The 16th Annual Event Coordinators' Workshop
ECN Workshop Gives Back
Give Back at ECN Workshop
The ECN Workshop committee is excited to give back to the Yellow Jacket community, at this year's workshop to Klemis Kitchen and Green Goodbyes. Attendees are encouraged to bring the following items to donate to both campus departments:
Klemis Kitchen
Breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal)
Shelf-stable milk
Cereal bars / breakfast bars / protein bars
Pasta and pasta sauce
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned chicken
Canned tuna
Microwavable macaroni and cheese
Ramen noodles
Canned vegetables
Green Goodbyes
Hats
Scarves
Gloves
Coats
Long-sleeve tshirts
Thermal underwear
Socks
2025 ECN Workshop Agenda
2025 ECN Workshop Keynote Speaker: Dr. Beth Cabrera
A Positive Path to Greater Well-Being
9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Midtown Ballroom
Recent research in medicine and psychology has demonstrated that our physical and mental health is significantly influenced by behaviors within our control. As a result, specific lifestyle factors that contribute to greater well-being have been identified. Dr. Cabrera will present the latest science regarding these factors and offer recommendations for behavioral changes that can lead to a happier, healthier, and longer life.
Morning Breakout Sessions 10:55 - 11:40 a.m.
Generating Buzz: Proven Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Event
Homepark Room
Maria Misbach
Director of Marketing and Communications, Scheller College of Business- Georgia Tech
Join Maria for a session focused on practical approaches to effectively market and promote your events. This session will explore proven techniques for crafting compelling campaigns, leveraging digital tools, and building a strong brand presence. From storytelling to data-driven insights, you'll gain practical tips for maximizing your event's visibility and impact. Whether you're targeting a specific audience or aiming for widespread buzz, this session will equip you with the tools you need
Igniting Engagement: Keeping the Flame Going
Midtown Ballroom
Jessica Huffman
Customer Experience Design Execution Strategist- UPS Capital
Alyssa Acker-Moffett
Employee Experience Supervisor- UPS Corporate Campus
Join Alyssa and Jessica as they share insights on driving engagement and designing meaningful events for the workplace. They’ll discuss key strategies for effective communication, soliciting feedback, and taking action to create a more engaged workplace. Learn about their employee engagement structure, actionable feedback loop, and how to develop impactful events that resonate with employees.
Its All in the Planning: Experience Tested Tips and Tricks
Centennial Room
Jane Griffin
Corporate Meetings and Programs Lead- Equifax
Attendees will be guided through the event planning process with a focus on tips and tricks to help you spring into a new year of event management success. Valuable insights on negotiating with vendors, setting your event space in order to achieve your event goals, and managing potential crises will be discussed. Plan to be equipped with practical tips and actionable strategies to navigate challenges with confidence and achieve your event outcomes.
Lunch and Vendor Showcase 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Get to know approved Georgia Tech vendors while networking with your fellow ECN members.
- Balloonacy
- Balloons Over Atlanta
- Booker Promotions
- Promo Entertainment
- Button It Up
- One Night Entertainment
- Atlanta Event Photography
- Georgia Tech Catering
- Carlyle's Catering
- Time to Dine
- Blue Donkey Coffee
- Twisted Taco
- Chick-fil-a
- Kaldi's Coffee
- Georgia Tech Student and Campus Event Centers
Afternoon Breakout Sessions Part I - 1:15 – 2 p.m.
From Vision to Execution: Planning Large Conferences in the Nonprofit Sector
Midtown Ballroom
Ashley Acuff
Executive Director, Nonprofit Skills- USA Georgia
Learn insights on the realities of large-scale event planning including logistics, team coordination, stakeholder input, and creating meaningful experiences for attendees. Using real-world examples, learn strategies to overcome challenges, maximize impact, and consistently improve your events. This session will inspire you to think about how you approach event planning in the nonprofit sector whether you’re new to event planning or a seasoned professional.
From Stress to Success: Supercharge Your Event Strategy with AI Prompt Engineering
Homepark Room
Danise Lindo
Le Diner en Blanc, Director of Ceremonies and Events- Georgia Gwinnett College
Unlock the power of AI to streamline your event planning process, boost engagement, and elevate every aspect of your event strategy. This session reveals how AI prompt engineering can enhance decision-making, optimize logistics, and reduce stress. Learn practical techniques and insights to integrate AI into your workflow, empowering you to deliver successful, data-driven events with greater efficiency and creativity.
Creating Inclusive Spaces- Branding Your Event
Centennial Room
Heidi Beckles
Owner- Lot 23 Chandler Co.
Lot 23 Chandler Co will guide attendees through key strategies for branding inclusive events. Heidi will offer insights on how to make guests feel welcomed and seen. She will explore how to align your "North Star," with your brand identity, with a special focus on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through engaging audience participation.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions Part II - 2:15 – 3 p.m.
Mastering the Art of Events: Behind the Scenes at the High Museum
Midtown Ballroom
Yadira Padilla
Associate Manager of Public Engagement- High Museum
Melissa Katzin
Public Engagement & Family Programs and Group Experiences- High Museum
Hear from two experts on how they develop and execute large, scaled programming from beginning to end. Using popular programs such as Second Sunday, High Frequency Friday and Friday Jazz as case studies, learn how these monthly programs come together and what it takes to welcome thousands of people through the door.
A "Perfect" Opening: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
Homepark Room
Julie Hawkins
Associate Director of Oncology Programs and Events- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
From the initial groundbreaking to the climactic three-day grand opening celebration for a state-of-the-art cancer care facility, we'll explore the challenges faced and the strategies employed to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Discover how to navigate obstacles and savor the triumphs that define a truly successful opening.
Launching a New Event for a Legacy Brand: The Strategy Behind Polar Opposite Peachtree
Centennial Room
Natalie Cabanas
Director of Marketing- Atlanta Track Club
In 2025, the AJC Peachtree Road Race will celebrate 56 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.