SISO Leadership Conference 2024

Buffet lunch for those registered to participate in the SISO Women's Leadership Forum.

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Welcome

What is your brain wired for? Where does your mind go when left to its own devices? Stress, worry, and status quo? Or happiness, joy, even awe? Historically, awe and wonder have seemed to be shrouded in mystery, aligned more with highly unusual or rare occurrences.

Recent findings highlight that awe is a fundamental human emotion. We are learning that not only do humans naturally experience awe but that we are-in all likelihood-wired to do so. This means we can improve upon and increase the awe in our lives and in the lives of our communities of people we serve to benefit from this growing body of scientific knowledge. The positive effects can be vast both personally and professionally for advancing the causes and strategic objectives of organizations.

Participating in this session will allow you to:

•       Explore why wonder mindsets & awe experiences can be transformative

•       Expand knowledge on how awe improves psychology & physiology

•       Experience what facilitates shifting from awe-deprived to awe-inspired experiences

Hear from show organizers who have activated awe experiences at their shows. How did they know it was successful? What costs were involved? What team resources were needed to execute it?

Topics include: How is the work/life/health balance going? What's working with data strategies? How do you drive high-performing teams who work remotely? How is your organization doing with talent development? In the age of AI, how can we ensure that tech integration and development stay human-centered?

In this hybrid session, DEIB champions will discuss best practices on how to successfully launch DEIB initiatives for your organizations and events as well as discuss the changing landscape of DEIB. Then, in break-out workshops, we will dive deeper, focusing on how to make events and events within events more inclusive to meet the evolving needs of eventgoers.

Workshop 1: Effective strategies to make the event industry more inclusive

Workshop 2: Effective initiatives to make events more inclusive for eventgoers

Join us for a wonderful evening of discovery while enjoying an innovative menu and crafted cocktails at The Museum of the American Revolution.  Network with peers and explore the newest exhibit - Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent in this one-of-a-kind backdrop of amazing views and exquisite architecture. 

Transportation will be provided to/from the reception. Pick-up and return originating at Loews Hotel Philadelphia.  PHLCVB ambassadors will be available to escort guests from lobby to transportation. The first shuttle will depart at 5:45 pm.

Join us for a wonderful evening of discovery while enjoying an innovative menu and crafted cocktails at The Museum of the American Revolution.  Network with peers and explore the newest exhibit - Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent in this one-of-a-kind backdrop of amazing views and exquisite architecture. 

Transportation will be provided to/from the reception. Pick-up and return originating at Loews Hotel Philadelphia.  PHLCVB ambassadors will be available to escort guests from lobby to transportation. The first shuttle will depart at 5:45 pm.

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Join Ken Holsinger and Kimberly Hardcastle as they explore the powerful influence of macro trends on the events industry. Covering everything from evolving societal norms and consumer behaviors to the shifting economic landscape to political uncertainty, this session will provide valuable insights into how trends will impact attendee expectations, engagement strategies, exhibitor dynamics and more. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing event landscape and keep your event relevant in the short- and long-term.

“Intergenerational Exchange—a quick-fire panel of industry customers and employees on how they make decisions to participate in our events and work in our industry.”

We hear a lot about generational differences in the workforce. We, as an industry, are struggling to figure out how to attract the younger generation (however you define it—under 40, under 35) to our events, both on the exhibitor and attendee sides.

We have put together a fun panel of some smart young people who exhibit and attend our shows. Clearly, this small group is not statistically relevant, but I can assure you that you will get some great insight from them. I also asked Megan Finnell from Freeman to share some statistically relevant insight from Freeman. The panel will weigh in on their agreement or disagreement with the broader research.

Think a video strategy is too expensive or complicated for your trade show? Think again! Join our dynamic panel as we bust common myths and reveal the true potential of video content. Through real-world case studies, gain practical insights on how to strategically and effectively implement video to engage attendees, drive attendance and generate new revenue through advertising. 

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Are great entrepreneurs born or taught?

What can small business teams do to effectively compete with organizers who are bigger and often better resourced? 

How can leaders in bigger organizations develop an effective entrepreneurial culture? 

Whether you produce your own events, are responsible for additional sources of revenue within existing platforms, or simply want to foster a culture of agility and growth within your team, there are skills and principles to learn that will help you succeed.

Once you have a basic understanding of how to innovate effectively, you can use intent data and matchmaking data that your organization has likely already collected to drive meaningful growth.

Be sure to join our panel for a hands on workshop following this presentation.

