Record Attendance for Northstar's IPEC in Atlantic City

The annual event gathered 230 independent planners and suppliers for one-on-one meetings, networking and a business growth bootcamp. 

IPEC-atlantic-city
Photo Credit: All photos by Matt Klinger, Mad Pix Pro

Northstar Meetings Group's 12th annual Independent Planner Education Community event took place Jan. 26-28 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City. A record 230 attendees gathered for three days of networking, one-on-one meetings and activities throughout the destination.

The event kicked off with an welcome reception centered around Atlantic City's iconic boardwalk, featuring a ring toss, tarot card readers and caricature artists. Two education sessions were held the following morning: from Marvelless Mark, CEO of Millenia Productions, on "How to Amplify Your Business Success," and Beth Surmont, vice president of event strategy and design for 360 Live Media, who offered sales skills for event professionals.

Afterwards, planners met with suppliers before having lunch provided by Visit Atlantic City. Afternoon activities included Top Golf at the Ocean Casino Resort, escape rooms at the Tropicana Atlantic City, a distillery tasting and a private yoga class. The Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa pulled out all the stops for a vibrant evening reception with live music and a performance from artistic swimmers.

SongDivision joined the group in the morning to write a team anthem with attendees before Kurt Shaver, founder of Linked In to Meetings, spoke about "LinkedIn Strategies for Branding and Selling." After lunch, independent planners were invited to stay for an optional business growth bootcamp, sponsored by Louisville Tourism. Those who registered participated in a peer-to-peer idea exchange; listened to sessions from Robert Brokamp, personal finance expert at The Motley Fool, and Eric Rozenberg, president and CEO of Event Business Formula, on financial strategies; and visited Renault Winery for dinner.

IPEC 2026 will be held next winter; register your interest now.

The following event highlights were captured by photographer Matt Klinger of Mad Pix Pro.

More from Northstar Meetings Group


In a boardwalk-themed opening reception, David Blansfield, executive vice president and group publisher of Northstar Meetings Group, welcomed participants to the 12th annual IPEC.


Independent meeting planners toured host-property Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City


Mark Kamp, aka Marvelless Mark, brought his signature rock star-energy to the opening keynote address, sponsored by Opal Resorts.


You’re only as good as your band! Volunteers took to the stage to play their best air guitar.


Beth Surmont shared sales skills for meeting professionals.


Independent planners who are actively sourcing programs met one-on-one with suppliers.


Among other activities, attendees tried their swing at Top Golf at Ocean Casino Resort.


Artistic swimmers dove into the pool for a performance at the Borgata Hotel.


A lively reception was held at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, co-sponsored by Visit Atlantic City.


Buyers were invited to stay for a business growth bootcamp, where Eric Rozenberg lead an independent planner pricing workshop.


Robert Brokamp also joined the bootcamp with a session on financial strategies for independent planners.


The event culminated with a dinner at Renault Winery, sponsored by Visit Atlantic City.