Recently, Smart Meetings had the pleasure of attending the Meetings Industry Council (MIC) of Colorado’s first-ever two day annual conference. MIC of Colorado is a coalition made up of 13 organizations involved in the meetings and events industry. The Annual MIC Conference and Trade Show, traditionally a one-day event, was extended to become a two-day conference this year. According to the results, it was a resounding success.
From March 14 to 15, a record 1,200 attendees took in keynotes and educational sessions at Colorado Convention Center. As security is on many meeting professionals’ minds these days, the conference organized a risk management panel in which industry leaders shared strategies for assessing security risks at meetings and conventions. Fifteen educational breakouts and several networking receptions provided valuable opportunities for meetings and hospitality professionals to grow their careers and make important connections.
The conference also featured a star-studded list of keynote speakers. Tim Gard, CSP, CPAE Hall of Fame speaker, kicked off the conference with a bang by presenting three quick and easy ways for anyone to connect with customers. Industry heavyweight Michael Dominguez, chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International, shared his insights on 2017, a year he believes will be ruled by disruption, change and instability. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper spoke about the hospitality industry’s importance to Colorado, and what may come in this ever-evolving industry.
MIC also took the opportunity to recognize industry trailblazers with its 2016 MIC Leadership Award, which was given to Steve Kinsley, president of Kinsley Meetings.
After holding such a successful event, MIC of Colorado will continue to host two-day annual meetings. The 18th Annual MIC Conference and Trade Show will be held March 13-14, 2018 at Colorado Convention Center.
