Sessions

02-22-2025

  • 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CST)

    Certification & Accreditation Board (CAB) Meeting (Dogwood)

    The Certification and Accreditation Board will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting in Arlington prior to the ADMEI Annual Conference.

  • 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM (CST)

    ADMEI Board and CAB Lunch (Stadium A)

    Lunch will be provided for the ADMEI Board of Directors and CAB.

  • 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM (CST)

    ADMEI Board Meeting (Dogwood)

    The ADMEI Board of Directors will conduct a regularly scheduled meeting in Arlington prior to the ADMEI Annual Conference.

  • 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM (CST)

    DMCP Study Session (Magnolia) Registration required

    The DMCP study session is designed to prepare candidates to take the DMCP Exam. Non candidates are welcome, but advanced registration is required.

  • 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM (CST)

    Board & VIP Reception (Choctaw Lounge at Texas Live!)
    By Invitation
    Sponsored by factor 110

02-23-2025

  • 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)

    DMCP Exam
    (Magnolia) Registration required

    The DMCP exam is for approved candidates and requires advanced registration.

  • 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM (CST)

    Registration (Arlington Foyer)
    Registration Furniture Provided by AFR Furniture Rental

    Visit the Registration Desk to pick up your name badge for the conference.

  • 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM (CST)

    DMC Institute
    (Arlington AB) Registration required

    The DMC Institute is an immersive session designed specifically for individuals eager to embark on a fulfilling journey in the vibrant world of destination management. Based on the newly released second edition of the Best Practices in Destination Management book, this program serves as an essential platform for newcomers to the industry, providing a comprehensive introduction to the core principles and best practices that define successful destination management.

    Facilitator:
    Brian Ferrell DMCP, CMP - factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma

    Speakers:
    Denise Malo DMCP - BBC Events, A Global DMC Partner
    Lisa DeLeon DMCP - Terramar Lake Tahoe-Reno, a DMC Network Company
    Jill DiMarco DMCP, CMP - Signature Destination Management, LLC
    Jeff Nelke DMCP - ACCESS Destination Services - South Florida
    Melissa Murray DMCP - Mosaix Group, a DMC Network Company
    Kristin Tacey DMCP - Southwest Conference Planners, Inc., a DMC Network Company
    Sarah Mullins DMCP - Accent Indy, a DMC Network Company
    Cynthia Alford DMCP - Destination South Meetings & Events, a DMC Network Company
    Michelle Orlando DMCP - Elevoque
    David Rome DMCP, CMP - Access New Orleans

  • 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM (CST)

    DMCP & First Timer Reception (Arlington FGH)
    Sponsored by 46 Entertainment

    A warm and welcoming gathering designed to celebrate our first time attendees and our DMCPs!

    Speaker
    Jill DiMarco
    Daniella Bikoulis
    Katherine Kirk Fenech
  • 05:00 PM - 05:45 PM (CST)

    Give Back Activity & Networking (Arlington FGH)
    Sponsored by Impact 4 Good

    Join us for the Great Giveback Game Show, an exciting and interactive event designed to break the ice with fellow attendees. This fun-filled game show will combine elements of trivia and audience participation, all while giving back to our ADMEI Scholarships!
    Please bring your cellphone to participate!

  • 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM (CST)

    Welcome Reception (Arlington Foyer)
    Sponsored by Live! By Loews Arlington

    Join your fellow ADMEI colleagues to reconnect and visit our Vendor Showcase. Beer, wine & passed hors d'ouervres provided.

  • 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM (CST)

    A Taste of Texas Live! (PBR Texas at Texas Live!)
    Sponsored by Texas Live!

    Kick off your evening (and your boots) at PBR at Texas Live! Swing by for drinks & bites and stick around for live ropers, line dancing and some other Texan-themed surprises!

02-24-2025

  • 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM (CST)

    Live! Wellness Lounge (Magnolia)
    Sponsored by Accent Indy, a DMC Network Company

    Recharge in the LIVE! Wellness Lounge, your go-to retreat during the conference. Explore our neurodiversity kits, slip on a pair of noise-canceling headphones, or simply unwind in a calming space designed to help you reset and refocus.

  • Sub Session:


    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM (CST)
    Live! Wellness Lounge | Sound Bath Session #1

    Experience the serenity of a sound bath, where soothing vibrations from crystal bowls and gongs create a calming escape, melting away stress. This unique session is the perfect way to awaken your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and recharged to be LIVE! all day.

    07:30 AM - 08:00 AM (CST)
    Live! Wellness Lounge | Sound Bath Session #2

    Experience the serenity of a sound bath, where soothing vibrations from crystal bowls and gongs create a calming escape, melting away stress. This unique session is the perfect way to awaken your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and recharged to be LIVE! all day.

  • 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM (CST)

    Registration
    (Arlington Foyer)
    Furniture Sponsored by AFR Furniture Rental

    Visit the Registration Desk for any questions or event support you may need.

