Day Of Schedule
9:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Education & Eggs - Sponsored by Yolk
​Includes a free breakfast courtesy of Yolk, Your Chicago Neighborhood Brunch Spot Since 2006.
PLANNER TRACK: A Remarkable Experience Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage
In this engaging keynote, customer experience expert Dan Gingiss reveals how meeting and conference planners can use exceptional experiences to differentiate their events and boost attendee satisfaction. Learn how to create unforgettable moments that turn attendees into loyal advocates and repeat participants. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas and actionable tools to make your events stand out in a crowded marketplace.
9:30 AM - 9:55 AM
Dan Gingiss
The Experience Maker, LLC
SPEAKER
PLANNER TRACK: Bridging the Gap for the next generation of Meeting & Event Professionals
Sponsored By: The Emily Hotel
Introduction By: Zoltan Payerli, General Manager, The Emily Hotel Presented in conjunction with NACE Chicago
Generational divides continue to grow, despite shared struggles and goals. This no-holds-barred panel will tackle tensions, contradictions, and unspoken truths about the future of work, personal sustainability, and social mobility. This session brings together different generations to challenge perspectives and explore how to honor both tradition and progress.
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
Stephanie Leese Emrich, MS, CGSP
ServiceSpeaks Solutions
MODERATOR
Zoltan Payerli
GM | The Emily Hotel
PANELIST
PLANNER TRACK: Expanding Your Vendor Network: Engaging Local and Independent Businesses
In conjunction with ILEA Greater Chicago Chapter Learn how to grow your vendor network by partnering with local and independent businesses.
Missy Wright with Blue Plate Catering and Patrick Crosson, CMP DES of PC Events & Experiences will provide actionable tips for sourcing and collaborating with community-based suppliers to elevate your catering operations.
10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
Missy Wright
Blue Plate Catering
SPEAKER
Patrick Crosson, CMP DES
CEO | PC Events & Experiences
SPEAKER
TOURISM TRACK: Attracting the World: Global Marketing, IPW, and Its Impact on Your Business
With IPW coming to Chicago this June, hear from three industry experts on the future of international tourism. Learn how this global event will shape Chicago’s hospitality and tourism landscape, get the latest updates from Choose Chicago, and explore how these key developments could impact your business.
9:30 AM - 9:55 AM
John Curran
VP | Big Bus Tours
MODERATOR
Naomi Hattori
VP, Tourism & Global Development | Choose Chicago
PANELIST
Randal Stancik
GM | Skydeck Chicago/Willis Tower
PANELIST
TOURISM TRACK: High-Impact Sales Tips for Hospitality and Tourism Pros
In this action-packed workshop, billion-dollar sales coach Ryan Dohrn will show you how to get more done in less time while better understanding the needs of today’s meeting planners. With 35 years of experience in B2B, hospitality, and media sales—and over 2,000 room nights booked annually as a meeting planner—Ryan has seen it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly of hospitality sales. Learn how to streamline your day, craft emails that get faster replies, and connect with meeting planners on a deeper level. Packed with practical tips and time-saving strategies, this workshop will help you work smarter, close faster, and deliver results that meeting planners and other venue booking clients will love.
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
Ryan Dohrn
SellHospitality.com
SPEAKER
TOURISM TRACK: A Remarkable Experience Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage
In this engaging keynote, customer experience expert Dan Gingiss shows leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry how to turn customer experience into their ultimate differentiator. By creating remarkable moments for your guests, you’ll transform them into your best marketers and loyal advocates. You’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable tools to elevate your business and stand out in today’s competitive landscape.
10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
Dan Gingiss
The Experience Maker, LLC
MODERATOR
KEYNOTE: Making Connections: Building Social Media Influencer Partnerships That Deliver Results
Led by a local PR expert, this session provides actionable insights into forming meaningful collaborations with influencers. Learn how to align with creators to enhance your brand’s visibility, engage your audience, and achieve measurable results for your business
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
Alex Jakubiak
VP | Carol Fox & Associates
MODERATOR
Olga Goffman
Chicago-based Creator
PANELIST
Pooja Naik, MPA
The Chicago Pescetarian
PANELIST
KEYNOTE: State of Hospitality, Tourism & Events Industries
Introduced By: GIanluca Pesce, Director of Marketing & Communications for Yolk
Join Rich Gamble, Interim President & CEO of Choose Chicago, as he leads a panel of industry leaders in a dynamic discussion on the current state and future of Chicago’s hospitality, tourism, and events industries. This session will explore key trends, economic impacts, and strategic initiatives shaping the city’s visitor economy. Gain insights from top experts on challenges, opportunities, and what businesses need to know to stay ahead in an evolving market. Don’t miss this essential conversation with decision-makers driving Chicago’s growth.
