Kim Barry, Director of Event Management, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

Fireside Chat: FICP's Journey Towards a More Sustainable Annual Conference

Kim Barry has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She started her career at the front desk in Silicon Valley CA and quickly learned her love for the industry. She moved to Southern California where she received her bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal communications and a minor in Marketing. After graduating from college, she moved into the wonderful world of events. Starting as an event admin, Kim moved her way up through event management, landing in her current role as the Director of Event Management. One of her most memorable events was the Governors Global Climate Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in 2008. This event helped kick off Kim’s sustainability mindset when it comes to events. Here at the Sheraton, where she has been for six years, she helps to continue that mindset amongst her Banquet and Events teams.

Cosimo Bruzzese, Vice President of Business Development, Global Sales, PRA

Artificial Intelligence in Action: Peer Success Stories

Cosimo Bruzzese joined PRA in 2002, bringing with him an outstanding sales record in the hospitality industry with several years of previous experience in hotels, airlines and cruises. In his current role as vice president of business development, global sales Cosimo is responsible for developing and maintaining Sales & Marketing and currently serves on the IRF Board of Trustees and Above and Beyond Foundations Advisory Council. Throughout his career in the meeting and incentive industry, Cosimo has served on the boards of ADMEI & MPI, and FICP Hospitality Advisory Board, as well as SITE Young Leaders Chair. He is an award recipient of many accolades like Kevin Ford Spirit Award, Top 40 under 40, DMC of the year Award, 2023 Global Salesperson of the year and 2024 Excellence in Global Sales award.

Meredith Buggelli, Corporate Vice President - Corporate Events, Head of Event Industry Relations and Administration, New York Life Insurance Company

Fireside Chat: FICP's Journey Towards a More Sustainable Annual Conference

Meredith has enjoyed a diverse 20+-year career spanning both the Hospitality Sales and Corporate Event industries. Her career began in destination sales for the world-class resort of Vail, Colorado before moving into the catering & conference services department at the Lodge at Vail. Meredith quickly reached the pinnacle of her sales career in Colorado when she opened the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Beaver Creek. In 2012 she moved back home to New York City and joined the team at New York Life. In her current position, Meredith is responsible for vendor relationship management, sourcing, contracting and administration for the Corporate Events Department. She sits on both the Austin Customer Advisory Board and the FICP Board of Directors.

Heidi Carlisle, Second Vice President, Travel, Meetings & Incentives, Aflac

Rising Professionals Exchange: Crowdsourcing Ideas and Solutions

Bio coming soon!

Angela Cava, Business Development Strategist, innoVia Productions

FICP Chat LIVE! How Do You Achieve a More Productive Workday While Maintaining Work-Life Balance?

Angela has spent 30 years in the Hospitality Industry; Marriott, RMC-DMC, Vail Ski Resorts and now innoVia Productions. Her passion is in the Wellness Space. During Covid she returned to school increasing her knowledge gaining certifications ; Wellness Counselor with Cornell, Psychology of Wellbeing with Yale, Integrative Nutrition with UCSD, MBSR with SDSU where she reinvented herself with www.wellnessjourney.me She has spoken at HB, ABC, Pharma Forum and MPI on wellbeing.

Heather Chavez, Director, Activation and Engagement Experiences, Edward Jones

Revitalize Your Event Design: Bold Ideas, Boost Energy, Showcase Impact

Heather Chavez leads the Engagement Experiences team at Edward Jones. This team is a part of Activation and Engagement, which is a group of capabilities focused on the strategy, innovation, design, and strategic delivery of significant levers of change supporting the most critical enterprise priorities.  This team is passionate about changing the conversation about how to design impactful experiences and moments that drive the right outcome, while building upon the deep culture and legacy of a 102-year financial services firm. Heather's team takes an audience-centric lens and outcomes-focused approach partnering across the enterprise to influence change enablement through tailored, innovative, and timely recognition, and engagement event strategies.