Optimizing Communications Strategies is at the forefront of today's business landscape, and regardless of company size, no employee has ever chastised management for over-communicating. Casey Clemenza of Informa Markets and Beth Cowperthwaite of Emerald will share invaluable strategies for enhancing internal engagement by adopting the same principles used in customer communications. They will delve into the importance of transparency and the impact of over-communication, which, contrary to popular belief, is often welcomed by employees across all levels.

Casey and Beth will also discuss the benefits of utilizing new communication platforms to foster real-time interaction, community building, and connections within any organization, as well as how adopting new experiences can drive engagement and ensure every employee feels like part of the corporate narrative and culture.

Our industry continues to operate at a talent deficit due to retirement, career redirection, and other factors. Listen to our human resource experts on how to approach talent acquisition, retention, and development using the latest and most effective approaches.

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We’ll now get very interactive about the preceding three sessions.  Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in three separate sessions around Small Business, Communications and Talent Acquisition and Development.

The person who responds to every email is in every room with you, making every decision & at every table you sit at is yourself.

Our digitally hyper-connected world can accelerate anxiety, have us feeling exhausted, & hustle harder to achieve the next ‘thing.’

This session will revolutionize your awareness and approach to self-leadership through science-backed, tangible microtools that you can use immediately to feel renewed, innovative, and inspired.

Did you know that when you make micro changes for self-awareness and improvement, those closest to you also have a 65% chance of increasing their optimism?

Want a sneak peek for some inspiration? Grab the earbuds and listen to Megan’s podcast, Attention To Intention (on all streaming platforms), or visit her website, Megan-Miller.com.

Barcade
1326 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107
 

Challenge your industry peers in this nostalgic setting of 1980s token-operated video games, pinball machines, an old-school photo booth, and more at Philly’s arcade bar concept. Enjoy a full bar with a variety of spirits and cocktails and fun and deliciously creative pub fare, all within walking distance of the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. 

Barcade® is the originator of the arcade bar concept and the largest operator of arcade bars in the United States. Barcade locations feature 40 to 75 video games and pinball machines, mostly from the classic period of the 1980s, as well as 25 to 30 American craft beers on draft. In addition to beer, Barcade locations offer a full bar with craft spirits, cocktails, and creative variations on classic pub food. (The food is really good.) Casual dress is acceptable.

PHLCVB ambassadors will be available to assist and direct guests with walking instructions to/from Barcade.

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Presidents from our event organizers will delve into the multifaceted challenges of leadership in today’s dynamic environment. This session will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain insight from top leaders who are successfully navigating complex topics around change, fostering innovation, effective communication, building inclusive workplaces, and sustainable leadership.

Industry revenue growth is in many ways being matched and exceeded by rising costs. This session will share best practices and cost mitigation strategies for events of all sizes and budgets. This session will be let by Mike Carlucci of Clarion. Based on member feedback and requests, this session is for members only.

Organizers continue to make unrealistic demands on the vendor community. This session will share best practices on how to fulfill organizer needs and deliver quality without breaking the budget.  This session is for the sponsor community only.

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Join us for an insightful panel discussion designed specifically for meeting and event professionals interested in enhancing their sales performance utilizing data. This session will bring together industry leaders to explore three critical areas: Sales Effectiveness, Talent Recruitment and Assessment, and Sales Disciplines. Moderated by Denise Medved, Chief Commercial Officer at Informa Markets, the panel will offer high-level insights into adopting a data-driven approach to sales management.

1. Sales Effectiveness: Matt Phillp will share strategies for optimizing sales processes and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Talent Recruitment and Assessment: This session will explore how to attract, assess, and retain top sales talent in a competitive market.
3. Sales Disciplines: Tom Myers, will share insights into the methodologies and disciplines that top-performing sales teams employ to consistently meet and exceed their targets.

What to Expect:

The session will be followed by two targeted breakout discussions, allowing attendees to delve deeper into topics relevant to their roles:

• Breakout for Event/Business Leaders: Focused on strategic insights and high-level management of sales functions.
• Breakout for Sales Professionals: Practical tips and hands-on strategies for those actively involved in day-to-day selling.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, network with your industry peers and learn practical tools to elevate your sales performance and drive success. 

In today’s fast-paced event marketing world, achieving more with less is not only a goal for all organizations but also a necessity.  This session will talk about how to unlock the full potential of your campaigns through data-driven insights and creative ways to uncover new opportunities and inspire innovative strategies on your team. No matter the size of your marketing team, learning to be nimble, agile with data and creativity is proven to elevate your marketing efficiently and ingeniously!

But don’t just hear from our panel—participate in our roundtable, too, as we invite you into the conversations to share and learn with your peers about your recipes for success!

For those who may need to leave a bit early to catch flights, lunch will be available in the room as a sit-down lunch beginning at 12:00 p.m.

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