  • 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (CST)

    Breakfast (Overlook)
    Sponsored by Palmetto Amusements

    Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast while networking with fellow DMCs and industry associates.

  • 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (CST)

    Past Presidents' Breakfast (Stadium C)
    By invitation

  • 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM (CST)

    GENERAL SESSION
    BE LIVE: Changing Culture, Building Trust, and Leading Authentically (Arlington DE)
    Furniture Sponsored by CORT Events

    In an era where DMCs face constant pressure and rapid changes, it’s more important than ever to show up each day as you are—fully present and engaged, not just running on autopilot. While empathy, emotional intelligence, and servant leadership have always been key to success, the real challenge is living these values daily. Being "live" means embracing each moment, leading with intention, and showing up as your authentic self to inspire those around you. It’s time to break away from the mechanical routines and embrace a leadership style that prioritizes human connection, boosts morale, and drives long-term success. It’s time to focus on what truly matters—being fully present and engaged.

    Speaker
    Courtney Stanley
  • 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM (CST)

    Break & Vendor Showcase (Arlington Foyer)
    Sponsored by Event Cost Sheet

    Meet industry partners and learn about the latest innovations that can elevate your business.

  • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (CST)

    Crowd Sourcing Breakouts

    Step into a high-energy, interactive session where the future of DMCs is shaped by YOU! We’ll crowdsource the latest trends and best practices on topics like neurodiversity, AI, proposals, and office dynamics. Through live polling, interactive feedback, and your submitted ideas, this session gives you the chance to decide what gets discussed and co-create the next big breakthroughs for the industry. Join fellow innovators to collaborate, share insights, and help steer the future of DMCs!

  • Sub Session:


    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (CST)
    Crowd Sourcing | Owners & General Managers (Arlington AB)

    Speaker
    Meg Baird
    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (CST)
    Crowd Sourcing | Sales (Arlington C)

    Speaker
    Dawna Terrell
    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (CST)
    Crowd Sourcing | Operations (Arlington FGH)

    Speaker
    Sarah Mullins
  • 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM (CST)

    Lunch (Overlook)

    Enjoy a delicious lunch while networking with your peers.

  • 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (CST)

    GENERAL SESSION
    LIVE From ADMEI: Dare to Interrupt Podcast | Leading the Way - Breaking Through and Rising Up (Arlington DE)

    Experience a raw and unfiltered LIVE podcast featuring Courtney Stanley, host of the Dare to Interrupt Podcast, in partnership with Meetings Today. As more women break through barriers into leadership roles, the challenges don’t disappear—they evolve. This special session brings together a panel of bold, leading women from the DMC industry to share their candid perspectives on navigating industry politics, building strategic visibility, battling imposter syndrome, and facing judgment—whether it’s balancing career and parenthood or choosing not to be a working parent at all. While the focus is on women’s stories, this conversation invites everyone—regardless of gender—to engage and reflect, because we are all responsible for creating a more inclusive, supportive industry.

    Speaker
    Courtney Stanley
    Lisa DeLeon
    Jacqueline Marko
    Daniella Bikoulis
  • 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM (CST)

    Break & Vendor Showcase (Arlington Foyer)

    Meet industry partners and learn about the latest innovations that can elevate your business.

  • 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (CST)

    GENERAL SESSION
    Work Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Microsoft 365 Game Changers for Your Every Day (Arlington DE)

    Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 with 10 game-changing tips designed to streamline your workflow and boost productivity. From hidden features to automation hacks, this session will guide you through practical tools that simplify everyday tasks, enhance collaboration, and save time. Whether you’re organizing emails, managing projects, or collaborating with teams, these Microsoft 365 tricks will help you work smarter, not harder.

    Speaker
    Heather Severino
  • 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM (CST)

    Vendor Showcase (Arlington Foyer)

    Meet industry partners and learn about the latest innovations that can elevate your business.

  • 5:45 PM ()

    Transportation to Electric Shuffle
    Transportation Sponsored by Access DMC

    Please meet in the front lobby to depart for Electric Shuffle. Buses will depart promptly at 6:00pm.

  • 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM (CST)

    Off-site Event at Electric Shuffle
    Event Sponsored by Electric Shuffle

    Come unwind at Electric Shuffle Dallas! Enjoy a fantastic evening filled with complimentary food, drinks, and shuffleboard. This is the perfect opportunity to have fun and connect with fellow attendees at this vibrant venue.

02-25-2025

  • 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM (CST)

    Live! Wellness Lounge (Magnolia Ballroom)
    Sponsored by Accent Indy, a DMC Network Company

    Recharge in the LIVE! Wellness Lounge, your go-to retreat during the conference. Explore our neurodiversity kits, slip on a pair of noise-canceling headphones, or simply unwind in a calming space designed to help you reset and refocus.

  • Sub Session:


    07:00 AM - 07:30 AM (CST)
    Live! Wellness Lounge | Breath Hacks Session #1

    Discover the power of breath hacks, simple yet effective techniques designed to reduce stress, boost energy, and enhance focus. These quick exercises will help you reset, recharge, and stay present, empowering you to be LIVE!