She started her career in higher education but quickly realized she wanted a career that brought more opportunity for growth and development which led her to Edward Jones. With over 16 years at the firm, she's had the opportunity to lead multiple teams in the talent acquisition space and helped build her current team back in 2019. As a company deeply rooted in tradition, Heather is no stranger to navigating challenging conversations to help evolve our engagement experiences and continue to deliver on our audience-centric outcomes. Her passion for developing strategy, championing change and innovation and creating an inclusive environment for her team to thrive is what energizes her each day.

Heather recently relocated to the Clearwater, FL area from the Midwest and spends her time exploring new restaurants with her husband, getting involved in the community and taking her two fur babies (Parker and Hudson) for walks around the neighborhood. She's also added more tropical patterns and colors to her beach wardrobe and thinks the weather is cold when it's 70 and cloudy!

Salvatore Chiarelli, Executive Vice President, Head of Conferences, Events & Societies, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)

Fireside Chat LIVE! What Types of Events Do You Plan and How Do You Structure Your Team Accordingly?

Mr. Chiarelli is Executive Vice President, Head of Conferences, Events and Professional Societies at SIFMA. He brings an extensive background in building brand experiences through meetings and event management, sales, sponsorships, and marketing. Additionally, he is responsible for SIFMA’s Societies functions.

Prior to joining SIFMA, Mr. Chiarelli served as Conference Director for The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS), managing and leading educational development efforts of the organization’s events division and user pay offerings, which included a 12,000+ citywide conference and convention for risk management and commercial insurance professionals.

Before joining RIMS, Mr. Chiarelli was a Program Event Manager for Microsoft’s US-NY Region, overseeing the production and launch of the Office XP, Windows XP, Xbox and Pocket PC worldwide launch events.

Prior to positions in the conference and convention industry, Mr. Chiarelli was Vice President, Commercial Lending in middle market banking divisions at Chemical Bank, NatWest and Fleet Bank.

Mr. Chiarelli holds a BS in Banking and Money Management from Adelphi University and is a successful graduate of Chemical Bank’s Credit Management Training Program. He serves on the board of the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE) and the advisory board of Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

Rebecca Cliche, Senior Event Coordinator, Liberty Mutual

Artificial Intelligence in Action: Peer Success Stories

Rebecca Cliche is a Senior Event Coordinator at Liberty Mutual, bringing nearly six years of expertise to the Meeting Management & Event Strategy (MMES) team. As part of the MMES AI discovery team, Rebecca has spent the past year advocating for the integration of AI tools to streamline event planning processes, including copywriting, location suggestions and comparisons, transportation logistics, and survey data analysis. Rebecca’s efforts aim to reduce workloads and showcase the transformative potential of AI in event management.

Elyse Dawson, CMP, CPCE, DES, Senior Manager, Corporate Events and Conference Center, Invesco

Artificial Intelligence in Action: Peer Success Stories

Elyse Dawson serves as a Senior Manager of Corporate Events and Conference Centers at Invesco. She has been with Invesco for 14 years serving in various roles throughout her career. Her role places her at the helm of executing strategic meetings and events of varying sizes and complexities. In her current role she oversees operations for the Invesco offices North American conference centers located in Atlanta, Downers Grove, Houston, and New York. In addition to overseeing the conference centers she continues to manage meetings and events.

Her passion for event planning has led her to contribute significantly to her field, she has been involved in multiple hospitality industry associations including Meeting Professional International (MPI), National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) and Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP). She currently serves as a board member for FICP. She also serves on the Marketing Committee for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

During her career Elyse has obtained the following certifications and recognitions; Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE), Digital Event Strategist (DES), 40 under 40 for Connect Meetings Magazine, cohort 2021, 2023 Leader in Event Management from Georgia State University School of Hospitality and most recently acknowledged as a 2024 Innovator for Smart Meetings Magazine.

Elyse is a mother of 2 (Harper and Mason) and relishes in the loudness and energy they have daily. When not dedicated time to her craft, Elyse enjoys spending time outdoors, going on walks, including walks around Target.

Michael Dominguez, President and CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)

Global Trends Impacting Meetings & Events

Michael Dominguez serves as the president & CEO for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). ALHI is the largest global sales organization with a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe. Prior to joining ALHI, Michael served in executive sales leadership roles with MGM Resorts International as chief sales officer and many brand and independent branded companies.