11:25 AM - 11:55 AM
Rich Gamble
Choose Chicago
MODERATOR
Kimberly Bares
President & CEO | The Magnificent Mile Association
PANELIST
Marilynn Gardner
CEO | Navy Pier
PANELIST
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Roundtable Luncheon
Join industry pros for hands-on, roundtable discussions that spark ideas, build connections, and share practical tips to boost your career and grow your business. Tickets are $45 with limited availability. First come, first served.
A Remarkable Experience Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage
Join Dan Gingiss, Keynote Speaker & Author, The Experience Maker LLC, for a deeper dive into the power of customer experience. Building on his keynote, this interactive discussion will explore how creating remarkable guest moments turns customers into loyal advocates. Share insights, tackle challenges, and walk away with actionable strategies to make your business stand out.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Dan Gingiss
The Experience Maker, LLC
Attracting the World: How to Capture More Business from International Travelers
Join John Curran, who spoke at the educational session on global tourism, for a deeper dive into strategies for attracting and serving international visitors. Learn how to tap into the global travel market, connect with key partners, and tailor your offerings to appeal to international travelers. Walk away with actionable tactics to increase bookings and grow your business on a global scale.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
John Curran
Big Bus Tours
Building a Strong
Destination Brand
Approaches for developing a distinctive destination or venue brand to attract more visitors and stand out in competitive markets.
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Chicago’s Specialty Tours: Unique Insights from a Local Expert
Discover a world of unique and niche experiences that showcase the best of Chicago. In this engaging discussion, led by an expert local tour guide, you’ll uncover specialty tours that are perfect for clients and employees looking for something extraordinary.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Kelli Marshall
Chicago Movie Tours
Crafting a Winning Choose Chicago Event RFP Response
Gain insights into how to structure and refine your RFP response to enhance your odds of winning opportunities
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Cahal Mowery
VP of Sales | Choose Chicago
Creating Unforgettable Personalized Experiences for VIP Guests
Bespoke VIP experiences can build brand loyalty, boost satisfaction scores, and create lasting impressions. Go beyond the sale to discover how to tailor guest experiences and create your next brand ambassador.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Kristen Klus
Chef Concierge | Four Seasons
Event Enhancements: Entertainment and Activations
​Join an engaging roundtable discussion led by an events activation and entertainment expert to explore a proven process for selecting the perfect entertainment and activations for your events. Learn how to align your choices with audience expectations, event goals, and budget, while gaining valuable insights and best practices. Collaborate with industry peers and leave with actionable strategies to create impactful, memorable event experiences.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Stacey Malow-Williams
Live Art International
C-Suite Conversations: Connecting Senior Industry Leaders
Engage in open dialogue with industry owners and leaders to share insights, tackle challenges, and drive collaborative growth within the hospitality, tourism and events industries.
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Enhancing Accessibility in Tourism and Events
Insights on designing inclusive experiences that accommodate diverse needs, ensuring all guests feel welcomed and valued.
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Influencer Partnerships: Harnessing the Power of Social Media Creators
Join a leading social media influencer to explore advanced strategies for building effective partnerships, leveraging their platforms to amplify brand visibility, and driving sustained audience engagement.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Jen White
Jen White
High-Impact Sales Tips for Hospitality and Tourism Pros
Join Ryan Dohrn, Summit speaker, and billion-dollar hospitality sales coach, for a roundtable discussion packed with proven strategies to boost your sales. Build on the ideas from Ryan’s session and dive deeper into actionable tips to take your sales game to the next level.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Ryan Dohrn
SellHospitality.com
ILEA - Expanding Your Vendor Network: Engaging Local and Independent Businesses
Insights on designing inclusive experiences that accommodate diverse needs, ensuring all guests feel welcomed and valued.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Andrew Brode
ILEA Chicago Chapter President | AV Chicago
NACE - Mentoring Tips & Tricks for upcoming Meeting & Event Professionals
Discover a world of unique and niche experiences that showcase the best of Chicago. In this engaging discussion, led by an expert local tour guide, you’ll uncover specialty tours that are perfect for clients and employees looking for something extraordinary.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Christie Springer
Stefani Group | NACE Chicago Chapter President
IPW - Unlocking Opportunities for Your Business and the Midwest Region
Discover how IPW helps you capitalize on emerging global trends and connections to grow your business and career
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Naomi Hattori
VP, Tourism & Global Development | Choose Chicago
Making Connections: Building Influencer Partnerships That Deliver Results
Led by a Carol Fox & Associates representative, this session offers actionable insights into forming meaningful collaborations with influencers, focusing on how to align with creators to boost your business visibility and generate tangible outcomes.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Holly Rust
Hollydays Chicago
Optimizing Your Events: Partnering with Regional DMOs & CVBs
Join regional CVB Executive Director, Gina Speckman, for an interactive discussion on how working with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) can elevate your events. Learn how to leverage their expertise, resources, and connections to enhance planning, secure better deals, and drive attendance. Share insights, discuss challenges, and walk away with actionable strategies to build stronger partnerships that maximize your event’s success. Whether you're organizing corporate meetings, conferences, or large-scale gatherings, this session will help you unlock the full potential of regional tourism organizations.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Gina Speckman
