Smart Meetings | Page 365 of 602 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

business-travel

For meeting planners, business travel is simply a part of the job. These trips often come with great perks—beautiful resorts, exciting activities and opportunities to meet diverse groups of people. But business travel can also be stressful in many ways; jetlag, navigating an unfamiliar city and hectic schedules are just a few of the issues that stress out frequent travelers. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize the stress of your next trip.

1. Exercise
Many would argue that there’s simply no time to exercise while on a business trip. However, just 20 minutes of walking, running or swimming will release endorphins and provide you with a much-needed mood booster. So take advantage of that beautiful hotel pool and state-of-the-art fitness center! Starting your day off with a quick workout will leave you happier, healthier and armed with a positive mindset to tackle any challenges thrown at you.

2. Pack efficiently and effectively
Forgot some important item? Packed a few things you don’t even need? We’ve all been there. Instead of scrambling before your next trip, take time to make a list of all your essentials. Travel documents, work resources and chargers for your gadgets should be added to the checklist. Don’t forget to add a few comforting items to help you relax after a long day, such as soothing chamomile tea or your favorite sleeping mask.

3. Get your beauty sleep
Don’t overlook the importance of sleep. In our constantly-connected world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of working long hours while on a trip. However, working late may not be the best strategy for completing all your tasks—and doing them well. Getting a restful sleep will actually make you much more productive and effective.

4. Embrace adventure
According to Greek philosopher Aristotle, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” Embrace each trip, new location and challenge as an opportunity for growth and adventure. Instead of being stressed out about the negatives, focus on the positives, and you’ll end up enjoying your time away much more.

coach yourself

Coaching of business professionals has become an $11 billion annual industry, and although it fills a need, workers can save time and money by implementing some basic principles on their own to become their own coach.

Here are seven principles that meeting professionals can easily implement, adapted from a posting on fastcompany.com.

1. Study the Gap: Professionals often feel stuck in their careers, without understanding why. In many cases, this is because they are so immersed in their routines that they don’t ever stop to examine the gaps in their skills and performance. By doing an ongoing self-analysis, you can identify areas where you need improvement, and thereby take actions to reach your goals.

2. Journal: Keep a journal in which you describe your goals and objectives, and the progress you are making in attaining them. Freely express your thoughts and feelings, even when you are confused. Remember that journaling can be a process, and that you can learn from each step along the way, whatever it may bring.

3. Know Your Focus: Many people are motivated by wanting to gain something, while others are motivated by not wanting to lose something. Identify your key motivators and use that insight to maintain your focus and remember why you wanted to achieve your goal.

4. Find accountability: It’s important to be held accountable on your progress. Check in regularly with a colleague, friend or mentor who is willing to monitor how you’re moving toward your goals or making other improvements in your life.

5. Get good feedback: Consult with advisers or mentors to get constructive feedback on your work. Remember that feedback is intended to help you improve rather than simply describe what you are or aren’t achieving.

6. Engage in self-inquiry: Think about the choices you make each day and review your journal entries to reflect on why you took certain actions. Examine the motivation behind each action, and whether or not it helped you to attain your goals. And allow yourself to celebrate the successes!

7. Adjust along the way: As you work toward achieving your goals, never be afraid to change course. View it as a process that is ever-changing as you become more mindful about actions that are and aren’t working for you.

how-to-motivate-employees

Managers are always looking at ways to motivate employees, as happy and engaged workers are more productive and raise workplace morale. There is also a huge bottom-line cost when workers are unmotivated. It has been estimated that disengaged workers waste up to two hours per day at work, costing business $300 billion annually.

While everyone agrees that motivating employees is important, companies could do a better job at it. While many employ carrot/stick systems, they acknowledge that this model of reward/punishment does not foster creativity. Thirty percent of executives admit that motivating their employees is actually their toughest job. A whopping 89 percent of employers think that the reason workers quit is related to money, however just 12 percent actually earn higher salaries at their next jobs. It is becoming clear that other important factors such as autonomy, mastery and purpose are important influencers.