Michael is an-award winning hospitality industry veteran. He has received multiple honors for his leadership and influence and has been recognized as a change agent by his peers. He’s also been a speaker with Fortune 100 Companies on topics ranging from disruption to the economy and a passion around leadership and was an invited speaker at SXSW in 2018.

Karen Dunn, Senior Manager, Convention Sales - Northeast Region, San Francisco Travel Association

FICP Chat LIVE! How are You Navigating Transportation Challenges and Managing Travel Partnerships?

Karen Dunn currently serves as the Senior Manager of Convention Sales for the Northeast region at San Francisco Travel Association, a role she has held since August 2022. With a long history of experience in the hospitality and travel industry, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge to her position, particularly in navigating complex transportation and travel partnership challenges.

Prior to joining San Francisco Travel, Karen excelled as the Director of Business Development for the Northeast at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where she honed her skills in cultivating corporate accounts and driving new business. Her experience also includes successful tenures at the Kessler Collection, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Omni Hotels & Resorts, where she consistently exceeded revenue targets and developed strong client relationships across various markets.

Karen holds a BS in Education from SUNY Oneonta and a Master's in School Counseling from The College of New Rochelle, bringing a unique perspective to her approach in sales and client relations. A lifelong Mets fan and proud parent of a sophomore at Indiana University, Karen's passion for fostering connections extends beyond her professional life into her personal interests.

Luc Hughart, Creative Director, Imprint Events Group

Revitalize Your Event Design: Bold Ideas, Boost Energy, Showcase Impact

Meet Luc Hughart, the curator, Imprint Events Group creative director. Luc has been crafting environments and shaping guest experiences for more than 18 years. Holding a fine arts degree and background in event design and décor, he has built a career on translating measurable objectives into experiences and emotion. His drive to create beauty and structure from abstract theory is natural and relentless, although he’ll tell you he ‘just wants to make pretty things and get enough sleep.’ With a reverence for parameters, Luc thoughtfully approaches every project like a question to answer – often with an elegant, non-obvious solution. His ability to identify and articulate opportunities to connect viewer and mission is a remarkable talent. Luc is calm, objective and diplomatic in the ideation stage and calculated, confident and decisive in execution. When he is not online or on-site, he is often off-road with his wife and two kids – his consummate critics and ultimate collaborators.

Ellie Hurley, Events Director,  Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)

Fireside Chat: FICP's Journey Towards a More Sustainable Annual Conference

As the director of events at FICP, Ellie Hurley is responsible for the success of FICP’s events and honing the association’s overarching event strategy to meet its goals and objectives. Over the past three years, Ellie has led FICP’s event-specific approach to sustainability and social impact and earned the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) from the Events Industry Council.

With more than 20 years of experience in the convention and trade show industry, Ellie has specific expertise in relationship management, project management and event risk management measures.

When Ellie isn’t at work, you’ll find her at one of her kid’s sporting events or visiting her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Kristin Huston, AVP, Experience and Engagement, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

Revitalize Your Event Design: Bold Ideas, Boost Energy, Showcase Impact

Kristin Huston leads the experience and engagement team at Penn Mutual Life Insurance. Formerly known as the conferences and recognition programs department, the team rebranded in 2020 to enhance and show the true value proposition to the company. Working across the organization with an amazing team of four, the experience and engagement team focuses on genuinely connecting financial professionals, field leaders and home office to the company and its goals.

Starting her career as a front desk agent at The Marriott Residence Inn while attending the University of Pittsburgh, Kristin grew to love the small interactions and genuine hospitality of the hotel world. After learning the art of luxury service as a conference service manager with The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, Kristin made a leap to the other side of the industry as a hospitality training manager with Signature Worldwide and then an event planner for MD Events located outside of London.

In her 15 years at Penn Mutual, Kristin and her team leaned into change. Stolen from a colleague, the team rallying cry is, “We eat change for breakfast.” As a company that has been around since 1847, we are constantly evolving and looking for opportunities to grow relationships through unique, personalized experiences.

