CHRISTIE HICKS

Senior Vice President, Global Sales

www.starwoodhotels.com

In today's economic environment, it's important to remain informed about the challenges facing the hospitality industry. In her keynote address, Christie Hicks will provide an overview of the industry's most pressing issues. Topics for discussion will include the government's involvement in meeting-related travel, the challenges facing TARP recipients, and the impact of the Treasury Department's impending guidelines. She'll go on to address the financial market's impact on hotel development, the changing demographic makeup of employees and consumers, and what technology developments may mean for you.

CORBIN BALL

Meetings Technology Expert

www.corbinball.com
Click for Interview

New Web technology is changing the face of the events industry. Trends in Web 2.0, including blogs, mini-blogs, RSS (Really Simple Syndication), podcasting, social software, multi-user virtual environments, and more, will significantly impact planners, exhibitors, attendees and event marketers. This session will afford the opportunity to share successes using this technology. It will also help you to identify the major Web 2.0 trends and their promise to the events industry; identify many Web 2.0 tools (many of them free) to manage, market, and run meetings more effectively; and share best practices in this quickly changing environment.

JAMES P. CONNOLLY
Master of Ceremonies

www.jamespconnolly.tv

James P. Connolly is one of the country’s leading Corporate Emcees and Comedy Entertainers. A radio and television personality, Harvard graduate, and Desert Storm Marine veteran, James’ colorful background allows him to connect with any audience. Unique in both performance and material, Connolly makes an unforgettable impact whenever he appears.

Host of “Live From Here” on XM Channel 154 National Lampoon Comedy Radio, James’ credits include Comedy Central, HBO, VH1, and XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. A headliner in top comedy clubs and casinos, James regularly entertains the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

JOSHUA L. GRIMES, Esquire
Attorney at Law

www.grimeslaw.org

Today's economy is forcing some to cancel meetings and others to cut spending. New and critical concepts such as green meetings, social responsibility, corporate accountability, and data security are also in play. These changes mean that last year’s contracts are ill-equipped to cover today's hot issues. Join noted hospitality-industry attorney Joshua Grimes for a discussion on contract clauses designed to maintain budget parameters, uphold green standards, and ensure data security. The discussion will also touch on the newly enacted federal stimulus plan and how to work within its strict spending mandates.