GATHER & GROW - Gather with Intention, Grow with Purpose

Agenda

Day 1 - Tuesday March 3^rd

March 3^rd, Day 1

11:00 AM                      Registration Opens

11:30 AM                      Lunch

1:00 PM                       Opening Remarks - Valerie Gardner, CMP, CGMP, Old Dominion Chapter President

1:15 PM                       
Session 1:  Speak, Listen, Lead:  An Interactive Communication Experience

Effective communication is the cornerstone of achieving organizational objectives, yet the gap between "hearing" and "listening" often creates barriers to success. This interactive workshop moves beyond theory into an experiential lab, using hands-on exercises to refine your communication skills. Attendees will explore the core pillars of effective exchange, discover tools for enhancing clarity in high-stakes environments, and identify critical leadership touchpoints where communication matters most.

Key Takeaways:
1.  What is effective communication
2.  Listening vs. hearing
3.  Tools for better communication
4.  Leadership Touchpoints

Presenter:  Angela McDowell, MA, National Certified Counselor and Doctoral Candidate, Regent University
Core Competency:  Business Management

2:15 PM                        Break

2:30 PM                     
Session 2:  From Policy to Practice:  Making Sense of Travel Per Diem Rules

Government travel and per diem rules can feel complex, rigid, and occasionally confusing—but they don’t have to be. This session breaks down the why behind travel and per diem policies, clarifies common gray areas, and highlights practical strategies for staying compliant while supporting efficient, mission-focused travel. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of policy intent, frequent pitfalls to avoid, and tips they can immediately apply in planning, approving, and managing government travel.

Takeaways:  
1.  Clarity over confusion – Understand the core principles behind travel and per diem policies and how to apply them consistently and confidently.
2.  Compliance with common sense – Learn how to navigate frequent gray areas and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to delays, disallowed expenses, or audit findings.
3.  Smarter travel management – Gain practical tips for planning, approving, and reconciling travel in ways that balance fiscal responsibility, traveler needs, and operational efficiency.

Presenter:  Jennifer Hudgins, Bureau Manager of the Virginia Institute of Procurement, Virginia Department of General Services
Core Competency: Travel

3:30 PM 
Session 3:  Clarity in Communication:  Bridging the Gap Between Planners and AV Teams

Communication breakdowns between event planners and technical teams are the leading cause of "live-day" emergencies. This masterclass provides a blueprint for identifying your specific AV needs and conveying them effectively to production partners. We will discuss best practices for technical riders, site visits, and timeline management to prevent common pitfalls. Attendees will leave with a proactive checklist for preventing equipment failures and a set of communication tools designed to foster a seamless partnership with your venue’s technical staff.

Key Takeaways:
1.  Understanding how audiovisual planning impacts attendee engagement and learning outcomes
2.  Identify best practices for communicating AV needs with venues and production teams
3.  Recognize common AV pitfalls and how to proactively prevent them

Presenter:  Frankie Sneed, Founders Inn & Spa
Core Competency: Technology

4:30 - 5:15                    Put together care packages
                                     for Ronald McDonald House

6:00 PM                        Dinner on your own OR
                                     Group dinner at Swan Terrace
                                     (sign up during lunch)

7:30 PM                        Bonfire with S'mores
                                     Sponsored by Founders Inn

Day 2 - Wednesday, March 4^th

March 4^th, Day 2

7:00 AM                        Breakfast (Swan Terrace with vouchers)

8:30 AM                        Welcome
                                      Anissa Ladd, VP of Sales and Service
                                      Visit Virginia Beach

8:45 AM                        KEYNOTE Speaker
Session 4:  Developing the Leader Within:  How to Grow, Influence and Thrive in a Changing World

In a fast-paced, ever-changing professional world, the ability to lead well under pressure is a competitive advantage. This workshop focuses on the core principle that personal growth is the essential foundation for professional impact. Attendees will learn how to maintain clarity and adaptability when circumstances and expectations shift unexpectedly. We will explore practical strategies for developing yourself as a leader to strengthen relationships and improve decision-making. By reframing leadership as an internal development process rather than an external status, you will gain the tools to lead with impact regardless of the environment.

Key Takeaways:
1.  Lead with influence -- no title required
2.  Thrive amid change by growing the leadership within you
3.  Turn personal growth into professional success

Speaker:  Kelly Souders
Core Competency:  Leadership

10:15 AM                      Break

10:30 AM                     
Session 5:  Comprehending Hotel Contracts:  Understanding Terminology & Creating Revenue

The hotel industry has undergone significant shifts in recent years, fundamentally altering how organizations approach the sales process and on-site service standards.  This session provides an essential update on the current state of the hospitality sector, with a deep dive into the "fine print" that protects - or exposes - your organization.  We will decode common legal jargon found in modern hotel contracts and identify underutilized negotiation strategies that can turn standard clauses into revenue-generating opportunities.  The session concludes with an interactive forum to share best practices and real-world solutions for today's planning challenges. 

