Monica A. Neal

In events we are always trying to plan memorable experiences. What did we do last time? How can we top that? Sometimes you wonder if anyone notices. Are the events as important to the attendee as they are to us? I’m reminded of the ultimate compliment I have ever received for an event…a marriage proposal. No, not to me. It was the big party evening. Shortly after our big entertainment finale moment, an attendee’s guest actually got down on one knee and proposed to her. The setting, the vibe, the one-of-a-kind experience my team and I created, was THE perfect moment. It became their special moment for the rest of their lives. Events matter to people and we can make an impact. What’s been your ultimate compliment for the work you’ve done? #events #eventprofessionals #womenleaders #experiential

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Friends & colleagues, many companies are rather cavalier when using terms such as, All-in-one" or "One-stop-shop," when describing their business model and service. What it boils down to is this; can they stand behind their claims? I am happy to tell you that The Expo Group definitely does! Let me introduce you to ExpoSuite™, our total service package to everything expo related. Decorator & exhibitor services, AI, big data analytics, graphics, logistics, and customer service are just a few of the elements which make up this comprehensive solution. Take a few moments in your day and click on the video below. After you've gotten a glimpse of what we can do, call or email me and we can talk about working together and making your event an even greater #success! #exhibitorservices #tradeshows International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) PCMA ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership IMEX Meeting Professionals International #meetingsmeanbusiness #ilovetradeshows #bizbash #conventions #decrator

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Things I missed at IMEX America this year. 😩 I spent the whole day today reading, liking, and commenting on people’s posts about their IMEX America experience last week. So many great takeaways, spot-on observations, meaningful reflections, and insightful feedback that makes me wonder what else I can add to the pot? 😅 So, I’m not going to share any glimmers’ moments or light bulb insights. Instead, here are a few things I sadly missed: 📕I missed basically the whole education program. I was so sad about this. I really want to spend sometime at the Google Xi space, learned all the experiences Megan Henshall had been testing, and have some discussions with Naomi Clare Crellin on her latest Belonging Playbook. I was able to briefly attent the session hosted by BestCities Global Alliance on challenges effect global meetings, and David Allison 🏳️‍🌈 🪶 ‘s always inspiring message on valuegraphic, but there are so many other valuable discussions and content impacted international associations meetings I just couldn't make times for. I missed many fun and creative session formats, which for those knows me, you know how much I love these. The session Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, DES, WMEP and Megan Martin, CMP, DES, MPA did for example, I heard so many positive review. And I miss the super data session by Miguel Neves and Chloe Richardson 😩. And although I still enjoy reading the Freeman Company Q4 Report, missing Ken Holsinger’s sharing his first-hands insight on the report, still a huge miss for me. The inspiration hub, besides it was super, super far, looks like the Disneyland for learnaholic like me. Well designed spaces, nuzzling with different content offerings. Truly well done, IMEX Education team. 👏 Business wise, IMEX America year was certainly successful. As I’m slowly stepped into my new role with ICCA, I was blessed with overwhelming welcome from members and partners, and beyond grateful for all the feedbacks I received. ❤️ But hopefully next time, I can get to some sessions. 😤 What are the things you missed? #eventorofs #IMEX24

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"Nicole, 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘?" This was the most frequently asked question Nicole Quiogue Golloso faced when meeting LinkedIn connections in person. It was a testament to her outstanding personal branding efforts on #LinkedIn. I feel incredibly blessed that Nicole reached out to me, driven by curiosity about my work. She discovered me through Jun’s post and was intrigued by what I do. Nicole mentioned it’s rare to see men championing women as passionately as I do, which further piqued her interest. Here are my three tips for building your own personal brand: ✨ 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: ✅Choose a signature element—like Nicole’s yellow—that people can easily associate with you. ✅Maintain consistency in your messaging, visuals, and interactions to reinforce your brand identity. ✅Stand out by being unique but true to yourself. ✨𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲: ✅Show genuine interest in others and engage in meaningful conversations. ✅Be transparent about your journey, including your successes and challenges. ✅Authenticity builds trust and fosters deeper connections. ✨ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬: ✅Advocate for causes and values you truly believe in, just as I champion for women in my field. ✅Share stories and content that reflect your mission and vision. ✅Align your actions with your words to create a coherent and powerful personal brand. Building a personal brand is about more than just visibility—it's about leaving a lasting impression and creating meaningful connections. How do you build and maintain your personal brand on LinkedIn? Share your thoughts and experiences below!👇🏻

