Turning the Corner: A Realistic Return to Live Events

Recorded On: 06/03/2021

Join event marketing and operations experts Aimee Gabel, Julie Parsons and Kevin Watkins as they discuss a cautious and realistic (and optimistic!) return to live events. As vaccines reach more of the population, the second half of 2021 is looking up for in-person events. From promotional challenges and opportunities to best practices for planning and producing live and hybrid events, our panel will share a variety of tips and tangible takeaways.

After participating in this session, you will be able to:

Discuss what event producers and marketers are doing to plan around the unknowns, while prepping for a return to live events;
Walk away with tips for campaign spend and duration, messaging and channel promotion and realistic registration goal setting and tracking.;
Think about and utilize various shared best practices for incorporating hybrid offerings and virtual features effectively and successfully.

Aimee Gabel, MSOD

Chief Experience Officer

Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC

Aimee Gabel is the Chief Experience Officer for Solar Energy Trade Shows. As a life-long learner, she has worn many hats over her 25-year Association career: adult-education expert, organization strategy consultant, meeting planner, program content developer, yes-woman, human & organization development specialist, board of directors’ schmoozer, and formulator of marketing strategies. She loves working in teams, innovation, and Pina Coladas. and getting caught in the rain. She is a graduate of the American University / NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science Master’s program and The Colorado College. She lives in the DC area with her partner, four children, and a petting zoo of animals.

Julie Parsons

Managing Director and Vice President

Fixation Marketing

Julie’s career in the association world spans more than 20 years, leading successful teams and initiatives in communications and marketing, trade shows and membership. Before joining Fixation in 2014, Julie served as marketing lead at Solar Energy Trade Shows and as VP at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). At IAAPA, Julie grew attendance and engagement at the largest industry event of its kind in the United States and its thriving show in Asia. She has also led strategy and executed attendance and membership campaigns with Health Industry Distributors Association and Association for Career and Technical Education.

Kevin Watkins, CAE, SPHR

Senior Vice President, Affiliate and Member Engagement

National Apartment Association

Kevin Watkins serves as the Senior Vice President, Affiliate & Member Engagement for the National Apartment Association In this role, he provides oversight to NAA's revenue generating events, membership development efforts, member call center, and support for 151 state and local apartment associations.

Prior to joining NAA, Kevin held key leadership roles at the National Association of REALTORS®, Volunteers of America Texas (VOA), MADD National, and the YMCA.

Kevin received his MBA from Baylor University. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Management and Human Relations. He is recognized as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives and as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the HR Certification Institute.