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#MeetWithConfidence

Talk Series

Thursday, June 18

1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT

Event Design 2.0

After we stagger and sanitize, then what? Your meeting or event has gotta wow for attendees to leave the comfort of their home to attend. Or be impressed from their screen. Let’s dive in…

Marti B. Winer

Vice President, MGM Resorts Event Productions

ABOUT THE PANELIST

Marti B. Winer joined MGM Resorts Event Productions as Vice President in September 2018. Under Marti’s leadership, MREP is focusing on maintaining its rich history and bringing cutting-edge innovation and creativity to our customers. Marti has a passion for hospitality and a firm belief that events are the greatest communication to foster engagement among global diverse audiences. She also believes that by keeping a keen focus on the goal and vision for each unique event, MREP can exceed expectations in delivering events full of “wow” moments on time and on budget.

James Filtz

CMP, CPCE

Vice President, National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and Director of Meetings and Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

ABOUT THE PANELIST

James Filtz is the Vice President of The National Association for Catering and Events. In his role with NACE James oversees programming and strategy for the education and certification programs at NACE. James has previously completed terms as Secretary and Treasurer of the association and has been a member of the association since 2005. James works at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans Hotel as Director of Meetings and Special Events.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is one of the largest and most dynamic hotel in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio. Prior to working at The Ritz-Carlton, Jams has held executive and leadership roles with Loews Hotels, Yale University, Starwood Hotels, The Venetian-Palazzo Las Vegas and Hyatt Hotels. James began his love for catering and events in the kitchen and is a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park.

Molly Kievit

Senior Director of Campus Sales at Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

ABOUT THE PANELIST

Molly Kievit is the Senior Director of Campus Sales for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), owner of McCormick Place Convention Center, the nation’s largest convention center, as well as the 10,000 seat Wintrust Arena, Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. She is responsible for accelerating the growth of campus-wide sales, collaborating with the leadership teams of each business unit and helping to establish McCormick Square as a global destination.

Prior to joining MPEA, Molly was the Director of Corporate Citywide Sales for Choose Chicago and also spent 15 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation as Global Sales Director. She has been actively involved in the hospitality industry for 20 years.