    07:30 AM - 08:00 AM (CST)
    Live! Wellness Lounge | Breath Hacks Session #2

    Discover the power of breath hacks, simple yet effective techniques designed to reduce stress, boost energy, and enhance focus. These quick exercises will help you reset, recharge, and stay present, empowering you to be LIVE!

  • 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)

    Registration (Arlington Foyer)
    Furniture Sponsored by AFR Furniture Rental

    Visit the Registration Desk for any questions or event support you may need.

  • 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (CST)

    Breakfast (Overlook)

    Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast while networking with fellow DMCs and industry associates.

  • 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM (CST)

    GENERAL SESSION
    ADMEI Business Meeting & Crowd Sourcing Report (Arlington DE)
    Furniture Sponsored by CORT Events

    This session is a chance to celebrate ADMEI achievements, discuss future initiatives, and welcome new leadership with our Presidential Handover.

  • 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM (CST)

    Break & Vendor Showcase (Arlington Foyer)

    Meet industry partners and learn about the latest innovations that can elevate your business.

  • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (CST)

    GENERAL SESSION
    Reimagining Events: The Impact of New Generations on Event Design (Arlington DE)

    In this session, we will explore the transformative impact of generational shifts on event design. As Millennials and Gen Z become the dominant demographics in the workforce, their unique values and expectations reshape how events are conceptualized and executed. Better understanding of the values that exist within and between the generations increases the likelihood of engagement and satisfaction, making your events more attractive and impactful.

    Speaker
    Claire Lester
  • 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM (CST)

    Lunch (Overlook)

    Enjoy a delicious lunch while networking with your peers.

  • 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (CST)

    Breakouts 1

  • Sub Session:


    01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (CST)
    The Future of Incentive Travel & Events: Boosting DMC Success with AI and Automation | Owners & General Managers (Arlington AB)

    Join us for an engaging session with Nitin Sachdeva as we delve into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation on destination management and incentive travel. Tailored specifically for DMC owners, this session will reveal how these technologies can elevate your business by enhancing efficiency, creativity, and client satisfaction in today’s competitive market.

    Speaker
    Nitin Sachdeva
    01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (CST)
    Get Social: How to Leverage Your Brand On LinkedIn | Sales (Arlington C)

    Unlock the potential of social media to elevate your DMC's brand and engage with your audience. This session will provide practical strategies for leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and others to enhance your marketing efforts, build relationships, and drive business growth. Learn how to create compelling content with Canva, utilize analytics to refine your approach, and stay ahead of social media trends to maximize your impact.

    Speaker
    Heather Severino
    01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (CST)
    Small Steps, Big Impact: Tackling Sustainability, Waste Management, and Budget in Event Planning and Execution | Operations (Arlington FGH)

    In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how targeted changes in your events can make a significant difference, without stretching your budget. From reducing and managing waste to smarter sourcing and leveraging local resources, we will discuss real world strategies you can start using immediately. Learn how to make a positive impact within your buisiness and community without compromising client satisfaction or breaking the bank.

    Speaker
    Karen Young
    Benoit Sauvage
  • 02:45 PM - 03:45 PM (CST)

    Breakouts 2

  • Sub Session:


    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM (CST)
    Future-Proofing Your DMC: Strategic HR Planning for Resilience and Growth | Owners & General Managers (Arlington AB)

    Speaker
    Angela Shaw
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM (CST)
    The Art of Negotiation: Taking the Agency Approach to the New DMC Landscape | Sales (Arlington C)

    As the DMC industry evolves, mastering negotiation is crucial for thriving in today’s competitive landscape. This session dives into key insights from ADMEI’s 2021 whitepaper, exploring the shift and the challenges related to an agency-style approach. Learn how to strengthen partnerships, enhance value propositions, and leverage new tools to navigate client demands. From pricing strategies to collaboration techniques, this session will equip you with the skills to negotiate effectively and drive success in the modern DMC environment.

    Speaker
    Jamie Hellesen
    Michelle Orlando
    02:45 PM - 03:45 PM (CST)
    Interactive Innovations: Curating Affordable Experiences for Guests | Operations (Arlington FGH)

    Dive into the world of interactive activities designed to elevate client experiences in your destinations. In this hands-on session, you will learn hot trends and explore three engaging experiences that you can recreate for clients.

    Speaker
    Layla Pettie
    Jessica Bennett
  • 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM (CST)

    Awards Reception (Arlington Foyer)

    Come raise a glass and connect as we set the stage for an unforgettable night ahead.

  • 06:30 PM - 10:30 PM (CST)

    Awards Gala & Dinner (Arlington DE)

    Join us this evening for the 2025 ADMEI Awards, featuring an elegant dinner, drinks, entertainment, and plenty of fun! Gala tickets are included with your conference registration, so there’s no extra cost to attend. This reception, dinner, awards ceremony, and dance party is the perfect way to wrap up an incredible three days!