Event professionals are high performers—long days, constant pivots, and high expectations. This panel brings a practical, science-backed approach to leading with energy and resilience so you can stay sharp when it matters most.  Featuring Zack Zenner (former NFL player, certified nutrition specialist, and founder of ZION Performance), the conversation will focus on the habits that drive consistent performance: identifying hidden energy drains, building sustainable routines that stick, and using nutrition + recovery to improve focus, decision-making, and stress tolerance. We’ll also cover Zack’s Resilient Leadership framework—how to stay steady in storms, communicate effectively in crisis, shift from reacting to responding, and build teams that bounce back stronger.

Join us for winning digital tactics that help hotels, attractions, restaurants, and venues capture visitor interest, stand out in crowded markets, and convert online discovery into in-person visits and bookings.

A practical conversation for event pros navigating cannabis in Chicago and Illinois. We’ll cover what’s permitted vs. prohibited at venues, common policy pitfalls, how to work with legal partners/vendors, and how to manage guest experience, safety, and risk—plus what trends to watch next.

Join an AI professor from the University of Chicago for an open, plain-English conversation about how AI concepts can apply to hotels, restaurants, attractions, and events. You bring the questions and real-world challenges; he’ll bring the AI lens, helping you think differently about guests, decisions, and day-to-day work. Walk away with a clearer understanding of what AI can and can’t do for your business, plus smarter questions to ask your current and future tech partners.

Planners are being asked to deliver bigger results with tighter budgets—and in 2026, Midwest destinations are winning with what attendees want most: easy access, strong value, and experience-rich programming. In this roundtable, we’ll talk through what’s driving successful meetings and events across the region and how planners are using the “Midwest advantage” to boost attendance, satisfaction, and ROI.

The creator space is shifting fast; short-form video and user-generated content continue to dominate, and audiences are rewarding authentic, human-led storytelling over overly polished ads. This roundtable is a practical conversation on what’s working now across Instagram/TikTok: building a repeatable content system, creating “shareable” moments that still feel real, and turning content into measurable results for brands and partners (not just views).

Let's examine how planners are using technology to optimize processes and integrate systems while avoiding common pitfalls like tool overload and underutilization. We'll look at common tools and offer recommendations on how to better integrate and use your existing technology and software. Come prepared with your tech stack and walk away with a better understanding of how they work together, what to use, and what to dump!

Planners are under pressure to do more with tighter budgets, rising costs, and higher expectations for “wow” experiences—without added risk. This roundtable breaks down how to partner with a DMC as a true extension of your team, using their local expertise to create memorable programs while protecting timelines, budgets, and guest experience.

In 2026, attendees expect more than a program—they want moments of participation: immersive entertainment, interactive activations, and experiences that feel personal, shareable, and worth leaving with. In this roundtable led by Live Art International, we’ll explore what’s trending now in event enhancements: multi-sensory design, immersive storytelling, and tech with purpose (think AI/AR and smart engagement tools that elevate the experience without becoming a gimmick).  We’ll also discuss the business side—how to align entertainment and activations with brand goals, sponsor value, and measurable outcomes, while keeping flow, staffing, and guest experience seamless.

This roundtable will focus on how planners, venues, and producers can expand their vendor network by building relationships with local and independent businesses (makers, chefs, artists, specialty rental companies, boutique entertainment, neighborhood partners, and niche service providers).  We’ll discuss what’s trending right now: community-first collaborations, unique “only-in-this-city” touchpoints, flexible sourcing to meet tighter budgets, and creating vendor partnerships that strengthen storytelling and guest experience—without adding chaos to logistics.

In 2026, “engagement” isn’t a vibe—it’s a measurable growth lever. This roundtable explores how AI is reshaping event engagement through real-time personalization, smarter interactions, and better data capture—without turning the experience into a tech demo. We’ll borrow what sports does best (continuous engagement loops) and translate it into B2B: micro-interactions, gamified participation, and moments that convert into real follow-up actions. We’ll discuss what’s working now: using zero-party data (what attendees willingly share) to personalize journeys, and streaming engagement insights into your marketing/sales stack for stronger post-event outcomes.

