Karen B. Arends, CMP, Vice President, Lead Events Management Consultant, Wells Fargo Meetings and Events

From Brand Visibility to Business Impact: A Peer Discussion on Reimagining Gifting, Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships

Karen Arends is a vice president and lead events management consultant on the Wells Fargo Meetings and Events team. She joined Wells Fargo in August 2022 with more than 30 years of experience in meetings and events.

Karen has supported meetings and events for Wells Fargo business groups, including the offices of the chief executive officer and chief operating officer, the board of directors, Legal, Corporate & Investment Banking, Commercial Banking and Consumer Lending.

As a strategic adviser, Karen partners with business groups to plan and deliver high-quality meetings and events aligned with business goals. She streamlines processes and collaborates with colleagues and vendors throughout event development, production and execution to create consistent, engaging brand experiences.

Karen takes a collaborative, customer-focused approach to managing competing priorities and partnering with clients, colleagues and vendors. She combines strategic planning with careful attention to detail to deliver seamless events.

Before joining Wells Fargo, Karen served as director of special events for Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization, and director of event marketing and sponsorships for Guggenheim Investments, a global asset management and investment advisory firm. Earlier in her career, she held meetings and events roles at Macquarie, Barclays, American Express and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

Karen is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany. She is an active member of several professional organizations and serves on her co-op’s board of directors. She volunteers as an Alzheimer’s Association advocate, working to influence Alzheimer’s disease policy at the federal and state levels, and with the Brooke Jackman Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy programs for children in need.

Karen lives in Manhattan with her husband and two daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, dining out, practicing yoga, visiting the beach, watching movies and television, listening to music and exploring New York City.

Shayna Bergman, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, SHRM-SCP, Executive and Leadership Coach

Fleurish, Don't Just Function: Preventing Burnout and Building Performance That Lasts

Shayna Bergman is a certified executive and leadership coach who empowers high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, confidence and conviction, in both their careers and their lives. Known for her ability to speak truth to power, Shayna has a unique gift for helping clients spark meaningful breakthroughs, challenge limiting beliefs and step fully into the leaders they were meant to be.

Since launching her coaching practice, Shayna has quickly distinguished herself in the field, earning features in Forbes, USA Today and Real Simple and building a reputation for delivering real, lasting results. She works with a wide spectrum of clients, from C-suite executives and startup founders to mid-level managers and emerging leaders, through a blend of 1:1 coaching, corporate engagements and the Lead/Live Collective, her thriving online community for high-achieving professionals.

Prior to coaching full-time, Shayna was a Lead HR Business Partner at Deloitte and helped build the HR department at a thriving global legal start-up. She taught Executive and Corporate Coaching, Public Speaking and Professional Communications as an Adjunct Professor at both New York University and The George Washington University. Having studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, she's also conversant in French.

Shayna holds a B.A. from The George Washington University and an M.S. in Human Resources Management and Development (concentrating in Executive Coaching) from New York University. Her credentials include: ICF Certified Coach (PCC); Certified Professional Coach (CPC) by iPEC; Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP); Core Dynamics Leadership Specialist (CDLS) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Patrick Corley, Managing Partner, Global Evento

From Brand Visibility to Business Impact: A Peer Discussion on Reimagining Gifting, Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships

Patrick was first introduced to the hospitality industry as a 5-year-old, thanks to his family’s business. He eventually worked his way up to Account Executive at Maritz Global Events, where he gained valuable experience in all aspects of event services.

While at Maritz, Patrick saw an opportunity to improve the gifting solutions for client programs. He believed gifting could be a more impactful part of each program, because these mementos live on after an event or initiative ends. One of Patrick’s favorite Global Evento gifting projects was the Build-A-Bear program, where each guest designed a bear, provided a special message and donated the bear to a children’s charity.

From being a fisherman in Alaska to a professor in Spain and a nine-time Running of the Bulls participant, Patrick finds new, exciting opportunities no matter where in the world he is located.

Holli Draines, CEO, Elite Strategy Consulting & Risk Management Inc.

Practical Event Security Tactics: Readiness in an Unpredictable World

Holli Draines is the founder and CEO of Elite Strategy Consulting & Risk Management Inc. (ESG), a security and risk management advisory firm. She brings nearly two decades of experience in local and federal law enforcement, including service as a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent on the Presidential Protective Division during the Obama administration. Holli leads complex security and risk management engagements across public and private sectors, bringing a disciplined approach to assessing threats, developing strategy, and implementing plans that protect people, assets, and business operations. Her leadership connects security expertise with organizational priorities, crisis preparedness, and operational resilience. She holds a Master of Science with a specialization in Forensic Science and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy. As a Black woman founder, she has built ESG with an intentional commitment to expanding opportunities for diverse talent in the security industry.

