NEXT returns with new half-day format

MPI-CAC annual education event and technology conference returns Feb. 12 at Convene in Chicago 

From nonverbal communication and crisis communication to navigating transportation nightmares and positioning yourself for success, this year’s NEXT conference will offer educational sessions for all levels of planners and suppliers in the meeting and events industry.

So, what exactly is NEXT?

“NEXT is MPI-CAC’s signature education and technology conference,”  said Tammy Anderson, MPI-CAC Board of Directors vice president of education content. “Tying together Networking, Education, eXperience, and Technology, this is an event you can’t miss.”

The conference will be held from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Convene, 16 W. Adams St., Chicago.

“The new half-day format allows you to get in some continuing education and get back to work,” Anderson said. “Convene, the amazing venue in the city, has everything we need to provide an amazing educational experience.”

The annual event draws more than 300 industry professionals in the industry and includes meeting planners, event producers and experiential design experts.

Keynote speaker for the event is Michael Lyons, who will open with “Connecting the Dots: How to Stay Relevant and Position Yourself for Career Success.” According to Anderson, this session is for everyone - from beginners to CMPs who have been in their careers more than 20 years - and is relevant to both planners and suppliers.

“Listening with Your Eyes: Advanced Body Language for Better Leadership” will be presented by Alison Henderson and will cover nonverbal communication.

One of the hotter topics is crisis communication and Alan Kleinfeld will explore going beyond social media posting with his presentation, “Crisis Communication: It’s More than Social Media.”

Meeting planners will also have the chance to learn about setting up a Yelp Business page for their services during the Bringing Your Business Online - Yelp Information Session for Meeting Planners presented by Emily Washcovick. All sessions have been submitted for CEU credits.

The event will close with a networking lunch with table topics.

“Take advantage of the networking opportunities available at breakfast and lunch,” Anderson said.

Registration is currently open. For more information or to register, visit mpicac.org.

About the Author: Heather Warthen is Chief Events Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for 22nd Century Media, an award- winning media company specializing in hyperlocal content in Chicagoland. Hired as its first employee in 2005, she is a former award-winning journalist and photographer who now manages the planning, logistics, marketing and executing of more than a dozen community events and expos. She serves on the 2019-2020 MPI-CAC Board of Directors as Director of Marketing & Public Relations.