Connect & Emerge: Event Planning Conference
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 10-11, 8:30-3:30 p.m.
PRCC Woodall Center, Hattiesburg
Meet & Greet, March 10, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
RSJ Community Arts Center, Downtown Hattiesburg
Two immersive days of connection, collaboration and inspiration.
Who is this event for?
Anyone involved in events! Event planners, suppliers and anyone with information and resources for those in the events industry. It doesn’t matter what kind of events you are involved in: corporate, weddings, festivals, social, nonprofit, or something else. Gathering our diverse events industry together can benefit us all!
What will you experience?
- Engaging sessions on the latest trends and tools
- Local chefs and caterers sharing delicious meals as well as powerful insights and inspiration
- Sponsor tables showcasing event information you can use
- Opportunities to share your business and information at our Attendee Resource Table (bring info to share!)
- Light bulb moments and serendipity as you find new ideas, inspiration, and new connections for future collaborations
- All-day hot and cold beverages, including a coffee and tea bar, to fuel your day
- A chance for you to recharge. Let us take care of you for a change!
Why is this event important?
Our mission is to connect the event planning community locally and regionally, sharing information and showcasing resources. This is important so that we can continue to produce the best events possible, while also taking care of ourselves and preventing burnout.
Meet the Organizer
Jennifer Clark is the owner of Emerge Events, a local event planning company based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, that produces events locally as well as globally. She is passionate about connecting people through events and is especially passionate about empowering and equipping others with information and resources that can make an impact on their lives and work.
“After years of producing events for others, I wanted to create something that connects and refuels the people behind the scenes.”
AGENDA
Tuesday, March 10
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast provided by Southbound Bagel
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Good Morning. LOL – How to incorporate the right humor at the right time to make your event unforgettable!
Lee Anne Venable, Little Dog Consulting
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Noteworthy Events: Sound that Sticks: A conversation about how to incorporate music into your event
Tony Lymon, Innovator, Creative Director, Multimedia Designer
Moderated by Lee Anne Venable, Little Dog Consulting
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Promoted Events and the Mississippi Department of Revenue
Kesha Smith, Mississippi Department of Revenue
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Stronger Events and Stronger Communities through Collaboration
Emily Gallaspy, Downtown Hattiesburg Association
Chad Edmonson, Lee-Way Financial
Sherri Marengo, Mississippi Theatre Association and Legacy Actors Theatre Experience
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch provided by Front Street Eats Group
12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch Session
Secrets of a Social Media Manager: How to Prepare your Platforms with your Events
Mallorie Pittman, Front Street Eats Restaurant Group
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Right Event. Right Audience. Real Results.
Rhonda Hayden, Kinda Gritty
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Designing Events that Wow on Any Budget
Brandon Chase Welborn, Brandon Chase Welborn Designs
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Closing
Wednesday, March 11
8:30 a.m.
Breakfast provided by The Gallery at Chop Chop’s
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Who’s laughing now? How to use humor to connect with your attendees!
Lee Anne Venable, Little Dog Consulting
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
From Pieces to Possibilities: the Building Blocks of Great Events
Jennifer Clark, Emerge Events
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Artful Events: Integrating Creativity for Impact
Abigail Allen, Studio 522
Allison Neville, Live at 5
Katie Ginn, RSJ Community Arts Center, Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Media Panel
Collaborating with Media: Strategies for Event Promotion
Panelists:
Lici Beveridge, Lici Beveridge Communications
Don King, iHeart Media
Raven Little, WDAM
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch provided by The Gallery at Chop Chop’s
12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch Session
From Menu to Moment: How Food Sets the Tone for the Entire Event
Chef Laiel McSwain, The Gallery at Chop Chop’s
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
The Public Safety Partnership: Elevating Event Planning Through Collaboration
Jennifer Lay, TMP, Executive Director, Brandon Main Street
John Michael Lay, Law Enforcement, City of Ridgeland
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Influencer Panel
Ashley E. Jones, Independent Marketing and Public Relations Consultant
Jenny Smith, Mississippi Memaw
Lindsey Ham, Content Creator
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Closing
CONFERENCE MEET & GREET
Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
RSJ Community Arts Center, 825 Main St, Hattiesburg
Both one-day (Monday and Tuesday) and two-day attendees are welcome to attend the Meet & Greet! (Conference attendees only.)
- Mocktails by Mixing in the Sipp
- Charcuterie from Twin Forks
- Sweet treats by Latresa’s Treats
- Face and body painting by Tori Faith Creations
- RSJ Community Art Center Tours
- Golf cart tours of Downtown Hattiesburg courtesy of Hub Buggy Rentals
- Live music by Stephen Wade Scott Music
- Arts, crafts & networking fun!
TICKETS
Tickets include:
- Breakfast and lunch with insights from our chefs and caterers
- Hot and cold beverages all day, including a hot tea and coffee bar
- General sessions and breakout sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Resources and information from our sponsor exhibitor tables
- Door prize entries
- Tickets also include the Meet & Greet on Tuesday
TICKETS
TWO-DAY TICKET – $180
ONE-DAY TICKET – $100
MEET & GREET-ONLY TICKET – $50
Group ticket discounts for 3 or more from the same business or organization.
Student discounts for full-time students.
Email Jennifer@EmergeEvents.com for group or full-time student registration.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Do you have products or services related to events? Do you want to show support for those involved in the local events industry? Your sponsorship supports this event, those attending the event and will help us all grow
THANKS TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!
BRONZE SPONSORS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
PRODUCED BY