Weekdone, which sells performance management tools, recently published the results of a survey revealing that 67 percent of workers cite praise from managers as the most important motivator. This was followed closely by attention from leaders (63 percent) and more responsibility (62 percent). While 60 percent of the respondents admitted that cash bonuses are highly motivating, just 52 percent mentioned pay raises and 35 percent mentioned stock options as driving factors.

Below, Hubspot suggests 6 ways to motivate employees:

Heap on the Praise. In addition to compliments, offer specific, analytical feedback about how the employee handles his or her tasks.

Communicate. Only 40 percent of employees say they are well-informed of their company’s goals, strategy and tactics. Clarify the bigger picture, and show how the employee’s personal goals and objectives align with the company’s. In addition to company-wide meetings, schedule regular, one-on-one meetings.

Provide More Responsibility. Employees feel proud about contributing to a project, even if it is difficult. Don’t be afraid to assign more demanding tasks, as many employees will rise to the challenge. Provide ample opportunity for employees to contribute ideas and suggestions.

Develop an Appropriate Bonus Structure. Make goals challenging yet realistic. Periodically review the reward system, and when necessary, change it. Well-structured incentive programs can increase employee performance by as much as 44 percent.

Give Generous Raises. Discuss the amount and terms with the employee beforehand, and correlate the raise with the results and development of the employee. The total should be about 10 percent in order to have a significant impact.

Measure Performance. Use a performance management tool (such as one made by Weekdone) in order to fairly and accurately measure accomplishments and gauge development.

travel-essentials

Meeting planners spend a lot of time flying from place to place, often on dry, stuffy airplanes. Here are 4 travel essentials that can help make flights more pleasant. All are small enough to tuck into your purse, and these products should be available over-the-counter in most drug or health food stores.

GoGargle!

When you were young and your throat was sore, Grandma recommended gargling with salt water. That common sense advice is the premise behind GoGargle!, an effervescent tablet that is dropped into a glass of warm water and becomes a healing salt water elixir. GoGargle! is flavored with mint and contains soothing ingredients such as honey, chamomile and aloe, along with 11 other vitamins and herbs. The product cleanses bacteria from the mouth and naturally relieves sore, scratchy throats. Simple, portable and easy to use, GoGargle! tablets provide more lasting relief than throat lozenges or sprays, which simply mask sore throat symptoms.

Olbas Inhaler

Dry cabin air can make one’s nose stuffy. This convenient, pocket-sized inhaler releases natural vapors extracted from essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, cajuput, wintergreen, juniper berry and clove. The fast-acting, penetrating aromatics provide a pleasant and cooling sensation to nasal passages and sinuses irritated by low humidity or seasonal allergies. The completely natural product will remain effective for three months after it is opened, and can be used by adults and children over age two.

Ice Chips

You want to make sure your breath is fresh when getting off the plane, but liquid mouthwash (which can open and spill into your purse) is inconvenient to travel with. Ice Chips, a Shark Tank success story, are all-natural, sugar-free candies that help keep breath fresh and smiles bright. The small tins easily fit in a purse or carry-on, with no chance of spillage. Safe for diabetics, they are sweetened with xylitol, which reportedly strengthens teeth and reduces decay. Ice Chips come in 20 different flavors, including wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, coffee, margarita, strawberry daiquiri and more.

BugBand Towelettes

Whatever your destination, don’t be bugged when you land. Protect yourself against the Zika virus and other pesky insects with BugBand Towelettes. The lightweight foil packets contain two 8-inch-by-8-inch towelettes saturated with Geraniol DEET-FREE insect repellent, which repels mosquitoes, flies, gnats, no-see-ums, fleas, ticks and head lice. Safe and effective for adults, children and pets, BugBand Towelettes can be used all over the body, including the face and neck. They contain naturally derived active ingredients, primarily concentrated geranium oil.

tips for business trips

Planning a business trip does not need to take a lot of time or effort. Dan Ruch, founder and CEO of Rocketrip, a corporate travel management platform that reduces expenses by rewarding employees that travel under budget, offers the following advice.

1. Review the corporate travel policy beforehand. You will save time and heartache if you know in advance whether you will need trip approval or if there are maximum spending guidelines.