Kristin is a proud mama, stepmom and a Mimi to two grandbabies. She is a true foodie. And she’s always a solid dinner date because she orders ALL the things!

Katherine Jeffery, PhD, Generational Strategist, KJ Consulting

Navigating Generational Diversity in the Workplace

Katherine Jeffery is a generational strategist and business consultant. Her firm specializes in developing business strategies that help organizations navigate generational complexities as five generations work side-by-side in the workforce—improving culture, inclusivity and performance. Katherine has spent over 20 years studying human behavior, focusing her doctoral research on the Millennial view of leadership and teams. As a consultant, she has worked with leading global companies across a wide range of industries, helping them innovate and transform culture and develop strong, cohesive teams. An entrepreneur and agent of change at heart, she is also the CMO and co-founder of MADE FREE, a social enterprise that designs and manufactures products to help address extreme poverty, human trafficking and promote ethical jobs.

Brian Jones, Senior Manager, Promotions and Events, American Family Insurance

What Is Supplier Diversity? How You Can Foster Innovation at Meetings and Events

Brian Jones currently serves as the Senior Manager of Promotions and Events at American Family Insurance. In this role, he leads multiple teams to execute incentive and education-based events, expands the team's reach throughout the organization, and spearheads the team's supplier diversity initiatives.

With over 20 years of experience in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) space, Brian has been a driving force behind inclusive initiatives at AmFam. His commitment to DEI extends beyond his professional life, as he also serves on a Human Rights Commission, the Society of Insurance Research (SIR) Diversity Committee, and the Sustainability and Social Impact Working Group with FICP.

Brian graduated from Indiana University where he studied Business Marketing. In his free time he enjoys coaching basketball, going to concerts and sporting events, and learning the latest K-pop dances with his wife and two daughters.

His personal mission is to forge a united and equitable community, transforming lives one person and one conversation at a time.

Jessica King, CMP, Associate Director, Meetings and Events, First Command Financial Services

FICP Chat LIVE! How are You Navigating Transportation Challenges and Managing Travel Partnerships?

Jessica King currently serves as the Associate Director, Meetings and Events for First Command Financial Services in Fort Worth, TX. She leads a team of amazing meeting planners who executes 300+ events per year for the companies Advisors, District Advisors, Staff and Home Office Employees. Graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of North Texas, Jessica’s professional journey started in 2009 as a wedding venue manager. Along the way she worked as a private events director for country clubs and business clubs then ultimately landing in corporate meeting planning in 2017 where she found her true passion within meetings and events. She obtained her CMP in November 2019. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children, reading, traveling, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Jessica Lorenzo Williams, Head of Responsible Sourcing, MassMutual

What Is Supplier Diversity? How You Can Foster Innovation at Meetings and Events 

Jessica Lozano Williams is the head of responsible sourcing at MassMutual. Her responsibilities include leading the company's supplier diversity vision, mission, goals and initiatives, while driving diverse vendor inclusion rates and increasing spend with diverse-owned companies at MassMutual. 

Her involvement in supplier diversity includes national and local non-profit organizations that support diverse-owned companies (ethnic minority, women, LGBT, veteran and/or disabled-owned companies).  She serves as the co-chair for the NGLCC Procurement Council and has also served on numerous committees and participated in panels across the country.

Jessica received her undergraduate degree in sociology with an emphasis in law, criminology and deviance from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.  In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, including her husband and two sassy children.

Eunice Martinez-Sharkey, Director, Corporate Group Sales, Park Lane New York

FICP Chat LIVE! What Types of Events Do You Plan and How Do You Structure Your Team Accordingly?

Highly motivated and growth-focused sales professional with a proven record of sales success, focused on developing loyal client relationships and possessing strong marketing abilities.

As a leader who values motivation, I foster a highly productive work environment through innovation, team building, and strong interpersonal skills.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, I began my career as a front desk agent at the Essex House Hotel in NYC. I have a proven operations background and am a creative problem-solver. My assertiveness in negotiating contracts and addendums and simplifying procedures ensures a win-win for both parties. I am confident in my ability to handle complex situations and find effective solutions.

