The 2016 slate of meetings and conventions pertinent for those involved in planning meetings is coming together. Whether you are a full-time meeting planner or take care of the task once or twice a year, attending these types of events can be very valuable. They are a terrific source of networking, help you get exposure to the latest planning technology, and introduce you to resources like speakers bureaus that may be able to assist you in making your next event more successful. Here are some of the “must attend meetings” already announced for 2016.
January 10-13, 2016: PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2016 - Vancouver, British Columbia
The Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders showcases the latest innovations in event technology, meeting design, and business event strategy. More than 4,000 meetings industry leaders participate in three days of unparalleled educational workshops and orchestrated networking. Remember, this is January in Vancouver so dress for average lows near freezing.
April 19-21, 2016: IMEX Frankfurt 2016 - Frankfurt, Germany
This is indeed a world-class meeting for meeting planners and those involved in the convention industry. This event features over 3,500 worldwide exhibitors, the latest trends and hundreds of meeting professionals, all under one roof. Last year, approximately 65,000 appointments took place between buyers and exhibitors over the three-day trade show. As for many of the industry meetings in the coming year, technology is expected to be a big focus of IMEX Frankfort.
April 23, 2016: Springtime Expo 2016 - Washington, DC
ASAE’s April expo is billed as “The premier meetings industry event.” It is a valuable opportunity for meeting and event professional teams to listen and participate and learn and share. ASAE’s Springtime Expo includes a selection of learning labs and what they call Eye Opener Sessions. This is a comprehensive one-day even which is perfect for those who have limited time for meeting related Expos. The Springtime Expo promises to help you find new business solutions, products, and destinations that meet your meeting and event needs.
June 26-29, 2016: PCMA Education Conference - St. Louis, Missouri
PCMA EduCon peels back the curtain for meeting professionals, giving them an opportunity to learn from experts. Not only will attendees learn design and trends, they will be experiencing them. Different room sets, breaks, and learning formats will help show attendees why careful and thoughtful planning matters.
September 26-28, 2016: The CMP Conclave - Reno, Nevada
The CMP Conclave is the only annual event that is exclusively for Certified Meeting Planners. CMP’s attending will earn continuing education credits toward CMP recertification. The event features two keynote speakers, both of whom are listed on the list of “The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry for 2015". The two include Michael Dominquez and Julius Solaris.
October 18-20, 2016: IMEX America – TBD
The 2014 event took place in Las Vegas with over 2,900 exhibitors and nearly 2,000 attendees. Along with an amazing amount of exhibitors this trade show features seminars and educational opportunities, keynote speakers along with an array of networking opportunities. The 2016 meeting is still being organized.
Don’t Miss Your Local Meetings
Keep in mind both Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) have local chapters in many cities that organize their own smaller, specialized meetings. These are terrific opportunities to meet and network with local hospitality professionals. Many of these local chapters meet monthly to exchange ideas, share experiences and network. Contact a local group and get involved.
We Are SpeakInc
SpeakInc helps meeting planners in creating events with impact. We assist them in improving ROI for events with keynote speakers. Our roster of speakers can educate, inspire, inform and stir your attendees into action. Our speakers come from the world of adventure, business, sports and entertainment. Some have overcome tremendous adversity and others have survived life-changing challenges. They can become an integral part of your event and a source of positive feedback.
Contact SpeakInc and let’s discuss your event. Let’s discuss the atmosphere you want to create and your target audience. We will then go to work in presenting options for keynote speakers who are sure to impress. We are SpeakInc…you ask, we listen.
