Meetings & Education Summit

Powered Productivity: 
Super Tech Tools to Get Stuff Done

Beth Z.

Author & Speaker, Your Nerdy Best Friend

^{Join Your Nerdy Best Friend (and former association education director!) for a look at common productivity problems related to meetings and event planning, followed by a hands-on exploration of technology to solve them. You’ll discover tools you never knew existed to get organized and work more efficiently.}

Beyond the Badge:
Unlocking the Power of Certification in Associations

Kelly Cusick

Chief Growth Officer
Holmes Corporation

Kelly Quinn

VP Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
Holmes Corporation

Elevating the conference Experience: 
A Collaborative Exchange of Ideas

MacKenzie Feldpausch

Education Programming Manager
Michigan Association of School Boards

Whitney Haughey

Conference & Event Planner
Michigan Association of School Boards

Venue Confidential:
Insider Contract & Event Planning Tips 
Every Meeting Professional Should Know

Matt Ames

Sales Manager
^{Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort}
PANELIST

Morgan Henry

Catering Sales Manager
^{Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest}
PANELIST

Clarissa Lange

Director of Sales
^{DoubleTree Bay City-Riverfront}
PANELIST

Donna Roy, CTA

Senior Event Coordinator
^{Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority}

Denise McGinn, CAE

Founder and President
Association Guidance

PANELIST

MODERATOR

Join this dynamic panel of seasoned venue professionals as they provide insider insights into venue contracts and clever planning strategies. From uncovering which contract items are truly negotiable to sharing real-life success stories and cautionary tales, this session is designed to equip meeting planners with the knowledge and confidence to better advocate for their events. Discover proven strategies to maximize value, minimize risk, and build productive venue relationships. The session will conclude with a 15-minute open Q&A—bring your toughest questions and negotiation challenges!