In my free time, I am an Adjunct Lecturer at the New York City College of Technology, where I teach Hotel and Resort Sales. I also enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband and daughter, Ashleigh, who is a junior at ERAU studying to be an airline pilot.

Meghan McSkimming, Executive Manager, National Accounts, MC&A

What Is Supplier Diversity? How You Can Foster Innovation at Meetings and Events

Meghan is a St. Louis native, University of Missouri (Mizzou) grad and a New England-Boston transplant for the past (30) years. She has been an active member of FICP for 23 years.

She started her career as a Travel Director at Maritz Travel Company, then to Operations Manager, Account Executive, and then jumped to working for her client- IDS/American Express/Ameriprise Financial Advisors planning their 100 Year Anniversary Celebration and event planning. In 1995 Meghan married a Financial Advisor from Ameriprise, moved to Boston and transitioned to the DMC side of our industry as General Manager of ExecuTours Boston. She currently serves as Executive Manager National Sales for MC&A DMC. Meghan survived 4 mergers with the same organization- ExecuTours-PGI-TBA-KDM- now MC&A. A previous Board of Directors member of the GBCVB, MPI-New England, she currently serves on the FICP Hospitality Partner Committee.

Brian Nazarian, Account Director, Global Sales, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Revitalize Your Event Design: Bold Ideas, Boost Energy, Showcase Impact

With a robust career track in the hospitality industry, I'm currently a member of IHG Hotels & Resorts Global Sales 'FICP Focus Team' as account director, where I've been building new relationships and fostering strategic partnerships since February 2024. Previously, as senior sales manager at Hilton, Starwood and Hyatt for over 25 years, I excelled in new business development, contributing to the team's top-line revenue growth and exceeding revenue goals. My expertise lies in creating tailored experiences and executing strategic plans, aligning with internal/external stake holders and partners. I aim to bring diverse perspectives and a commitment to excellence that supports our company culture.

Adam Peiffer, Executive Chef, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

Fireside Chat: FICP’s Journey Towards a More Sustainable Annual Conference

Chef Adam Peiffer has had a remarkable 30-year career in hospitality, starting as a Dishwasher and Banquet House Attendant in Fremont, OH, and ultimately evolving into an Executive Chef. His journey spans cities like Cincinnati, Seattle, Sacramento and Denver. With 26 years of experience at Marriott, Chef Adam has cultivated a deep expertise in culinary arts and operations. Currently, at Sheraton Denver Downtown, he leads sustainability initiatives that reflect his commitment to both culinary excellence and responsible practices. His leadership not only enhances the guest experience but also promotes environmental stewardship in the hospitality industry.

Dr. Lalia Rach, Executive Managing Director, Strategic Advisory Group, A Division of ALHI

Establishing Your Executive Presence and Strategically Advancing Your Executive Presence

Dr. Lalia Rach is the executive managing director of strategic consulting services, a division of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).  In this role, Lalia is responsible for developing and delivering strategic and managerial consulting services to member hotels and clients.  Each service is custom-designed so the information, guidance and training result in greater value to the organization and the attendees.

She is known for her practical, informative and entertaining presentations whether delivering a keynote speech, a workshop or emceeing a conference. An audience favorite as demonstrated by repeat engagements and survey feedback, Lalia prides herself on uniquely crafting each presentation to fit the needs of the client and their audience.

Her first book “Managing the Book on You: Rewriting your Leadership Story!” is available on Amazon in paperback, audible and Kindle. Designed as a workbook to assist leaders in advancing their success and to better manage old impressions and views held by others within the organization about their leadership ability.

As the founder and partner of Rach Enterprises, a consulting firm that takes an uncommon sense approach and delivers genuine ideas that challenge tradition, Lalia served as a trusted adviser to senior-level executives at many leading organizations.

