This webinar takes place on November 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET
Attendees can now join a meeting from anywhere, so when they show up in person, the experience has to justify the trip. Too often, though, people spend in-person events checking their phones and go home feeling like they never really met anyone (that’s
doubly true of virtual events).
For meeting planners, getting people into the room is only half the job. The other half is giving them a reason to look up, engage with the people around them and leave with something that stays with them.
This
webinar looks at the ingredients of an impactful in-person event: shared experiences, moments of vulnerability, the unplanned conversations that happen between sessions, and marketing that puts people first at every stage.
Key Takeaways:
- How to structure agendas that leave room for real conversation and spontaneous connection
- How to design moments compelling enough that attendees put down their devices
- How human-focused promotion can boost registrations and get attendees connecting before they arrive
Earns 1 Hour of CMP Credit
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SPEAKERS
Kelsey Connors
Chief Play Officer, Firefly Team Events
Kelsey Connors is Chief Play Officer at Firefly Team Events, where she spends her days designing experiences that strengthen connection, communication, and culture. She partners with organizations around the world to create meetings and team-building programs that use play to spark communication, trust, and collaboration.
Having produced hundreds of corporate events ranging from executive retreats to international conferences, Kelsey speaks about the role of play in adult learning, connection, and engagement. You may have seen her onstage at IMEX or MPI's WeCon. Her work challenges the idea that play is the opposite of productivity, arguing instead that it is one of its most overlooked drivers.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and collecting stories that remind her the world is more playful than it first appears.
Claire Lester
Senior Design Strategist, Maritz
A 20-year industry veteran, Claire brings a wealth of experience to the table with previous experience as a show manager, marketing manager and director of product development. Within the Maritz Design Studio, Claire delivers direct client strategy consulting and is also responsible for the internal application of design with Maritz which includes running the Maritz Master Designer program and leading design for the Maritz Destination Partners Program. Claire lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and their daughter.
Corey Perlman
Founder, Impact Social Media
Corey Perlman, CSP, is a keynote speaker, author and social media strategist who helps organizations use digital platforms and AI to build stronger brands, attract customers and grow their businesses. He is the co-founder of Impact Social Media, a digital marketing agency that has partnered with businesses, associations and franchises for more than 15 years.
A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Corey has delivered presentations to audiences around the world, including Keller Williams, Delta Vacations, Virtuoso Travel Network, the National Speakers Association and hundreds of businesses and industry associations. He is the bestselling author of Authentically Social and a regular contributor to The Big Biz Show, where he shares insights on social media, AI and digital marketing trends.
MODERATOR
Alex Palmer
Group Vice President, Content, Northstar Meetings Group
Alex Palmer has been part of Northstar Meetings Group for more than 10 years, working across its editorial and custom divisions to deliver insights that help planners better do their jobs.