Tom Edelen, Senior Event Planner, Thrivent

Practical Event Security Tactics: Readiness in an Unpredictable World

Tom Edelen, CMP, is a Minneapolis based Senior Event Planner with Thrivent, where he helps lead the strategy and execution of conferences, incentive programs, leadership meetings, recognition events, and global volunteer experiences. With more than thirty years of experience creating events, meetings, and experiences across corporate, nonprofit, and community-focused organizations, Tom is passionate about designing programs that foster engagement, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful impact. As part of his role at Thrivent, he has been fortunate to lead nearly 50 domestic and international Habitat for Humanity build experiences, creating opportunities for participants to serve communities around the world while deepening connections to Thrivent's mission. Tom is an award-winning meeting professional, having received the Minnesota MPI Excellence in Meetings Professionals International (EMPI) Award for Best Event.

Tom is actively involved in the meetings and events industry and currently serves as Chair of FICPs Membership Committee. He is passionate about advancing the profession, building meaningful industry connections, and mentoring emerging event professionals.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys traveling, cooking and baking, entertaining family and friends, and exploring new destinations with his husband, Ken.

Katy Gettinger, Vice President, Sales, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Personalization and Luxury Experiences: A Peer Discussion on Planning Events Worth Attendees’ Time

Katy Gettinger is a 30+ year hotel sales veteran and Vice President of Sales for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, where she leads the company’s strategy for the Insurance & Financial market. Prior to joining Preferred, Katy spent more than two decades with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, leading its global Insurance & Financial segment across both group and corporate transient sales.

A longtime advocate for industry engagement, Katy has been an FICP Hospitality Partner for 24 years and is a former member of the FICP Hospitality Partner Advisory Committee (HPAC). She has also held leadership positions with MPI and HSMAI.

Kevin M. Hinton, CAE, Managing Director, Group Travel, U.S. Travel Association

Travel Disruption Is Inevitable: Using Data to Navigate What's Next

Kevin has more than 20 years' experience working in various roles in the global meetings and travel industry. He currently serves as Managing Director for Group Travel at the U.S. Travel Association based in Washington DC. He is responsible for leading the advocacy organization’s strategy for growing group travel to and within the US.

Kevin has been a frequent speaker to audiences worldwide about the value of in-person meetings and has served as International Board Chair for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and CEO of SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) as well as a Boad member of the Events Industry Council (EIC). He earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2023.

Kevin regularly practices yoga, is an avid tennis player and skier, and has two daughters (Amber-24 and Sophia-19) who regularly keep him in line.

Taylor Laws, CMP, DMCP, Senior Director of Strategic Accounts, Cohera

The AI Ambition Level Is Raised – Now What?: A Peer Discussion on Turning Insights Into Action

Rooted in Southern hospitality, Taylor Laws, CMP, DMCP, brings nearly a decade of destination management experience to her role as Senior Director of Strategic Accounts at Cohera, where she develops and grows strategic client partnerships across the company’s 50 destinations nationwide. Taylor has been an active member of the FICP community for over eight years and currently serves on the Influence Committee. She was recently named to BizBash’s 2026 40 Under 40 and serves on the Oklahoma State University Hospitality and Tourism Management Board of Advisors. Widely recognized for her contributions to the industry, she is perhaps even better known for her warmth and relationship-first approach to everything she does. Outside of work, you’ll find her fully in mom mode with her two daughters, dreaming up over-the-top birthday parties and tending to her garden.

Monica Mobley, CMP, VP, Events Management, Lincoln Financial

Travel Disruption Is Inevitable: Using Data to Navigate What's Next

Monica Mobley, CMP is Vice President of Event Management at Lincoln Financial, where she leads a team of accomplished event professionals and oversees the strategic planning, operations, and execution of the company's meetings and events portfolio.

With more than two decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, and event management, Monica has built a distinguished career creating impactful experiences that support business objectives and strengthen stakeholder engagement. She began her career in the hotel industry before expanding her expertise through roles in sales and event management at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and tourism marketing with Visit Philadelphia.

In 2005, Monica transitioned to association meeting planning with ASTM International and later served as Director of Events at Fernley & Fernley, an association management company. She joined Lincoln Financial in 2016 and has held several leadership roles within the organization, earning two promotions, most recently to Vice President in 2026.

An active industry leader, Monica is a member of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), serves on the Customer Advisory Board for Los Angeles Tourism, and has contributed to the steering committee for the ALHI Insurance & Financial Leadership Exchange.

Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College and an MBA from Drexel University. She resides in the Philadelphia area with her husband and three daughters. Passionate about the hospitality and events industry, she is dedicated to coaching and mentoring the next generation of event professionals while fostering excellence within the profession.

Jessica Nickell, AVP, Event Management, Holmes Murphy

The AI Ambition Level Is Raised – Now What?: A Peer Discussion on Turning Insights Into Action

Jessica Nickell is AVP, Event Management at Holmes Murphy, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the events industry and a passion for creating memorable experiences at every scale.

Throughout her career, Jessica has orchestrated everything from an intimate dinner for 30 guests on the Great Wall of China to a company-wide employee experience in Florida for 1,200 people. Her expertise extends beyond event execution to building strategic industry relationships that deliver meaningful value. Through those connections, Jessica has generated an average of $300,000 in annual cost savings for her organization.

Known for her creative approach, strong industry relationships, and ability to bring complex events to life, Jessica understands that exceptional events are about more than logistics — they are about creating experiences that connect people, strengthen culture, and deliver lasting impact.