As a university educator, Lalia served as dean at several top hospitality and tourism programs. At New York University her leadership ability resulted in the creation of one of the world’s most innovative graduate and undergraduate programs in the business of hospitality, sports and tourism. As the founding dean of the NYU Preston Robert Tisch Center, she was responsible for the creation of the first graduate-level concentration in revenue management; published the first wholly focused study on women travelers; raised funds for the purchase of a permanent home for the Center on the NYU campus; and lead the expansion of the NYU Hospitality Industry Development Conference as the premier event within the global hotel industry.

Among her awards and honors are: the 30 Most Influential International Hospitality Educators by the International Hospitality Institute; Influential Women in Hospitality: Hotel Management magazine; Smart Women in Meetings: Visionary from Smart Meetings Magazine; the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International; selected as one of the 33 Most Influential People in the Travel Industry from Travel Weekly; featured in “Meet the 25 Most Influential Women in Travel” by Forbes Life Executive Woman; recipient of the Professional of the Year Award from Big Apple Chapter Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association and recipient of the Special Hospitality Award recipient from NYC & Co.

She holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Bertha Robinson, Executive and Business Coach, Star One Professional Services

Building a Future-Proof Succession Plan for Seamless Transitions

Bertha Garcia Robinson is the founder of Star One Professional Services, a leading coaching and consulting firm committed to transforming goal setting into tangible achievements, ultimately leading to true fulfillment in life. With over 25 years of extensive experience in problem-solving and business analysis, Bertha has a demonstrated history of successfully resolving complex challenges for her clients. She partners with forward-thinking business leaders and organizations that prioritize a people-centric approach to achieving their long-term goals.

Bertha's expertise lies in unlocking the untapped potential within individuals and organizations, a potential often underutilized. Her distinctive approach to business coaching and consulting focuses on enhancing and developing her clients' inherent capabilities, resulting in significant improvements in profitability, market share, productivity, customer loyalty and employee retention. Her methods are designed to minimize disruption while quickly achieving targeted outcomes.

A respected figure in the business community, Bertha is a founding board member of the New Jersey State Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NJSWCC) and serves as the immediate past president of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO). Her firm, Star One Professional Services, is a proud member of the Trusted Advisors Network, a consortium of senior-level business and executive development affiliates.

Located in Somerset, New Jersey, Star One Professional Services serves a diverse clientele, offering innovative solutions that drive measurable results. Bertha's certifications in TriMetrix HD, DISC and 12 Driving Forces, along with her expertise in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), enable her to create personalized strategies that leverage individual strengths for optimal performance. Her commitment to self-improvement and community development reflects her belief that empowered individuals can effect meaningful change in the world.

Francesca Rizzo, CMP, Associate Event Manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Rising Professionals Exchange: Crowdsourcing Ideas and Solutions

Francesca Rizzo is an associate event manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Based in Boston, she has been a valuable asset to the company since joining in 2019. In her role at Liberty, she is responsible for planning executive leadership meetings as well as agent and broker events. Her passion for creating engaging experiences extends beyond her professional role, as she actively seeks out opportunities to involve and inspire the next generation in the industry. Outside of work, Francesca indulges in her love for reading and embarking on new travel adventures.

Robbie Sawyer, Chief Relationship Officer, redbutton.ai

Artificial Intelligence in Action: Peer Success Stories

Robbie Sawyer, the dynamic chief relationship officer at redbutton.ai, boggler.ai and THINKERSsociety.com, is a true trailblazer. With 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Robbie’s passion for revolutionizing the intersection of technology, sales and marketing shines through. He’s a master at crafting strategic relationships and discovering cutting-edge tools that energize and streamline professional life at every level. Ready to unlock the future of your business? Robbie’s insights spark the kind of creative thinking that drives real, transformative change.

Veronica Seaman, CMP, CSEP, Director, Event and Conference Management, MassMutual

Revitalize Your Event Design: Bold Ideas, Boost Energy, Showcase Impact

Veronica Seaman serves as the director of event and conference management for MassMutual. She leads a team of highly skilled event professionals who support the planning and execution of MassMutual-hosted conferences, events, meetings and activations. In addition, Veronica is responsible for the overall strategy, direction and innovation initiatives for the organization’s meetings and events.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has nearly 20 years of experience in event marketing. She has experience producing events within global event agencies as well as internal corporate event lead positions and holds the following event professional certifications: Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and Cvent Event Management Certified.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with family, friends and her two fur babies Pepper and Byrdie.

