October 22, 2026 - October 22, 2026
EAA: A Strategic Approach to Volunteers, Planning, Sponsorships & Technology
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November 27, 2026 - December 4, 2026
Auction items needed! Experiences make great gifts and memories! Still time to donate your certificate!
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Chapter Education and Networking
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Marriott Oshkosh Waterfront
Oshkosh, WI
EAA: A Strategic Approach to Volunteers, Planning, Sponsorships & Technology
- Dick Knapinski and EAA Team Leaders
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#MPIWI
Join us in Oshkosh October 22nd to see new spaces and an outstanding inside look at one of Wisconsin's largest events!
Our hosts have undergone major renovations over the last 2 years and you need to take a look! The Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront had their grand opening in September of 2025 and the Oshkosh Convention Center completed their renovations in August of 2026.
Beyond the great spaces, you wont want to miss an inside look at one of Wisconsin's largest events, EAA! Together with EAA Director of Communications Dick Knapinski and his team at EAA, we will explore best practices for recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and aligning volunteer efforts with organizational goals and participant experiences. Participants will also discuss opportunities to improve planning cycles through stronger collaboration, communication, and accountability across teams and stakeholders.
Are you interested in obtaining your CMP or are studying for the big test? Our wonderful, Naomi Tucker, CMP, is presenting the CMP 101 session from 11:00 am – 11:45am.
Come up early and join friends and colleagues on Wednesday evening for our MPI Foundation Chairman's Challenge fundraiser networking event! Meet us at an Oshkosh speakeasy for a mixology class and spooky themed cocktails with Sturgeon Spirits! See a unique space, discover some fun cocktail recipes while mingling with appetizers and beverages.
The education and networking opportunities are not to be missed.
Agenda
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Marriott Oshkosh Waterfront
| — PM — | |||
| 7:00 - 9:00 | Networking Event |
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Marriott Oshkosh Waterfront
| — AM — | |||
| 11:00 - 11:45 | CMP 101 | ||
| 11:30 | Registration | ||
| — PM — | |||
| 12:00 - 1:00 | Lunch and Networking | ||
| 1:00 - 4:00 | Announcements and Program EAA: A Strategic Approach to Volunteers, Planning, Sponsorships, & Marketing
| ||
| 4:00 - 4:45 | Reception and Raffle Property tour of Marriott and Convention Center | ||
Event Pricing
| Member: | $70 ($85 after 10/17/2026) | |
| Non-Member: | $100 ($120 after 10/17/2026) | |
| Student Member: | $35 ($45 after 10/17/2026) |
Pay it Forward Rate: $0 - Available for registration to any current member that is currently "in between gigs" and without industry employment. Please contact the chapter office to request this rate.
EAA: A Strategic Approach to Volunteers, Planning, Sponsorships & Technology
- Dick Knapinski and EAA Team Leaders
1. Working with Volunteers
- How can volunteers be effectively recruited, engaged, and retained?
- What roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined?
- How can volunteer efforts better support organizational goals and the participant experience?
- Other planning topics
2. Planning Cycle
- How can planning be better coordinated across teams and stakeholders?
- What opportunities exist to improve long-term planning, communication, and accountability?
- Other planning topics
3. Sponsorships & Advertising
- What makes a partnership strategically valuable beyond financial support?
- What are some opportunities for more targeted or mutually beneficial partnerships?
- Other sponsor topics
4. Transportation
- What are the key considerations when working with transportation companies and other service providers?
- Where could stronger partnerships or improved planning enhance efficiency and the overall participant experience?
- Are there any barter or sponsor opportunities that could help reduce the cost of transportation?
- Other transportation topics
EAA Team Bios
Dick Knapinski has been EAA’s Director of Communications since January 2010, having been promoted to that position after serving as a member of EAA’s Public Relations/Marketing staff since 1992. His responsibilities include being a liaison between the 300,000-member aviation organization and media representatives who report on EAA activities throughout the year. Those activities include the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, which has an annual attendance of more than 600,000 and draws 10,000 airplanes and nearly 1,000 members of the international media to Oshkosh.
Location, Map & Lodging
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront
1 N. Main Street
Oshkosh, WI
Room Rate: $119
Room block Cut-Off: 10/15/2026
Hotel Booking Link
Reservations by Phone - 920.230.3200