Registration is Open
2026 ECN Workshop Keynote Speaker
Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson
Discovering Your Brilliance
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Midtown Ballroom
Join Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson (Dr. PBJ) for an empowering session designed to help you accomplish purposeful work without burnout. Discover strategies to unlock intrinsic fulfillment and motivation as we move beyond majors, job titles, and descriptions to explore and embrace your irreplaceable, innate value.
About Dr. PBJ:
Dr. PBJ gives educators the strategies for accomplishing purposeful work without burnout. She holds a doctoral degree in Education Administration, served in executive leadership at colleges and universities, and facilitated leadership training as a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Jackson worked in higher education at many levels, from student assistant to President’s Cabinet and is the recipient of several professional awards and accolades.
Dr. Jackson founded EduCare Training and Consulting, LLC through a purpose of pouring in to those who pour out so much. Much of her work is specifically focused on equipping and refreshing educators. Compassionate work can carry a high price tag: your mind, body, spirit and relationships may be in distress as you serve the needs of others. Dr. Jackson leads her community to serve well without paying an ultimate price.
Dr. PBJ is the creator and host of the Disrupting Burnout podcast as well as the author of the Amazon best-seller, Disrupting Burnout: The professional woman’s LIFELINE to finding purpose.
2026 ECN Workshop Breakout Sessions
Venue Smarts: How to Pick the Perfect Space and Set It Up for Impact
Christina Whitehead, MUSE Productions
Learn how to make smart, strategic decisions when selecting a venue to ensure it fully supports your event goals. Attendees will learn key considerations in evaluating spaces, explore a range of room-set options, and cover practical techniques for optimizing any venue layout to create maximum impact and engagement.
Planning Zero Waste Events
Kamilah Roberts, program and operations manager, Office of Sustainability
Drew Cutright, director of Sustainability Engagement, Office of Sustainability
Learn how to plan and execute Zero Waste events that minimize environmental impact without compromising on experience. This session will walk through early planning, smart purchasing, waste management, and post-event wrap-up. Discover the new Georgia Tech Zero Waste Events Guide, Sustainable Procurement Guide, and supporting resources, designed to help implement sustainable practices with confidence. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to engage participants and vendors, reduce waste, and deliver events that are both impactful and environmentally responsible.
Launching a New Event for a Legacy Brand: The Strategy Behind the Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race
Natalie Cabanas, director of Marketing & Communications, Atlanta Track Club
In 2026, the AJC Peachtree Road Race will celebrate 57 years as Atlanta’s most iconic running tradition. But how do you keep a legacy event fresh and relevant? Enter the Polar Opposite Peachtree: a bold new spin on an established brand. This session explores strategies for engaging audiences, generating excitement for new experiences and balancing innovation with tradition to captivate both loyal participants and new fans. Perfect for event professionals looking to evolve their offerings and inspire their communities.
Buzz-Worthy Event Design Trends
Leigh Simpson, CMP, CSEP, director of Sales & Design, WM Events
Explore the newest trends in event décor and styling through the lens of Georgia Tech’s innovative, tech-forward spirit. Attendees will learn how to transform events using modern design principles, sensory storytelling, bold graphics, sustainable practices, and intentional styling choices. Examine how national trends translate into realistic, scalable applications for university programs, ceremonies, student life, alumni engagement, and donor events. Through practical examples and interactive moments, planners will discover how to elevate atmosphere, enhance guest experience, and “wreck the ordinary” with creative, future-ready designs.
Designing for IMPACT: Events that engage, inspire, and deliver results
Cynthia Culbreath, owner & chief Spark Plug - A Wonderful Change
Are you getting the attendance and engagement you desire for meetings and events? Are you achieving the expected results? Join this breakout session for that will give practical tools to engage, inspire, and deliver expected results
Beyond the Scoreboard: Building Homecoming Traditions Without Athletics
Missy Poole, executive director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement Events, Emory University
Think homecoming requires a big game? Think again! This session explores how institutions can successfully create vibrant, meaningful homecoming traditions that foster pride and connection without athletic-centric planning models. Learn how to leverage campus culture, partnerships, and messaging to create engaging event experiences that unite alumni, families, and students without scoring a single touchdown.