EduCon 2021 Recap

In case you missed it, we recently hosted EduCon 2021 at the Marriott Grand in Downtown Saint Louis. This all day education event was offered in a hybrid environment for both in-person and virtual attendees. By partnering with our sponsors, we were able to plan and execute the event safely while still engaging our members.

In total, 13 CE sessions were offered across seven domains. Attendees who participated in the all-day event earned four credit hours towards their CMP. This year, the focus of our sessions was Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. Through the various offerings, attendees learned new ways to approach inclusivity and build relationships in their personal and professional lives.

Speaking on the importance of overcoming biases and stereotypes, local DE&I expert Monica Black-Robinson delivered the keynote session. By sharing her unique family history and engaging the audience to show where some of our differences lie, Monica emphasized the importance and value of looking beyond what we know about one another and learning what we don't. Our individuality lies below the surface, and as meeting professionals it is our responsibility to explore the needs and interests of our attendees and clients.

Creating an experience for all and executing a successful event demands the prioritization of inclusivity. Session speaker Dee Dee Vicino echoed this point as she presented on food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. We learned providing a safe environment at our meetings or larger events does not stop at discussions around social distancing or masks; dietary requirements call for the same level of observance and accommodation. Finally, Rob Wilson addressed inclusivity by exploring diverse applications and services available for delivering meetings, events and experiences. As we address diverse audiences in-person, at home, and everywhere in between, our industry must continue to adapt and adopt new tools in order to achieve success.

The lessons learned and sessions provided were made possible by our speakers and sponsors. See the full list below.

• Speakers:
  • Monica-Black Robinson, WASHU
  • David Creswell, Events/com
  • Eric DeFord, Eventuro
  • Christina Eller, River City Casino
  • Stuart Kendall, Eventuro
  • Sarah Pinkowski, Enterprise Holdings
  • Dee Dee Vicino, AllerCuisine
  • Kelvin Weathers
  • Robert Wilson, Meeting Evolution
• Sponsors:
  • Events/com - Platinum AV Sponsor
  • EventRebels - Virtual Platform Sponsor
  • Marriott St. Louis Grand - Venue Sponsor
  • Butler's Pantry - Speaker Gift Sponsor
  • St. Louis Photo Party - Headshot Sponsor
  • Q&A - Program Sponsor
  • Eventuro - Gold Sponsor
  • Explore St. Louis - Gold Sponsor
  • The Last Hotel - Silver Sponsor
  • MEET Missouri - Table Sponsor

EduCon 2021 concluded with the chapter's annual Awards Celebration! This year's festivities were special, with the presentation of the St. Louis Chapter's first annual Lifetime Achievement Award. The audience heard from award recipient, Beverly Kinkade, about the founding of our chapter and the success we have achieved over the years. Following Beverly's reflections and heartfelt wishes for the future of our chapter, the Circle of Excellence Award winners were announced. The recipients of the awards are listed below. Finally, to wrap up an inspiring evening, the 2021-2022 Board of Directors were inducted with promises of another great year ahead.

• President's Award - Valerie Fox, Intalere
• Chapter Leader of the Year Award - Kaitlin Jakel, Express Scripts
• Volunteer of the Year Award - Katelyn Ruggeri, Intalere
• Planner of the Year Award - Sarah Thorowgood, National Information Solutions Cooperative
• Supplier of the Year Award - Tony Williams, St. Louis Photo Party
• Venue of the Year - The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Beverly Kinkade

Thank you to those who were able to attend, and we hope to see you all next year!