MPI NF 2021 Educon

Join the North Florida chapter of MPI for Educon on November 15th at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort! Plan now to attend this valuable day of education that will include a variety of topics, such as Diversity & Inclusion and Health & Wellness.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM              Hosted Buyer Vendor Registration & Exhibitor Setup
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM              Hosted Buyer Planner arrivals, registration & breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM            Hosted Buyer Appointments
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM             Attendee Arrivals & Networking Break with Exhibitors
11:30 AM - 11:35 AM             Welcome by Becky Lowry - MPI NF President
11:35 AM - 11:40                   Pulling Back the Curtain on AV
11:40 AM – 12:40 PM            A Conversation on Sustainability – Melissa Millione, Joanne                                                   Berens, Brooke Gast, and Chef Robbert
12:40 PM – 1:40 PM              Lunch at Harvest and Reel
1:40 PM – 1:45 PM                Pulling Back the Curtain on AV
1:45 PM – 2:50 PM               Energy Reboot for Peak Performance with Dr. Jo
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM               “Funner” Networking Break with David at Y! Entertainment
3:10 PM – 3:30 PM                Break with Exhibitors                           
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM                “Pulling Back the Curtain on AV” with O’Design
4:15 PM – 6:15 PM                Networking Reception & Raffle Drawing – Sunrise Oceanfront

SPEAKERS:

A/V



Stephen O'Connor

Stephen O’Connor is the Owner and CEO of O’Design Productions and Consulting, a breakthrough company that provides Audio Visual productions, consulting, and training to meeting professionals, companies, and agencies. A former Disney employee and VP of Sales and Marketing for various AV and event companies, Stephen approaches conference and meeting AV in a completely different way – from creative soal and a meeting planner’s heart. The result is an efficient process that removes the headache and hassle normally associated with meeting and conference AV and replaces it with the free mind space needed to create a heightened conference experience – regardless of budget.

Topic: Pulling back the curtain on AV

Pulling back the curtain on AV; we’ll be discussing the AV clause in your venue contract and what implications it can have on your event’s budget moving forward. We will also help you understand your true AV needs with tips on ensuring you get the exact equipment necessary at the proper price for your budget. Finally, we will advise on when you should consider an outside AV company for your event.”

Learning objectives:

1.     Gain an understanding of your venue contract’s AV clause and common verbiage used to add unexpected fees 
2.     Learn how to ensure your AV equipment is exactly as needed versus what is suggested
*3.    Learn about the benefits and limitations of in-house AV while also understanding when to seek an outside AV company’s services

WELLNESS

Dr. Jo

Jo is the author of REBOOT – how to power up your energy, focus, and productivity. For seven years she was a performance coach with Johnson & Johnson’s Human Performance Institute coaching C-suite executives on how to power up their performance. In addition, she's a proven educator. Jo has presented more than 1000 programs and has earned the highly prestigious Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. Energy Reboot for Peak Performance. 

Topic: Energy Reboot for Peak Performance

Not only has the meetings industry changed during the pandemic, so has the job of the planner. A recent PCMA survey found meeting planners are feeling anxious about the future, exhausted, and burned out. Without appropriate recovery, this can lead to poor performance, disengagement, health issues, and poor work-life balance. 

In this highly interactive “quiz show” format, Dr. Jo introduces a science-based energy management training solution that has worked for high performing leaders, athletes, and military operations. She'll share strategies for mastering peak performance through rising demands by addressing those invisible human factors that drive behavior change at its source. We know about the importance of fueling our cars and buildings, Energy REBOOT is about what fuels the human body – physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

After this program attendees will be able to:

1.     Articulate how the body and brain generate energy needed to function at a high level for long periods of time.
2.     Demonstrate practical strategies to sustain concentration, focus, and stamina in order to improve productivity and prevent burnout.
3.     Spark changes within their own work environment by sharing the stories of how other organizations have successfully made shifts towards energy management. 

SUSTAINABILITY PANEL

A Conversation on Sustainability. As meetings and events return with new care and safety measures in place, it seems that sustainability practices have been abandoned. In this conversation led by Melissa Milione, Hyatt Hotels, with Joanna Berens, President Sustainable Events Network, Brooke Gast, Corporate & Social Responsibility Leader,and Chef Robbert Bouman, FSCJ, we will discuss how to keep your guests and the planet safe through these learning objectives:

The learning objectives of the session are:

1.   To gain understanding why incorporating sustainable practices into meetings is important
2.   Understand specific tactical ways to make your event “green” in accommodations, AV & Production, F&B, Venue, etc
3.   Learn how to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining care for attendees
4.  Learn what to ask vendor partners to understand their sustainable practices

 
COST: 

$50 for Members
$75 for Non-Members


ATTIRE: 

Resort Casual 


HOSTED BUYER PROGRAM:


Planners will have the opportunity to apply for our hosted buyer program which will open in September.  More information & application to follow. Approved hosted buyers who attend all appointments will receive a refund of their registration fee or a $50 gift card.  Program benefits include breakfast, hosted buyer appointments, networking breaks with our vendors, educational sessions offering (3) hours of CEU credits, lunch & an oceanfront networking reception.

Sponsorship Agreement Form


ROOM BLOCKS:

A block of rooms has been reserved for November 14, 2021 - November 16, 2021.
Rates from 149.00 USD/Night

Located on a premier stretch of St. Augustine Beach, Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach offers 175 all-suites and 25,000 square feet of meeting & event space. Just opened in late 2018 our full service AAA Four Diamond Resort has quickly become one of the most popular resorts in North Florida!

With an ideal oceanfront location directly on the beautiful St. Augustine Beaches and near popular restaurants and shops. We are also just a quick 10 minute drive to historic downtown St. Augustine. Start your morning in our signature restaurant – Harvest and Reel - with a free made-to-order breakfast. Wind down after a busy day with drinks and snacks at the complimentary Evening Reception* before returning to our restaurant for a delectable dining experience. Daily room service is available, and our Castaway Cantina pool bar is the perfect spot to enjoy tasty cocktails and select light fare. Settle in to one of our beautiful suites featuring a private bedroom and separate living room with a sofa bed as well as a flat-screen TV in each room with cable and movies. Take advantage of the wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and complimentary WiFi for Hilton Honors Members. Our 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor event space includes two oceanfront event lawns and covered terraces while our Anastasia Ballroom features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Ocean. Bask in the Florida sunshine by our resort-style infinity pool or relax in one of our cabanas. Feeling adventurous? Check out some of our watersport activities. Our younger guests will find plenty of children’s activities. Explore the area on bicycle or visit the nearby historic district.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!