AGENDA
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mile High Upper Lobby
Registration Desk Open
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mile High Upper Lobby
Welcome to MIC 2023!
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom Lobby
The Power Behind MIC - Member Lounge
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom Lobby
Ribbons! Do you belong to one of the twelve organizations that make up MIC? Come by the lounge and celebrate your membership by wearing one - or more! - ribbons during the conference.
Not a member and want to know more about the organizations that can support and enhance your career? Stop by to find the community that best matches you and your goals!
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom Lobby
Specialty Coffee Cart
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom Lobby
Sponsored by: 
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Hosted Buyer Appointments - Exhibit Hall
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mile High Ballroom
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Planner / Exhibitor Lunch - Exhibit Hall
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Lunch for registered meeting planners, hosted buyers and exhibitors
Sponsored by: 
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 501
Building A Stronger Inner Circle
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 501
Thomas Singer
“Community, Collaboration, and Conversations” are keys to success. In today's world we need people more than ever. Thom Singer has been turning live events into human laboratories for over 15 years, allowing the participants to have more meaningful conversations while on site and long after the conference is over.
As the CEO of the Austin Technology Council and a professional speaker on the topic of human connection, trust, and accountability, Thom brings his high energy presentations and action-oriented content corporate and association audiences.
Thom knows that as the speaker he has a responsibility to set the tone for a strong conference attendee experience. Known as "The Conference Catalyst" he creates an atmosphere of fun and interaction that lasts beyond his presentation. His most popular keynote, “Uncommon Connections: How To Build A Stronger Inner Circle” is the right message for our turbulent times.
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 505
Event Sponsorship Primer
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 505
Bruce Erley
Bruce L. Erley, APR, CFEE is the President and CEO of the Creative Strategies Group, (CSG), a sponsorship and experiential marketing consultation agency based in Denver, Colorado which he founded in September, 1995.
He is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America and a Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) by the International Festivals and Events Association.
In 2012, Erley served as the World Board Chairman of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). He is a 2015 inductee into the IFEA Hall of Fame. IFEA is the premiere professional association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide.
Erley is widely acclaimed as a top presenter on sponsorship and event marketing topics for the events and festivals industry having spoken at major conferences in Dubai, Toronto, Vienna, Singapore, South Korea, New York, and Beijing. He also pens a quarterly advice column in industry publication iE magazine entitled The Sponsor Doc.
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 503
Finding your Celebrity CEO
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 503
Chris Starkey
Chris started his career as a singer and dancer in New York, and and traveled the world in various National and International Tours. Chris also spent four years as an Entertainer at Walt Disney World in Orlando and a Producer which propelled him into the world of events. He started his own company in 2000 with a 1000 limit on his credit card and helped guide the company from 0 to 40million dollars in annual revenue in 2022. He is passionate about his new platform called the Celebrity CEO and loves to assist his current clients to 10x their personal brand and the strategies behind that.
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 607
Step Into You | Unleash Your True Potential When You Stop Doing and Start Being
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 607
Mx Don Mamone
Don Mamone’s decade-long career in hospitality culminated with their role as the Director of Events at the prestigious Beverly Hilton. Determined to embrace their creativity and pursue the dream of entrepreneurship, Don and their wife Emily opened a photography studio and have exceeded the expectations of their loyal clients from Dallas to Destinations around the world for over fifteen years.
As a speaker and coach Don teaches audiences and clients how to reach their maximum potential and impact by discovering and embracing their true identity. Having recently come out as non-binary, Don is a committed advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and consults with companies and organizations dedicated to diversity, inclusivity and representation as well as creating safe spaces that support and encourage unapologetic authenticity.
When they are not traveling the world for creative projects and speeches, Don lives happily outside the gender binary in Dallas with their talented spouse Emily and their creative child Frankie.
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 603
The Stories We Tell | The Stories You Tell are a Driving Force for You and Your Organization
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Room 603
Keith Bailey
Keith has had a passion for public speaking since experiencing a seminal moment in the 4th grade. From the hospitality industry to global corporate sales he learned the power of storytelling for profit, influence and fun.
With 16 years as a personal and corporate coach, Keith is motivated by the success of others in his quest to help you live a life well spoken. Knowing that good speakers are created, not born, Keith started Articulated Intelligence to help prevent unintentional audience abuse through a proprietary gamified storytelling technique called With 1 Word.
Alyce Blum
Personally, Alyce prefers small, facilitated networking events where she can connect on a deeper level and leave after a few meaningful conversations. While her ideal scenario isn’t always the reality when it comes to attending conferences, or larger events one thing stays the same, she always has a networking goal for each event so that she can make the most of her time and realize a return on networking (RON).
Professionally, she helps humans build relationship equity using scientifically proven techniques that alleviate anxiety while increasing confidence. As a certified professional networking coach, consultant, and storyteller, she teaches you how to network like a pro (even if you're highly introverted), so you can effectively communicate, stand out from the crowd, and lean into your innate strengths and a realize your own RON (return on networking).
