Over 1,000 hosted buyers, attendees and suppliers were at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, 14 October, for day of education and networking as part of Smart Monday – powered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). The event took place on the eve of IMEX America, which opens today (15 October) at the same venue.
The Smart Monday series of education sessions covered topics such as communication, social media, meeting and event design and incentives.
Smart Monday opened with the first of four daily MPI keynote addresses at IMEX America. ‘Speak to be Heard’, by communications guru, Stacey Hanke, delivered valuable advice on business communication – how to influence listeners and increase the impact and value of interactions with peers, clients and associates.
Experts from ISES, HSMAI, Site and GMIC, as well as MPI itself delivered sessions throughout the day.
An interactive session, ‘A Roadmap for Designing Hybrid Meetings and Events’, combined theory and best practices, enabling attendees to practice designing hybrids that fit with their goals and objectives.
With recent studies showing that as much as three-quarters of meeting planners use social media to support their professional goals, the seminar ‘Developing a Successful Social Strategy for Meetings and Events’ was particularly popular. Presenter Gerrit Heijkoop of ‘How Can I Be Social’ worked with participants to explore how to create activities before, during and after a meeting or event that attendees and audience members would be eager to share via social media.
Scott Friedman, Chief Celebration Officer at Friedman & Associates, shared ‘Lessons learned from the world’s most admired organisations’ in his afternoon seminar. The techniques discussed were designed to enable attendees to create a culture of authenticity and innovation.
Another session, ‘View from the Top: Hotel Sales Giants Talk About What Keeps Them Up at Night’, gave useful insight into current hot topics in the hospitality industry and their potential impact on meetings and events planning.
Henry Josephs, Director of Operations at Panama Excursions, said: “Smart Monday has been great – really interesting. Many of the sessions I attended were interactive, allowing me to meet and network with different people in the business such as suppliers or buyers. I really feel as if I’ve learned something new today and now have plenty of tips to take back to the office.”
Alongside the seminars ran a series of more detailed and interactive ‘Deep Dives’, allowing visitors to explore a few topics in depth and in a more intimate, workshop-style environment. These included ‘Using Personality DNA’ to Influence, Sell and Communicate More Effectively.’ Participants shared their real-life dilemmas and challenges, resulting in a range of specific, pragmatic actions to implement immediately.
In ‘Leadership Starts from Within’, presenter Paul Bridle, CEO of Bridle Group, shared his experiences of studying effective organisations and the people who lead them. He shared a fresh look at leadership and the different expectations now facing leaders.
Three networking events rounded off the day – the MPI Buyer Welcome Reception, the IMEX Association Evening, which was sponsored by Sands Meetings, and Site Nite North America which welcomed more than 1,000 Site members and industry professionals at The Palms, Las Vegas.
Also running as part of Smart Monday was Association Focus that provided a keynote, tracked education and round-table discussions especially for association executives. Association Focus education was co-delivered by ICCA, PCMA and ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.
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