SITE Partners With Northstar Meetings Group for New Emerging Leaders Event

Northstar Meetings Group and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence have agreed to support each other's initiatives to further professional development of the newest generation of meetings and incentive industry leaders. Per the partnership, SITE will support Northstar's inaugural Emerging Leaders conference, taking place April 20-22 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky. The new hosted-buyer event aims to educate and connect up-and-coming planners and suppliers.

"Both Northstar and SITE are very much aware that the demographic foundations of our industry are shifting every day," said Shalise DeMott, vice president of sales, Northstar Meetings Group. "It's gratifying to be working together with another organization that is doing exactly what we're doing — producing an event for young and emerging leaders, by young and emerging leaders. Helping to support the growth of these talented new professionals is good for all of us."

On Oct. 15, Northstar Meetings Group will provide support for SITE's Young Leaders Conference, to be held in conjunction with IMEX America in Las Vegas.

"This reciprocal agreement with the Northstar Meetings Group allows us to extend the reach of what we do even further into the industry at large, and ensure a solid foundation for career growth for even more young professionals," said Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Event Profs

Northstar's newest event, Emerging Leaders, will provide professional development and networking opportunities for young industry professionals. The event will cover topics such as career advice, future trends and how to manage risks and adopt a winning mindset.

The robust speaker lineup includes Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International; Harry Wilson, cofounder and CEO of Limitless Minds; Cindy Lo, CEO and chief event strategist of Red Velvet Events; Bruce McIndoe, president and founder of McIndoe Risk Advisory LLC; and Todd Taranto, president of Cadre.

"We've designed Emerging Leaders to focus on the key capabilities necessary for career growth in meetings and group travel," said Loren Edelstein, vice president of content for Northstar Meetings Group. "Participants will build authentic relationships through collaborative content sessions with industry leaders, one-on-one meetings, activities and social events. The educational agenda is strategically focused on professional development and career advancement."

Planner representatives will be nominated by their organizations and will be hosted based on career objectives, as well as their current and future involvement in sourcing meetings or incentive programs. Organizations can nominate their rising stars here. Planner participants can also submit their qualifications directly to Emerging Leaders for consideration here.

Supplier representatives will participate in all educational, networking and marketplace activities.