She is the co-founder of Articulated Intelligence and also holds the titles: Bonus Mom and Mom.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 607
Colorado Tourism Office's Meeting & Events Incentive Cash Rebate Program Overview
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 607
Elizabeth O'Rear
Elizabeth O'Rear is the Director of Grants & Funding at the Colorado Tourism Office, a part of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. We accomplish this goal through a statewide collaboration with destination marketing organizations, local communities, and private businesses.
Tim Wolfe
Tim Wolfe serves as Director of the Colorado Tourism Office working to build and support tourism economies while protecting what makes Colorado special. Tim’s background includes managing 4-diamond hotels and resorts throughout Colorado, including the iconic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver. Tim currently serves on the US Travel Association Board of Directors, Western States Tourism Policy Council, Geographic Naming Advisory Board & Community Board member for Visit Denver.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 503
Events and Human Trafficking - How Close to Home Is It?
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 503
Dr. Annjanette "AJ" Alejano-Steele
Dr. AnnJanette Alejano-Steele (AJ) is a co-founder of the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking. In addition to her staff role as LCHT’s Research Director, she also serves as the Associate Vice President of Graduate Studies at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver). She has taught about human trafficking since 2000 and researched and trained on the subject since 2005. She formerly coordinated MSU Denver’s Human Trafficking Academic Response Team (HART) that has supported survivors of human trafficking in their pursuit of higher education. Her health psychology expertise has focused upon health access for underserved populations, and comprehensive community response to human trafficking. Since 2005, she has served on five national and federal task forces focusing on trauma and human trafficking, and has trained, presented and published widely. She recently a book on global women’s health and currently serves as an advisor for a global human trafficking research project based in London.
Gary Schirmacher, CMP
With 37 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Schirmacher has been with Maritz for twenty-five years in a variety of roles. He is currently working with Maritz’s People & Development Team as a recruiter for the ESN Network. He was awarded the company's highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, in 2005, and was inducted into the Colorado Meetings Hall of Fame in 2011 with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an industry leader that has served in many positions including the Chairman of the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado from 2002-2007, the Past Chair for the MPI Global Foundation Board of Trustees, Past Chair of the PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees and the Past Chair of the Meetings Industry Fund. He is a member of PCMA, MPI, HSMAI, IAEE Schirmacher is a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. Schirmacher is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering and Owner of Big Top Auctions USA.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 603
Increase Your Event Attendance - Co-Locating, Co-Hosting and Supporting Partnerships
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 603
Joanna Fetherolf, CMP
Joanna Fetherolf, CMP is the Managing Director, Conferences & Education with the International Erosion Control Association. As an experienced professional and a passion for building impactful events through programming, collaboration, and connection. Fetherolf’s analytical approach to building conference programs has improved speaker, attendee and exhibitor goals leading to an increase in event attendance.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 501
Movement, Nourishment, and Rest: A How-to Guide for Meetings & Events Professionals
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 501
Justin W. Ball, CMP
Justin W. Ball is president and founder of Bespoke, a Colorado-based experiential marketing firm. Bespoke connects people to the heart of your brand. With a distinct focus on human connection, we help organizations create engagement opportunities that bring your brand to life, evoke emotion, and inspire action.
Bespoke tailors their clients’ visions through purpose-driven solutions and storytelling brought by life with measurable attendee engagement. From podcasts and social media to curated in-person gatherings or large online events, we don’t just engage people, we do it to drive results.
Justin led his team Bespoke in being a finalist for the 2021 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and was named the Best Event Planning Service in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine. Their team of professionals have produced events in over 60 locations around the world.
Justin holds a Certified Meeting Professional designation from the Convention Industry Council. He was named one of four, 2017 Chamber Champions by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Justin was the recipient of Denver Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award, honoring local professionals for their business success and contributions to the community and serves on the boards of PPRM andRMMFI
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 505
Winning the Battle Against Imposter Syndrome
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Room 505
Lisa Hinz
Lisa Hinz, CEO of The Confidence Track, has worked in corporate leadership for the last 20+ years, including Fortune 300 companies, leading large teams across the U.S. and Canada.
Her personal experience with imposter syndrome, leadership, and coaching experience allows her to effectively coach her professional clients by strengthening their impact within their organization by identifying and understanding the seven levels of energy leadership, elevating their confidence and resilience, communicating effectively, and leading authentically.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mile Hile Ballroom
Break in the Exhibit Hall
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Sponsored by: 
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 505
An Event Planner & A Speaker Walk into a Bar...
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 505
Ginger Johnson
Most biographies for speakers are full of credentials, awards, accomplishments and other unexciting information.
Let's say this for now: Everything in life is Powered By Connection. And Connection is Ginger's jam. It's the art, science and energy that makes the world go 'round.
She works with great leaders, teams and organizations to do their best work by tapping into the incredible possibilities meaningful connection creates.
If you want to learn more about her, she invites you to visit gingerjohnson.com If you're really curious, you'll likely Google her anyway, finding her TEDx talk, book, events and programs, YouTube channel, and various and sundry other information all promoting and teaching human connection.