2. The average traveler visits 38 sites researching and booking a trip. Don’t waste time site hopping. Major travel sites draw on the same flight and hotel inventory, so prices are usually comparable. Pick one general travel site and stick to it. However, it may be worthwhile to check the website of particular airline or hotel if you belong to their loyalty program and they offer perks for booking direct.

3. Look for deals that bundle the flight, hotel and rental car. Bundling saves money. It also saves time, since it allows you to make all the bookings at once, and you don’t need to repeatedly enter credit card info or manage confirmation emails from multiple sites.

4. Track expenses from the onset. Begin your expense report at the time of booking, entering the plane ticket, hotel reservation and other prepaid purchases such as conference registration fees. When you return, complete the report by adding meal, taxi, client entertainment and other incidental expenses.

5. Let co-workers know when and where you are traveling so there is no confusion if they need to contact you.

6. Download a travel planning app that will allow you to organize and access your itineraries, boarding passes and reservation IDs. Some popular examples include TripIt and WorldMate.

7. Since you can never guarantee Wi-Fi on the road, create a dedicated travel folder that has old fashioned printouts of your itinerary and travel documents. You can also use this folder to store receipts for reimbursement later.

8. Before your trip, set a calendar reminder to review your reservations, confirm departure times and create an out-of-office email.

If you haven’t checked LinkedIn lately or updated your profile in months, you’re missing out on one of the best professional networking tools on the internet. Don’t let these common LinkedIn mistakes cause career opportunities to pass you by.

Using unsuitable photos

LinkedIn profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than profiles without them. But not just any photo will do; the photo you choose can make a huge difference. When selecting the photo you want to represent your professional brand, it’s important to follow a few guidelines.

–Choose a recent photo that’s representative of how you look at work
–Don’t choose an image that includes your pet, spouse or friends
–Take a photo in front of a simple, clean background that won’t distract from your face
–Select a picture in which you look friendly and approachable. A scowl or confused expression won’t have people rushing to click on your profile.

Not optimizing your profile

Did you know that you can optimize your LinkedIn profile to improve your ranking in the social network’s search? Most LinkedIn users don’t. Inc. shared a few simple tweaks you can make to boost your profile.

–Users search by using keywords on LinkedIn, so make sure your profile includes keywords that important to your industry, such as corporate meeting planner, event planner and event manager.
–Write a great headline, and include keywords in the headline.
–Get plenty of endorsements for relevant skills. Endorsements for an in-demand skillset will make it more likely for your profile to appear in searches.

Not using groups effectively

LinkedIn groups are a fantastic way to build your network and boost your presence among industry peers. Here’s what you can do to maximize the advantage of these communities.

–Choose groups that are relevant to your field. Joining a group opens you up to a world of new connections that are targeted and specific to your niche. Groups also allow you to send messages to fellow members who you’re not yet connected to.
–Participate! Share your expertise and opinions in group discussions. You’ll gain respect for your skills and build a good reputation among your peers.

Rejecting connections from people you don’t know

In its early days, LinkedIn recommended that users accept only connections they know personally. LinkedIn has evolved greatly since then, making that advice obsolete. Now, in order to get the most out of the site, users should expand their networks by making connections with people they don’t know.

–Send personalized connection requests to industry professionals you want to get to know. Instead of sending the default LinkedIn message, use a personal touch to make your request stand out.
–The bigger your network, the more views your profile will get. You never know who could stumble upon your profile, from a potential client to a possible partner.

tsa-precheck

Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made headlines all over the country due to incredibly long lines at security checkpoints. Travelers at various airports have lamented waits of up to three hours.

Just a few days ago, 450 fliers were stranded overnight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after missing flights due to long security lines. American Airlines was forced to set up cots for those spending the night at the airport. Several weeks ago, the Port Authority of New York wrote a letter criticizing TSA procedures and threatening to replace the agency with a private firm. The problem has steadily grown over the past few months, and with summer approaching, it seems the end is nowhere in sight.

According to the TSA, wait times are growing because budget cuts have forced the agency to cut its staff, and summer travel season is beginning to ramp up, increasing the number of travelers. This has left TSA checkpoints undermanned and caused lines to swell to increasingly unbearable levels.