James Spellos, President, Meeting U

Basics to Brilliance: Generative AI Tools That Enhance Your Work and Artificial Intelligence in Action: Peer Success Stories

James Spellos is the president of Meeting U. whose mission is to help people become more productive and comfortable with technology.

In 2024, Meetings Today magazine named Jim one of the meeting industry trendsetters, for his “AI Education with Integrity” commitment.  In 2022, Meeting Professionals International included Jim on their most influential list in the hospitality industry in honor of their 50th-anniversary celebration.

He was a faculty member at New York University for 25 years, receiving both their "Award for Teaching Excellence" and their "Outstanding Service Award." Jim was previously named one of the meeting industry’s trendsetters by Meetings Today magazine in 2015.

Jim is on the board of directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty, anti-hunger organization which recovers excess food from events. Jim co-created their Whole Earth Calculator app. He also speaks about food recovery and sustainability at events. In 2018 and 2019, BizBash named Jim one of their top 500 people in events for his work in sustainability.

He also has a certificate in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for nutritional studies, is a certified food for life instructor through the physicians' committee for responsible medicine, and is on the staff of Plant Powered Metro New York, helping to educate people about a healthy diet and lifestyle, which helped to save his own life.

Jim is an accomplished musician and songwriter who released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius in 2020.

Jennifer C. Squeglia, CMP of RLC Events

FICP Chat LIVE! How Do You Achieve a More Productive Workday While Maintaining Work-Life Balance?

Jennifer C. Squeglia, CMP of RLC Events (RLC are the initials of her late father - Robert Lee Colburn) has the privilege to partner with clients from the financial and insurance industries, as well as defense and health care. Jennifer’s career started in the hospitality industry 38 years ago, specializing in operations, catering, and conference services. She transitioned to Boston in 1999 working on the great planning teams at John Hancock and Fidelity Investments. Jennifer opened RLC Events in 2007 and lives in Naples, Florida with her husband Paul.

Corey Steinfast, Vice President of Sales, Broadway Plus

Rising Professionals Exchange: Crowdsourcing Ideas and Solutions

Corey Steinfast is the vice president of sales at Broadway Plus, the premier company dedicated to vip events and experiences surrounding Broadway globally, overseeing a robust portfolio of sales strategy initiatives. It has grown into a category-defining one-stop-shop that offers a myriad of exciting ways for corporate groups to connect with Broadway "beyond the ticket” live around the world. Corey is also a Tony-Award Winning Broadway producer (Appropriate, How to Dance in Ohio), a member of The Broadway League and the co-chair of FICP’s Rising Professionals Community.

Emily Talpalar, Global Sales - Director of Group Sales (East Coast & Canada), Langham Hotels & Resorts

Rising Professionals Exchange: Crowdsourcing Ideas and Solutions

Emily Talpalar serves as the Director of Group Sales for Northeast & Canada on Langham Hospitality Group’s Global Sales team, bringing over 12 years of luxury hotel experience with distinguished brands like 1 Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and The New York Palace. Known for her strategic mindset and empathetic leadership, Emily has a proven track record of fostering strong client relationships, optimizing operational processes, and leading successful pre-opening efforts.

Throughout her career, Emily has consistently demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and driving sales excellence. Her consultative communication style and solution-oriented approach ensure seamless, high-quality client experiences. With a deep-rooted passion for travel and hospitality, she is excited to continue driving Langham’s global portfolio to the forefront of the luxury meetings and events industry.

Dr. Claus te Wildt, Capital Market Strategist

The Economics of the Financial Services & Insurance Industry 101

Dr. Claus te Wildt is an experienced financial services executive and a highly respected thought leader in the asset management industry. He has earned a reputation of being able to break down the complex and sometimes confusing global investment landscape into digestible pieces.

Most recently, he was the head of Fidelity Investment’s capital markets strategy group for 18 years. In that role, he formulated and communicated Fidelity’s capital market view to its clients and headlined many industry/client conferences.