Key Takeaways: 
1.  Enhanced Understanding of Hotel Contracts:  Attendees will leave with clarity on legal terminology and how to interpret contract clauses effectively. 
2.  Risk Mitigation Strategies:  Learn actionable steps to protect your organization from unfavorable terms and liabilities. 
3.  Revenue Generation Insights:  Discover innovative ways to turn hotel contracts into opportunities for financial growth. 

Presenter:  Colleen Briley, Senior Director of Sales & Account Management, Eisenman & Associates
Core Competency:  Finance and Contract Management

11:30 - 1:00 PM            Lunch, Auction, & community Action Activation

1:00 PM
Sesson 6:  Teaching by Doing:  Building Future-Ready Meeting Talent Through Industry Partnership

This workshop explores how event and hospitality education is evolving to align more closely with the practical needs of today’s meetings industry. Based on current teaching experience and selective implementation of real-world methods—such as live project work and technology integration—it invites industry professionals to collaborate in shaping future-ready talent.

Key Takeaways:  
1.  Strengthen recruitment
2.  Enhance student preparedness 
3.  Address critical workforce gaps

Presenter:  Ally Ling, Ph.D., Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University
Core Competency:  Education and Programming

2:00 PM
Session 7:  Beyond Lodging:  Practical Support and Healing Environments at Ronald McDonald House

The mission of RMHC Norfolk centers on removing barriers and promoting healing when children need healthcare most. This session breaks down the three pillars of the House’s impact: keeping families close during medical crises, offering practical everyday support, and serving both overnight and day-use needs. Participants will learn how RMHC strengthens families through a robust array of services, including meals, free Wi-Fi, and a quiet space to recharge via the Day Use Program. We will discuss how these "comforts of home" serve as essential tools in the healthcare journey, reducing stress for the caregiver and allowing for a unified care team approach.

Key takeaways:
1. They keep families close during medical crises.
2. They offer practical, everyday support.
3. They serve both overnight and day‑use families.

Presenter:  Jackie Lorenzo, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk
Core Competency:  SGMP Cares

2:30 - 3:00 PM              Closing Remarks

Please dress business casual for this event.  

If you plan to attend Bonfire with S'mores - dress warm.  

Plan to wear your favorite Old Dominion SGMP logo shirt for a group photo on the 2^nd day of the conference. 

Planners, gather with us!

All planners attending the conference will be automatically entered into a drawing for a Flowering Almond Spa 60 Minute Swedish Massage gift certificate. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orffiup-the-founders-inn-and-spa/spa/

No extra steps—your presence is your entry!

 ✨ Join us. Gather intentionally. Grow together.

SGMP Cares

The Ronald McDonald house is our chosen charity for the 2026 Old Dominion Education Conference.  

We’re excited to invite you to join us in a meaningful initiative led by the SGMP Community Outreach Committee.  AT the Education conference are collecting donations for NICU Welcome Bags to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. (We will fill the bags during one of the sessions.)

How you can help: Please come prepared to bring one or more of the following items listed on our flyer:

• Travel-sized toiletries (for men and women)
• Travel-sized tissues and hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Notepads/journals and adult puzzle books
• Small containers of Dreft laundry detergent
• Individually packaged snacks (chips, Goldfish, cookies, nuts, granola bars)
• Preemie onesies, diapers, and pacifiers

Your contributions will directly support families navigating the NICU experience, providing comfort and care during a challenging time.

Fundraising Committee

As we Gather and Grow this year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our ever-popular Live Auction, happening right after lunch on Wednesday, March 4!  This event is one of the highlights of our annual gathering, bringing us together in the spirit of generosity and collaboration. If you’re a CVB or hotelier, we’d love your support through a donation of a one- or two-night stay. Feel free to get creative—consider adding attraction passes or restaurant gift cards to make your package shine even brighter!

Thanks to your continued generosity, we raised over $1,800 last year, and with your help, we know we can grow that number even higher this year.  If you can’t attend the conference, no worries—we’re happy to arrange pickup of your certificate in advance. Please contact Jo Slack at [email protected] with details about your donation. 

Let’s come together, share our successes, and make this year’s auction the best yet as we Gather and Grow!