National Northern California Experience

Meet in the Heart of Monterey!

Experience the best of the central California coast at the AAA Four Diamond Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay. Located near downtown Monterey and Fisherman’s Wharf, our bayfront hotel is a luxury escape for families, romantics, and adventurers. Voted among the Top Twenty Hotels in Northern California by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers, Portola Hotel is the ultimate vacation destination.

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENT

SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS

Connor Fields
Connor Fields

A three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the first American to win Olympic BMX Gold. As one of the world's all-time greatest BMX racers, Connor has represented the United States 50+ times in 25+ countries. At 17-Years-Old, Connor became the youngest rider to ever podium a BMX World Cup. From “choking” at the 2012 Olympics to being “clutch” in 2016 to nearly losing his life at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, GOLD Rush takes audiences on a roller coaster of emotions, peeking behind the curtain to the rarely-seen journey from overcoming extreme adversity to winning sport's greatest prize. Connor shares with audiences his ride through recovery and self-discovery. With authentic and engaging storytelling, GOLD Rush inspires resiliency, hope, and optimism.

Contact Connor's Agent Today
Cameron Barbarick
Cameron Barbarick

Cameron Barbarick is a public speaking trainer with a passion for empowering individuals to communicate with more confidence, clarity, and ease. After successfully mediating his parent's tumultuous relationship and studying/working in the field of communication he discovered that the forces enabling effective communication in his family are often the same within the workplace and society at large. This discovery is the cornerstone of Cameron's unwavering commitment to helping others enhance their self-confidence and embrace communication as a tool for personal growth. Using a proven system he has helped transform hundreds of professionals into more mindful and charismatic speakers and listeners. His ontological-based approach toward communication development sheds light on the impact that our speaking and listening has on the world around us, inspiring his students to commit to the practice of “being” a more self-assured, authentic, and responsible communicator. His presentation “Speak Smark and Listen Well: Communication Tools For a More Enriching Life” takes listeners on a deep inquiry into the values and issues that arise in communication and the importance of being responsible for how we use it. His philosophy provides audiences with a newfound appreciation of communication along with tools and techinques to use it more meaningfully in work, life, and family.

Learn more about Cameron Barbarick Here
Steven J. Steinhart
Steven J. Steinhart

Steven J. Steinhart is a renowned hospitality sales consultant, recognized globally for his expertise. His company, Steinhart & Associates, offers training programs and e-Learning solutions to enhance the productivity of sales and catering managers. Steinhart has spoken at prestigious industry events and was chosen to write a chapter on Group Sales & Catering for HSMAI's Leadership Book. The company has successful partnerships with prominent clients, resulting in increased bookings and revenue. Their curriculum focuses on best practices for attracting groups, conferences, and major conventions. Some hospitality customers base their buying decisions strictly on economic factors while others need to establish a personal relationship with salespeople. This session, Accelerating The Rapport Building Process With Customers, takes an in depth look at how buyers arrive at their buying decisions. A self-analysis quiz will enable suppliers to "categorize" customers in an effort to determine the best sales approach. Logically if you can quickly learn to read your customer's buying signals, then you will have an edge on your competitor.

Learn more about Steve Steinhart & Associates Here

HOTEL GALLERY

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Sunday, November 5, 2023 - All Times Pacific Standard Time

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm White Glove Welcome: Guest Registration & Check-In
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Welcome Reception: Meet & Greet
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Step up your Smarts - Keynote Speaker
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Explore the Floor: Property Tour
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Kick off Celebration: Reception & Dinner

Monday, November 6, 2023 - All Times Pacific Standard Time

6:30 am - 7:15 am Seize the Day: Wake Up Activity
7:30 am - 8:30 am Ms. B’s Breakfast Social: Breakfast Buffet
8:30 am - 10:00 am Instant Start to Smart - Keynote Speaker
10:15 am - 12:30 pm Meet Your Matches
12:45pm -1:30 pm Offsite Luncheon & Teambuilding
1:45pm - 4:00 pm Build & Bond Brilliantly: Team Activity Immediately Following Lunch
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm #MeTime
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Ms. B’s Offsite Bash Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - All Times Pacific Standard Time

7:30 am - 9:00 am Ms. B’s Breakfast Social: Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Meet Your Matches
12:00pm - 1:00pm Seal the Deal Feast: Luncheon
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm # Departures 1 pm | 2pm | 3 pm | 4 pm | 5 pm

PEOPLE ARE TALKING

FAQ'S

Smart Meeting events are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners. Hotels and destinations, please contact your sales rep at salesteam@smartmeetings.com for your best available rate.

We use a sophisticated software to custom match our planners with premier properties that fit your 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.

Yes! Planners are welcome to attend one regional event and one national event each year. Hotels and destinations may attend unlimited events.

SPONSORS

PLATINUM & EVENT SPONSORS

ANNUAL SPONSORS