Hear from panel of Meeting Planners and Suppliers, exchange of viewpoints among experts, come with key questions regarding contracts, planning safe meetings during COVID and be one of the first to tour the expanded and renovated convention center.

 This session is approved for One (1)CMP credit

SPEAKERS

Sulema Peterson | Panelist

MPISSN Board President and owner of Sulema Peterson Associates, among other clients, she serves as the Executive Director of the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS), where she is responsible for the implementation of the association’s strategic plan and visions, management of all events, editor of all publications including SACRS Magazine, and overseeing the day-to-day business operations for the association. Sulema is passionate about the people and funds she works with and her leadership at SACRS and other organizations reflects this commitment. Sulema is a role model for anyone working in the Pension Fund World; understanding that connection and camaraderie with other retirement systems ultimately leads to growth and success…and at times, lifelong friendships!

Jeff Dougherty | Panelist

Director, California State Association Sales he has been working in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. Prior to Visit Sacramento he was with the Holiday Inn Downtown Arena and Doubletree by Hilton Sacramento. Jeff served four terms as a Board Member for the Society of Government Meeting Professionals Sacramento Chapter. He was awarded the SGMP Sacramento Chapter Supplier of the Year in 2008, Co-Presidents Award in 2009 and Co-National Presidents Award in 2011. Jeff is a Past President for the local chapter of Meeting Professionals International where he has been awarded Chapter Leader of the Year, President's Award, and Supplier of the Year. He is also a Board Member and on the Capital Region Council for the California Society of Association Executives where in 2015 was awarded Industry Partner of the Year.

Brenda Kirian | Panelist

Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.  A twenty-five year Hyatt veteran, Brenda began her Hyatt career in Sacramento in 1994 as a Sales Manager.  She then spent five years at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco as a Sales Manager, Senior Sales Manager and eventually Associate Director of Sales, before being promoted to the Director of Sales at the Stanhope Park Hyatt New York, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 2001. While she enjoyed the excitement of New York for City for almost two years, she was thrilled to return to her home state of California in 2003 as the Director of Sales at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.  Prior to joining Hyatt, Brenda worked for Marriott for five years and is a proud graduate of Chico State University.

Katrina Duncan, CMM | Moderator

Sr. Project Manager – Events, Unity BioSync. A Certified Meeting Manager with 20 years of professional expertise dedicated to bringing people together through the development of impactful events from 10-3,000 people delivering a high ROI for organizations and event attendees. Focused attention and proven ability to make a good event, outstanding through a functional approach of managing costs and logistics, creating innovative marketing campaigns, and designing experiential event encounters while strategically delivering valuable content.

Covid Restrictions:      

The health, safety and security of our guests, and associates remains our highest priority. By attending the MPISSN Chapter event, attendees agree to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative result from either a PCR or antigen COVID-19 viral test within 72 hours. Based on current Sacramento County guidelines, Safe Credit Union is requiring everyone to wear masks in their facility. 

Meeting Room 1, West Lobby Entrance (13^th & K Street)