In an effort to avoid these waits, many travelers are now using TSA PreCheck, which allows registered and pre-screened fliers to bypass the standard security line. Travelers with PreCheck have their own (usually much shorter) line and are even exempt from removing their shoes and taking laptops and liquids out of their bags.

Meeting planners with packed schedules and frequent trips can expedite their trips by getting PreCheck. But what exactly is it, and how do you apply for it? Here’s what you should know.

Fast Facts

–TSA PreCheck offers an expedited security screening process to domestic travelers flying on participating airlines. For frequent international travelers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program includes the benefits of PreCheck in addition to expedited screening for international flights with participating airlines.
–PreCheck costs $85 for five years (Global Entry costs $15 more).
–PreCheck is available at more than 160 airports in the United States.
–Twelve airlines currently participate in PreCheck: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.

How to Apply

To be eligible for PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have never violated any customs or immigration laws. Here are the steps you need to take.

1. The first step in the process is to fill out an online application on the TSA website. The application is straightforward but very detailed: You’ll have to list your employment history as well as every country you’ve visited over the past five years.

2. After completing the application, you can expect to receive a response within a week. If the application is approved, you will be eligible to schedule an in-person interview at one of more than 300 application centers around the country. Although walk-ins are welcome, it’s recommended that you make an appointment.

3. When you go to the interview, you will be required to bring identifying documents such as a U.S. passport or a driver’s license, and a birth certificate. You will be fingerprinted and asked questions that confirm the details on your application, as well as about your travel habits. You’ll also need to pay the nonrefundable $85 application fee.

4. The last step is simply to wait. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification letter with your known traveler number (KTN), which you can use when booking flights. Your boarding pass will say TSA PRECHK, making you eligible to enter the PreCheck line.

tips to manage emails

Emails continue to be a primary form of communication among meeting and event professionals, but many don’t realize how much time they spend writing and reading them.

Here are eight tips for effective email management, adapted from a list compiled by Endless Entertainment, a nationwide event production company.

1. Process your email only once each day: Most professionals check their emails several times each day because they rely on it for their work, and want to know if something requires their immediate attention. This is necessary, but it’s best to choose specific times of the day—such as first thing in the morning, just after lunch or the last thing at the end of the day—to respond to nonurgent emails.

2. Not every email needs a reply: Many people send informational emails that don’t require a response. In fact, in many cases, a response is not expected. It’s not necessary to respond to all emails, and remember that doing so can take valuable time out of your day.

3. Create template email replies: Meeting and event professionals receive a wide assortment of emails, many of them require similar responses. So, they can save considerable time by creating template responses, such as requests for information, thank you messages and event feedback.

4. Use email filters: A considerable amount of time can be saved by using filters that automatically sort email. You can use as many filters as you want; simply identify the term that needs to be found and how emails containing the term should be sorted.

5. Apply the one-minute rule to your emails: If it will take you less than one minute to reply to an email that requires a response, reply immediately so that you no longer have to deal with it. Many emails can be handled in this manner, enabling you to quickly clear much of your inbox.

6. Snooze the email if it requires a longer response: By snoozing emails, you can temporarily archive them until you’re ready to respond. You can choose a time for these emails to reappear at the top of your inbox, and then deal with them.

7. Limit the time you are spending on your email: Time yourself the next time you check your emails to find out how long it takes you to process, read and respond to them. Ask yourself if the time was well spent, and if not, establish new priorities. Also, remember that just because someone sent you a long email, it doesn’t necessarily require a long response.

8. Unsubscribe from unwanted emails: Meetings professionals often sign up for newsletters and feeds while cruising the web. If you find that you’re not making good use of these sources, unsubscribe. Any time you spend dealing with them could be put to better use.

Michele Kephart

Michele Kephart was introduced as sales manager for The Chattanoogan, a Benchmark Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kephart is responsible for group and day meeting experiences at the IACC-certified property. Most recently, she served as director of marketing for Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga. She has also managed her own full-service advertising and design agency, Trahpek Advertising, for more than nine years.

