Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Stellar Speaker Line Up

February 19, 2016

The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.

“The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect.

He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the looming threats and opportunities organizers need to conquer.”

ECEF attendance is limited to 200 CEOs, executive directors, presidents, and vice presidents from associations and for-profit organizers.

The event will kick off with an opening keynote by Karen Chupka, senior vice president, CES & Corporate Business Strategy Exhibitions and Events, CTA/CES, who will share the wisdom that has taken CES to the top.

A panel discussion, “Our Exhibitors Speak”, will have Randal Acker, president at EXHIBITOR Media Group and Diane Benson, Americas exhibits leader, GE Healthcare; Dominique Cook, trade show manager, Marvin Windows and Doors; and Dana L. Tilghman, senior trade show and events planner, Minitab, who will discuss what is working and what needs to change to maximize their ROI from events.

Lippman will discuss “Attendee Acquisition”, utilizing research from Exhibit Surveys and best practices from Lippman Connect’s Attendee Acquisition Roundtables on how to find, attract and retain quality attendees.

Another all-star panel discussion, “Agenda 2018: New Event Realities”, will be led by Galen Poss, Vice Chairman, dmg events, and he will invite Charles McCurdy, chairman and CEO, Informa Global Exhibitions; David Loechner, CEO, Emerald Expositions; and Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA, to share their vision of how the events business will have changed by new technologies, new competitors and the pressure to experiment and innovate.

The day will wrap up with the closing keynote, “From Mini to Mega: Growing and Protecting Your Brand” given by Frank Supovitz, president and chief experience officer, Fast Traffic Events & Entertainment, who will demonstrate that no matter your event’s age or size, protecting your brand takes more than meticulous planning and flawless execution.

The session will focus on understanding an event’s potential, leveraging opportunities for growth and being prepared to respond to threats and challenges.

Excepting one session reserved for late-breaking developments, complete information on the all the sessions is HERE

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.