Serving up Hope
November 14, 2024
Serving Up More in 2024
Register now

Kaleidoscope Celebration: Annual Awards and Auction Gala!
December 11, 2024
So flaunt your most colorful attire and join us for a night of unforgettable fun!
More information and registration...

Overall Excellence Chapter Award

 

 

MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter Events

April Education + MPI After 5:00

April 16, 2024
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Sheraton Downtown Denver
1550 Court Place
Denver, CO 80202
Organizer
MPI Rocky Mountain
Phone: 720-733-8000

9:30am – 10:30am – Board Meeting via Zoom
3:00pm – 3:30pm – Member Orientation
3:30 PM-4:00 PM Registration
4:00 PM-4:30 PM Opening Remark
4:30 PM-5:30 PM Panel
5:30 PM-6:30 PM Reception

After a concise introduction to PCMA, MPI, and MIC, our panel will explore the undeniable benefits of collaboration and the art of creating and nurturing communities within our industry. As an open forum with audience participation highly encouraged, we will dive into real-life examples of how being part of a community benefited these individuals. We will then go over strategies to keeping your community alive and different ways you can use these resources to grow your career or business. We will also look at different types of collaboration in the meetings and events world and how collaborating is beneficial. We will end with a Q&A session and enjoy beverages and light bites at our joint cocktail reception. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding the Career Benefits of Professional Communities: Delve into how being an active part of a professional community can open new doors, provide essential support, and accelerate your career development.
  • Strategies for Nurturing and Growing Your Communities: Learn effective methods to engage, sustain, and grow your professional networks. Discover the tools and tactics that can help you build a thriving community.
  • Exploring the Benefits of Collaboration: Uncover the advantages of collaboration within the meetings and events industry. Understand how working together can lead to innovative solutions, enhanced experiences, and successful outcomes.
Members Non-Members Students
$55 $75 $15

 

Panelists

Traci DePuy, MSEL
Chief Marketing Officer
Professional Convention Management Association

Traci is an experienced marketing professional with 15+ years of experience managing events, campaigns, and business financial planning at top companies like Ellucian, Salesforce, GitHub, and UBM Tech. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at PCMA, where she drives innovative marketing strategies, enhances the brand experience, and guides her team in achieving new milestones. Traci holds a Masters in Executive Leadership, speaks at conferences, and shares valuable insights on marketing trends and leadership in the ever-evolving event landscape.
 
Rachel Benedick
Chief Revenue Officer
Meeting Professionals International

Rachel Benedick educates the meeting and event industry. She oversees the Academy, Sales/Fulfillment, and MPI Foundation.

Rachel was previously the Executive Vice President, Sales & Services at VISIT DENVER. She joined in 1998, became Vice President in 2008, and Executive Vice President in January 2020.

Rachel holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education and a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her dog, staying fit, and enjoying wine.


 
Gary Schirmacher, CMP
Senior Consultant | Talent Acquisition
Maritz

Gary Schirmacher has 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently leading the team at THIS-Total Hospitality Industry Solutions since OCT 2020. He was a leader at Experient for 25 years, where he led the development and implementation of their strategic plans and was responsible for Maritz Global Events' industry presence. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry, including the Pinnacle Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an active member of multiple industry associations and serves in leadership roles for many of them. Schirmacher is also a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. He is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering.
 
Dean Savoca, M.Ed, BCC, CSP
Keynote Speaker
Savoca Performance Group

Dean is an experienced performance improvement expert and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)™ and a board-certified coach with over 12,000 executive coaching sessions to his credit. He also leads intentional living retreats in the Rocky Mountains that offer a chance for overachievers to disconnect, reflect, and recharge.

 

Moderators

Megan Finnell, CMP
Senior Director | Strategy & Insights

Freeman Company

Megan is an award-winning event design strategist with almost 20 years of experience. She blends art and science to create impactful experiences for organizations. As Senior Director | Strategy & Insights, Freeman Company, Megan has been recognized for her deep human engagement methods. She’s won several awards and serves on various advisory boards. Megan is also a passionate musician, art advocate, mountain lover, and mother.

 
Megan Granrud
Dual Director of Sales & Marketing

Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver

Megan Granrud is an experienced sales leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for cultivating high-performing teams. She is the Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Downtown and the Director of Member Care for the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. Megan brings a decade of hospitality experience to the table, including successfully opening two hotels and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration among her team and community. 


Sponsors

  

 

 All Digital w text

cvent-logo-165

 
 



Venue Details

Bringing the City to You
Uncover an elevated experience at Sheraton Denver Downtown. Our transformed hotel in the heart of Denver seamlessly blends the best of the new Sheraton with the vibrant essence of the Mile High City. Immerse yourself in versatile and thoughtful public spaces, designed to create an inviting atmosphere that sets the scene for Gatherings by Sheraton events. These complimentary weekly happenings offer dynamic programming, engaging activities, and a chance to savor locally inspired cuisine. Indulge in one of our on-property dining options, where curated menus celebrate authentic local flavors and ingredients. Our art-infused design effortlessly merges modern aesthetics with comfort, creating a welcoming ambiance throughout. At Sheraton Denver Downtown we welcome you to experience Denver’s gathering place.

