8 Ideas for Locally Rooted Meetings and Conventions
Event Information
Date(s):
Jul 29, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
Time:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location:
Online Event
CAE Credits:
0
Member Price:
$0.00
NonMember Price:
$0.00
Description
Imparting a deep, detailed sense of place in meetings can enhance attendees' experience and benefit the host community at the same time. This presentation highlights the importance of all things local to connect with a community, immerse in the place, and even find cost-savings. From sourcing locally-grown food to hosting events in culturally significant venues, these ideas will help you create meaningful connections during the visit and create lasting impressions with your attendees.
Presented by Alaskans and Anchorage experts Katie Purrington and Andrea Schmidt of Visit Anchorage. Through the lens of their community Anchorage, Alaska, learn the best ways to impart meetings with local flavor and flourishes, no matter the location.
Speakers:
Andrea Schmidt
Convention Sales Manager (Midwest), Visit Anchorage
As a Convention Sales Manager for Visit Anchorage, Andrea brings over 20 years of destination marketing, tourism, and event planning expertise to her role representing the Midwest territory. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Andrea is an active member of several professional organizations including PCMA, MPI, SITE, AMCI, CESSE, and Association Forum. Her extensive network and collaborative approach have made her a trusted partner for planners and associations across the country.
Outside of work, Andrea embraces the natural beauty of Alaska. She enjoys gardening, biking, and cross-country skiing with her husband, Jay, and walking her dog, Cooper.
Katie Purrington
Conventions Sales Manager (Washington, DC, Southeast), Visit Anchorage
As the Convention Sales Manager at Visit Anchorage representing the Washington, D.C. and Southeast U.S. territories, Katie brings a deep knowledge of destination marketing and a passion for connecting people to the unique experiences Anchorage has to offer. Born and raised in Anchorage, she combines her local insight with her 20 years of professional expertise to showcase the city’s distinct appeal as a meetings and conventions destination.
When Katie is not working, you can find her with her husband and three kids experiencing all Alaska has to offer from skiing to fishing, camping, and hiking, and participating in SKAL International.
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