January 16, 2025
The Stories We Tell - Keith Bailey
more information and registration...
MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter Events
April Education + MPI After 5:00
9:30am – 10:30am – Board Meeting via Zoom
3:00pm – 3:30pm – Member Orientation
3:30 PM-4:00 PM Registration
4:00 PM-4:30 PM Opening Remark
4:30 PM-5:30 PM Panel
5:30 PM-6:30 PM Reception
- Understanding the Career Benefits of Professional Communities: Delve into how being an active part of a professional community can open new doors, provide essential support, and accelerate your career development.
- Strategies for Nurturing and Growing Your Communities: Learn effective methods to engage, sustain, and grow your professional networks. Discover the tools and tactics that can help you build a thriving community.
- Exploring the Benefits of Collaboration: Uncover the advantages of collaboration within the meetings and events industry. Understand how working together can lead to innovative solutions, enhanced experiences, and successful outcomes.
| Members | Non-Members | Students | ||
| $55 | $75 | $15 |
Panelists
 Traci DePuy, MSELChief Marketing Officer Professional Convention Management Association Traci is an experienced marketing professional with 15+ years of experience managing events, campaigns, and business financial planning at top companies like Ellucian, Salesforce, GitHub, and UBM Tech. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at PCMA, where she drives innovative marketing strategies, enhances the brand experience, and guides her team in achieving new milestones. Traci holds a Masters in Executive Leadership, speaks at conferences, and shares valuable insights on marketing trends and leadership in the ever-evolving event landscape. |  Rachel Benedick Chief Revenue Officer Meeting Professionals International Rachel Benedick educates the meeting and event industry. She oversees the Academy, Sales/Fulfillment, and MPI Foundation. Rachel was previously the Executive Vice President, Sales & Services at VISIT DENVER. She joined in 1998, became Vice President in 2008, and Executive Vice President in January 2020. Rachel holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her dog, staying fit, and enjoying wine. | |
 Gary Schirmacher, CMP Senior Consultant | Talent Acquisition Maritz Gary Schirmacher has 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently leading the team at THIS-Total Hospitality Industry Solutions since OCT 2020. He was a leader at Experient for 25 years, where he led the development and implementation of their strategic plans and was responsible for Maritz Global Events' industry presence. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry, including the Pinnacle Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an active member of multiple industry associations and serves in leadership roles for many of them. Schirmacher is also a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. He is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering. |  Dean Savoca, M.Ed, BCC, CSP Keynote Speaker Savoca Performance Group Dean is an experienced performance improvement expert and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)™ and a board-certified coach with over 12,000 executive coaching sessions to his credit. He also leads intentional living retreats in the Rocky Mountains that offer a chance for overachievers to disconnect, reflect, and recharge. |
Moderators
 Megan Finnell, CMP Senior Director | Strategy & Insights Freeman Company Megan is an award-winning event design strategist with almost 20 years of experience. She blends art and science to create impactful experiences for organizations. As Senior Director | Strategy & Insights, Freeman Company, Megan has been recognized for her deep human engagement methods. She’s won several awards and serves on various advisory boards. Megan is also a passionate musician, art advocate, mountain lover, and mother. |  Megan Granrud Dual Director of Sales & Marketing Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Megan Granrud is an experienced sales leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for cultivating high-performing teams. She is the Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Downtown and the Director of Member Care for the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. Megan brings a decade of hospitality experience to the table, including successfully opening two hotels and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration among her team and community. |
Sponsors
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April Education + MPI After 5:00
9:30am – 10:30am – Board Meeting via Zoom
3:00pm – 3:30pm – Member Orientation
3:30 PM-4:00 PM Registration
4:00 PM-4:30 PM Opening Remark
4:30 PM-5:30 PM Panel
5:30 PM-6:30 PM Reception
- Understanding the Career Benefits of Professional Communities: Delve into how being an active part of a professional community can open new doors, provide essential support, and accelerate your career development.
- Strategies for Nurturing and Growing Your Communities: Learn effective methods to engage, sustain, and grow your professional networks. Discover the tools and tactics that can help you build a thriving community.
- Exploring the Benefits of Collaboration: Uncover the advantages of collaboration within the meetings and events industry. Understand how working together can lead to innovative solutions, enhanced experiences, and successful outcomes.
| Members | Non-Members | Students | ||
| $55 | $75 | $15 |
Panelists
| Traci DePuy, MSEL Chief Marketing Officer Professional Convention Management Association Traci is an experienced marketing professional with 15+ years of experience managing events, campaigns, and business financial planning at top companies like Ellucian, Salesforce, GitHub, and UBM Tech. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at PCMA, where she drives innovative marketing strategies, enhances the brand experience, and guides her team in achieving new milestones. Traci holds a Masters in Executive Leadership, speaks at conferences, and shares valuable insights on marketing trends and leadership in the ever-evolving event landscape. | Rachel Benedick Chief Revenue Officer Meeting Professionals International Rachel Benedick educates the meeting and event industry. She oversees the Academy, Sales/Fulfillment, and MPI Foundation. Rachel was previously the Executive Vice President, Sales & Services at VISIT DENVER. She joined in 1998, became Vice President in 2008, and Executive Vice President in January 2020. Rachel holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her dog, staying fit, and enjoying wine. | |
Gary Schirmacher, CMP Senior Consultant | Talent Acquisition Maritz Gary Schirmacher has 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently leading the team at THIS-Total Hospitality Industry Solutions since OCT 2020. He was a leader at Experient for 25 years, where he led the development and implementation of their strategic plans and was responsible for Maritz Global Events' industry presence. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry, including the Pinnacle Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an active member of multiple industry associations and serves in leadership roles for many of them. Schirmacher is also a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. He is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering. | Dean Savoca, M.Ed, BCC, CSP Keynote Speaker Savoca Performance Group Dean is an experienced performance improvement expert and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)™ and a board-certified coach with over 12,000 executive coaching sessions to his credit. He also leads intentional living retreats in the Rocky Mountains that offer a chance for overachievers to disconnect, reflect, and recharge. |
Moderators
Megan Finnell, CMP Senior Director | Strategy & Insights Freeman Company Megan is an award-winning event design strategist with almost 20 years of experience. She blends art and science to create impactful experiences for organizations. As Senior Director | Strategy & Insights, Freeman Company, Megan has been recognized for her deep human engagement methods. She’s won several awards and serves on various advisory boards. Megan is also a passionate musician, art advocate, mountain lover, and mother. | Megan Granrud Dual Director of Sales & Marketing Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Megan Granrud is an experienced sales leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for cultivating high-performing teams. She is the Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Place / Hyatt House Denver Downtown and the Director of Member Care for the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. Megan brings a decade of hospitality experience to the table, including successfully opening two hotels and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration among her team and community. |
Sponsors
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