Early-career pros coming into 2026 are navigating a faster, higher-pressure industry—clients want “wow” experiences, budgets are tighter, and expectations around professionalism, communication, and results are higher than ever. In this roundtable, we’ll share real mentoring tactics that help new and rising planners grow faster: how to build credibility, ask better questions, find the right mentors/sponsors, and turn networking into genuine career momentum.  We’ll also talk about what’s trending for success in 2026: using AI and tools responsibly to work smarter, strengthening soft skills that set you apart (client communication, vendor collaboration, problem-solving), and building a portfolio of wins—without burning out.

This roundtable explores how events are becoming more memorable by tapping into multicultural talent, vendors, and community partnerships. We’ll discuss sourcing resources, creating culturally authentic moments, and building collaborations that enhance guest experience and expand audience reach. Expect an open discussion and practical takeaways you can apply to your next event.

Internship programs are often underutilized, poorly structured, or treated as short-term help—when they should be intentional talent pipelines and leadership training grounds. In this session, attendees will learn how to design and implement an internship program that benefits both the organization and the intern. Drawing from real-world experience, this talk walks through the key components of a successful internship program—from defining clear goals and roles to ensuring legal compliance, onboarding with intention, and creating meaningful learning experiences. Attendees will leave with a practical framework they can adapt immediately, regardless of company size or industry. Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn how to: Define the purpose and goals of an internship program aligned with business needs Structure internships that are legally compliant, ethical, and mutually beneficial Create clear roles, responsibilities, and learning outcomes for interns Recruit, onboard, and mentor interns for maximum impact and engagement Use feedback and evaluation to improve the program and build a long-term talent pipeline Why This Topic Is Relevant Now to the Special Events Industry The special events industry is facing a critical talent gap driven by post-pandemic burnout, high turnover, and rapid business growth. At the same time, demand for events has rebounded strongly—often with leaner teams and higher client expectations. Well-designed internship programs offer a timely solution by creating structured entry points into the industry, developing the next generation of event professionals, and reducing long-term staffing strain. When done intentionally, internships move beyond “extra hands” and become sustainable talent pipelines that support operational excellence, preserve institutional knowledge, and elevate industry standards during a period of rebuilding and reinvention.

VIP guests in 2026 expect more than “excellent service”—they want experiences that feel designed for them: seamless pre-arrival planning, high-touch moments that feel personal (not scripted), and thoughtful privacy throughout the stay. In this roundtable led by a Chef Concierge from a high-end hotel, we’ll discuss what’s trending now in luxury hospitality: hyper-personalization, blending technology with real human connection, and creating memorable experiences through culinary access, local culture, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Room blocks can make or break your event budget—and in 2026, negotiation is less about “getting a rate” and more about structuring a block that protects both the planner and the hotel. In this roundtable, we’ll cover what’s most important right now: how hotels are evaluating demand and risk, what terms are truly negotiable, and how to build a room block strategy that supports attendance while avoiding painful attrition.  We’ll discuss the real-world details planners want clarity on: cut-off dates, pickup patterns, comp rooms/concessions, upgrades/VIP policies, resell language, cancellation clauses, and how to use historical data to strengthen your position. We’ll also share smart ways to market your block so it performs—and what to do when pickup is behind.

Good execution isn’t enough—attendees expect events that feel intentional, immersive, and seamless, while stakeholders expect clearer ROI and cost control. This roundtable explores how planners can collaborate more effectively with AV and event services partners (production, staging, lighting, labor, scenic, technology, etc.) to reduce last-minute surprises and elevate the guest experience.  

Led by Amanda Eberle (AV Chicago), we’ll discuss what’s trending right now: bringing production partners in earlier, building tighter scopes and communication rhythms, using tech/AI in practical ways (without overcomplicating the show), and designing “wow” moments that still fit the budget. We’ll also cover the rising importance of rehearsals, run-of-show discipline, and aligning success metrics across all partners.

Learn how to tap into Choose Chicago’s All for the Love of Chicago social media initiative to create and help amplify the positive and authentic stories of real Chicagoans and real Chicago businesses. Guided by Joanie Faletto, Social Media Manager for Choose Chicago, this discussion will cover collaborations, content submissions, and practical ways to align your brand with the city’s story to both appeal to visitors and boost Chicago pride.