Chapter News

September 2018 Program Recap

by: Chris Colbert, Secretary/ Treasurer

With special thanks to our event sponsor, Experience Kissimmee, we hosted a fantastic Educational Program on September 26. Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens in Kissimmee, Florida was the site of the PCMA Southeast Chapter’s September Educational Program, featuring Michael Dominguez CHSE, Senior Vice-President and Chief Sales Officer for MGM Resorts International. A total of almost 50 planners and suppliers were in attendance, including several who were able to attend virtually, thanks to our live streaming sponsor, Shepard AV. Our appreciation also goes out to Cobb Travel & Tourism in Atlanta for sponsoring registration for meeting planners attending for the first time. Also thank you to OPAV for sponsoring the audio-visual services for our event.

Michael’s robust presentation focused on the major disruptive forces in our industry – economics, politics, technology, global issues and other broad scale concerns. He provided insight on how these concerns are reshaping the meetings industry at a breakneck pace and how we must adapt or be left behind. Michael is a very sought-after speaker and is usually only available at national industry meetings, so we were very fortunate to have him join us in Florida! Watch the video from the event.

Additionally,  awards were presented by Chris Colbert, PCMA SE Chapter Treasurer to chapter Volunteers of the Quarter, Susan Henderson, CMP, Global Account Executive, ConferenceDirect (Q2 Winner); and Cassandra  Ruelle  CMP, Meetings & Conventions Sales Manager, Experience Kissimmee (Q3 Winner). Thank you to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation for sponsoring the PCMA SE Volunteers of the Quarter and Volunteer of the Year.

Attendees also participated in an activity to support Give Kids the World Village. We thank our CSR sponsors, Market Maker Events, Mike Whittington & Associates, Reunion Resort, and Freeman for helping bring this activity to our program. Thanks also to Christie’s Photographic Solutions for providing our event photography. View the photos on our Facebook page.

Our Florida area volunteer members are very active in planning these programs in their area, and events like this cannot happen without their efforts. We especially send thanks to the committee and volunteers for helping continue to grow and shape our chapter. Please contact PCMA SE President, Terry Dougherty CMP, if you would like to be involved with conducting a regional Southeast Program in your area. PCMA Southeast encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Kraus gardnerSeptember 2018 Program Recap