In an age of $200 a gallon coffee, $10,000 Internet and multiplying guest room fees, understanding how to prioritize, source and negotiate is an essential part of the meeting professional job. We brought in experts to share real-world stories, updates about how the supply-demand balance is changing and what that could mean for your bottom line.
You will learn:
- What can be negotiated and how
- How to explain budget realities to decisionmakers
- Small adjustments that can make a big difference in the contract and in attendee impressions
With more than 20 years of experience in the sales, design, planning and execution of meetings and events, Lesley Barnett brings her vast knowledge and expertise to both her clients and Bishop-McCann. Lesley partners to become a valuable and trusted part of their team, delivering on the core objectives at every event and always responding with a sense of urgency. Her experience allows her to collaborate seamlessly with meeting stakeholders, external partners, trade unions, procurement and supplier partners to ensure a streamlined planning process. By proactively identifying and analyzing problems, Lesley implements effective and creative solutions.
Nicole Mattar, CMP, brings more than 17 years of experience in the event industry across both association and agency settings. As Senior Meeting Planner at LEO Events, she is recognized for her meticulous attention to detail, strategic focus, and commitment to client care. Nicole has successfully led programs for major corporations in the automotive, government, and pharmaceutical sectors, combining precision and leadership with a deep understanding of client goals. Her expertise ensures seamless execution and meaningful outcomes for every event.
With more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shannon Frank brings her expertise in global sales, sourcing, and event strategy to her clients at HPN Global, where she serves as Vice President of Global Accounts. She partners with clients to deliver impactful meetings through expert hotel sourcing, contract negotiation, and market insight. As President and Founder of Elevating the Event Experience, Shannon extends her client-first approach, ensuring efficiency, value, and exceptional outcomes through creative solutions and strong industry relationships.
