April Education Event POSTPONED

The health and safety of our members is our highest priority, and RMPCMA is committed to taking appropriate precautions to provide a safe environment for our community to come together during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have made the decision to postpone our April Education Event scheduled for April 9th at the Omni Interlocken Broomfield. More information on the new date/location will be forthcoming.

Unpacking the “I” – Advancing Inclusion at Events

Inclusion isn’t just the latest hot topic, or our ethical obligation…. It’s great for business! No matter how you look at it, the importance of inclusion cannot be understated. Those of us in the events industry have an opportunity to advance the discussion, understanding and advancement of inclusion in a big way. While the term “inclusion” is more frequently making the list of strategic priority for many organizations, it is bigger than many people realize and can be a daunting conversation to start.

With crowdsourced issues directly from you, this panel will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in advancing inclusive practices within their organizations and the events industry, and will be ready to answer your big burning questions!

Learning Outcomes: 

• Learn how inclusivity can help your companies’ business strategies
• Discover what your peers are already doing to make their conferences more inclusive
• Learn how to create a safe space for constructive communication about inclusion
• Become an advocate for more inclusive practices within your organization

This program has been submitted to the Events Industry Council for CMP Preferred Provider review.

Panlelists

• Dan Stones, Senior Meeting Planner, EDUCAUSE
• Rebecca Fazzari, Director of Meetings & Events, The Geolocial Society of America
• Gary Schirmacher, CMP, Senior Vice President, Industry Presence and Strategic Development, Experient

Dan Stones, Senior Meeting Planner, EDUCAUSE 

As Senior Meeting Planner for EDUCAUSE, Dan Stones plans and executes the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative and NERCOMP Annual Conferences, as well as portions of the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, including general sessions, VIP Reception, ancillary meetings, and on-site EDUCAUSE Board meetings. Dan also works with the Research University CIO Conclave to plan their annual meeting, and has a passion for advancing accessibility within the meetings industry.

Prior to joining EDUCAUSE, Dan was an Institute Coordinator and Contract Specialist for Solution Tree and Marzano Research Laboratory, planning conferences and negotiating contracts. Before joining Solution Tree, Dan also spent time as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor and a campus Audio/Video Technician for the University of North Texas, where he earned both a BA in Communication Studies and a BA in Spanish.

Dan has been involved in many additional activities both at EDUCAUSE, with the IT Governance Committee and DEI Team, and beyond, with the Ignite Denver Committee and PCMA’s EduCon Content Committee. He currently sits on Customer Advisory Boards for the cities of Houston and St. Louis, and is the Director of Programs for the Rocky Mountain PCMA chapter.

Rebecca Fazzari, CMP, CMM, Director of Meetings & Events, The Geolocial Society of America

Rebecca Fazzari, CMP, CMM joined the Geological Society of America as their Director of Meetings & Events in January 2019 and oversees GSA’s Annual Meeting, Section Meetings and specialty conferences.  She has worked in meetings and events in both staff and leadership roles since 2004. Her background includes association experience, as well as extensive involvement in a variety of clients’ operations and strategies through her work with meetings management companies.

Originally from Annapolis, Rebecca spent several years working in the DC Metro Area coordinating large conferences and events—her largest event hosting 17,000 attendees. Rebecca excels in contract negotiations and thrives on building relationships with her clients. She takes great care to provide excellent customer service.

She has a BS in Business Administration from Villanova University where she majored in Management and Management Information Systems, and received her event management certificate from George Washington University.

Gary Schirmacher, CMP, Senior Vice President, Industry Presence and Strategic Development, Experient 

With 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Schirmacher leads Experient’s strategic plan development and implementation, as well as industry presence for Maritz Global Events. 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 served as Chairman of the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado from 2002-2007. Schirmacher is a Trustee on the MPI Global Foundation Board. He serves as Chair of the Meetings Industry Fund. Gary is a member of PCMA, MPI, ASAE and CSAE. Schirmacher is a Past Chair of the PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees and a frequent speaker at major industry meetings and events. Schirmacher is a graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering.

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