Virtual Event Lessons Learned from PEI
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See pricingOverview
What has Private Equity International (PEI) learned in pivoting 25 in-person events to multiple virtual events in months? Hear insights from Suzette C. Hewitt, CMP, Head of Event Operations, Private Equity International and Daniel Himes, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Convene, as they discuss PEI’s journey to virtual.
From leveraging trusted relationships and partnerships and building a trusted team, to behind the scenes best practices, you’ll hear lessons learned to apply to your own virtual events.
Learning Outcomes
- What it takes to embrace change, and how welcoming the evolution of norms and expectations in “what you do” propels you, your event, and your business forward
- How leveraging pre-COVID relationships assists in developing new approaches
- Best practices from successful virtual event experiences, and how to keep ahead of rapidly changing technology platforms and solutions
Brandt Krueger
As a first generation personal computer user since the age of 6, technology is part of Brandt’s DNA. Combine that DNA with a degree in Technical Theatre and a core in Psychology, add in almost 20 years experience in the meetings and events industry, and you get a powerful event technology cocktail.
In addition to being published on numerous websites such as CorbinBall.com, EventManagerBlog.com, and the Convention Industry Council, he has landed articles in trade publications such as Meetings and Conventions Magazine and Insurance & Financial Meetings Management Magazine. He’s spoken at various industry events such as Collinson Collaborate, BizBash’s Elevate, MPI’s World Education Congress, FICP’s Education Forum, Event Camp (London, Chicago, and Middle East), and even a one week intensive for government ministers and guests on producing large scale events in Turkmenistan.
He currently teaches many public and private classes through the Event Leadership Institute, and is the owner of Event Technology Consulting, an appropriately named company that provides meeting and event technology consulting services.
Suzette C. Hewitt, CMP
With over 19+ years of experience within the events/hospitality industry, Ms. Hewitt currently oversees the logistical design of 25+ PEI conferences/events. Her role outlines a broad range of responsibilities, including event sourcing, contract negotiations and execution, budget & forecasting, exhibits & sponsorship, food & beverage, audio-visual, and marketing development for the organization’s 12+ media brand publications. Before joining PEI, Suzette has worked in various event management areas for several non-profit & corporate affiliates; Advertising Research Foundation, Informa USA, Girl Scouts of The USA, Source-Media, & the American Thoracic Society. She holds her BA from the State University of NY at Albany. As well as her CMP designation. Ms. Hewitt is an active member of the Professional Convention Management Association NY chapter. She has a Certificate in Meeting, Planning, Special Event Management from NYU School of Professional Studies, and a Certificate in Virtual Events & Meetings Management, with the Event Leadership Institute.
Daniel Himes
Daniel Himes is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Convene. In this role, Daniel oversees product marketing programs for Convene’s physical and virtual meeting solutions. He is focused on creating and optimizing marketing strategies that grow product awareness and drive revenue. Daniel joined Convene in 2019 and previously held various ed-tech product marketing roles. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bates College.
