7:30-8:15 a.m.

8:15-9:30 a.m

Heather Herrig, CMP – President and Director of Event Strategy, Every Last Detail

As event and meeting professionals, we are united by a common commitment to executing with excellence, to planning programs with all the details in place and logistics that are seamlessly managed. This is our standard. This is a given. But how do we go from good to great? There are opportunities at every level of your event to create something special, memorable, and off the charts.

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Vanessa Ibarra, International Affairs Director, Mayor's Office of International Affairs
Paulina Guzman, Global Engagement Officer, Mayor's Office of International Affairs

195 countries in the world, each with independent sets of protocol and etiquette principals, it is unrealistic to keep track of the infinite number of customs and traditions. The expressions of culture, protocol and etiquette are abundant, but there are tried and true principles for successfully hosting a wide range of visitors. Learn about the basics of international protocol, regional variations of customs and business etiquette, and how to create the right conditions for business and diplomacy to succeed.

Lee Hendrickson, Chief Operating Officer, Wellspring Living

Learn what it takes to host the ultimate VIP event – the Super Bowl.  Lee will share insights into volunteer management and the keys to community engagement after building and successfully mobilizing a 10,000-member team.

11 a.m. - Noon

Suzanne Tatum, Assistant Vice President for Protocol and Special Events, Augusta University

It takes many hands to execute an event and it’s important to make sure everyone is working towards the same goals. Establishing a team protocol is key to maintaining VIP event standards.  Learn how Augusta University created their own team process to ensure every event is a success.

Lydia Hires, Private Events Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Harley Daniel, Private Events Manager, Mercedes-Benz Stadium

When event planners come to us, we know they strive to give their guests a unique and memorable experience at a premium venue. It is our job as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Private Event Team to bring that vision to life through VIP treatment and dynamic service, all while staying true to the core values that set our organization apart. To our team, every private event is a Super Bowl.

Noon - 1:15 p.m.

• Group photo 
• Lunch & Networking time

1:15-2:15 p.m.

Becky Holland, Senior Manager of Conference & Meeting Services, Coca-Cola Company

One of the easiest ‘checks’ you can do to ensure all operational details have been considered, is to view the event through the eyes of your attendees. From your guests’ initial awareness of your event to the survey at the conclusion, Becky Holland will walk you through a few tips and tricks to help you plan and execute logistics that are an eleven.

2:30-3:30 p.m.

LaJauna Ellis, Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Engineering, Georgia Tech

From small meetings to large-scale events, the event starts and ends with YOU! Your name may not be on the invitation or program but it’s yours, so own it! Let’s have an honest and candid conversation about the little things and the big things that take your event to an 11!

Zach Rogers, Director of Payroll and Operations, Human Resources, Georgia Tech

From gifts to raffles, join Zach for an overview of Georgia Tech policies related to event giveaways and door prizes to help planners stay compliant and ethical.

3:30-4 p.m.