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Save the dateSeptember 8, 202309:00 - 16:00 (EDT) Add to Calendar
Venue Location
Organizer
Organizer
Organizer: FLEX: Fairfax Loudoun Event Executives
Contact Person: Claire Marble / Phil Rappoport
Email: info@flex-planners.com
Event Details
Event Details
It's the 6th Annual SUMMER CAMP!
Our annual Summer Camp is a day of learning, sharing, and networking -- all in a fun and casual environment! There's nothing like it, and meeting professionals in the DMV know where to combine exchanging best practices, meaningful conversation, and smiles all around.
This year's Summer Camp -- presented by Visit Loudoun and Visit Fairfax -- takes place in the vibrant setting of Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, Virginia, conveniently located near Route 7 and just minutes from the Dulles Toll Road and Dulles International Airport.
From official intelligence (CIA) to artificial intelligence (AI and ChatGPT) to tips for professional growth, we're covering a range of topics that will appeal to every planner.
We invite you to attend highly relevant education sessions balanced with fun outdoor and indoor activities. Enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace with salads and healthy seasonal specialties prepared by Lansdowne's acclaimed chef. Join the activities during the mid-afternoon at the Pavilion, including Pickleball and tennis (Lansdowne "counselors" will be on hand!), plus ping pong, corn hole, and other lawn games with snacks and beverages provided by Experience Scottsdale. Or, join our group of amateur artists and paint a beautiful landscape with the owner of Leesburg's paint 'n sip place, Pinot's Palette.
For more information about FLEX -- always free membership -- check out our website.
Agenda
Agenda
08:00 - 08:30
Registration Desk Open / Exhibitor Setup
Registration Desk Open / Exhibitor Setup
RegistrationPre-function08:30 - 09:00
Coffee / Light Breakfast
Coffee / Light Breakfast
RegistrationPre-function09:00 - 12:00
Registration Desk Open
Registration Desk Open
Registration09:00 - 09:25
Welcome Remarks
Welcome Remarks
Welcome and IntroductionsBallroom AB FLEX co-founders Phil Rappoport and Claire Marble provide an overview of the day's events. Introductions include Lansdowne staff and sponsor remarks by Visit Loudoun and Visit Fairfax.09:25 - 10:25
Keynote: The Art of Disguise and Lessons of Adaptability
Keynote: The Art of Disguise and Lessons of Adaptability
Morning Keynote - Ballroom ABAuthor and national speaker Jonna Mendez shares insights into her work preparing spies for operations and relates the importance to meeting planners of being adaptable and ready to implement contingency plans.
Ben Affleck portrayed Jonna's late husband, CIA operative Tony Mendez, in the thrilling Oscar-winning film, Argo, which took home Best Picture. The film told the story of the daring mission to rescue a group of American hostages during the Iranian revolution.
Jonna is...Author and national speaker Jonna Mendez shares insights into her work preparing spies for operations and relates the importance to meeting planners of being adaptable and ready to implement contingency plans.view more
Ben Affleck portrayed Jonna's late husband, CIA operative Tony Mendez, in the thrilling Oscar-winning film, Argo, which took home Best Picture. The film told the story of the daring mission to rescue a group of American hostages during the Iranian revolution.
Jonna is the author of "The Moscow Rules" and other books. Includes approximately 10 minutes of Q&A. Her FLEX appearance marks the first time she has spoken to a gathering of meeting professionals anywhere.10:25 - 10:45
Morning Break - Visit Exhibitors
Morning Break - Visit Exhibitors
Break - Pre-function10:45 - 11:30
Life after Badges and Specs: What's next?
Life after Badges and Specs: What's next?
Breakout Session - Ballroom ABModerated by Rebecca Takemoto
Are you starting to think about what might be next in your career? Whether you are a new planner, wondering which skills to concentrate on or a seasoned planner, fixated far too often about finding more comfortable shoes, this panel of seasoned (and former) planners will delve into that age old question: Where do I go from here?10:45 - 11:30
Planners and AI: Successful Strategies and Outcomes Using ChatGPT
Planners and AI: Successful Strategies and Outcomes Using ChatGPT
Breakout Session - Ballroom CJoin Conor Sibley and planner Nicole Roames as they delve into the world of AI-powered planning with ChatGPT, offering insights into successful strategies and outcomes while engaging the audience with real-life user experiences. (If you like this, be sure to join Conor again at 11:45 for an even deeper dive into game-changing tips!)10:45 - 11:30
The Tax Translator
The Tax Translator
Breakout Session Ballroom DAre you a planner who's frustrated with not knowing enough about taxes? Steve will simplify and clarify the complex IRS requirements in words you can understand and put to use tomorrow with meeting industry-specific real life examples. Topics may include: attrition; gifts/awards; contractors vs. employees; incentive travel and spouses. Steve does not use confusing IRS code section numbers. No boring slides cuz there's no slides! Just listen in and float to Cloud 1099. (Consult your tax advisor ...Are you a planner who's frustrated with not knowing enough about taxes? Steve will simplify and clarify the complex IRS requirements in words you can understand and put to use tomorrow with meeting industry-specific real life examples. Topics may include: attrition; gifts/awards; contractors vs. employees; incentive travel and spouses. Steve does not use confusing IRS code section numbers. No boring slides cuz there's no slides! Just listen in and float to Cloud 1099. (Consult your tax advisor for specific needs.)view more11:30 - 11:45
Mid-Morning Break - Visit Exhibitors
Mid-Morning Break - Visit Exhibitors
Break - Pre-function11:45 - 12:30
ChatGPT Here and Now: Shortcuts and Results That Will Blow Your Mind
ChatGPT Here and Now: Shortcuts and Results That Will Blow Your Mind
Breakout Session - Ballroom ABJoin Conor Sibley in an immersive exploration of ChatGPT's capabilities, revealing game-changing shortcuts and real-world results. Unlock the potential of ChatGPT with expert tips, practical examples, and innovative shaping techniques for precision and creativity like never before. Email marketing, session descriptions, conference websites, and more. Let's use your suggestions, view the results, and discuss.11:45 - 12:30
Your ROI: How to Gather, Measure, and Communicate Your Value Internally and Externally
Your ROI: How to Gather, Measure, and Communicate Your Value Internally and Externally
Breakout Session - Ballroom CLed by Joanne Dennison. In a world that values someone’s work performance by how much they effect the bottom line—how are you being perceived? What is your value? Do they know?... Do you know?
