As an AMS meeting planner, I know that crafting unforgettable events for our clients requires staying at the forefront of industry trends and continuously expanding our network. That’s why attending professional development opportunities like CONNECT Marketplace is so valuable! This past year, I attended the CONNECT conference for the first time, in my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was an incredible opportunity to join thousands of event experts to discover the latest event solutions.
First Timer Experience at CONNECT!
Attending CONNECT was both exciting and rewarding. From networking with vendors to swapping stories with fellow planners, I gained invaluable insights into building successful events. One of the highlights: connecting on a personal level. During my one-on-one appointments, I found myself often explaining some of Milwaukee’s unique quirks—like our love for Spotted Cow beer, Bloody Marys served with a mini beer chaser, and, of course, our obsession with cheese and the Packers. These personal touches sparked genuine conversations that laid the groundwork for lasting professional relationships.
CONNECT wasn’t just about meetings—it was about experiences. The conference was light on formal sessions, which meant more time to interact and build connections. The exhibit hall was full of creative engagement opportunities, from a hot air balloon virtual reality experience to inflatable curling and—my personal favorite—cuddling with adorable rescue puppies sponsored by a destination! In my opinion, conference puppies should be a feature of every event!
Building Relationships That Last
The range of vendors was impressive—from audiovisual companies to city representatives—each showcasing innovative solutions that sparked ideas for our clients’ future events. Even when a connection didn’t immediately align with a current need, building relationships now can lead to valuable partnerships later on. You never know when a new venue or unique vendor will be the perfect fit!
Bringing It Back to AMS
Attending CONNECT left me feeling inspired and motivated to continue building dynamic, engaging experiences for AMS clients. Plus, since it was recently National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day, I want to acknowledge all the incredible meeting planners out there who make memorable events happen every day. I’m hopeful that I’ll get to attend CONNECT again this year, and I can’t wait to put the ideas I gained into action!
Contributor: Cari Grulke