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How much does your venue choice impact the success of your event? 🤔 Your venue sets the tone for everything from guest experience to logistics, and choosing the perfect venue can be a tough decision! Are you torn between a classic hotel ballroom and a chic standalone boutique event venue? Dive into my latest blog post where I break down the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your next event. Whether it's ambiance, flexibility, service, or cost, we've got all the details covered! Read more to find your perfect event space fit + a couple of free resources to help support you in the process! ⬇️ Link in Comments #bebrightevents #eventplanning #eventprofs #venuecomparison #eventplanner #eventtrends #inpersonevents #liveevents #transformationalevents #experiencecreator #conferencecoordinator #VIPweekends #masterminds #retreats #thoughtleaders #lifecoaches #venuesourcing #siteselection

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🎉Work and Chill Question of the Day 🎉 Today's trivia question is all about food from Latin culture! 🎉 🇻🇪🇨🇴🇵🇪🇲🇽🇨🇷🇩🇴🇦🇷🇧🇷🇧🇴🇺🇾🇧🇿🇵🇦🇳🇮🇵🇷 #HispanicHeritageMonth #ERGs #BRGs #TriviaCompetition #EventCelebration #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalAppreciation #WorkplaceEngagement #TeamBuilding

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Are you joining us for the "Plan Like a Pro: Five Must-Know Tips for Successful Retreat Planning"! 🎉 With over 20 years of experience in the event planning industry, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with a variety of clients, transforming their visions into unforgettable experiences. In this masterclass, I’ll share the secrets and strategies that have made my clients' retreats so successful. You’ll gain insights into advanced planning techniques that will make your retreats stand out, helping you create unforgettable experiences for your attendees. Here’s what you can look forward to: ✨ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀: Move beyond the basics and discover the strategies that set successful retreats apart. ✨ 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Learn how to keep your planning process on track, reducing stress and ensuring everything runs smoothly. ✨ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Develop the skills to make intentional and strategic decisions, ensuring your retreats are both successful and memorable. ✨ 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲… Whether you’re new to retreat planning or looking to refine your skills, this masterclass is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their planning skills and have fun while doing it. 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦 📅 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: June 19th 🕑 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 2:00 PM ET 📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Zoom (Register to get all the details!) 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘄! Link in Comments/Bio 💻 (𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥!) I can’t wait to share my passion, expertise, and insights with you. Let’s make your next retreat a huge success! #bebrightevents #eventplanner #retreatplanner #eventstrategist #eventconsulting #eventprofs #masterclass #eventproducer #eventplanning #retreatplanning #conferencecoordinator #retreatplanning #retreattips #freemasterclass #transformationalevents #liveevents #mastermindweekends #inpersonevents

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Event Gifting: A Tradition Worth Keeping? Gifting at events and conferences has long been a cherished tradition, a way to express appreciation, create memorable experiences, and foster connections. However, as times change, so do perspectives on these practices. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received at an event or conference? Was it a thoughtful keepsake, a practical gadget, or an unforgettable experience? Should we still be gifting at events? Why or why not? I’d love to hear your thoughts and most memorable gifts . . . #EventGifting #ConferenceCulture #EventPlanning #Networking

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Did you know that one out of four of your event attendees is likely to have a disability? Events that aren’t designed with attendees that have disabilities in mind can exclude a large part of your audience and erode ROI. Everyone should have access to high-quality events, regardless of their abilities. In this webinar, Stephen Cutchins from Cvent will take you through the do’s and don’ts of event accessibility so that you can deliver engaging events for all. Webinar attendees can expect: ✔ An overview on key accessibility trends ✔ Best practices on disability etiquette ✔ Sharing of tips, tricks, and strategies we’ve seen be successful ✔ Make sure to bring your questions with you, we’ll be taking live Q+A! Register to Watch Live or On-Demand Later 👉 https://lnkd.in/eHchb9JR

