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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Greater Midwest Chapter
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200715T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200715T140000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20200630T202708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200714T151048Z
UID:4578-1594818000-1594821600@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:GMC Town Hall - Proposed Bylaws Change
DESCRIPTION:This event is for GMC PCMA Members Only. \nCome learn about the bylaws changes the GMC board of directors is proposing\, ask questions\, and share ideas. \nModerator:\n\nJohn Folks – President & Principal\, Minding Your Business Inc.\nGMC Past President \nView the proposed changes and see how to cast your vote here.
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/gmc-town-hall-proposed-bylaws-changes/
LOCATION:Zoom
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250703
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250704
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20250611T190832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T190910Z
UID:7685-1751500800-1751587199@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:Accessibility Exchange: A Community Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Accessibility Exchange\, a monthly online discussion space dedicated to advancing accessibility in the events industry. Held on the first Thursday of every month\, this open forum invites event professionals\, advocates\, and curious minds to come together for honest\, community-driven conversations. \nThis initiative is a collaboration between PCMA’s Capital\, Pacific Northwest\, and Rocky Mountain Chapters\, created to foster a safe\, inclusive space where questions are welcomed\, perspectives are shared\, and progress is made—together. \nWhether you’re just beginning to explore accessibility or you’re a seasoned advocate\, you’re welcome here. Discussions may cover current challenges\, recent innovations\, cost-effective strategies\, and each month will feature a different subject matter expert. \nNo presentations. No pressure. Just real conversation. \nParticipation is easy—register via Zoom and drop in. You’ll also gain access to a shared space where attendees can exchange resources\, tools\, and ideas to make our events more inclusive for all. \nLet’s connect\, learn\, and build more accessible experiences—one conversation at a time. \nZoom Registration Link: \nhttps://cogentexpert.zoom.us/meeting/register/dx7vedH0TiCExqPRXFuGgg
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/accessibility-exchange-a-community-conversation/
LOCATION:Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T130000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20250630T151630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T134458Z
UID:7747-1755777600-1755781200@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:PCMA GMC Webinar: Sustainability Redefined: Pioneering Strategies for Impactful Events
DESCRIPTION:Dive into the cutting-edge world of sustainable event planning with this eye-opening session. You’ll learn how to: \n\nRethink traditional approaches to event sustainability\nImplement innovative eco-friendly practices that pack a punch\nBalance environmental responsibility with unforgettable experiences\nCreate and implement social offsets to maximize positive community impact\n\nFrom reducing carbon footprints to creating “Instagrammable” green moments\, this session will equip you with the tools to make your events both planet-friendly and crowd leasing. You’ll also discover how to give back to local communities through strategic social offsets\, turning your event into a force for good. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Beth Surmont\, FASAE\, CMP – Fellow\n \n \nBeth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign\, reinvent\, and reinvigorate their events.  She is fascinated by the power that events hold to drive real change in the world. With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 20 years in events\, trade shows\, corporate\, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media\, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023\, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset\, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife\, dog\, and cat. \n  \nSpeaker: Ellie Hurley\, SEPC \n \nEllie Hurley develops event strategies that ensure Smithbucklin’s client organizations can meet their goals and objectives. With over 25 years of\nexperience in the convention and trade show industry\, Ellie creates and leads many of the Event Services training programs within Smithbucklin. She oversees strategic conference management for various  organizations\, including event staff management\, conference logistics\, event budget management\, supplier relations\, and client relations. \nEllie brings specialized expertise in sustainable meetings. In 2024\, she led a Smithbucklin client organization to earn Silver Level Certification from the Events Industry Council (EIC) Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact for its annual conference. Ellie is also skilled in project management\, event risk management measures\, and co-located meetings. Well-regarded for her creativity and expense-management experience\, she maintains strong negotiating skills and has done extensive contract work with convention centers\, decorators\, hotels\, and vendors.   Ellie holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Providence College and a Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) issued by the EIC. \n  \nSpeaker: Patrick Macellaio \nExperienced event professional beginning the next chapter of my career with the Obama Foundation. Through my position as Manager of Event for the Obama Presidential Center\, I hope to develop an event program that reflects the core values of the Foundation: Inspire\, Empower and Connect. Past experience includes developing an events and catering program at Boka Restaurant Group with Stephanie Izard as the Director of Catering and Events. After 8.5 years\, I went on to develop and grow the events program for the east end of Navy Pier overseeing Offshore Rooftop\, Lirica and the Sable Hotel. Outside of the events and hospitality industry of Chicago\, I am a passionate member of the Arts community and on the volunteer board of Let It Be Us\, an organization that increases permanency for foster youth here in Chicago. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/sustainability-redefined-pioneering-strategies-for-impactful-events/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T130000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20250627T164144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T134436Z