Even if you are doing an excellent job, the world is moving too fast to hope that someone notices. Your job is to make the organization better. Your personal responsibility is to make sure you know how to do it and how to show it, with the same strategy you do with your meetings and events....Led by Joanne Dennison. In a world that values someone’s work performance by how much they effect the bottom line—how are you being perceived? What is your value? Do they know?... Do you know?view more
Even if you are doing an excellent job, the world is moving too fast to hope that someone notices. Your job is to make the organization better. Your personal responsibility is to make sure you know how to do it and how to show it, with the same strategy you do with your meetings and events.11:45 - 12:30
Safety & Security: Anticipating and Preventing Incidents Onsite
Safety & Security: Anticipating and Preventing Incidents Onsite
Breakout Session - Ballroom DModerator Yoko Heukels is joined by longtime planner Kawania Howland Wooten and veteran security expert Bernard Robinson. Hear their stories as well as best practices on how to prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies and sensitive situations at your next meeting.12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch on the Terrace overlooking the golf course13:30 - 14:30
Closing Session: A Chocolate Lover's Dream
Closing Session: A Chocolate Lover's Dream
Afternoon Program - Ballroom ABChocolate has a "rich" history! In a rare public appearance, "the" chocolate historian of Mars Wrigley comes to the FLEX community. We will learn where chocolate started, how it spread globally, and chew on some fun facts and stories of famous people who have enjoyed chocolate.
We will also see how chocolate is more than just a tasty snack. Chocolate touches our soul and stirs our emotions and our creativity. We use chocolate in ways that celebrate the joy that this magical treat brin...Chocolate has a "rich" history! In a rare public appearance, "the" chocolate historian of Mars Wrigley comes to the FLEX community. We will learn where chocolate started, how it spread globally, and chew on some fun facts and stories of famous people who have enjoyed chocolate.view more
We will also see how chocolate is more than just a tasty snack. Chocolate touches our soul and stirs our emotions and our creativity. We use chocolate in ways that celebrate the joy that this magical treat brings to us. We'll be guided through a short tasting and learn about how chocolate is used as an exciting way to bring people together and build engagement, something planners care about! Presented by Mars and Ethel M® Chocolates.14:30 - 16:00
Pickleball, Painting, and Soda Pop; optional site tours
Pickleball, Painting, and Soda Pop; optional site tours
Recreation - The PavilionPavilion and tennis/pickleball courts Pick up a paddle, racket, bean bag, or other sporting equipment. The Lansdowne recreation staff will supervise and provide pointers for tennis and pickleball, plus you can take part in various low-impact lawn games. Sponsored by Experience Scottsdale.
Under the Pavilion roof, channel your inner artist during a fun painting activity led by Robyn McClure and artists from Pinot's Palette in Dulles/Herndon, known for paint 'n sip parties at their location and private events.16:00 - 16:30
Program ends; optional site tours with Lansdowne staff
Program ends; optional site tours with Lansdowne staff
Recreation - The PavilionPavilion and tennis/pickleball courts
Speakers
Speakers
Jonna Mendez
Former Chief of Disguise at CIA
Conor Sibley
Chief Technology Officer at Association Analytics
Nicole Roames
Senior Manager, Meetings & Events at NCARB
Joanne Dennison
CMP, Founder of The MeetGuide / The Guidance Counselor for Grown Ups
Rebecca Takemoto
Owner at Syncopate Meetings & Events
Kawania Howerton Wooten
Owner and Principal Consultant at Howerton+Wooten Events, LLC
Yoko Heukels
President at Meeting Element
Bernard Robinson
Area Director, Safety & Security of IHG Hotels & Resorts, The Americas - Mid Atlantic
Sponsors and Partners
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
Presenting Sponsors
Recreation Sponsor
Venue Host
Signage Sponsor
Audio Visual Provider
Friends of FLEX
Tickets
Tickets
Planner Registration
Registration for meeting planners employed by associations, nonprofits, and corporations as well as independent meeting planners. Excludes suppliers: individuals and companies who provide services for purchase by meeting/event organizers. Take advantage of the Early Bird rate through August 31; rate increases to $50 beginning September 1.
Registration opens August 7.
$50
Supplier Registration (Waitlist) (Sold Out)
For companies and individuals who provide goods and services for purchase by event organizers. Includes hospitality and tourism companies and properties, audio/visual and technology providers, exhibition and sponsorship sales, consultants, and others who do not specifically organize events.
$250