Why You Should Attend
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting and versatile event destinations in the Midwest, and meeting planners are taking notice. With its walkable downtown, scenic lakefront views, world-class venues and a thriving culinary and brewery scene, Milwaukee offers an unforgettable experience for attendees and unmatched convenience for planners.
Meetings Today LIVE! National our fully hosted buyer event is your chance to experience Milwaukee like never before. From private tours of premier event venues to a guaranteed minimum of 20 one-on-one appointments with leading industry suppliers, you’ll gain fresh ideas, build valuable connections and discover why Milwaukee is the Midwest’s next big meetings destination.
Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, national conference, incentive program or something in between, Milwaukee delivers the energy, accessibility and hospitality to make your event stand out. Join us and see for yourself why this city is ready to host your next unforgettable event.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Victoria DeSilvio at:
victoria.desilvio@tradepress.com or 954-707-9821.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting and versatile event destinations in the Midwest, and meeting planners are taking notice. With its walkable downtown, scenic lakefront views, world-class venues and a thriving culinary and brewery scene, Milwaukee offers an unforgettable experience for attendees and unmatched convenience for planners.
Meetings Today LIVE! National our fully hosted buyer event is your chance to experience Milwaukee like never before. From private tours of premier event venues to a guaranteed minimum of 20 one-on-one appointments with leading industry suppliers, you’ll gain fresh ideas, build valuable connections and discover why Milwaukee is the Midwest’s next big meetings destination.
Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, national conference, incentive program or something in between, Milwaukee delivers the energy, accessibility and hospitality to make your event stand out. Join us and see for yourself why this city is ready to host your next unforgettable event.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Victoria DeSilvio at:
victoria.desilvio@tradepress.com or 954-707-9821.
The venue
Milwaukee | Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
A special thank you to our host hotel and sponsor.
Agenda
Speaker
Tie It All Together!
The Industry Panel That Finally Says What Everyone’s Thinking
Ever wonder what everyone else is really thinking when challenges hit our industry? Get ready for the most refreshingly honest panel you’ve seen. In Tie It All Together, our panel of meeting professionals reveal what actually makes meetings run today—and what drives them all a little bonkers!
No polished scripts. No cookie-cutter answers. We’re diving straight into the tangled timelines, mystery RFPs, budget surprises, wild requests and those heroic “save the day with duct tape and Wi-Fi” moments.
Expect sharp insights, real talk, big laughs and your voice in the mix. You’ll walk away with new ideas, fresh clarity and probably a few new inside secrets.
Takeaways:
· Discover unfiltered truths from suppliers and planners that instantly sharpen how planners communicate, collaborate and get what you need.
· How to spot the real friction points in timelines, budgets and partnerships, and learn how to fix them fast.
· Live polls, pick-a-side moments and audience-driven scenarios, along with a Q&A segment so the takeaways hit home.
Deborah Gardner, CMP, CVP
President & CEO
DG International, LLC
Oh, whoa! Meet Deborah Gardner—the ultimate Triple Threat in a Skirt! This powerhouse entrepreneur is a global keynote speaker, seven-time bestselling author and certified meeting pro who wrangles logistics like a boss.
A former NBC/CBS sports broadcaster and pro athlete, Deborah doesn’t just talk the talk, she swims the swim. (Olympic trials, anyone?) Crowned Mrs. America and now a Guinness World Record Holder - Channel Swimmer, she blends ambition, action and a splash of sass to fuel audiences around the world and launches them into the fast lane of their own success.
Deborah has fired up teams at Walmart, American Express, Success Women, Marriott, Siemens and more, helping them elevate their people and crush legendary goals. Her high-voltage, laugh-out-loud programs are basically a Red Bull plus double espresso for the soul. Buckle up.
Her magnetic presence has earned her titles like Top 30 Global Gurus in Hospitality, Best of the Stage Speaker and features in USA Today, Success Magazine, Fabulous Arizona People and Meetings Today. She’s also the creator and host behind the worldwide broadcast hit Hospitality Today Live.
When she’s not igniting stages, you’ll find Deborah basking in the Arizona sun, swimming or hiking with her husband, Jerry, and their wild, lovable four-legged girl, Cami.
Challenge Accepted: Solutions to Industry Issues That Impact You
Gain a comprehensive overview of recent industry challenges, such as cost increases, supply-chain disruptions and the evolving landscape of international travel, and understand how these factors impact the meetings industry.
In this session led by MPI Academy’s Jesse States, you will gain a clear understanding of the current environment and join peer-to-peer discussions focusing on practical solutions you can implement within your own sphere of influence. Share experiences, new ideas and best practices while brainstorming strategies and exploring innovative approaches to overcoming current challenges.
You’ll leave with knowledge and actionable ideas to navigate the complexities of today's meeting landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders, gain fresh perspectives and discover new ways to drive success in your organization and during your events.
Takeaways:
· Gain an in-depth analysis of recent industry challenges.
· Apply new practical solutions and strategies to overcome headwinds.
· Create new pathways to success for yourself and your business.
Jessie States, CMP, CMM
Vice President, Consulting
Meeting Professionals International
Jessie States, CMP, CMM, is the Vice President of the MPI Academy for Meeting Professionals International, where she leads and advances MPI’s professional development strategy, developing and managing MPI’s portfolio of educational products, including live and digital events, educational experiences, professional certificate programs and educational partnerships. Jessie has received the Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, an honor that recognizes emerging leaders and industry supporters. She has also earned spots on the lists of 25 Most Influential People in Meetings and Events (Successful Meetings magazine) and Trendsetters (Meetings Today magazine).
