AMERICAS – The organiser of IMEX America has announced full details of the show's professional education programme, which runs over four days at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
The 2013 programme kicks off with Smart Monday, 14 October, powered by strategic partner Meeting Professionals International (MPI). In addition to MPI's own full day programme of education, the IAEE CEM Programme on 'Security, Risk and Crisis Management' takes place, plus seminars delivered by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, the International Special Events Society (ISES) and Site.
New this year are a number of Smart Monday deep-dive education sessions. These 3.5 hour sessions include Paul Bridle, CEO of the Bridle Group who will present 'Leadership starts from within' and David Bancroft-Turner, director of Training Solutions at Matrix TC, who will advise on 'Using 'Personality DNA' to Influence, Sell and Communicate More Effectively'.
Also taking place on Smart Monday will be IMEX America’s Association Focus. Now in its third year, this special, invitation-only event concentrates on the education and networking needs of around 200 association executives with sessions designed and delivered by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership; ICCA and PCMA.
Once IMEX America is underway, a nine-track education programme will take place at five show floor locations, including the IMEX-CIC Inspiration Center, a new Networking Hub, Tech Hub and App Bar. Formats will include informal campfires and drop-in workshops, 30-minute seminars plus 20-minute Lightening Learning Labs aimed specifically at suppliers and destinations.
Hot topics this year include data mining. Addressing current data practices and challenges will be DoubleDutch's 'Become a Data-Driven Event Organiser: Tips and Tricks from the Veterans' session; 'Event ROI' delivered by ISES ; and Aimia's 'Customer-Centric Data, Big Loyalty'.
Sessions in the Marketing and Communications track include: 'Aligning Marketing Strategies with Changing Demographics' by IAEE, and 'How to Get More People, More of the Time to Buy From You' by Matrix Training and Coaching.
Another hot topic will be technology and apps where a dedicated track will include sessions on 'Why Hybrid Meetings Built Long-Term Engagement' by a team from Aimia, and Song Division's 'How Spotify and other Music Subscription Services can Bring Soul To Your Event'.
ISES will be running educational sessions, including 'Quick Thinking Solutions to Last Minute Events with Limited Resources', 'Incorporating Design into Your Event' and 'Leveraging Creativity to Produce Innovative New Ideas'.
"Our feedback survey canvassed views on the variety and quality of education on offer," said IMEX Group CEO, Carina Bauer. "It showed that 39 per cent of hosted buyers rated our education programme as 'very important'. Of course, it's essential for us to achieve a balance between business opportunities – the primary focus for buyers and exhibitors – and providing a range of other added-value services and education for our attendees. I believe this year's programme hits the right mark with its quality and diversity."
The third edition of IMEX America will take place at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas, 15-17 October 2013.
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