Regional Director North America
ICCA
Driven by decades of experience and a passion for crafting transformative experiences across business sectors, making Shawn one of the most sought-after strategists in the business events industry.
Over the years, he has had the privilege of strategizing, planning, and executing transformative events—from intimate executive gatherings to citywide international conferences. As the Regional Director for North America at ICCA, Shawn is committed to driving growth and fostering collaboration within the business meetings and events industry both regionally and globally.
Named "Planner of the Year" by Smart Meetings and part of the "40 Under 40" by Connext x BizBash, Shawn was honoured with recognition as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Event Technology professionals by Eventex in 2023, a testament to his reputation as a thought leader in the business event landscape. In 2024, Shawn was named the "Digital Experience Strategist of the Year" at the PCMA Visionary Award and was later named “Meeting Industry Influencer” by Northstart Meetings Group.
Shawn is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a Certified Event Designer (CED).
Date

In a year marked by geopolitical tensions and heightened global scrutiny, today's global event organizers face more than logistics challenges —they require strategic foresight. Hear global voices unpacking how current headlines are influencing site selection, delegate experience, and risk management for international meetings. Learn what trends are emerging, what stakeholders are watching, and what proactive steps you can take to safeguard your events and foster trust with your audiences and partners.
Learning outcomes:
Learn practical tips/pieces of advice to ensure your international event is a success
Discover strategies to navigate these complexities successfully
Gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of working with a global organization like ICCA or the BestCities Global Alliance
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 6: Destination Planning

As younger audiences increasingly question why they should leave home for experiences they could access online, the answer lies in creating immersive storytelling experiences that make attendees feel part of something unique and different, something they can't experience at home alone or in the digital world.
Draw on cultural traditions to foster deeper connections, boost satisfaction and create memorable experiences that keep attendees returning. Guided by neuroscience insights and human-centric design experts, experience some of these cultural traditions while learning how to adapt them for their own events. Leave equipped with practical tactics to design events that are more resilient, human-centered and compelling.
Learning outcomes:
Design for emotional connection and resilience
Implement neuroscience-backed engagement strategies
Draw inspiration from global cultural traditions
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.50 credits
* CSEP Approved