UID:7739-1758628800-1758632400@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:PCMA GMC Webinar: No More Smoke and Mirrors: Navigating the New Era of Pricing Transparency
DESCRIPTION:Get Ready to pull back the curtain on hidden fees! The FTC’s game-changing rule is set to revolutionize how we plan meetings and events. In this eye-opening session\, you’ll: \n\nDecode the nuts and bolts of the FTC’s new rules and its impact on your bottom line.\nLearn to play ball with the hotels and venues in this new landscape of upfront pricing.\nMaster the art of crystal-clear event ticket pricing that keeps attendees smiling.\nDiscover how to turn pricing transparency into your secret weapon of success.\n\nDon’t get caught off guard! Join us to future-proof your meeting planning strategies and stay ahead of the curve. It’s time to say goodbye to sticker shock and hello to smooth sailing in the world of transparent pricing. Your budget (and your attendees) will thank you! \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Donna Johnson\, CMP\, CEM \n \nDonna Johnson\, CMP\, CEM is a seasoned transformation leader with over 30 years of experience in strategic business operations\, event management\, and organizational change. Known for her intuitive leadership\, results-driven mindset\, and collaborative approach\, Donna has consistently delivered measurable growth and operational efficiency across diverse industries. \nCurrently serving as Vice President of Strategic Business Operations at MCI USA\, Donna leads enterprise-wide transformation initiatives\, leveraging KPIs\, contract optimization\, and cross-functional collaboration to drive profitability and stakeholder engagement. Her previous roles include Vice President of Events for MCI’s Owned Assets Division and Director of Event Operations at SAE International\, where she implemented strategic roadmaps and launched high-impact global events. \nDonna holds certifications as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Exhibits Manager (CEM)\, and actively contributes to the industry through leadership roles with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). She is a trusted advisor\, skilled in strategic planning\, project management\, and data-driven decision-making\, with a proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar budgets and leading high-performing teams. \nShe earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ohio University. \n  \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/no-more-smoke-and-mirrors-navigating-the-new-era-of-pricing-transparency/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T130000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20251103T154910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T154914Z
UID:8138-1764676800-1764680400@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:PCMA GMC Webinar: Bridging the Gap: Unifying Events and Education for Enhanced Member Engagement
DESCRIPTION:Bridging the Gap: Unifying Events and Education for Enhanced Member Engagement \nDecember 2\, 2025 \n12:00 – 1:00 pm CST \nMember engagement is key to success for organizations. Dive into the powerful synergy between event managers and continuing education managers\, exploring how their collaboration can drive enhanced member engagement and organizational success. We’ll explore real-world examples and innovative tools that empower these roles to work together effectively\, creating engaging\, value-driven events that meet both educational and professional development needs. Whether you’re looking to foster stronger member we will provide the insights you need to succeed. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeakers: Raja V. Akunuru\, MBA\, Strategic Account Executive\, Cadmium \n \nRaja V. Akunuru\, MBA is a seasoned business executive with 18 years of experience building and scaling SaaS companies through various stages of growth\, including private equity (PE) acquisitions. With a foundation in C# development\, Raja has successfully transitioned into strategic leadership roles spanning technology operations\, revenue generation\, Go-to-Market execution\, strategic due diligence\, and post-merger integration (PMI). \nA recognized expert in healthcare education technology\, Raja specializes in designing and implementing scalable solutions that drive measurable improvements in outcomes. His experience includes uncovering value creation potential for technology investments and leading digital transformation initiatives in healthcare\, education\, and insurance industries. \nRaja earned his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania\, with majors in Finance and Business Analytics. He is a dynamic product demonstrator and thought leader\, having spoken at various industry forums. Notably\, he was awarded Best LMS Demonstrator by independent analyst firm Talented Learning. \nOutside of work\, Raja enjoys experimenting with tea recipes and cartooning with his two daughters\, ages 3 and 9. \nJennifer Nanni\, MBA\, MEd\, Senior Director of Membership\, American College of Lifestyle Medicine \nJennifer Nanni\, MBA\, MEd\, is an accomplished professional with a diverse business\, communications\, and education background. Holding both a Master of Business in Strategic Management and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership\, she brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to her work. With well over a decade of experience in various positions and leadership roles\, she has a proven ability to drive organizational success through effective association management\, communication\, strategic planning\, and marketing initiatives. \nShe is passionate about project management\, using data to strengthen decision-making and improve organizational strategy and growth\, overcoming challenges\, association management\, fundraising\, developing and celebrating individuals\, and making a lasting impact in the community. \nWith a lifelong learner mentality\, she thoroughly enjoys a challenge\, thinking outside the box\, digging deeper\, learning new skills\, and staying up-to-date on best practices through professional development. \nWhen she’s not working\, you can find her spending time with her husband\, daughter\, and dog—and\, if she’s lucky\, reading a good book. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/bridging-the-gap-unifying-events-and-education-for-enhanced-member-engagement/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T143000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20260423T140516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T144125Z