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Are you planning a meeting or offsite and need assistance with sourcing and contract negotiation?! Use our TIME to save your money! Ask us how we mom can help! #gatherglobal #venuesourcing #meetingsandevents #eventprofs

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DISCOUNT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO January 10, 2025! We understand that the CVent glitch over the holidays may have caused some frustration for those trying to register with the MEREDITH15 discount code. Your excitement and eagerness to participate mean the world to us, and we’re committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to join. That’s why we’re extending the registration deadline for the MEREDITH15 code to January 10th! Don’t miss this chance to secure your spot and take advantage of the discount. Register now and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of cyber risk and data privacy. 🔗 [Insert Registration Link Here] We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make 2025 a year of innovation and resilience.

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There’s nothing quite like the power of in-person networking. At IMEX America, the energy has been incredible, and the reception we’ve received for Revent has been overwhelmingly positive! Connecting with so many brilliant minds in the event space has sparked some inspiring conversations and ideas. Whether it’s talking about how Revent can streamline event logistics or learning about the latest trends in event tech, this experience has been invaluable. In-person events like IMEX truly remind us of the impact face-to-face interactions can have on building meaningful business relationships. Curious about how Revent can elevate your event planning? Let’s connect and chat about the future of events! Send us a message to learn more! #IMEXAmerica #Revent #Networking #EventManagement #EventPlanners #DMCs #EventTech

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Master Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, Crystal Dailey, shares her advice about keeping up with wedding industry trends. "As we all know, the wedding industry is constantly evolving with new trends and technologies. As wedding planners, our clients will undoubtedly bring us an array of trends to incorporate in their wedding day. We should not be too caught up in the trends that we are judging or shaming our clients. Let's remember the core of why they hired a professional wedding planner. They want us to help them create unforgettable moments that last forever. Our primary goal should always be to bring our clients' unique visions to life that reflects their style as a couple. Remember, if you see a disaster boiling, it's your responsibility to educate your couples of an effective method to achieve their desired result. Let's embrace their ideas with enthusiasm, whether they're classic, trendy, or completely out-of-the-box. Every couple's dream wedding day is different, and that's what makes our job so special. Instead of focusing on trends, let's focus on love, joy, and the personal stories that make each wedding extraordinary. Whether it's a non-traditional venue such as a cave, eco-friendly celebrations, or mixed-gender wedding parties. There should be no judgment or shaming – just pure, heartfelt dedication to making each couple's special day everything they've ever dreamed of. The CWP Society offers multiple platforms to discuss various ways to stay updated with industry trends while creating a unique wedding day experience for your couples." - Crystal Dailey @acrystalevent

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What if your next event didn’t start with an executive presentation? What if you brought your attendees into the general session and immediately encouraged them to talk with one another? If your opening presentation is about the state of your industry, first let audience members discuss amongst themselves what they’re seeing and feeling. Then when your exec steps up to present, your audience will be already fully engaged in the topic and ready to listen. You want your event to drive action. Peter Block says action doesn’t move forward when one person is talking at a bunch of other people. Action comes from “dialogue, interaction, doubts and commitments.” Give your audience the space to interact with your content so they can commit to your desired actions. #beliefthroughexperience #wemakeeventsbetter #cpgagency

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It is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Did you know that 70% of Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not employed. With a staff that is over 50% blind or visually impaired, Bosma Enterprises gives its employees the opportunity to pursue financial independence and be productive citizens. Technology can fill the gap when someone loses their vision. Gather AI's #inventory #drones are a perfect example of technology making the overall process effective for everyone and are accessible to someone who is blind.” Jeffrey Mittman Sankalp Arora Al Sambar Dave Broering Courtney Brown Andy Johnston Ajay Agarwal Cody Merritt #inventorymanagement #diversity Amanda Bell Allison Braley see you at Manifest: The Future of Supply Chain & Logistics #partnership #futureofwork https://lnkd.in/eKBK6kmN

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Small changes can lead to big results! With our Strategic Event Audit, we’ll dive into your event processes, refine your strategy, and provide tools to track success. Ready to see a real difference in your events? #OptimizeEvents #EventROI #StrategicPlanning

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