More than 200 attend revamped NEXT conference

More than 200 meeting and event planners as well as suppliers attended MPI-CAC’s NEXT 2020 conference Feb. 12 at Convene in Chicago.

The conference, which was revamped to be a half-day educational event, featured a variety of speakers covering topics including nonverbal and crisis communication, transportation and how to better position yourself for career growth and success.

New to the conference was a breakfast that encouraged attendees to “find their tribe” which included tables dedicated to a variety of MPI communities including association planners, MPI women and experiential marketers and designers, to name a few. Lunch followed a similar format with table topics.

Opening keynote speaker was Michael Lyons, a professional speaker, author, actor and hospitality industry consultant, who presented “Connecting the Dots: How to Stay Relevant and Position Yourself for Career Success.” The interactive session that offered live polling gave attendees tips on how to manage their time efficiently, enhance their leadership skills and pursue their passion as well as develop a career plan.

For those that needed a little lesson in how to better read body language and improve their own, Moving Image Consulting Alison Henderson’s “Listening with Your Eyes: Advanced Body Language for Better Leadership.”

Alan Kleinfeld of Arrive Management presented “Crisis Communication: It’s More than Social Media” and offered attendees tips on how to be better prepared in a crisis situation.

Yelp’s Emily Washcovick gave attendees an overview of how best to use Yelp with their business during her “Bringing Your Business Online - Yelp Information Session for Meeting Planners,” including a tutorial on do’s and don’ts when it comes to responding to reviews.

“Where’s my ride? How technology is shaping event transportation in 2020” featured a panel moderated by executive vice president of business development Mike Moulton of Transportation Management Services. Panelists included meeting and transportation specialist Sofia Martin, CMP, CCTP of Rotary International, and senior meeting planner Rachael Callahan, CMP, of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

MPI-CAC will offer two educational events this spring. Industry Xchange, which coincides with Global Meetings Industry Day, will be held from 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at City Winery. Spring Education Day is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at MxD in Chicago. Registration for both events will open soon.

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.