#CEC25

Agenda Details

Day 1
09 Mar 2025

Registration Opens

Welcome to Camp Cascadia!  Stop by the Registration Desk in the Gallery of the Salem Convention Center to grab your camp credentials.

Taste of Salem hosted at The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem

Welcome to Salem! Enjoy light bites from Nekia Kitchen, wine tasting from local vineyards as well as pop ups from some of our favorite local artists and vendors.

Hosted Buyer Appointments

Planners who are being hosted as part of the “Hosted Buyer Program” will have their appointments at the supplier’s booth on the Trade Show floor in the Gallery of the...
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Campfire Kickoff: Sparking Inspiration & Community

Kickstart Camp Cascadia with an engaging and high-energy energizer. Set against a fun, camp-themed backdrop, this interactive session will get your creative wheels turning through rapid-fire discussions, small-group discussion, and...
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Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED

First-Timer Reception with our Chapter Boards of Directors

First time attendees join MPI Oregon and Washington State Chapter board members to welcome you to your first Cascadia Educational Conference!

Welcome Reception – Sponsored by Salem Convention Center and Travel Salem

We look forward to seeing you at the Welcome Reception and seeing old friends, and making new ones! Welcome reception sponsored by Salem Convention Center and beverages (mocktails, non-alcoholic, beer...
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Game Night featuring Poker

Join us for a thrilling night of camp games, including the popular poker tournament, and a chance to connect with like-minded professionals in a relaxed setting.  Whether you’re a seasoned...
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Day 2
10 Mar 2025

Breakfast General Session – Game Changer: The Power of Sports in Business & Community Growth

Sports have a profound impact beyond the field, influencing local economies, business opportunities, and community development.  This engaging panel discussion will explore how sports drive economic growth, create jobs, and...
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Lisa Chan, CMP
J.B. Carney
Tammy Dunn
Janis Breedlove
Joey Jewell
Cathy Kretz, CMP

3rd Annual Cascadia .5K Run

Grab a cup of coffee and join your fellow campers for a race around the flagpole.  Not that athletic…? Grab a noise maker and cheer your cabin mates on!

CMP 101

This casual session is to help you understand the CMP and what is required. We will walk through what you need to do to be able to register and answer...
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Greg Heinze, CMP
Carole Astley, CMP

Event Innovation Lab: Applying Design Thinking to Transform Your Event

This session is designed to equip event planners with the tools and methodologies of design thinking to enhance their event planning processes. This lab session will explore how the principles...
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John Nee

Into the Wild: Exploring Event Design & Trends

Venture into the great outdoors of event design as we navigate the latest trends shaping the industry. From immersive experiences to sustainable solutions, this session will uncover fresh ideas and...
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Royce Mason

Lunch General Session – Generative AI: From Basics to Brilliance Sponsored by Visit Central Oregon

Has it really been nearly 2 ½ years since ChatGPT exploded onto the scene?  Generative AI has been the topic of nearly all tech conversations in that time, so you’d...
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James Spellos

Camp Cuisine – What’s Hot in Food and Beverage Trends

Looking for the latest, hottest trends in food and beverages to entice attendees to your event?  What’s the best way to incorporate these trends in marketing, promotion and at the...
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Greg Astley

Making Authentic Connections

Why do some people seem to make friends so effortlessly? Professional relationships these days are less about being perfect and more about generating trust and authentic connection. In this increasingly...
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Cindy Hartner

Unlocking Conscious Leadership: Leverage Stress to Amplify Your Influence

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment, meeting professionals are increasingly expected to excel under pressure, manage complex situations, and lead with greater impact. Yet, stress and reactivity can silently undermine even...
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Cynthia Gene Maloney
Taryn Laakso

Choose Your Own Adventure

Get ready to explore, connect, and engage like never before! This is your trade show experience—customized to fit your goals. Whether you’re here to discover new suppliers, build valuable partnerships,...
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Fireside Chat – Authentic Connections in Virtual Circumstances

Connection have always been easier to make in person rather than via technology, so can you authentically connect with people in a sales situation when you can’t be in person?...
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Cindy Hartner

Fireside Chat – Show Me the Money! Keys to Unlocking a Larger Event Budget

Understand the cost drivers of your event experience- from labor to catering to AV!  Take home data and insights to defend your budget to your stakeholders as well as ideas...
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John Rissi

Fireside Chat – MPI 101

Are you a new member of MPI, thinking about joining or trying to convince your boss to let you join? Then, register for MPI 101! During this interactive presentation, you...
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Crisanta Callejo
Sean Dougherty
JoAnna Eisler
Kari Keegan
Sarah Verheyden

Camper Canteen

Meet your fellow campers for a quick sip before the Jamboree!.

Jamboree Dinner & Auction

A night of campfire camaraderie, delicious eats, and exciting auction prizes—all in the spirit of adventure and fun! Feast under the stars with a camp-inspired menu and bid on incredible...
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Laughs by the Campfire featuring ComedySportz Sponsored by See Monterey

Get ready for a night of improv, laughter, and campfire fun with ComedySportz!  Our cabin mates from See Monterey have graciously sponsored this high-energy, interactive show that will have you...
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DJ Dance Party

Get ready for the most exciting event – the DJ Dance Party at camp! Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and dancing under the stars. Our DJ...
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Day 3
11 Mar 2025

Wake Up & Walk

Start your day with a refreshing, creativity boosting walk before diving into conference mode! Meet Deb & James from the Seattle Convention Center in the lobby of The Grand Hotel...
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Generative AI Unleashed: A Hands-On Exploration

(Pre-registration is required for this session – as of 1/23 it is full) Generative AI tools have become a must-have skill set for our industry. While prompting is a key...
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James Spellos

The Art of Effective Delegation: How to Trust Others and Hold Them Accountable

This interactive session will give you the tools to uncover the secrets of effective delegation and break free from pitfalls that may have derailed your success in the past. Together,...
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Gina Cotner

Making the Transition into Management

“The most important decisions you make in your first 90 days will probably be about people.” – Michael D. Watkins.  Transitioning into a management position is exciting, but challenging, mostly...
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Eric Girard

Unlocking Conscious Leadership: Leverage Stress to Amplify Your Influence

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment, meeting professionals are increasingly expected to excel under pressure, manage complex situations, and lead with greater impact. Yet, stress and reactivity can silently undermine even...
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Cynthia Gene Maloney
Taryn Laakso

Feedback in Focus: Elevating the Attendee Experience

In this session, you’ll discover how the Portland Expo Center and Oregon Convention Center utilize QR codes to collect attendee feedback, effectively respond to it, and enhance the guest experience...
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Kristi Thomson

Closing Brunch General Session – Future Hospitality Trends & Predictions Sponsored by Seattle Convention Center

Join us for learning and discussion on future hospitality trends & predictions with industry expert Michael Dominguez. We will explore trends and economic forces that will affect how you plan...
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Michael Dominguez, FASAE, CHSE