Meridith Elliott Powell, MBA, CSP, CPAE, Business Growth and Sales Expert

Own the Room: Elevate Your Executive Presence, Persuasion, and Impact

Meridith Elliott Powell, MBA, CSP®, CPAE®, is a researcher, thought leader and Hall of Fame keynote speaker recognized as one of the world's Top 15 Business Growth Experts. Her original research underpins her proprietary frameworks, including THRIVE, Sales Redefined, the SCEPTIC Scan and The Succession GAP, giving executive audiences data-driven, field-tested strategies for growth.

Before becoming a researcher and speaker, Meridith spent years inside the corporate world in working in healthcare, finance and travel and tourism, where she was known for breaking down organizational silos and driving income growth. That corporate background - gives her research credibility with clients and audiences: she has sat on both sides of the table, as practitioner and as scholar of disruption. Her thought leadership consistently connects research findings to ROI, translating data into strategies that move revenue, retention and performance.

Meridith is the author of several books, including The Succession Gap, THRIVE and Mentally Fit. She is the co-host of the popular weekly sales podcast - Sales Logic. Her research-backed frameworks have been applied by corporate clients including Microsoft, IBM, CVS Health, TD Bank and State Farm.

When she's not on stage, Meridith can be found living out the same active, competitive mindset she teaches — mountain biking and hiking her favorite trails, competing on tennis courts and endlessly chasing little white balls on golf courses round the country.

Aran Ryan, Director of Industry Studies, Tourism Economics

Travel Disruption Is Inevitable: Using Data to Navigate What's Next

Aran leads consulting engagements that help organizations understand and communicate important tourism trends.

He is a senior consulting practice leader at Tourism Economics, with more than 30 years of experience in forecasting and strategy. His team delivers forecasts, policy analyses and economic impact studies for operators, destinations and industry associations.

Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, is the global standard in travel intelligence: economic forecasting, data analytics and industry research that help travel and tourism organizations make better-informed decisions

Prior to this, Aran was a Director in the Hospitality & Leisure consulting practice at PwC.

Jaime Smith, CMP, Business Development Executive, eventEQ

From Brand Visibility to Business Impact: A Peer Discussion on Reimagining Gifting, Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships

A recovering planner, Jaime began her career as a conference planner for a nonprofit in Indianapolis that evolved over 11 years, allowing her to obtain her CMP and her passion for the industry.

Now 14+ years on the other side of events in the AV/Production role, she enjoys being the Business Development Executive with EventEQ. As a full-service global production company, she's able to work with clients to help evolve their end goal onsite, while building her expertise as a true partner in the industry.

I’m forever a planner at heart and because of that, I’m able to understand what it takes to make a successful event come to fruition, never forgetting the importance of partners. It's my goal to continue growing, learning, sharing expertise, and being a resource to all levels of professionals in the meetings and events industry.

James Spellos, President, Meeting U.

FICP Master Class: The Power of AI Agents, Skills and Workflows — Helping Event Professionals Work Smarter, Not Harder

James Spellos is the President of Meeting U. whose mission is to help people become more productive and comfortable with technology.

Smart Meetings named Jim as one of their Smart Speakers in 2025. In 2024, Meetings Today magazine named Jim one of the Meeting Industry trendsetters, for his “AI Education with Integrity” commitment. He was also named a trendsetter for them in 2015 as well. In 2022, Meeting Professionals International included Jim on their most influential list in the hospitality industry in honor of their 50th anniversary celebration.

He was a faculty member at New York University for 25 years, receiving both their Award for Teaching Excellence and their Outstanding Service Award. Jim was previously named one of the Meeting Industry’s trendsetters by Meetings Today magazine in 2015.

Jim is on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty, anti-hunger organization which recovers excess food from events. Jim co-created their Whole Earth Calculator app. He also speaks about food recovery and sustainability at events. In 2018 & 2019, BizBash named Jim one of their top 500 people in events for his work in sustainability.

He has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, is a certified Food for Life instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and is on the staff of Plant Powered Metro New York, helping to educate people about a healthy diet and lifestyle, which helped to save his own life. In 2024, PPMNY chose Jim as their Grassroots Champion.

Jim is an accomplished musician and songwriter who released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius in 2020.

Julie E. Sutter, Manager, Meetings and Events, Selective Insurance Company

Personalization and Luxury Experiences: A Peer Discussion on Planning Events Worth Attendees’ Time

Julie currently serves as Manager of Meetings and Events for Selective Insurance Company of America, where she has been a member of the team since January 2015. She has more than 25 years of experience in the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

Prior to joining Selective, Julie spent 13 years with Maritz Travel Company, holding a variety of positions, as well as more than six years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as a Sales Manager in St. Louis.

In her current role, Julie oversees the sourcing of all meetings requiring 10 or more guest rooms per night, representing approximately 20 to 30 meetings annually. She is also responsible for the planning and complete operation of Selective's annual President's Club Incentive Program as well as the bi-annual MUSIC Incentive Program.

Although Selective is headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, Julie is based in Cottleville, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis, where she lives with her significant other, Matt, and their rescue dog, Louie.