Executive Director |
Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau
Maximizing Collaboration: How Planners and Hotels Can Achieve Better Results Together
Join industry leader and West Loop Hotel General Manager for an engaging roundtable discussion on strengthening the partnership between planners and hotels. Explore strategies for streamlining communication, maximizing value, and creating seamless event experiences. Share insights, discuss challenges, and gain practical takeaways to build stronger, more effective relationships that drive success for both planners and hotel partners. Whether you’re coordinating meetings, weddings, or large-scale events, this conversation will help you achieve better results together.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Zoltan Payerli
GM | The Emily Hotel
Maximizing Partnerships: How to Work with Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
Join this engaging roundtable discussion led by the Managing Partner of a leading Chicago Destination Management Company (DMC). Discover how partnering with DMCs can elevate your events, streamline logistics, and create unforgettable experiences for your clients. Whether you’re a meeting planner, event organizer, or hospitality professional, gain actionable insights into how DMCs can help you save time, reduce stress, and deliver exceptional results. This is a must-attend session for anyone looking to leverage DMC expertise to enhance their business.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Barb Campbell, CSEP, DMCP
Managing Partner | CTC Destination Management, a DMC Network Company
Working with Hotel Concierges to Attract More Visitors
Join Chicago Hotel Concierge Association President, Ramon Gomez, as he reveals the secrets to forging strong relationships with hotel concierges. Learn how to leverage these partnerships to boost your business visibility and attract more visitors. As industry insiders with direct connections to travelers, concierges can be your most powerful allies in promoting your business, transforming them from mere contacts into enthusiastic brand advocates. Discover strategies for establishing trust, providing exceptional service, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Ramon Gomez
President | Chicago Hotel Concierge Association
The Next Chapter: Tourism & Events on the Magnificent Mile
Join Kimberly Bares, President & CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, for an insightful session exploring the evolving tourism and events scene on Chicago's renowned Magnificent Mile. Learn about the latest initiatives, key developments, and how this iconic area is strengthening its role as a must-visit destination for travelers and event organizers alike. Gain valuable knowledge on how you can get involved and take advantage of emerging opportunities within one of Chicago’s most dynamic districts.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Kimberly Bares
President & CEO | The Magnificent Mile Association
Partnering with Corporate and Residential Concierges to Grow Your Business
Join National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter President for an interactive roundtable discussion on how corporate and high-end residential buildings are leveraging the concierge model to enhance guest experiences and increase tenant satisfaction. Learn how businesses are tapping into this model to unlock new revenue streams, build valuable partnerships, and elevate service offerings. Gain insights into how your business can connect with concierges to drive referrals, increase visibility, and attract high-value clientele. Whether you’re in hospitality, tourism, or events, this discussion will provide actionable strategies to capitalize on this growing opportunity.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Flor Sigaran
President | National Concierge Association - Chicago Chapter
Partnership Central: Enhancing Collaboration Between Planners and Event Services Companies
Engage in a dynamic discussion to explore strategies for optimizing partnerships, maximizing value, enhancing experiences, and achieving seamless, stress-free event execution.rode
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Amanda Eberle MBA, CPPS
VP | AV Chicago
Partnership Central: Tour Guides + Businesses
Join the President of the Chicago Tour Guide Professionals Association to discover how businesses and tour guides can collaborate effectively to drive growth, stand out from the competition, and deliver unforgettable experiences.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Mike McMains
Tours With Mike
PR Secrets: How to Gain More Media Coverage For Your Business Or Event
Join this engaging roundtable, led by a seasoned local PR expert, to uncover insider tips and proven strategies for securing more media coverage and elevating your brand's visibility
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
Noreen Heron
CEO & Founder | Heron Agency
Sustainable Tourism and Green Events
Actionable ways to incorporate sustainable practices in tourism and event planning, attracting eco-conscious audiences and reducing environmental impact.
Moderator Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Events
Key trends influencing the industry, including wellness tourism, immersive event experiences, and shifting customer expectations, with strategies for staying ahead
Moderator Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
MODERATOR
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Roz Dixon
Meet Minneapolis
Tying the Knot: Perfect Partnerships Between Wedding Planners and Vendors
Explore how businesses and wedding planners can collaborate to create seamless events, wow clients, and grow together.
Moderator Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
The Power of Event Technology: Tools for Efficiency and Engagement
Insights into the latest event technologies, from virtual platforms to attendee engagement tools, transforming the event experience for both hosts and participants.
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
The Planner Collective: Insights for Event Success
Join an open discussion amongst planners to share knowledge, hacks, and resources with fellow planner
This session will be an open discussion with no moderator.
12:00 PM - 1:45 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Trade Show
