The Amazing Pace: Meeting Global Size Challenges in
University Conference Centers and Event Management

Sunday, August 3, 2008

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm      Registration

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm      Welcome and Keynote Presentation
How to Incorporate Your City and Local CVB into Your Event
Robert Ratliff, Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm        Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1.  Cutting Edge University Conference Centers: Guidelines for
Planning and Design
William E. “Bill” Cox, CMMI Inc. Billie P. Thorne, CMMI, Inc

2.  10 Effective Ways to Ensure Client Satisfaction While Also
Maximizing Your Conference Center Capacity
Valerie Jones, McKimmon Conference & Training Center

3. Mastering Authentic Leadership
Kathy Eby, Master Connection Associates

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm        Refreshment Break

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm        Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1.  Improve Your Online Footprint: Search Engine Marketing and Web Presence Best Practices for Collegiate Conference and Event Professionals
Jennifer Copeland, DemandEngine

2. Conference Center Basics
Jerry White, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
Peter Stockmann, IACC

3. Round Table Discussion
This interactive round table discussion will allow participants to discuss current trends and issues with conference participants.  Bring your questions or problems and find out how others in the industry have handled them.

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm        Welcome Reception - Paul W. Bryant Museum
Hosted by Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau

Monday, August 4, 2008

7:30 am - 10:00 am      Registration

7:30 am -   8:30 am      Continental Breakfast

8:30 am - 10:00 am      Keynote Presentation
Shades of Green
Kevin Carter, Airlie Conference Center

10:00 am - 10:30 am    Refreshment Break

10:30 am - 11:30 am    Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1. Online Marketing Safari - Attract, Track, and Capture the Elusive Web   Visitor.
Adam Miller, The University of Alabama
Johnnie Blackburn, The University of Alabama

2.  No Ropes Culinary Teambuilding
Jerry White, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
Peter Stockmann, IACC

3.  Introduction to Sales and Marketing
Kathy Eby, Master Connection Associates

11:30 am - 12:45 pm    Luncheon

1:00 pm -    2:00 pm     Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1. Building Bridges: Connecting Boomers and Millennials in the Workplace
Kimberly Dixon, University of Virginia

2.   Joint Bid Process: A Panel Discussion
Ella Hood, Marriott Properties
Richard Davis, Four Points by Sheraton
Beakie Powell, Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau

3.   Email Marketing That Works for Collegiate Conferencing and Events
Jennifer Copeland, DemandEngine

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm         Optional Afternoon Events
Please select on your registration form if you would like to participate in one of the optional tours.
1. The University of Alabama Campus Bus Tour
2. The University of Alabama’s Museum of Natural History
3. Bryant-Denny Stadium North Endzone Tour

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm          Evening Reception
Sponsored by the Bryant Conference Center

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

7:30 am - 8:30 am        Continental Breakfast

8:30 am - 9:30 am        Keynote Presentation
Buzz Networks: Conference Engagement Through Social Computing
Paul Gibler, The Web Chef

9:30 am - 9:45 am        Refreshment Break

9:45 am - 10:45 am      Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1.   Meeting Well - Eat Healthy, Be Active!
Rebecca Kelly, The University of Alabama

2.  One Step at a Time
Kathy Eby, Master Connection Associates

3.   From Grassroots to Mainstream: The Challenges of Going Green
Holly Blancard, University of Georgia

10:45 am - 11:00 am    Refreshment Break

11:00 am - Noon            Concurrent Sessions (select one)

1.   Registration Services
Lenoir Stallings, Hartsfiled-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

2.   How to Help Your Clients While You Help Yourself!
Maximizing your Existing Staff Resources to Make Event Management Services a Viable Part of Your Revenue Stream
Jud Hair, North Carolina State University
Chip Futrell, North Carolina State University

3.   Round Table Discussion
This interactive round table discussion will allow participants to discuss current trends and issues with conference participants.  Bring your questions or problems and find out how others in the industry have handled them.

12:00 Adjourn