< Back to 2023 AEP Conference Home
aep AT AT&T Conference Center on the UT Austin Campus
Agenda is subject to change.
saturday, February 10, 2024
Conference Conversations
We have developed a list of nearby restaurants for you HERE to check out and meet up with fellow AEP Attendees. This is a great opportunity to kick off the conference conversations with your fellow academic event professionals!
Please note this is a list of suggestions. Reservations and space blocks have not been made in advance and are the responsibility of attendees.
We have developed a list of nearby restaurants for you HERE to check out and meet up with fellow AEP Attendees. This is a great opportunity to kick off the conference conversations with your fellow academic event professionals!
Please note this is a list of suggestions. Reservations and space blocks have not been made in advance and are the responsibility of attendees.
sunday, february 11, 2024
7:30am – 12pm
M2 Lobby - AT&T Conference Center
Registration & Sponsor-Exhibitors
Coffee & Refreshments
Morning General Sessions
Amphitheater/Room 204
8:40am – 9:00am
Welcome
Jim Hooker, Academic Event Producer
Sally Webb & Lee Branscome, The Special Event Company
Strategic Planning for Academic Events
9:00am - 10:00am
General Session & Keynote
Bobby Dutton, GBM6
Rules of Engagement - Quantifying the Intangible
Speaker Bio + Abstract
10:00am – 10:15am
Break
10:15am – 11:15am
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 203
Kathleen Pendleton, Milton Academy & Carrie Fox, University of the Pacific
Small Moments, Big Impact: Building Event Affinity Through Branded Moments
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Lynn Bautista, UC San Diego
Enhancing Donor Engagement: Event Team Strategic Planning & Partnerships
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Room 202
Jessica Ballard, Brennan Butikofer & Kenzie Prows, Utah Valley University
Utilize Your Most Valuable Resource: Students!
Speaker Bios + Abstract
11:15am – 11:30am
Break
11:30am – 12:15pm
General Session - Amphitheater/Room 204
Melissa Werner, Arizona State University
Ritual, Tradition & Ceremony
Speaker Bio + Abstract
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Tejas Dining Room/M2 Lobby
Lunch, Networking and Sponsor-Exhibitors
Afternoon Sessions
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 203
Allyson Johnson, Idaho State University
Volunteer Management Skills in Signature Events
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Lauren Gregg & Sarah Fore, UNC Charlotte
Installations and Inaugurations: Recent and Unique Examples of Installation Ceremonies and Experiences
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 202
Cathy Swick & Emily Richter, Purdue for Life Foundation
Grandparents University: Creating Lasting Memories!
Speaker Bios + Abstract
2:30pm – 2:45pm
Break
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Amphitheater/Room 204
Adrianne McCraw & Kymberly Epperson, UC San Diego
Unveiling the Future of College Campuses: Producing Unique Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 203
Amy Saucier Kelley, Virginia Commonwealth University
The UNlimited Potential of Leading Small Teams and Making a Big Impact
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Room 202
Lexi Wolkow, University of Missouri
Begin with the End in Mind
Speaker Bio + Abstract
3:45pm – 4:00pm
Break
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Be You Disco - Amphitheater/Room 204
4:40pm – 5:30pm
True Tales of Academic Events - Amphitheater/Room 204
Moderator: Matthew Regan, The Catered Affair
Speaker Bio
5:30pm – 6:45pm (hosted bar)
Cash bar extended to 8pm
Tejas Dining Room
Reception with Sponsor-Exhibitors
SUPER BOWL will be streamed during this reception!
Dinner on your own
M2 Lobby - AT&T Conference Center
Registration & Sponsor-Exhibitors
Coffee & Refreshments
Morning General Sessions
Amphitheater/Room 204
8:40am – 9:00am
Welcome
Jim Hooker, Academic Event Producer
Sally Webb & Lee Branscome, The Special Event Company
Strategic Planning for Academic Events
9:00am - 10:00am
General Session & Keynote
Bobby Dutton, GBM6
Rules of Engagement - Quantifying the Intangible
Speaker Bio + Abstract
10:00am – 10:15am
Break
10:15am – 11:15am
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 203
Kathleen Pendleton, Milton Academy & Carrie Fox, University of the Pacific
Small Moments, Big Impact: Building Event Affinity Through Branded Moments
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Lynn Bautista, UC San Diego
Enhancing Donor Engagement: Event Team Strategic Planning & Partnerships
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Room 202
Jessica Ballard, Brennan Butikofer & Kenzie Prows, Utah Valley University
Utilize Your Most Valuable Resource: Students!
Speaker Bios + Abstract
11:15am – 11:30am
Break
11:30am – 12:15pm
General Session - Amphitheater/Room 204
Melissa Werner, Arizona State University
Ritual, Tradition & Ceremony
Speaker Bio + Abstract
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Tejas Dining Room/M2 Lobby
Lunch, Networking and Sponsor-Exhibitors
Afternoon Sessions
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 203
Allyson Johnson, Idaho State University
Volunteer Management Skills in Signature Events
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Lauren Gregg & Sarah Fore, UNC Charlotte
Installations and Inaugurations: Recent and Unique Examples of Installation Ceremonies and Experiences
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 202
Cathy Swick & Emily Richter, Purdue for Life Foundation
Grandparents University: Creating Lasting Memories!