UID:8431-1779888600-1779892200@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:GMC PCMA Webinar: Level Setting in Uncertainty
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our first webinar in a four part series. Level Setting in Uncertainty is the first one and participants will learn how to establish a common understanding of uncertainty and its impact on today’s professionals. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Beth Surmont\, FASAE\, CMP – Fellow\n \n \nBeth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign\, reinvent\, and reinvigorate their events.  She is fascinated by the power that events hold to drive real change in the world. With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 20 years in events\, trade shows\, corporate\, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media\, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023\, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset\, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife\, dog\, and cat. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/level-setting-in-uncertainty/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260630T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260630T150000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20260423T141014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T131618Z
UID:8433-1782828000-1782831600@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:GMC PCMA Webinar: Macro Forces Driving Uncertainty
DESCRIPTION:What trends and external forces are influencing the future of your organization\, profession\, and stakeholders? In this session\, participants will explore the major macro trends driving change across industries and society. Through guided discussion and analysis\, attendees will learn how to identify emerging opportunities\, anticipate challenges\, and better prepare for what lies ahead. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Beth Surmont\, FASAE\, CMP – Fellow\n \n \nBeth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign\, reinvent\, and reinvigorate their events.  She is fascinated by the power that events hold to drive real change in the world. With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 20 years in events\, trade shows\, corporate\, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media\, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023\, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset\, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife\, dog\, and cat. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/macro-forces-driving-uncertainty/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260722T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260722T143000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20260423T141331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T131659Z
UID:8435-1784727000-1784730600@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:GMC PCMA Webinar: Processes for Forward Thinking
DESCRIPTION:Foresight is more than predicting what comes next\, it’s a disciplined practice for exploring possibilities and preparing for multiple futures. This interactive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of foresight visioning and provides practical techniques for proactively thinking about change. Attendees will gain tools they can immediately apply to strategic planning\, innovation\, and decision-making. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Beth Surmont\, FASAE\, CMP – Fellow\n \n \nBeth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign\, reinvent\, and reinvigorate their events.  She is fascinated by the power that events hold to drive real change in the world. With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 20 years in events\, trade shows\, corporate\, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media\, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023\, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset\, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife\, dog\, and cat. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/processes-for-forward-thinking/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T140000
DTSTAMP:20260913T100334
CREATED:20260423T141608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T131752Z
UID:8437-1785931200-1785938400@greatermidwest.pcma.org
SUMMARY:GMC PCMA Webinar: Industry Impact & Moving Forward
DESCRIPTION:Bring everything together in this highly interactive workshop experience. Participants will collaborate to design and explore future scenarios\, testing ideas and strategies against a range of possible outcomes. By engaging directly with uncertainty\, attendees will strengthen their ability to adapt\, innovate\, and make informed decisions regardless of what the future holds. \nREGISTER TODAY! \nSpeaker: Beth Surmont\, FASAE\, CMP – Fellow\n \n \nBeth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign\, reinvent\, and reinvigorate their events.  She is fascinated by the power that events hold to drive real change in the world. With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 20 years in events\, trade shows\, corporate\, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media\, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023\, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset\, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife\, dog\, and cat. \nWebinar Series Sponsored by
URL:https://greatermidwest.pcma.org/event/industry-impact-moving-forward/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Chapters,Education,Featured,Industry Calendar,Networking
END:VEVENT
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