As companies are increasingly deciding to hold at least part of their 2021 and 2022 meetings in-person, more are turning to third-party planners who now provide even more services to ease the transition to what comes next. From navigating changing protocols and new venues to innovating room set-ups and F&B, independent planners are a valuable resource in mastering the evolution of meeting at a time when limited space may be available. You will learn:
- What hidden resources are available to ease the transition back to meeting
- Tricks for managing risk
- How other companies are handling their first post-Covid F2F meetings
Desi Whitney, senior vice president of sourcing operations and industry relations, HPN Global
Whitney began her meetings industry journey at 19 years old. In addition to her leadership role at HPN, Desi co-founded Emergency Concierge International (ECI)–an All-Hazards Emergency Planning company for events. Together, Desi and the team at ECI bridge the gap between emergency planning and the meetings industry. She is a Smart Women in Meetings 2019 Hall of Fame winner.
Julie Blank, CRP, CITP, director of Strategic accounts, Brightspot Incentives & Events
Blank is a 25-year veteran of the meetings industry. Her career started at Warner Brothers Records where she planned events for John Michael Montgomery, Faith Hill and other notable musicians. For the past 15 years Julie has been with Brightspot Incentives and Events. She is a Smart Women in Meetings 2021 Industry Leader winner.