Speaker Bios + Abstract
2:30pm – 2:45pm
Break
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Amphitheater/Room 204
Adrianne McCraw & Kymberly Epperson, UC San Diego
Unveiling the Future of College Campuses: Producing Unique Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 203
Amy Saucier Kelley, Virginia Commonwealth University
The UNlimited Potential of Leading Small Teams and Making a Big Impact
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Room 202
Lexi Wolkow, University of Missouri
Begin with the End in Mind
Speaker Bio + Abstract
3:45pm – 4:00pm
Break
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Be You Disco - Amphitheater/Room 204
4:40pm – 5:30pm
True Tales of Academic Events - Amphitheater/Room 204
Moderator: Matthew Regan, The Catered Affair
Speaker Bio
5:30pm – 6:45pm (hosted bar)
Cash bar extended to 8pm
Tejas Dining Room
Reception with Sponsor-Exhibitors
SUPER BOWL will be streamed during this reception!
Dinner on your own
Monday, February 12, 2024
8:30am – 9:30am
Breakfast - Tejas Dining Room
Morning Sessions
9:30am – 10:30am
Tabletop Sessions - Tejas Dining Room
10:30am – 10:45am
Break
10:45am – 11:45am
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 202
Barb Siska & Daniela Butler-Ludwig, University of Chicago
A Tale of Two – Two Major Events, Two Teams: How Two University Departments Work Together
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 203
Joey Leon, The Moody Center, University of Texas at Austin
Security and Emergency Planning: Your Responsibilities as the Event Professional
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Michael Kloss, Emory University
Learning from the Mouse: Adapting Disney-Inspired Secrets to Transform Academic Events
Speaker Bio + Abstract
11:45am 12:00pm
Break
12pm – 1:00pm
Tejas Dining Room/M2 Lobby
Lunch, Networking and Sponsor-Exhibitors
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Be You Disco - Tejas Dining Room
Afternoon General Sessions
Ampitheater/Room 204
1:30pm – 2:15pm
Events 101/Ask the Experts Panel
2:15pm – 2:20pm
Idea Gallery
Shea Patterson Young, University of North Texas Health Science Center
2:20pm – 2:30pm
AEP Closing
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
2:30pm – 5:30pm
Off-site Sponsor Event - Balfour Austin Ring Plant Tour & Reception
Round-trip transportation provided
Separate prior registration through Balfour required (spaces limited)
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of class rings
by our master craftsmen, followed by a delightful Texas BBQ reception.
Dinner on your own
Breakfast - Tejas Dining Room
Morning Sessions
9:30am – 10:30am
Tabletop Sessions - Tejas Dining Room
10:30am – 10:45am
Break
10:45am – 11:45am
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Room 202
Barb Siska & Daniela Butler-Ludwig, University of Chicago
A Tale of Two – Two Major Events, Two Teams: How Two University Departments Work Together
Speaker Bios + Abstract
Room 203
Joey Leon, The Moody Center, University of Texas at Austin
Security and Emergency Planning: Your Responsibilities as the Event Professional
Speaker Bio + Abstract
Amphitheater/Room 204
Michael Kloss, Emory University
Learning from the Mouse: Adapting Disney-Inspired Secrets to Transform Academic Events
Speaker Bio + Abstract
11:45am 12:00pm
Break
12pm – 1:00pm
Tejas Dining Room/M2 Lobby
Lunch, Networking and Sponsor-Exhibitors
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Be You Disco - Tejas Dining Room
Afternoon General Sessions
Ampitheater/Room 204
1:30pm – 2:15pm
Events 101/Ask the Experts Panel
2:15pm – 2:20pm
Idea Gallery
Shea Patterson Young, University of North Texas Health Science Center
2:20pm – 2:30pm
AEP Closing
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
2:30pm – 5:30pm
Off-site Sponsor Event - Balfour Austin Ring Plant Tour & Reception
Round-trip transportation provided
Separate prior registration through Balfour required (spaces limited)
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of class rings
by our master craftsmen, followed by a delightful Texas BBQ reception.
Dinner on your own
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
AEP On-site at The Special Event (TSE) Conference (at Austin Convention Center)
Breakfast on your own
8:30am – 9:30am
Opening Session
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
Matt Franks, The Special Event Company
Jim Hooker, The Special Event Company
Lee Branscome, The Special Event Company
Unleashing the Potential of Creative Communication in Academic Settings
Speaker Abstract + Bios
9:30am – 10am
Break
10am – 11am
Session
LaZendra Danforth, Studio D Meetings & Events
Deliver the Honey, HONEY!
Speaker Abstract + Bio
11am – 11:15am
Break
11:15am – 12pm
Closing Session
Bobby Dutton, GBM6
Think Like a Pilot - Rise Above Stress
Speaker Abstract + Bio
12pm - 12:10pm
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
AEP Closing
Lunch on your own
Breakfast on your own
8:30am – 9:30am
Opening Session
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
Matt Franks, The Special Event Company
Jim Hooker, The Special Event Company
Lee Branscome, The Special Event Company
Unleashing the Potential of Creative Communication in Academic Settings
Speaker Abstract + Bios
9:30am – 10am
Break
10am – 11am
Session
LaZendra Danforth, Studio D Meetings & Events
Deliver the Honey, HONEY!
Speaker Abstract + Bio
11am – 11:15am
Break
11:15am – 12pm
Closing Session
Bobby Dutton, GBM6
Think Like a Pilot - Rise Above Stress
Speaker Abstract + Bio
12pm - 12:10pm
Sally Webb, The Special Event Company
AEP Closing
Lunch on your own