As meeting professionals, do we consider attendees as "guests"? Is hospitality already part of our planning DNA, and if it's not, should it be? What levers and strategies do you use to better engage with attendees to make them feel welcome and included throughout their in-person experience? Is there a mindset of hospitality on your executive team, or are they indifferent?
While there are many touchpoints along the way to becoming an attendee – email marketing, badge pickup at registration, in-person navigation and waypointing, social media, and more – above all, it's the in-person experience they'll remember. That's what our primary focus will be for this conversation.
We've assembled a panel of thought leaders to share what they've learned and to discuss how we can adopt some of their best practices for the meetings we organize. We'll be joined by Lisa Marie Czop, CMP, Senior Vice President, Ballpark Operations & Experience for the Washington Nationals; Dale MacPhee, GM of the Conrad Washington DC; Chef Patrick Bazin of the longtime popular restaurant Bazin's on Church; and Kristin Shurr-McElwee, Senior Managing Partner at Great American Restaurants.
Thanks to our breakfast sponsors – Tourism Calgary and Visit Norfolk – and our venue host Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Conveniently located near the intersections of I-495, 267 Dulles Toll Road, and Route 123, the Hilton offers complimentary parking.
It's our first breakfast program of the year - join us!
08:00 - 08:30
Breakfast & Networking
Breakfast & Networking
08:30 - 08:50
Welcome & Introductions
Welcome & Introductions
08:50 - 09:00
Sponsor presentations
Sponsor presentations
09:00 - 10:00
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Organizer
Program Sponsors
Venue Sponsor
Strategic Partner
Signage Sponsor
Refresh this page between now and the program date. Only registrants can view the list of registrants.
Meeting Planner/Organizer
Registration for meeting planners employed by associations, nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and independent meeting professionals.
Supplier
We welcome individuals and companies who provide goods and services to event organizers. Includes hospitality providers and properties, convention and tourism bureaus, destination management companies, audio/visual and technology providers, photography, exhibition and sponsorship sales, employees of national meeting industry organizations, consultants, speakers, publishing entities, general services contractors, Internet-related services, transportation or freight services, signage/printing companies, premium incentives, and others.
FLEX reserves the right to limit the number of representatives from the same company.
In order to maintain the integrity of a favorable planner-to-supplier ratio, suppliers will be notified if their registrations are approved, and then they may proceed to payment.
Student/Faculty
Currently attending or teaching at a local college or university, with a program related to hospitality, tourism management, and events.
Our 7th annual one-day summer gathering on July 31, 2024 at Lansdowne Resort delivered many thought-provoking sessions, outstanding food, plus activities including golf, morning yoga, and painting for a cause. Literally 100% of our post-event survey respondents said they felt welcomed – a core description of what FLEX is all about!
Did you catch the recap video?
We are grateful to all the panelists and moderators who raised the level of discussion to new heights, and the sponsors and exhibitors who made Summer Camp possible. Special thanks to our programming advisory task force members: Kristin Shoop, Kristie Chang, Renee Shipe, Diane Ramos, Kathryne Gardette, Jane Davis, Rebecca Stannard, Stephen Jackson, Michelle Coombs, Nicole Brophy, and Kim Lysik di Santi.
Our Summer Camp participants embraced creativity and giving back! Check out their paintings which are now on permanent display at the Loudoun Free Clinic in Leesburg, which provides free health care to low income residents of Loudoun County.
Mark your calendars now for upcoming FLEX breakfast programs:
Thursday, March 27
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, November 20
Possible spring or fall social event.
Breakfast Sponsorships, Venue Hosting, and Summer Camp Sponsor/Exhibitor Reserve List: contact Claire Marble at claire.marble@conferencedirect.com.
Dates subject to change. Registration announcements will be sent approximately 4-5 weeks prior. Seating is limited. FLEX members receive priority registration emails. Join FLEX for free.