Schedule of Events

Join David Whitaker, President & CEO, of Choose Chicago as we explore how to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. This panel discussion will feature Glenn Eden, Board Chair of Choose Chicago, David Causton, General Manager of McCormick Place, and Marc Anderson, Choose Chicago COO who will discuss challenges and opportunities to resume hosting major conventions, meetings, and events. [Session duration: 2:00 – 2:30 pm CT]

Welcome to the 2020 Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online! Please join us for this virtual networking event to kick off the week, get final tips, and network with your fellow exhibitors over a cocktail or glass of wine. This week will feature a number of ways for our Sponsors & Exhibitors to connect with influencers from across the nation, and we want to make sure you get the most out of your experience. See you there! [Session duration: 4:00 – 5:30 pm CT]

Change is happening- at light speed. Circumstances – with COVID, the economy, online engagement, live meetings – are ever changing and challenging. What to do then? Think improv – taking what you know and responding with verve, inspiration, and (when appropriate) humor! The “improv” format of this session will explore 25 ways to develop and implement sound strategies – whether your next gathering is in-person or online or both. We will all have fun as we provide ideas and inspirations to ensure all participants feel valued and engaged. [Session duration: 9:30 – 10:25 am CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 1 CE Credit in Domain G: Meeting or Event Design, Skill 13 Develop Program

Planners in all areas need to adapt to our new reality, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdowns. Planners were forced to learn new skills to bring their existing events to the virtual world in just a few months, and it seems like we will be living in this virtual world for at least the next 6 months. Join Sean Denny as we explore how to create a hybrid or fully online experience for your next event. This keynote presentation will cover real-life examples with online events, hybrid events, recording sessions, and broadcasting live – and what all these terms actually mean. [Session duration: 10:30 – 11:00 am CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 0.5 CE Credit in Domain G: Meeting or Event Design, Skill 17 Manage Audiovisual and Technical Production

Join Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, and 2 hotel leaders as we discuss how Hotels are making it safe again for leisure travelers, business travelers, and hosting meetings and events again. Topics of discussion will include new safety measures for hotel guests, new cleanliness standards, social distancing procedures, new seating charts, and the future of food & beverage at meetings. [Session duration: 11:30 – 12:15 pm CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 0.5 CE Credit in Domain C, Risk Management, Skill 6 – Mange Risk Management Plan

Join Erin Francis-Cummings, President and CEO of Destination Analysts, in this special keynote presentation exploring the most recent data on meetings and events in America. More info to follow! [Session duration: 12:30 – 1:00 pm CT]

Hear from industry 5 industry insiders representing the family travel, student tour, leisure group, sports events, and international inbound markets in this dive into leisure tourism trends and opportunities coming out of Covid-19. Built for businesses focused on tourism, learn which markets will recover first and how you can position your business to take advantage. Presented by Jeff Gayduk, publisher of Premier Travel Media. [Session duration: 1:30 – 2:25 pm CT]

Join Tim O’Malley, CEO of Ateema Media & Marketing, as he leads a progressive panel discussion featuring 3 meeting and event planners to discuss how planners have adapted to the new reality caused by COVID-19. Topics include how planners have pivoted their live events to the digital world, virtual event success stories, the technology learning curve, and forecasting how long virtual events will be a new reality. More details to follow! [Session duration: 2:30 – 3:30 pm CT]

Join Lynée Alves, President of Interview Like An Expert, as she delivers an engaging session about what every job seekers needs to know to have a more successful job search. She’ll be reviewing specific tips and best practices for resumés, LinkedIn, career search strategy, and job interviews. You’re guaranteed to come away with practical and useful information that you can apply to your search right away. [Session duration: 9:30 – 10:25 am CT]

