About | Topics Covered | Schedule | Presenters | Registration Information | Hotel & Travel
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Conference & Event Foundations
September 24–25, 2026 Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN Strengthen your foundation. Refine your approach. Stay current. |
About the Workshop
Whether you're new to collegiate conference and event management or looking to strengthen your knowledge across key operational areas, the Conference & Event Foundations Workshop provides practical strategies, peer insights, and real-world examples to help you succeed.
Through interactive sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will explore the core functions that support successful conference and event operations on campus.
Roundtable discussions and a campus tour are included as part of this immersive 1½-day learning experience.
Through interactive sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will explore the core functions that support successful conference and event operations on campus.
Roundtable discussions and a campus tour are included as part of this immersive 1½-day learning experience.
Topics Covered:
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Strategic Planning & Financial Management
Mission, vision, goal setting, assessments, budgeting, and measuring success. Building Campus & Community Partnerships Developing productive relationships with campus stakeholders, vendors, and service providers. Staffing, Customer Service & Wellness Creating strong teams, delivering exceptional service, and supporting staff well-being. |
Logistics, Operations & Risk Management
Managing the operational details that contribute to safe and successful events. Business Development: From Prospect to Contract Understanding the sales process, client relationships, proposal development, and contracting. Interactive Learning Opportunities Participate in peer roundtables and experience a campus tour to connect concepts with real-world practice. |
Schedule:
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Wednesday, September 23rd
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pre-workshop meet-up (optional) Thursday, September 24th 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration and coffee 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Introductions and Ice Breaker 9:30 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. Mission, Vision, Goals and Assessments 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Developing Campus Community Partnerships 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Budgets & Contracts 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wellness 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Service Providers - Catering 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Facilities Tour 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Break 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Risk Management 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Service Providers - Facilities and Accessibility 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wrap up/ Questions 6:30 p.m. Dinner on own or optional group dinner |
Friday, September 25th 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome back and debrief 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Staffing and Customer Service 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Logistics and Operations 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Presenter Panel and ACCED-I Information 11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. General Campus Tour (optional) |
Presenters:
Vanderbilt University Presenters:
Norma J. White, Deputy Director, Conferences and Events & West End Tower
Marissa Starr, Program Manager of Protection of Minors
Laina Chavez, Compliance Officer, Protection of Minors
Kelah White, Business Officer, CE, Vanderbilt Enterprises
Takia Brooks, Finance and Operations Manager
Maria Portelli, Senior Dining Manager
Aaron Dilts, Manager Dining Services
Sophia Chaknis, Dean, Student Affairs and Housing Res Ed
Ashley Ladyman, Manager of Res Ed Experience
Grace Duran, Sales Event Manager
Steve Gitschlag, Senior Director, Catering and Events
Natashia McClure, Associate Professor, Wellbeing and Belonging Programs
Additional confirmed presenter:
Dr. Torrez M. Wilson, CMP, Director, University Events Management, Georgia State University
Sally Dodd, Senior Director of Hospitality & Events Management, Belmont University
Norma J. White, Deputy Director, Conferences and Events & West End Tower
Marissa Starr, Program Manager of Protection of Minors
Laina Chavez, Compliance Officer, Protection of Minors
Kelah White, Business Officer, CE, Vanderbilt Enterprises
Takia Brooks, Finance and Operations Manager
Maria Portelli, Senior Dining Manager
Aaron Dilts, Manager Dining Services
Sophia Chaknis, Dean, Student Affairs and Housing Res Ed
Ashley Ladyman, Manager of Res Ed Experience
Grace Duran, Sales Event Manager
Steve Gitschlag, Senior Director, Catering and Events
Natashia McClure, Associate Professor, Wellbeing and Belonging Programs
Additional confirmed presenter:
Dr. Torrez M. Wilson, CMP, Director, University Events Management, Georgia State University
Sally Dodd, Senior Director of Hospitality & Events Management, Belmont University
Registration:
Registration includes: Educational sessions, networking opportunities, lunch, and a campus tour. |
Hotel, Parking, & Travel Information
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Hotel Information:
Vanderbilt University’s West End Tower (location of the Workshop) The ACCED-I rate for these suites is $249 a night plus taxes. Use this link to book: Experience a Stay at West End Tower – Fill out form. *Under question 4 'What is the purpose of your stay or are you traveling with a group?' please enter that you are attending the ACCED-I conference to ensure the appropriate rate is extended. Additional hotel options (no special rate) Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University — A well-known and trusted option with Bonvoy points and a variety of room types to accommodate different needs Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Downtown) by IHG — A great option for attendees looking for a more budget friendly price point without sacrificing convenience and location Parking & Walking Directions to West End Tower Travel Information:
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ACCED-I Financial Policy/Cancellation/Refund Policy:
ACCED-I accepts all major credit cards (U.S. funds only). You are considered registered for this event if you register and either pay or request to be billed for your registration. Notification of cancellations received by ACCED-I by Friday, September 4, 2026, will be refunded, less the credit card processing fees or a $10 check fee in addition to a $150 administrative fee. Replacements are welcome. No-shows are responsible for payment in full. No refunds will be made after September 4, 2026. Should registration fees not be paid by the dates listed, you are still responsible for all cancellation related fees. If registration is made after September 4, 2026, the above policy still applies.
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