and Sierra Fisher.
Reading a BEO & Holding a Pre-Con Meeting
In this hands-on, interactive session, planners will learn how to critically review a BEO and hold an effective pre-conference meeting. Facilitators will review best practices, followed by a group activity and a mock pre-conference meeting. Make the most of your time at the NEC and take advantage of our interactive sessions! This session will be facilitated by Johnita Romine and Jackie Ramos.
Jackie serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Rocket City-Alabama Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professional. Through her involvement in SGMP, Jackie earned her Certified Government Meeting Professional and Government Meeting Professional designation. In 2023 Jackie was recognized by SGMP as a Top Young Professional. She is also an active member of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Ambassador Program where she is able to become further engaged in the community while representing Hyatt Place Huntsville/Research Park.
Johnita is a member of the Leadership Greater Huntsville – Flagship L-36 Class and serves on the Advisory Board for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Integration Center (AMIIC). She has been selected as a 2023 Society of Government Meeting Planners Emerging Leader. She has held leadership positions at the local, state, and regional levels in Alabama DECA, Alabama Student Council Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She is involved with the University of North Alabama Alumni Association, the Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, and is a member of River Hills Church where she serves as a host in the online ministry program. Sessions by Core Competency
Tyrone Holmes Jaketra Bryant Tamay Shannon
Dallin Cooper
Shakira M. Brown Tracy Stuckrath Tom Ruesink
Justin Schiffner & Crawford Jones
Sharon Delvisco & Sierra Fisher Jackie Ramos & Johnita Romine Chris McLaughlin
Nicholas R Stratton Linda Hampton Norris
Adam White Preethi Fernando Sharon Andrade Orlando Espinosa Kymberli Speight (Keynote) Suzanne Sukalski (Keynote)
Kathleen Ryan
Ilissa Moregon Yinka Freeman Additional Speakers and SessionsChris Young (Joint Leadership Meeting) - by invitation only
Events need volunteers. Large events need lots of volunteers. How you recruit and recognize those individuals makes the difference in struggling to find help for your events and having plenty of hands to make light work. This session explores why people volunteer, where you find volunteers and how to utilize them effectively. And we’ll talk about the most important question that you must ask yourself as an event producer and volunteer manager. Chris Young is a globally recognized subject-matter expert in leadership and organizational dynamics, international protocol, cross-cultural literacy, and negotiations. As a consultant, his past clients include Fortune 500 companies; major universities; national, state, and municipal governments; chambers of commerce and economic development agencies; professional associations; and global sporting events. For seven years, he led Protocol & Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), the worldwide professional organization for those in those related fields, as its elected president. Today he serves as chair of the committees on governance and ethics. For almost two decades prior, Chris worked in a variety of leadership roles in state, federal, and multinational governments. He served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. Before his tenure in Washington, Chris led CIFAL Atlanta, a local government training arm of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations appointed him a UNITAR Fellow. His career also includes service as the Executive Director of The Protocol School of Washington and Chief of Protocol and Director of International Affairs for the State of Georgia, the latter of which he started and operated for two successive administrations. During his tenure, he developed and oversaw a strategy that resulted in a 60% growth of the diplomatic and commercial corps in Atlanta, from forty-four nations to seventy-one. His work has taken him to more than 100 countries. In his career, Chris has organized visits for over 200 presidents, vice presidents, ministers, and ambassadors, as well as planned and executed more than 50 full-scale international business development trips. Chris proudly lives in Cobb County, Georgia, and is a member of Mt. Paran Church and its choir, as well as the 2023 Leadership Cobb class. Member RegistrationNon-Member / Public Registration
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Opening Keynote: “It’s an Inside Job – Networking for Internal Engagement”
Closing Keynote: “Believe in Yourself”
Remaining Relevant: Communication Matters
Face Time: Personal Brand Strategies to Knock More Video Negotiations Out of the Park
From Exclusion to Inclusion: How to Build an Inclusive Workplace in 5 Steps
The Morality Matrix: Understanding Ethical Decision Making
The Art of Storytelling: Elevating Government Meetings with Impactful Narratives
Restoring Trust
Mastering Productivity: Unveiling the Latest Apps and AI Tools
Reducing Unconscious Bias in Customer Service
Plane Smart: Manage Costs and Build Attendance with Airline Partnerships
The Power of National Sales
Breaking the AV Glass Ceiling
Meetings are a SNAP - Designed to provide a reminder for experienced event planners and basic insight for beginners on the (4) four basic elements of event planning
Government Lodging Program: Trends and Activities
Flag Protocol: Focusing on the Stars and Stripes
Plane Smart: Manage Costs and Build Attendance with Airline Partnerships
Agenda AI: Streamlining Government Event Coordination with ChatGPT
Meeting Planner First Aid 101
Nourishing Diversity & Inclusion: The Crucial Role of Food and Beverage in Government Meetings
The Art of Servant Leadership
Financial & Contract Management
As the VP of Sales Sierra Fisher leads the Sales Team at Empire throughout the entire sales cycle from site selection through contract negotiations, and submission. Sierra began her career at The Pennsylvania State University where she studied hospitality, and now, with over 15 years of hotel experience including operations, revenue management and sales, she brings a wealth of hospitality knowledge to every opportunity. Sierra has experience with multiple property brands from independent resorts to full service and select service. She’s energetic, driven, and committed to providing quality opportunities to both our hotel, government, and corporate clients. Sierra believes that a solid partnership is built on transparency, trust, and a good sense of humor.
Sharon Delvisco is honored to be the President of the SGMP La Chapter and a CGMP. She has over 30 years of experience planning meetings, conferences, facilitating retreats, developing and providing training and education. She is currently employed as a Project Director for Team Dynamics, LLC. She is an award-winning advocate for people with disabilities. She lives with her partner and son in the suburbs of Greater New Orleans. She has a great sense of humor, masters of social work from Southern University at New Orleans and a doctorate degree in social work innovation at the University of Southern California. 
Jackie Ramos is the Director of Sales at Hyatt Place Huntsville/Research Park in Huntsville, AL. She is a graduate of Auburn University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in History and a graduate of the University of North Alabama where she received her Master in Arts in History with a focus in Public History. She has over 9 years of hotel operational and sales experience where she has contributed tremendously to the growth of the Meeting Room Rental and F&B revenue. She continues to grow extended stay and government business in a highly competitive and growing market.
Johnita Romine is the Education Training Programs Manager at North AlabamaWorks and serves as the liaison between education and business and industry. She is a former business/marketing teacher, cooperative education coordinator, and career technical education state specialist. She is the facilitator of the organization’s Educator Workforce Academy and Workforce Connections programs. In addition, she serves as an event coordinator for the Worlds of Work and assists in the development of the eight industry clusters that are identified as having high-wage, high-demand jobs in Region 1. She enjoys connecting stakeholders to resources and services intended to develop the workforce throughout the 13 northernmost counties in Alabama. She is an advocate for education and workforce development.
Volunteer vs. Voluntold