SUMMIT Schedule

Tuesday, February 4

Day 1

Sunrise Social

Breakfast, Registration, LinkedIn Café

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Keynote: The Success-Energy Equation

This session will help you define personal success, optimize your energy investments, adopt innovative productivity strategies, and enhance your leadership by balancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

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9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Michelle Cederberg

Networking Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

You Aren’t Hamlet: Deciding in an Age of Information Surplus

Learn practical strategies to overcome decision-making procrastination and boost confidence, efficiency, and accuracy.

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10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Sam Potolicchio

Building a Culture of Customer Success

Through interactive discussions, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to strengthen your leadership skills, drive positive change, and make a lasting impact in a customer-focused industry.

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11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Tom Himmer

Lunch

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

From Washington, DC to the Show Floor: Advocacy Engagement and Your Leadership Journey

Join industry leaders from GES and Freeman to explore why advocacy matters, the policies shaping our industry, and how rising leaders like you can make a powerful impact on the future of business events.

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1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

When the Signal is Lost to the Noise: The High Cost of a Failure of Imagination

Harness decades of expertise in high-stakes, high-pressure negotiations as former CIA Operations Officer Bogan reveals his top secrets—exclusively for you!

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1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Mastering Smart Brevity: Clear, Concise, and Impactful Communication for Leaders

Master Smart Brevity techniques in this interactive session to craft clear, impactful messages that drive engagement, boost productivity, and make every word count.

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2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Nicholas Johnston

Debbie Wemyss

Headshots

Kay Bailey Tour

3:15 PM - 5:00 PM

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday, February 5

Day 2

Sunrise Social

Breakfast, Registration, LinkedIn Café

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

TRACK 1

The Leadership X-Factor: Developing Skills for Extraordinary Leadership

Unlock your leadership potential in this dynamic session, where you’ll gain actionable strategies to navigate challenges, foster adaptability, and inspire your team with authenticity and empathy.

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8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Michelle Cederberg

TRACK 2

Why You Should Pay Attention to LinkedIn

Maximize your LinkedIn potential with expert insights, best practices for branding, marketing, and professional growth on the world’s largest professional network.

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8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Debbie Wemyss

TRACK 1

Persuading Skeptics: How to Influence in a Polarized and Fragmented World

Learn five actionable strategies to enhance your persuasion skills and put them to the test through interactive challenges in this dynamic session.

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9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Sam Potolicchio

TRACK 2

Mastering AI One Prompt at a Time

Master the art of crafting precise prompts to harness AI effectively in exhibitions and events, and learn strategies to ensure accurate, relevant, and impactful responses every time.

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9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Networking Break

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

TRACK 1

Key Client Base for ESCA Member Businesses: The US B2B Exhibitions Industry State of the Industry and Outlook Moving Forward

Get the latest insights on the B2B exhibition industry’s recovery, explore growth trends, and discover strategies to boost attendee and exhibitor engagement in this must-attend session.

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10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Nancy Drapeau

TRACK 2

Event Safety, Security & YOU!

Learn essential safety tips and best practices for navigating travel, events, and everyday interactions with confidence, ensuring both personal security and peace of mind wherever you go.

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10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Jeff McKissack

TRACK 1

Effective Wayfinding, Show Floor Technology, and Planning

Unlock the secrets to intuitive wayfinding and impactful tradeshow floor plans, ensuring attendee satisfaction and exhibitor success with the latest tools and technologies.

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11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

TRACK 2

Hook, Line & Sinker

Master the art of compelling introductions and presentations with actionable strategies to craft impactful pitches, build relationships, and turn every conversation into an opportunity.

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11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Jeff McKissack

* Please note that the Schedule is subject to change. Please visit the page again to see more content added as we get closer to the Summit.