Nearly 40% of Non Profit organizations may be forced to close due to the pandemic (source; Fast Company). As individual donors cut back spending and galas are canceled, charitable organizations need the continued support of the business community. Join us for a “how-to” session to learn about creating community impact by adding a fundraising platform to your next corporate event. Our group of panelists includes non-profit experts from both the charity and corporate world + fundraising specialists that have helped countless clients exceed their fundraising goals. [Session duration: 10:30 – 11:30 am CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 0.5 CE Credit in Domain D, Financial management Skill 7 – Manage Event Funding and Financial Resources

Join the owners of 4 PR companies including Carol Fox, Noreen Heron, Janet Isabelli, and Dakota Shultz and moderator Tim O’Malley, CEO of Ateema Media & Marketing as they explore this minefield to deliver some practical solutions that you can use for your business or event. [Session duration: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 0.5 CE Credit in Domain I, Marketing, Skill 27 – Contribute to Public Relations

Join Erin Francis-Cummings, President and CEO of Destination Analysts, in this special keynote presentation exploring the most recent data on tourism and travel trends in America. More info to follow! [Session duration: 12:30 – 1:15 pm CT]

Join Michelle Mason, President & CEO of Association Forum, along with 2 incredible women leaders as we reflect on the challenges of 2020, and plan for the future. This panel discussion will feature a short presentation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion presented by Jon Hockman of McKinley Advisors. The research presented is part of a 5-year research project, A Welcome Environment by Association Forum. The panelists will discuss leadership strategies, pivoting and reimaging iconic events, industry success stories, motivating teams during the pandemic, and planning tactics for going into 2021. We hope you tune in! [Session duration: 1:30 – 2:30 pm CT]

*This session includes Continuing Education (CE) credit for Certified Meeting Professionals, by attending the full session through our virtual platform you may earn 0.5 CE Credit in Domain A – Strategic Planning, Skill 3 – Develop Business Continuity, or Long Term Viability Plan of Meeting or Event

[PLEASE SIGN UP FOR JUST 1 SESSION] – This is your chance to meet and mingle with the businesses featured in the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online 2020. Attendees will be able to move freely through interactive networking software to meet one-on-one or in small groups with this years’ exhibitors and sponsors. Each exhibitor will have their own table and attendees will be able to choose where they go, and who they engage with. If you would like to connect further with businesses you can schedule a meeting with any of our exhibitors through the trade show, or through their business card in Networking. We are offering multiple sessions for all attendees to have the ability to be able to join this session, so please only select one session. Don’t forget your networking beverage! Remember it is BYOB! [Session duration: 2:30 – 3:55 pm CT]

[PLEASE SIGN UP FOR JUST 1 SESSION] – This is your chance to meet and mingle with the businesses featured in the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online 2020. Attendees will be able to move freely through interactive networking software to meet one-on-one or in small groups with this years’ exhibitors and sponsors. Each exhibitor will have their own table and attendees will be able to choose where they go, and who they engage with. If you would like to connect further with businesses you can schedule a meeting with any of our exhibitors through the trade show, or through their business card in Networking. We are offering multiple sessions for all attendees to have the ability to be able to join this session, so please only select one session. Don’t forget your networking beverage! Remember it is BYOB! [Session duration: 4:00 – 5:30 pm CT]

From a global pandemic to an economic recession to communities in social crisis, there is no new normal. It is more like a “great interruption.” Join Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International, as he provides his insights on the opportunities this moment in time presents and the need to transition travel and tourism from a traditional “heads in beds” approach to that of being a shared value in our community in order to position ourselves for the “next normal.” [Session duration: 9:00 – 9:30 am CT]

This is your last chance to network during the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Online! So grab a seat and get ready to make 18 Connections in 90 Minutes. We will gather in our virtual Networking Platform in groups of 2, and we will rotate every 3 minutes for “business speed dating”. To cap off the week, we will feature 3 special performances from our event partners to add some excitement and demonstrate how to integrate entertainment into your next virtual event. This event features 3 special performances by: Artbeat Live, AJ Sacco, and The Oh Yeas, Sponsored by Live Art International. [Session duration: 10:30 – 12:00 pm CT]