For now, she thanks you for your time and attention. Let's get to it.
Thanks
~g
Sydney Rhea
Sydney Rhea, CEM has worked in the hospitality industry for just under a decade. She works in Operations supporting Tradeshows and Conferences in the Infrastructure & Construction portfolio at Informa, the largest tradeshow organizer in the world. Prior to moving to Colorado in the fall of 2015, Sydney lived in New York City and planned weddings, galas, and corporate events.
Sydney is the Chair of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Treasurer of MIC of Colorado.
When she isn’t working or advocating for the events community, Sydney can be found with her husband and three young daughters investing in their quarter-acre mini homestead. She loves her chickens, greenhouse, and enjoys growing and harvesting their 75+ fruit trees and myriad of fruit bushes.
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 602
Become More Than Your Job Title: How to Be Seen and Known for Your Unique Value at Work
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 603
Sponsored by: 
Dr. Sarabeth Berk
Dr. Sarabeth Berk is the leading expert on hybrid professional identity, and a hybrid professional herself. She was featured in Forbes and is a TEDx speaker, author of More Than My Title, and recipient of a Colorado Inno on Fire award for her innovative work. Her hybrid title is Creative Disruptor because she works at the intersection of being an artist, researcher, educator, and designer.
Through groundbreaking research, Sarabeth developed a one-of-a-kind approach that takes identity studies, personal branding and career development to a whole new level.
Today, she helps professionals discover and articulate their true professional identity and unique value in the workforce. As a result, her clients feel more seen, empowered and confident, and teams recognize each other as more than their job titles, valuing the critical yet different roles of experts, generalists, and hybrids in the workforce.
Sarabeth obtained her PhD from the University of Denver, and has degrees from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Rhode Island School of Design.
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 501
Creating a Rock Star LinkedIn Profile
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 501
Debra Jason
A direct response copywriter, operating her business The Write Direction for more than 34 years, Debra Jason works with you to write compelling marketing messages that captivate and convert your prospects into loyal raving fans. Author of "Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™," she speaks to organizations that want to fast forward their members' marketing skills so that they increase their visibility, nurture a steady stream of happy clients, and grow their businesses.
In addition to serving as NSA Colorado’s Volunteer Coordinator and Accelerate Chair, Debra sat on the Board of Directors as Chair of Special Programming. She is a recipient of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business of the Year Award” and the Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Association’s “Creative Person of the Year Award.”
From authors, meeting professionals and engineers to speakers and real estate agents, she has guided hundreds of professionals in creating robust and optimized LinkedIn profiles that help them open the doors to receiving more opportunities on the network.
Marketing and writing with heart, not hype, Debra’s mission is to not only inspire you, but to empower you with cost-effective business-building strategies that help you connect with prospects, business affiliates and referral resources.
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 607
You Can't Fix Your Mental Health with Duct Tape
3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Room 607
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
As a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, and researcher, "Dr. Sally" sees the issues of wellbeing from many perspectives. Her heart, however, is called, and her dedication to the mission unwavering due the suicide death of her brother.
Her goal is to give voice to people who’ve lived through depression, addiction, and the impacts of suicide and leverage their wisdom to develop bold, gap-filling strategies and programs - approaches that empower cultural and systems change in our workplaces, education systems and communities.
Changes that support people into recovery and a life worth living.
Sally is the lead author on the National Guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention and president of United Suicide Survivors International. She is an accomplished speaker with a popular TEDx talk and a White House address to her credits.
When she's not flying around the world speaking and training, you can find Dr. Sally in her fuzzy slippers at her home office with her loyal dog Rocky or at 12,000 feet backpacking the Colorado Trail.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Ballroom
The Magic of Belonging
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Ballroom
Sponsored by: 
Denise Soler Cox
After going from a stay-at-home-mom to award-winning activist filmmaker, Top 100 podcaster and sought-after international speaker, Denise Soler Cox uses her experience to produce inspiring content that sparks meaningful and transformative dialog about culture, identity and what it means to belong.
In 2020 Denise was recognized as a “Featured Host” by Apple Podcast North America for her podcast “The Self-ish Latina'' which has listeners in 32 countries.
Denise has been invited to speak on over 300 stages including two TEDx talks and has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands.
Denise was recently a guest on NBC Nightly News, her work has been featured on Forbes.com, CNN, NBC Latino, and The Chicago Tribune among so many others..
Denise is currently in production with her second feature length documentary and also working on a forthcoming book about Belonging.
Jerome Wade
Jerome Wade, CSP, is an inductee into the Global Speakers Hall of Fame, Virtual Speakers Hall of Fame, and best-selling author. He is The International Master of Ceremonies, with more than 3000 events of experience. Jerome masterfully guides audiences through the programming and complexities of event schedules and information with wit and wisdom. Audiences immediately embrace Jerome’s authenticity and professionalism as he energizes and encourages full engagement from the beginning to the end of events.
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Reception in Exhibit Hall
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Mile High Ballroom
Sponsored by: 
