The 41st edition of the IACC Americas Connect conference took place last week at Park MGM Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, with more than 160 IACC members and industry friends attending over the two days.
Attendee Lauren Scharfing, Director of Conference Services, Capital One commented after the event “Thanks for a great few days of presentations, information and networking. My clients were happy to receive all the great data and videos that were shared”.
The conference delivered an impressive mix of new and member favorite speakers. The mission for the event was to embrace our Social Responsibility credentials and attendees immersed themselves in the learning and networking linked to People, Community and Environment over two full days.
The tone for the event was set by opening keynote speaker Vital Germaine, who tackled the art of creating an innovation mindset in your business, in an interactive and engaging session.
A number of industry giants delivered a variety of workshops and intimate discussion groups, which included Mariela McIlwraith of Events Industry Council, John Brich of Searchwide Global, Tracy Stuckrath of Thrive Meetings, Jessie States of MPI, Brian Freedman of Taste of the Vine and Aran Ryan Oxford Economics. Event venue host and strategic education partner MGM delivered a number of educational sessions drawing on their expertise in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. MGM also provided guided tours behind the scenes at Aria Hotel, a leading environmental hotel operation in Las Vegas.
It left me inspired and ready to do bigger and better things. I’m proud to be part of such a great organization and look forward to continuing to offer our firm’s support.
– Attendee Dana Rector, Principal of Rabun Architectst
IACC directly involved the UNLV student and faculty community. Students attended to gain experience in the industry and Professor Christine Bergman of UNLV delivered a breakout session gathering data for a forthcoming research project.
Attendees were also treated to a pre-conference tour of the MGM Solar Array site which powers 70% of all of MGM’s Las Vegas hotels and venues.
Last week’s conference was the first time we have been back in the same venue for Connect since 2019 and it felt real good! The energy was high in the meeting rooms and it was obvious that everyone was relieved to be back together, to share ideas that really do matter.
– Mark Cooper, IACC CEO
Foodie Tour
On the last evening, some attendees stayed on in Las Vegas and participated in the Lip-smacking Downtown Culinary Tour, taking in amazing restaurants and bars.
Let’s Do it Again Soon!
IACC’s next annual European conference Knowledge Festival will be taking place in Amsterdam on 23-25 September 2022. Book your seat at this next IACC event here.
