How do we best prepare speakers for success?
Every meeting incorporates speakers to deliver content, a point of view, and sometimes inspiration.
Some organizations select speakers through an education team or committee, some through peer review, and others through word-of-mouth.
Whether they're keynote speakers or breakout session moderators and panelists, as planners we need to make sure the speakers are on their marks, adequately prepped, and ready to go. The communication path begins in the search and interview process, through the selection, during the contract phase, and through the planning stages leading up to the event.
How do we ensure that their participation will match our meeting's objectives and resonate with attendees to satisfy or exceed their expectations? How is speaker prep similar or different between in-person and virtual meetings?
We've assembled a panel to hone in on the time frame between when the speaker is selected and the moment their session begins. Joining us will be Kristin Shoop, Events and Professional Development Manager of ACES: The Society of Editing; Nate Wambold, Global Account Executive of Conference Direct; Britt Jackman, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings at U.S. Green Building Council; and Steve Krauthamer, Chief Event Producer, Precon Events.
Thanks to New Orleans & Company and Visit Salt Lake for sponsoring the breakfast buffet (featuring hot and cold items) and our venue host Hilton Washington Dulles Airport. Conveniently located near the Dulles Toll Road on northbound Route 28, the Hilton offers complimentary parking including covered parking.
08:00 - 08:30
Hot & Cold Breakfast Buffet & Networking
Hot & Cold Breakfast Buffet & 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
Kristin Shoop, CMP
Events and Professional Development Manager at ACES: The Society for Editing
Nate Wambold, CAE, CMP, DES
Global Account Executive at Conference Direct
Britt Jackman, CMP, DES
Director, Education and Events of U.S. Green Building Council
Steve Krauthamer
Chief Event Producer at Precon Events
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. The fee for each subsequent ticket purchased by the same supplier organization will be adjusted to $75 prior to accepting payment.
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.
We're currently planning our 8th annual one-day summer gathering at Lansdowne Resort. Watch the recap video!
Our breakfast programs are thought-provoking, entertaining and inclusive to all in attendance. Thanks to everyone who came to the January 2025 program in Tysons. Another full house!
Mark your calendars now for upcoming FLEX breakfast programs:
Thursday, May 15
Thursday, September 18
Thursday, November 20
Summer Camp: date to be announced soon.
Possible 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.