ACCESS 2024 - 12/3/24 - 12/5/24
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Desert, CA
Full ACCESS 2024 agenda with session details coming soon
ACCESS 2024 program subject to change
ACCESS 2024 PROGRAM
DAY1–December 3rd
8:00am – 2:00pm
Morning Activities
Annual EDPA Golf Scramble Sponsored by
San Andreas Jeep Tour Sponsored by
Join us for a morning of fun with the EDPA ACCESS Golf Scramble or on
a jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault
3:00pm – 3:45pm
First Timer’s & New Member Welcome
Sponsored by
EDPA New Members and ACCESS first-timers should not miss this opportunity to learn how to make the most of their time at the event.
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Registration & Networking
Let’s kick things off with some networking – catch up with old friends and meet some new ones in the Networking Zone & Breakaway Lounge
4:30pm – 5:00pm
President’s Kick-off
Chris Griffin – EDPA President
EDPA President’s welcome address to all the attendees.
Week at a Glance & Updates
Liz Nacron – EDPA Event Chair
An overview of ACCESS 2024 – what to expect and what’s new
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Think Outside the Shoe
Jessica Cox – Opening Keynote
Sponsored by
Jessica sheds light on the power of unconventional thinking by urging audiences to embrace innovative solutions. By thinking outside the shoe, teams can reframe their perspectives to approach problems with curiosity, ingenuity, and boundless creativity.
6:00-8:00pm
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by
Join us for the opening reception and reconnect with your peers.
DAY2–December 4th
7:00am - 9:00am
Women in Experiential – Gentle Yoga Stretch and Networking Breakfast
Gentle Yoga Stretching, led by Gayle Wright
Women in the event industry are invited to rise & recharge. The session starts with a moment of mindfulness followed by gentle yoga stretching to start your day.
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Networking Breakfast
Stay (or join) for breakfast and networking.
8:00am – 9:00am
Breakfast & Networking
Grab some breakfast and enjoy some great conversations in the Networking Zone & Breakaway Lounge
9:00am – 9:10am
Day 2 – Kickoff & Update
Liz Nacron – EDPA Events Chair
9:10am – 9:25am
Future Workforce Update
Gina Porcaro, Matthew Little, Katina Rigall Zipay – Future Workforce
Sub-Committee Chairs
Find out about the latest updates from the Future Workforce Committee.
9:25am – 9:55am
Practical AI tech tools you can implement in less than 1 hour
Jordan Walker
Learn about the latest new AI tech tools for our industry.
9:55am – 10:10am
BREAK
10:10am – 10:50am
Highlighting Our EDPA Chapters
Jason Weddle - EDPA Chapter Chair & EDPA Chapter Presidents
Did you know there are 9 EDPA Chapters? Are you aware of all the networking events, educational seminars and good works they are doing? Learn more and find new ways for you to engage.
10:50am – 11:05am
Exhibitor Advocate: State of the Exhibitor Topline Research Results
Jessica Sibila
Jessica will share Exhibitor Advocate’s latest research results
11:05am – 12:00pm
Exclusive Research: Exhibitors + Attendees = 2025
Kerry Smith, Founder, Event Marketer & Amy Sondrup, President, Access TCA
Sponsored by
Come dive into one of the most ambitious research initiatives in years. Event Marketer’s Exhibit Strategies group surveyed more than 1,000 end-users and trade show attendees to gauge how clients are evolving their trade show programs—and how attendees are evolving how they interact with brands at trade shows.
12:00pm – 1:45pm
Networking Lunch
Join for lunch and continue conversations within Networking Zone & Breakaway Lounge
2:00pm – 2:45pm
CSuite/Owner Track
Sponsored by:
How the election results are impacting our industry
Tommy Goodwin – Exhibitions Conferences Alliance
Rob Cohen – DS&L
Tommy and Rob share their insights on legislative issues that are/will impact our industry
Development Track
Sponsored by:
Networking for Career Impact
Teresa Freeman - TFA Soft Skills
Teresa will share industry insights on defining your personal brand and offer tips on how networking can accelerate promotions and help you develop marketable skills.
2:45pm - 3:00pm
Break
3:00pm – 4:15pm
CSuite/Owner Track
Sponsored by:
Business Ownership Forum
This discussion-based session will take on a variety a challenges businesses are facing within our industry.
Development Track
Sponsored by:
From Obstacles to Opportunities
Workshop Discussion
Join us for a problem-solving workshop and hear how your peers solve everyday problems.
4:15pm – 5:00pm
Networking
Enjoy some great conversations in the Networking Zone & Breakaway Lounge.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Break
Time to freshen up for the Gala
6:00pm-7:00pm
EDPA Foundation – Silent Auction Cocktail Hour
Place your bids on an awesome selection of auction items while supporting a great cause. 100% of the proceeds go to the EDPA Foundation’s good works.
7:00pm – 9:00pm
EDPA Annual Gala
Sponsored by
Tonight, we celebrate EDPA’s 70th anniversary and recognize our industry’s best with the EDPA Awards.
9:00pm – 11:30pm
President’s After Party
Sponsored by
Sing, dance, and celebrate with us.
DAY3–December 5th
8:30am – 9:30am
Breakfast
Grab some breakfast during this final day.
9:30am – 9:45am
Day 3 – Kickoff & Updates
Liz Nacron – EDPA Events Chair
9:45am – 10:45am
Making the Current Economic Climate Work for You
Keynote Speaker: Michael Feuz – ITR Economics
Sponsored by
Economist Michael Feuz will kick off day three by focusing on the importance of economic forecasting. A variety of disruptions characterize today’s economic landscape. Focusing on demystifying common economic terminology while simultaneously offering strategic financial insights, Michael will provide key information that will drive fiscal wellness for you and your team.
10:45 am – 11:00am
Break
11:00am – 12:00pm
CSuite/Owner Track
Sponsored by:
Exploring the Journey from Exhibit Builder to Experiential Agency
Hear real-life experiences from our panel of leaders who have transformed their companies from builders to agency and what they see is next.
Development Track
Sponsored by:
Influence: How to Make Sh*t Happen
Speaker – Jerry Macnamarra
Learn insights from Jerry on how to make sh*t happen when you don’t have the power or authority
12:00pm – 1:15pm
Networking Lunch
Join us for lunch and continue conversations within Networking Zone & Breakaway Lounge.
1:30pm – 2:15pm
CSuite/Owner Track
Sponsored by:
Unleashing Potential: How Leaders (Unknowingly) Stand in the Way of Extraordinary Work
Speaker – Jerry Macnamarra
Development Track
Sponsored by:
Elevate Your Influence: Becoming a Transformational Lead
Leadership Panel
Learn how today's leaders developed their authentic styles to drive change, growth & success.
2:30pm – 3:45pm
What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?
Closing Keynote: Ben Nemtin
Ben was unexpectedly hit with a depression that forced him to drop out of school. In an attempt to feel alive again, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream of their own, they helped a stranger accomplish their dream. From playing basketball with President Obama and having a beer with Prince Harry to reuniting a father and son after 17 years and surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm, Ben’s message of radical possibility has inspired millions to unlock their true potential.
4:00pm – 5:00pm
EDPA Chapter Challenge
Sponsor by:
Join your local chapter and compete against one another in skills competitions for chapter bragging rights. Share a final toast with us