Save Your Seat!

Leadership Experience

  • Washington DC

  • July 8-10, 2026

  • Salamander DC

Smart Meetings Hosted Buyer Experiences are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners.

Save Your Seat!

Discover Unmatched Experiences at Salamander

From July 8–10, 2026, experience an exceptional event at Salamander Washington DC in the heart of the nation’s capital. This luxury hotel offers a vibrant urban setting just minutes from historic landmarks, waterfront dining, and cultural destinations—perfect for planners and attendees alike.

The property features 36,000+ square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including two elegant ballrooms, numerous breakout rooms, and a scenic outdoor Grand Lawn overlooking the Southwest Marina—ideal for conferences, corporate gatherings, and receptions.

Whether you’re organizing workshops or large sessions, the state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated event team ensure seamless execution. Join us for an inspiring event experience where sophistication and productivity come together in Washington, DC.

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

Erick Rheam

Erick Rheam is a speaker and published author focused on discovering significance and the art of mastering human dynamics to achieve success. Erick graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He served as a Military Police Officer and special investigator in the United States Army in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Europe.

Lead Without Speaking—The Nonverbal Communication Workshop

55% of communication is nonverbal. Two people will signal over 800 nonverbal cues over the course of a 30-minute conversation. Former United States Army Military Police Officer and special investigator in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Europe Erick Rheam will deliver a half-day workshop that teaches the five principles of nonverbal communication—the five body language channels—and then unpack 13 techniques that can be used immediately to enhance communication and influence.

You will walk away with:

  • An appreciation and full understanding of what drives human dynamics and how we display our emotions and intent through nonverbal cues and how to leverage to nonverbal cues to safely de-escalate conflict.
  • The five body language channels and how to apply them at work and in life.
  • Four ways your “vibe” affects others and alters the human dynamics of a situation.
  • 13 negotiation and facilitation techniques and how to leverage body language to your advantage in negotiation and customer interaction settings.

The World Belongs to The Encourager

Life is hard, especially with change as our constant companion. One relationship tool will never become obsolete: encouragement. This motivational talk will share a compelling real-world story of rags to riches and invite you to embrace the idea of becoming an encourager as the greatest investment for success. You will walk away with:

  • The revelation that encouragement starts from within and how to apply three principles to become comfortable within your own world.
  • The three keys to encouraging others and why it’s important for long-term success.
  • The ability to attract success.

 

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John Register

John Register was training for the Olympic Games when one missed hurdle changed everything. A devastating injury forced the decorated Persian Gulf War U.S. Army combat veteran to make a life-altering decision: amputation. Instead of chasing what was lost, Register embraced a New Normal Mindset and returned to elite sport, becoming a two-time, two-sport Paralympic athlete and Silver Medalist. He co-founded the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Sports Program and authored 10 Stories to Impact Any Leader. Today, Register is a leadership keynote speaker guiding leaders through irreversible decisions—helping them amputate what no longer serves so they can elevate what truly matters

Amputate to Elevate: How to Navigate Irreversible Change.

Meeting professionals today are not struggling because they lack information. They are struggling because they are trying to preserve what no longer works. In an environment defined by disruption, uncertainty, workforce pressure, and accelerated change, hesitation becomes costly. The greatest risk is no longer change itself — it is waiting for stability to return while momentum disappears.

John Register helps leaders navigate irreversible change by teaching them how to release what no longer serves growth, make decisive leadership moves, and create forward momentum in environments that will not slow down.

You will leave equipped to:

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Event Experience Schedule

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - All Times Local Standard Time

Thursday, July 9, 2026 - All Times Local Standard Time

Friday, July 10, 2026 - All Times Local Standard Time

The Details

Smart Meetings Hosted Buyer Experiences are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners. Hotels and Destination Partners, please contact our sales team at [email protected] for your best available rate.

We use a sophisticated software to custom match our planners with premier properties and destinations that fit your business needs, region, budget and venue preferences. As the event nears, planners and suppliers will have the opportunity to select their appointment preferences to ensure their highest attendee satisfaction.

A qualified Meeting Planner can attend (1) one hosted buyer experience annually based on business needs. Hotels and destination partners may attend unlimited events. Contact our Sales Team for more information at [email protected]

Ronald Reagan INTL Airport (DCA)

AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS

Experience the transformative power of networking and education at Smart Meetings events, where connections flourish and ideas thrive. In this video, attendees share their firsthand experiences about the incredible opportunities available at Smart Meetings hosted-buyer events.

See why so many planners want to attend

Join us for an in-depth look at the unique Smart Meeting experiences that foster genuine connections between planners and suppliers. This video showcases the transformative power of networking within the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding both business and the local culture.

See why suppliers keep coming back

In this video, we delve into the transformative power of Smart Meetings events, designed specifically for hospitality professionals. Planner attendees share their experiences, highlighting the incredible opportunities for personal connections, professional growth, and networking with industry leaders, planners, and vendors.

How our events transform your career

Unlock the secrets to successful networking in the events industry with Smart Meetings. This video showcases firsthand experiences from suppliers who have thrived by attending our unique events.

The lasting connections supplier attendees achieve

Embark on a transformative journey in the meetings industry with Smart Meetings. In this engaging video, several newcomers share their firsthand experience of attending Smart Meetings, highlighting the immense value of education, networking, and innovative insights.

What you'll experience as a new planner

DOSM, John Klukan shares firsthand insights about his experience at Smart Meetings Event. Discover how the event facilitated three contract requests out of six initial appointments, emphasizing the importance of tailored connections.

See the value our supplier attendees experience

You Belong Here

PARTNERS

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