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Chapter Education and Networking

Thursday, February 19, 2026 

Hilton Milwaukee 
Milwaukee, WI

 

From Chaos to Clicks: Project Management & AI for Modern Meeting Pros



Jaclyn Watson

 

#MPIWI

Join us in Milwaukee for our February Event and experience a new chapter for Hilton Milwaukee.  Explore the renovation that redefined the space from the inside out.

Great meetings don’t fall together by accident—they’re built with clear timelines, smart budgets, and a plan for when things go sideways. In this session, Jaclyn pulls back the curtain on how she uses project management principles (aligned with the EIC / CMP International Standards) to keep complex events on track, on budget, and calm behind the scenes. 

We’ll unpack practical strategies for timelines, task management, budgeting, scope, and resource allocation from both the planner and supplier side. Then we’ll layer in how AI tools can help with schedules, communication, risk scenarios, and repetitive admin—without replacing the human judgment that really makes an event work.

Attendees will walk away with simple frameworks, real examples, and plug-and-play tools they can adapt immediately for their next meeting or event.

 

 

 


 


 

Agenda

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Hilton Milwaukee

— AM —  
    
9:00 - 11:00 

Board of Directors

 
11:30 Registration 
   
— PM —  
    
12:00 - 1:00 

Lunch and Networking

 
1:00 - 4:00 

Announcements and Program

From Chaos to Clicks:  Project Management & AI for Modern Meeting Pros

 

Jaclyn Watson

 
4:00 - 4:45 

Reception and Raffle

    		 
        

     

    Event Pricing

     

     

    Member:$70 ($85 after 2/13/2026) 
    Non-Member:$100 ($120 after  2/13/2026) 
    Student Member:  $35 ($45 after  2/13/2026) 

     

    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.

    From Chaos to Clicks: Project Management & AI for Modern Meeting Pros

    Great meetings don’t fall together by accident—they’re built with clear timelines, smart budgets, and a plan for when things go sideways. In this session, Jaclyn pulls back the curtain on how she uses project management principles (aligned with the EIC / CMP International Standards) to keep complex events on track, on budget, and calm behind the scenes.
    We’ll unpack practical strategies for timelines, task management, budgeting, scope, and resource allocation from both the planner and supplier side. Then we’ll layer in how AI tools can help with schedules, communication, risk scenarios, and repetitive admin—without replacing the human judgment that really makes an event work.
    Attendees will walk away with simple frameworks, real examples, and plug-and-play tools they can adapt immediately for their next meeting or event.

    Attendees Will Learn

    By the end of this session, meeting professionals will be able to:
    1. Design right-sized timelines and task workflows for meetings and events that align planner and supplier roles, and use AI to automate reminders, checklists, and follow-ups.
    2. Build and protect realistic budgets and scope by defining priorities, mapping resources, and using simple AI prompts to model “what if” scenarios (upgrades, cuts, headcount changes).
    3. Identify and plan for project risks using a practical risk-mapping exercise and contingency checklist they can apply to site changes, vendor issues, weather, staffing, AV, and more all while using AI

     

    Speaker Bio: Jaclyn Watson

    Jaclyn “Jackie” Watson is the owner and principal planner of Jaclyn Watson Events, a luxury planning and design firm based in New England that specializes in private estates, tented builds, and multi day destination wedding & events. For more than 15 years, she has led complex builds, large vendor teams, and high expectation clients while keeping the focus on guest experience and hospitality.

    Jackie is a multi-time Catersource Gala Awards winner, a NACE Designer of the Year, and a VAWP Member of the Year. She currently serves as President of the Vermont Association of Wedding Professionals, where she leads education, conferences, and community building for the regional event industry.

    Known for her clear communication and calm in chaos, Jackie is skilled at translating big creative ideas into step by step plans that actually work on site. Her background in psychology, business, and the performing arts shapes the way she designs events that feel as good as they look.

    In addition to running Jaclyn Watson Events, Jackie is the founder of Echelon Creative & Co, where she teaches event pros how to use AI, better systems, and smarter workflows to save time and do more thoughtful creative work. As a speaker, she focuses on practical, real-world strategies that meeting and event professionals can take back to their teams and implement right away.



    Location, Map & Lodging  

    Hilton Milwaukee
        509 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI


    Room Rate:   $109

    Room block Cut-Off: 02/12/2026

    Group Direct Booking Link

    Reservations by Phone - 414-271-7250

     

     

     

     

     

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