June Education Breakfast

June 10, 2025
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
WJCT Public Media
100 Festival Park Ave
Jacksonville, Florida
Organizer

MPI North Florida June Educational Meeting
Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: WJCT Public Media, 100 Festival Park Ave, Jacksonville


Mastering RFPs, Contracts & Negotiations

Join us for an engaging and interactive breakfast session!  Our expert-led discussion will provide invaluable insights into navigating RFPs, hotel and vendor contract terms, and negotiation strategies.

Our distinguished panel features:

  • Hospitality Lawyer – Dr. Tyra Warner, Attorney, Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Hospitality & Tourism Management, College of Coastal Georgia
  • Hotel Director of Sales – Darren Keener, DOS Omni Amelia Island
  • End-User Client Planner – Robin Cuevas, Conference & Event Planner, NASPO
  • Third-Party Intermediary Planner – Lisa Perry, President of Meeting Creations, Inc

Moderated by MPI North Florida's Lori Pugh!

We’ll kick things off with key questions and then open the floor for audience-driven discussions, making this an interactive and dynamic learning experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen your industry connections!

Agenda:

8:30 am - 9:00 am: Registration and Networking
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Breakfast, Welcome, Introductions, Discussion


 

Tyra Warner, PhD, Esq, CMP is an attorney and the Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts at the College of Coastal Georgia. Her practice and research expertise is in the legal, safety, and security issues that affect meetings and events. 

If her name sounds familiar to you, you may have seen her interviewed in a meetings industry article on contracts, heard her speak at an industry conference, or you may have her confused with Tyra Banks. Actively involved with meetings industry associations for years, Tyra was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Meeting Professionals International. 

Tyra is one of only two people in the world who is a practicing attorney, has a PhD in Hospitality, and has earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. 

Darren Keener has over 20 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, with a passion for driving results at luxury resort properties. He currently serves as the Director of Sales at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, leading the Group Sales Team. Prior to his current role, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at One Ocean Resort & Spa for six years where he led the group sales, catering, conference services and marketing team. Darren also held a sales leadership role as the Assistant Director of Sales at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa before he returned in 2024 as their Director. His earlier experience includes roles as Senior Sales Manager at Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park along with Sales Manager positions at Hyatt Regency Miami and Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Darren is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. 

Robin Cuevas is a seasoned Events Professional with over 30 years of experience in event management, operations, and project leadership. With a proven track record of planning and executing complex, high-impact events domestically and internationally, Robin brings a deep understanding of logistics, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to every project.
Currently serving as a Conferences and Events Planner at the National Association of State Procurement Officials, Robin plays a key role in orchestrating major conferences such as the NASPO Exchange Conference. Her work includes end-to-end event logistics management, from venue sourcing, event sales, and marketing to one-on-one appointment scheduling through platforms like MeetMax and Cvent. She is also responsible for seamless on-site event execution, ensuring each event aligns with organizational goals and delivers exceptional attendee experiences.
Robin also serves as Executive Vice President of William H. Coleman, Inc., a leading international event industry organization responsible for pioneering tourism industry trade shows such as TravelMart LatinAmerica, which is currently in its 46 th year. She has spearheaded operational transformations, including the adoption of CVENT event management solutions, which allowed them to pivot seamlessly to virtual trade shows during the pandemic. Her expertise also spans event sales and marketing support. She has redefined digital marketing strategies for international trade shows and led a companywide rebranding initiative.
Robin brings valuable insight into the evolving landscape of event planning and execution. Known for her adaptability, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style, Robin continues to provide valuable insight and direction in dynamic, fast-paced event environments.

Lisa Perry is a high-energy Certified Meeting Professional with over 30 years of experience in managing conferences, seminars, tradeshows, product launches, and corporate events across North America and Europe. Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated expertise in all aspects of event planning and management, including virtual meeting production, site selection, contract negotiation, financial management, and audio/visual coordination. She is known for producing multi-million-dollar marketing programs that drive engagement and create lasting impact.

Since 2010, Lisa has served as the President of Meeting Creations, Inc., an independent meeting planning firm where she partners with organizations seeking to outsource their event management functions. Prior to founding her own company, Lisa held key positions with the Florida Institute of CPAs, Event-Full Marketing, and PC DOCS, Inc. She has managed everything from large-scale conferences with 1,800+ attendees to smaller, high-touch seminars, and tradeshows, demonstrating her versatility and ability to manage events of all sizes.

In addition to her professional achievements, Lisa has been an active member of MPI North Florida since 2010 and served as the chapter’s president. Her extensive experience is complemented by a passion for golf, biking, birdwatching, and an enduring love for dogs.

Lisa’s diverse background in event management, along with her dedication to continuous professional growth and volunteer service, makes her a valuable resource for organizations seeking exceptional event experiences.


 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

    

 

Venue Details

 
   
 

Over 7,800 square feet of unobstructed event & production space, total environmental control, LED full color capsule lighting, 30-foot ceiling heights and more. The three-wall cyclorama, totaling 125 linear feet and measuring 23 feet tall, adds infinite flexibility to this already incomparable production facility. Rental of the Soundstage also includes dressing rooms with showers, offices, access to wi-fi, food preparation and service areas and much more. Vehicular access to the studio is easy. All of this for a daily rental cost that will fit your budget.

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