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Education - Thursday, December 5

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9:00 – 10:00 am  | OPENING KEYNOTE MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ, FASAE, CHSE

sponsored by:

Connecting The Economic Dots:  Making Sense of Conflicting Data

From the disruption of technological forces changing how we work and play to changes in Washington, whose full impact is yet to come. Not to mention, the rapid speed at which these changes are taking place – a force we will all wrestle with over the next decade. It is important to grasp the context of the shifts taking place and their effects on the business environment and thus the impact on associations.
 
Specifically, changes in our economic climate are ones many are struggling to wrap their heads around. For example, strong job growth paired with inflation concerns or an expanding global economy amid political and economic instability. Understanding these contradictions is essential to navigating today's association world, whether your focus is hospitality, membership, marketing, conferences/events, education, governance, etc., you are bound to feel the effect in one way or another.

In this must-attend insightful session, industry expert Michael Dominguez will break down these conflicting trends and explain their impact across various sectors, in the hospitality industry and beyond. You will gain a deeper understanding of the current economic environment, learn how structural changes will influence your work and your members in the year ahead, and discover strategies to thrive amid this rapidly changing landscape.

Michael Dominguez, FASAE, CHSE, President & CEO, ALHI - Luxury Global Sales


10:15 am - 12:30 pm  |
IMMERSIVE WORKSHOP SESSION
Rules of the Road - Navigating the Board & Staff Relationship

Back by popular demand, one of the highest-rated sessions from ELEVATE 2024! Ah…the board and staff relationship…it’s a great one to navigate, isn’t it? Embark on an engaging exploration of board and staff relationships in this hands-on interactive session hosted by two industry favorites. Gain valuable insights and practical tools to build a resilient framework, propelling the board and staff relationship to unprecedented heights. Walk away with newfound knowledge and a playful roadmap for success. Don't miss this opportunity to join the fun and enhance your organization's potential for growth. P.S. part of the learning experience is assembling toddler bikes we’ll donate afterward! Be sure to attend the full 2-hour program, there will be a 15-minute break mid-way through.

Stephanie Stephens, CAE, Executive Director, California Park & Recreation Society

Steve Swafford, IOM, Balance Warrior + CEO, Leadership Outfitters


10:15 - 11:15 am  |  CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONS #1
Boujee on a Budget - Event Design of the Future     

Meeting budgets have remained stagnant while costs—and your participants' expectations—have continued to rise. But, there are innovative ways to elevate your meetings without breaking the bank! Join us as we guide you through an exploration of cost-effective strategies, inspiring case studies, and creative approaches to make your meetings unforgettable. Learn to think outside the box as we present practical tips for maximizing impact on a limited budget. From engaging activities to budget-friendly technologies, we'll empower you to create memorable and impactful meetings that leave a lasting impression. Join us as we combine interactive learning, real-world examples, and budget-friendly brilliance.        

Jeff Dougherty, Director, CA State Association Sales, Visit Sacramento

Emilie Perkins, CAE, CMP Fellow, CMM, PMP, CED, VP, Client & Conference Services, Raybourn Group International

Kevin Tuuaga, VP, Education, LeadingAge California

Mastering Crisis Management: A Case Study on the Impact of Effective Training and Preparedness

Join us for an insightful case study as association staff recount their journey through internal preparedness training and its pivotal role in managing an emergency at their conference. Discover the details of the incident, what strategies proved successful, and the key lessons learned that can be applied to your own organization. Learn the critical components of an effective preparedness plan by exploring real-world examples of successful crisis management. This session will provide a clear understanding of the critical components of an effective preparedness plan, showcase real-world examples of successful crisis management, and offer actionable insights on how to implement and enhance internal preparedness strategies in your organization. Whether you're looking to create a new plan or strengthen an existing one, this case study delivers valuable takeaways to help your team be ready for the unexpected.            

Jason Belden, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Physical Plant Services,  California Association of Health Facilities 

Claire Enright, RN, Executive Director, Quality Care Health Foundation

Deborah Pacyna, former Director of Public Affairs, California Association of Health Facilities, Consultant

Laura Thomas, Founder/Principal, GatherSafe

Stan Szpytek, President, Fire and Life Safety, Inc.

Inclusion Unbound:  Transforming Your Industry into a Lasting Legacy

Do you want to boost industry impact and expand representation? Explore a 6-step model to drive enduring change across generations. Discover how associations and a state-wide initiative are transforming industry demographics, creating open pathways, shifting bias, and inspiring a lasting legacy. Gain practical tools to design and maintain effective programs that push past the barriers! Walk away with actionable strategies that break barriers and leave a positive legacy of inclusion and innovation.

Mariama Boney, LMSW, CAE, President and CEO, Achieve More LLC


11:30 am - 12:30 pm  |  CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONS #2
AI on a Dime: Making Association Life Easier for Free (or Almost!)    

Join us for an interactive AI session designed for association professionals at all experience levels, especially those looking for cost-effective ways to start incorporating AI into their work.  We hope to make this as interactive as possible, so bring your questions, laptops, or anything at your fingertips to help you explore with us. Together, we'll look at how AI tools and strategies can support your association’s goals and make your day-to-day work more efficient and impactful. 

Rachel Hickerson, CMP, CMM, Association Executive, Senior Meeting and Events Manager, Advocacy & Management Group, Inc.

Sean McDonald, VP, McDonald Association Management


     

Real World AV & Production Hacks for Live Events 

In today's fast-paced event landscape, executing a successful live event—whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid—demands strategic planning and flawless coordination. This session will equip event planners and stakeholders with essential tools to elevate their productions while staying budget-conscious. You’ll learn about the complexities of different event types, the importance of strategic planning, and how to manage costs without sacrificing quality. We'll explore real-world examples, offer practical tips on handling unexpected issues, and share strategies for keeping your audience engaged and inspired. Whether you’re new to event planning or a seasoned pro, this session will provide the tools and insights to make your next event a success.       

Troy J. Peters, CTS, Chief Experience Officer, SEAS Productions

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Unlocking The Next Wave of Membership Growth for Associations 

Associations today face the challenge of attracting and engaging a new generation of members who are often skeptical about joining traditional organizations. Millennials and Gen Z, who value authenticity, transparency, and meaningful connections, are transforming the way associations must approach membership growth. This session will provide actionable strategies to engage these younger audiences, addressing common objections and offering solutions to overcome barriers to membership. Hear from a digital marketing expert to learn how to craft compelling value propositions, utilize effective digital marketing tools, and create experiences that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z, ultimately driving membership growth and long-term engagement. Leave the session better equipped to identify key motivators of the next generation to effectively reach and engage them, and to effectively.     

Brittany Clifton, Senior Account Director, Feathr