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Risky Business: Moving from Reactive to Proactive Planning in 2022
It's Finally Here:
Connecticut River Valley's Annual IN-PERSON Half Day Education Program
It’s been a little more than 2 years since our last half day education event, and we’re coming back stronger than ever this April 12 at Mohegan Sun! Come join with other planners and suppliers for a day of inspiration, education and fun as we discuss the evolution from reactive to proactive planning in the area of cybersecurity, health and safety, and resilient leadership. This event will provide actionable takeaways for your personal and professional daily life, as well as plenty of time to share stories, ask questions and network with other event attendees. Attendees will also be treated to a special VIP tour of Mohegan Sun along with a private lunch experience at Vista Lounge.
8:30AM - 9:00AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00AM - 9:10AM Welcome & Introductions
9:10AM - 10:00AM 5 Concepts of Cybersecurity
10:10AM - 11:00AM Mohegan Sun Panel
11:00AM - 12:00PM Mohegan Sun Site Tour
12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch at Vista Lounge
1:15PM - 2:05PM Interactive Keynote: The Butterfly Effect
2:05PM - 2:15PM Closing Remarks
Session Information:
5 Concepts of Cybersecurity
In today’s highly digital and remote world, the growing number of users, devices, and programs has also increased cyberattacks to our digital wellness, organizations, governments, and consumers. As cyber attackers continue to get more sophisticated with their approach, it is more important than ever to have a proactive plan to prevent a data breach. This session will help to highlight some of the facts about cybersecurity, the types and scale of cyberattacks, and their consequences to governments, organizations, and small businesses. In addition, it will also include ways leadership and individual contributors can help to protect themselves, as well as their customers
All Eyes on Mohegan Sun
Government, state, venue and organizational guidelines have all varied over the past 2 years and have impacted the planning process time and time again, often causing planners to completely revamp their event concept altogether. As a venue that hosts some of the world's largest and highly publicized events, all eyes were on Mohegan Sun as they hosted the 2022 Miss America 2.0 Competition, bringing attendees from all over the country under one roof. Hear from the coordinators themselves as Mohegan Sun proactively planned for the many shifts that took place behind-the-scenes during the competition as the whole world watched.
Interactive Keynote
The Butterfly Effect: Leading With Resiliency
Resiliency is not a nice skill to have, but a must-have for leaders. In a world of changing businesses, bosses, rules, and pandemics, the basic principles of resilience are critical for operating in a whirlwind of change. When you eventually emerge from your cocoon, what changes will you face? What changes will you develop or support? Will you have the courage to tap into your well of resiliency? Will your eyes be wide open to a fresh perspective? Will you be willing and able to help others to endure the rigors of the butterfly effect? You will walk away with a plan of action.
1. Recognize the basic principles of resiliency and the butterfly effect.
2. Identify the major changes and stresses impacting your professional life.
3. Establish meaningful resiliency skills and a plan of action.
Deliverables:
1. Interactive program demonstrating what to do better, when the road gets bumpy.
2. Audience participation—on-your-feet excitement.
3. Create a viable plan of action with measurable results.
Meet Our Speakers:
Darwin Lara
Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Evocorp
Darwin is one of the prominent independent IT leaders in CT. A member of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and NIST. He is a member of a Small and Minority Business Enterprise and global network of young Chief Executives.
Darwin has completed MIT Sloan School of Management's Cyber Security for Managers, BBA - Business Administration, Associate's degree in Business, CompTIA Security+ Certification, Data Privacy Fundamentals, Big Data, Certification on Cyber Security, Securing Express Applications. While studying computer programming, Darwin was part of reselling computer system suppliers' relationships to an increasingly demanding overseas marketplace. His knowledge is coupled with leadership across a wide range of functions: Marketing, Sales, Data Privacy, Computer Forensics, and Consulting.
Evocorp provides Cybersecurity and MSP solutions aimed at managed IT detection and prevention of network security, endpoint security, SaaS, cloud continuity, ransomware attacks, maintenance, and IP protection
Lacee Colwell, CMP
Director of National Accounts, Mohegan Sun
Lacee Colwell, CMP is the Director of National Accounts for Mohegan Sun and is responsible for uncovering and the development of group business. Lacee was responsible for bringing the Miss America Organization from Atlantic City, which was their home for almost 100 years, to Mohegan Sun and creating a multi-year partnership between the two organizations.
She is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and is a seasoned sales professional with over 20 years of experience. She has had the privilege to work for amazing organizations such as Hyatt, Hilton, Caesars Entertainment and now the legendary Mohegan Sun since 2018.
Lacee is a former board member and Past President of the MPI CT River Valley Chapter. She has won multiple industry awards including MPI’s President’s Award, Caesar’s Entertainment Emperor’s Award, and several brand awards from Hilton.
Lacee resides in Colchester, CT with her husband Brian and their two kids Aiden and Mason and their rescue dogs Jax and Sophie.
Dana Lambersky, CMP CMM
Director of Convention Services, Mohegan Sun
Dana Lambersky began her meetings and events career at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina starting with the ‘94 Senior Open as a group reservationist, through the ’99 U.S. Open as a Convention Services Manager. Dana was persuaded to move to Connecticut in 2001 and joined Mohegan Sun as a Convention Services Manager. Among her responsibilities was to liaise with all groups as a partner in the planning and execution of all event operations with clear, concise and timely communication. This vast range of skills and experience led Lambersky to being named Director of Convention Services in late 2019, where her role was elevated to oversee all functions of Mohegan Sun’s Banquets and Convention Services departments. Dana has executed a vast array of events with a high degree of logistical challenges including Barrett-Jackson and Miss America to name a few.
Meet Our Keynote:
Michele Wierzgac, MSEd
Keynote Speaker | Author
"Leadership Solutions from the Lady on the Harley"
Michele Wierzgac is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author of the forthcoming book, Ass Kicking Women: How They Leverage Their Informal Networks For Success.
With her high energy presentations, Michele conveys sound leadership solutions and promotes audience engagement and on-your-feet participation. She promises her audience that they will leave her solution-driven keynotes and workshops with at least one passionate, life transforming leadership tool.
In her spare time, Michele is a Rider Coach for Harley-Davidson's Motorcycle Riding Academy. She has a master's degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Illinois State University, where she also earned an undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Athletic Coaching while playing volleyball on a NCAA scholarship.
Pricing:
Member: $65.00
Non-Member: $90.00
Past President: $50.00
Student: $50.00
Thank You to our Sponsors:
Event Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Annual AV Partner
Official Registration Partner
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville, CT 06382