April Education + MPI After 5:00

April 16, 2024
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Sheraton Downtown Denver
1550 Court Place
Denver, CO 80202
Organizer
MPI Rocky Mountain
Phone: 720-733-8000

9:30am – 10:30am – Board Meeting via Zoom
3:00pm – 3:30pm – Member Orientation
3:30 PM-4:00 PM Registration
4:00 PM-4:30 PM Opening Remark
4:30 PM-5:30 PM Panel
5:30 PM-6:30 PM Reception

After a concise introduction to PCMA, MPI, and MIC, our panel will explore the undeniable benefits of collaboration and the art of creating and nurturing communities within our industry. As an open forum with audience participation highly encouraged, we will dive into real-life examples of how being part of a community benefited these individuals. We will then go over strategies to keeping your community alive and different ways you can use these resources to grow your career or business. We will also look at different types of collaboration in the meetings and events world and how collaborating is beneficial. We will end with a Q&A session and enjoy beverages and light bites at our joint cocktail reception. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding the Career Benefits of Professional Communities: Delve into how being an active part of a professional community can open new doors, provide essential support, and accelerate your career development.
  • Strategies for Nurturing and Growing Your Communities: Learn effective methods to engage, sustain, and grow your professional networks. Discover the tools and tactics that can help you build a thriving community.
  • Exploring the Benefits of Collaboration: Uncover the advantages of collaboration within the meetings and events industry. Understand how working together can lead to innovative solutions, enhanced experiences, and successful outcomes.
Members Non-Members Students
$55 $75 $15

 

Panelists

Traci DePuy, MSEL
Chief Marketing Officer
Professional Convention Management Association

Traci is an experienced marketing professional with 15+ years of experience managing events, campaigns, and business financial planning at top companies like Ellucian, Salesforce, GitHub, and UBM Tech. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at PCMA, where she drives innovative marketing strategies, enhances the brand experience, and guides her team in achieving new milestones. Traci holds a Masters in Executive Leadership, speaks at conferences, and shares valuable insights on marketing trends and leadership in the ever-evolving event landscape.
 
Rachel Benedick
Chief Revenue Officer
Meeting Professionals International

Rachel Benedick educates the meeting and event industry. She oversees the Academy, Sales/Fulfillment, and MPI Foundation.

Rachel was previously the Executive Vice President, Sales & Services at VISIT DENVER. She joined in 1998, became Vice President in 2008, and Executive Vice President in January 2020.

Rachel holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education and a bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her dog, staying fit, and enjoying wine.


 
Gary Schirmacher, CMP
Senior Consultant | Talent Acquisition
Maritz

Gary Schirmacher has 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently leading the team at THIS-Total Hospitality Industry Solutions since OCT 2020. He was a leader at Experient for 25 years, where he led the development and implementation of their strategic plans and was responsible for Maritz Global Events' industry presence. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry, including the Pinnacle Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an active member of multiple industry associations and serves in leadership roles for many of them. Schirmacher is also a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. He is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering.
 
Dean Savoca, M.Ed, BCC, CSP
Keynote Speaker
Savoca Performance Group

Dean is an experienced performance improvement expert and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)™ and a board-certified coach with over 12,000 executive coaching sessions to his credit. He also leads intentional living retreats in the Rocky Mountains that offer a chance for overachievers to disconnect, reflect, and recharge.

 

Moderators

Megan Finnell, CMP
Senior Director | Strategy & Insights

Freeman Company

Megan is an award-winning event design strategist with almost 20 years of experience. She blends art and science to create impactful experiences for organizations. As Senior Director | Strategy & Insights, Freeman Company, Megan has been recognized for her deep human engagement methods. She’s won several awards and serves on various advisory boards. Megan is also a passionate musician, art advocate, mountain lover, and mother.

 
Megan Granrud
Dual Director of Sales & Marketing

Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver

Megan Granrud is an experienced sales leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for cultivating high-performing teams. She is the Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Downtown and the Director of Member Care for the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. Megan brings a decade of hospitality experience to the table, including successfully opening two hotels and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration among her team and community. 


Sponsors

  

 

 All Digital w text

cvent-logo-165

 
 



Venue Details

Bringing the City to You
Uncover an elevated experience at Sheraton Denver Downtown. Our transformed hotel in the heart of Denver seamlessly blends the best of the new Sheraton with the vibrant essence of the Mile High City. Immerse yourself in versatile and thoughtful public spaces, designed to create an inviting atmosphere that sets the scene for Gatherings by Sheraton events. These complimentary weekly happenings offer dynamic programming, engaging activities, and a chance to savor locally inspired cuisine. Indulge in one of our on-property dining options, where curated menus celebrate authentic local flavors and ingredients. Our art-infused design effortlessly merges modern aesthetics with comfort, creating a welcoming ambiance throughout. At Sheraton Denver Downtown we welcome you to experience Denver’s gathering place.

Connect with Us

Job Postings


MORE JOBS