Lisa Vogt

Celebrity Cruises announced Lisa Vogt as associate vice president of global meetings, incentives and charter sales, where she will oversee corporate, charter and strategic partner business worldwide. Previously, she was director of global sales and marketing for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International and director of business development support and onboard sales for Royal Caribbean International, prior to that. Vogt joined Royal Caribbean Cruises in 1997, and has spent more than 19 years in the travel industry. She is a native of Australia.

Justin McCray

Justin McCray has been promoted as group sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic region at Nobu Hotel Eden Roc, once the hotel-within-a-hotel concept opens this fall at Eden Roc Miami Beach. In his new role, McCray will be responsible for all group functions, including incentives, board meetings, corporate retreats and other business events. He has more than 10 years of sales experience, including positions held at Vantage Hospitality Group, Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and Public Chicago.

Larry Luteran

Larry Luteran has joined Freeman as executive vice president and chief sales officer of the global brand experiences company. Based in Dallas, Luteran is responsible for revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies. He is the former senior vice president of group sales and industry relations at Hilton Worldwide, and has more than 30 years of experience in the meetings and events industry.

“I’m thrilled to join the Freeman family, where I look forward to extending our client relationships and contributing to Freeman’s growth as a leader in the meetings and event industry,” he said. “I look forward to providing meaningful experiences to our audio visual customers. I’ve spent a big part of my career advocating for the power of face-to-face meetings. Freeman is the company that brings it all to life, and that for me is very exciting.”

Jon Conching

Jon Conching was hired as director of sales, marketing and events for Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. Prior to his appointment, he was regional vice president of sales and marketing for the Hawaii region at Hilton Worldwide. He oversaw sales and marketing efforts for several Hawaiian properties, including the former Turtle Bay Hilton, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria Resort and Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Alana Waikiki Beach. Conching is a hospitality veteran with 40 years of experience in the travel industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jon Conching to our Hyatt ohana,” says David Nadelman, area vice president and general manager. “Jon’s experience representing the Hawaiian Islands and his knowledge of the group and transient markets in which we operate are the perfect combination to take us to a whole new level. Celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, Jon’s addition will set the stage for this property’s continued success for another 40 years.”

Peggy Hagaman

Discover The Palm Beaches, Florida, the official marketing corporation for Palm Beach County hired Peggy Hagaman as director of sales for the Midwest. In her Chicago-based position, she develops business strategies to solicit meetings, conventions, trade shows and events to Palm Beach County. Most recently she was convention sales manager for more than 12 years at New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. Prior to that, she developed new business strategies for Dallas Convention & Visitor Bureau and Destination Cleveland. Hagaman has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University.

“Peggy brings exceptional hospitality and destination sales experience as well as business relationships to our group sales team. The knowledge she’s garnered from highly respected destination marketing organizations will be invaluable to our mission to elevate the image and awareness of our expanding meetings and convention product,” said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO for Discover The Palm Beaches.

Barry Richards

First Protocol, an international events agency, announced Barry Richards as president of the managed services division. Richards, who is based in the U.S., leads account growth for the U.K., while overseeing the agency’s managed services division and expanding event resourcing capabilities. First Protocol provides these services for three global financial institutions. Prior to joining the agency, he spent nearly 10 years with Grass Roots, a full-service meeting and events company.

“I am very excited to help drive First Protocol’s growth trajectory, and in particular to help expand the existing managed services model to offer a range of services that seamlessly integrate into our clients’ event lifecycles and support their changing meetings and event needs,” he said. “As someone who is passionate about delivering exceptional event experiences, I also look forward to joining a team of people who share that vision.”

Julianna Viertel

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas named Julianna Viertel as director of sales and marketing for the 171-room hotel. Viertel has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and most recently served as director of sales and marketing at Hilton Waco. In her current role, she oversees sales and marketing efforts, specifically focusing on building each market segment, maximizing revenue opportunities and building relationships in the Dallas community.

“We are thrilled to have Julianna leading our sales efforts,” said Stephanie Mehail, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas. “Her knowledge of the hotel industry and Hilton brand coupled with her passion to build the foundation of a new property will take the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas to new heights.”

Marianne McConathy-Nelson

After leading the hotel’s sales team, Marianne McConathy-Nelson was promoted to general manager of Hilton Shreveport in Louisiana. She is in charge of directing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services and satisfaction, hotel administration and marketing efforts. During her previous position as area director of sales and marketing, the hotel sales team at Hilton Shreveport was named Sales and Revenue Team of the Year by HRI Lodging. She has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 10 years in the airline industry.

“Marianne is no doubt a seasoned veteran and expert on the Shreveport market,” said Larry Daniels, vice president of operations for HRI Lodging, LLC, the hotel’s New Orleans-based management company. “Her commitment to leadership and proven track record made her the best candidate for the position.”

Shawn Jervis

Miramonte Resort and Spa, A Destination Hotel, hired Shawn Jervis as general manager of the desert property in Indian Wells, California. He oversees all day-to-day operations, including sales and marketing, food and beverage and ongoing property repositioning. Most recently he was general manager of The Embassy Row Hotel, A Destination Hotel in Washington DC. He has also managed Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, another luxury property under the Destination Hotels portfolio. Jervis is a decorated combat veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon.

“Shawn is joining this beautiful hotel at a key juncture,” said Kevin Regan, senior vice president of operations for the western region of Destination Hotels. “Shawn has a successful track record in brand development, strategic planning, guest service and leadership, and we are confident he will help us surpass our goals on all levels.”

Jonathan Capps

Jonathan Capps was named vice president of revenue for Charlestowne Hotels, a full-service hospitality management company. He is responsible for overseeing internal and external revenue management strategies, and establishing new profitability enhancement methods for Charlestowne Hotels. Capps will also assist in strategizing areas to increase revenue for each hotel managed by the company. Most recently, he was director of revenue at Wild Dunes Resort. Capps has a degree in hospitality and tourism management from the College of Charleston and currently serves as an advisor for its hospitality revenue management MBA program.

“In conjunction with his strong sales and marketing skillset, Johnathan demonstrates an incredible aptitude for leadership, enabling him to bridge various disciplines for optimum results,” says Michael Tall, president and COO for Charlestowne Hotels. “He will enable our brand to expand revenue services by meeting client needs and continuing our streak of topline revenue generation.”

Record-Breaking Numbers from IMEX America 2015

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the strategic partner and key education provider for IMEX America, and it takes those responsibilities quite personally.

Besides the expansive Smart Monday program, which helps kick off IMEX with nearly 30 education sessions, MPI is the presenter for daily keynote addresses during the meeting industry’s largest trade show of the year. IMEX America runs Oct. 18-20 at Las Vegas’ Sands Expo and Convention Center, with Smart Monday taking place Oct. 17.

Here are the inspirational keynote speakers MPI has helped secure for IMEX America:

Monday, Oct. 17, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Jonathan Bradshaw
Meetology: The Fascinating Science Behind Connecting with Others
The founder of the Meetology Lab leads the company’s team of scientists in collecting and sharing behavioral research on how humans can connect, interact and communicate more effectively. He will discuss how people are wired to connect with each other and present insights and practical tips on how to improve performance by communicating more effectively.

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Jay Samit
Disrupt You! Strategies for Billion Dollar Success in this Era of Endless Innovation
The entrepreneur and digital guru helped launch eBay, Linkedin and iTunes. He will show how the strategies that help the world’s fastest growing companies flourish can be applied at the individual level to achieve success.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Pablos Holman
Innovate or Die Trying–From the Mind of a World Renown Hacker
Holman is a notorious hacker, inventor, entrepreneur and technology futurist. He will explore what it means to innovate and how to make wild ideas a bit more practical and vice versa.

Thursday, Oct. 20, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Tami Evans
Half Full of It—Activating Optimism and Other Hard-Core Soft-Skills
An author and motivational speaker, Evans has a broad professional history that has included working as a university professor, communications specialist, professional actress and fashion designer for Banana Republic. She will share tools to help increase engagement, create communication cohesion, and elevate self-confidence for leadership and a more productive life.

“We are proud to be working with MPI once again this year to deliver key education on Smart Monday as well as their daily morning keynotes,” says Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX. “These sessions have become an integral part of the IMEX America week. MPI continues to deliver sessions that are fresh, relevant and impactful on important topics like innovation and personal development. We know that attendees are in for another great week of both business and professional development.”