Schedule of Events
Monday
October 19
- 3:30-5 p.m. Registration
- 6-7 p.m. Reception
- 7-8 p.m. Dinner
Tuesday
October 20
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Registration
- 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sessions (Lunch Included)
- 6-9 p.m. Dinner Cruise
Wednesday
October 21
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sessions (Lunch Included)
- 6-9 p.m. Dinner & Service Awards
Registration
Reception
Dinner
Location: Blu Vu (16th floor, roof)
Breakfast & Registration
Welcome and Introductions / State of the State
- Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
A Conversation with Ryan VanderWerff
- Ryan VanderWerff, Vice President, Shriners Children’s Medical Group with Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Break
Finish the Viral Quote: Across the Generations
- Theming Committee
What the Fire Ignited
- Shay Eskew
Marcom Leadership Panel
- Mel Bower, Anthony Watts, Rita Costa, Mike Babcock, Tammy Robbins, Bethanne Demas
Lunch
Regional and Team Breakouts
Creative Team: Executive Boardroom
Digital Team: Caribbean A
West Region: Barbados A
Central Region: Barbados B
East Region: Caribbean Ballroom
Break
Using People-First Language: Why Words Matter
- Penny Carnathan
The Next Big Idea Starts Here
- BAM Marketing Agency
Board Bus to Downtown Tampa
Departs at 5 p.m.
Board Boat
Dinner Cruise
Bus to Hotel
Breakfast
Go Ahead and Jump! Why You Should Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Do Hard Things
- Mike Babcock, Senior Regional Director, West Region
Spotlight Interview: A Discussion with Stuart Sullivan
- Stuart Sullivan, Chief Philanthropy Officer with Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Break
Trend Timeline: When Did It Happen?
- Theming Committee
From Hype to How: Making AI Work
- Cole Hilton, Director, Data Engineer & Analytics; Nate Stephens, Chief Compliance Officer; Craig Shields, Corporate Director, Applications
More Than a Fez: The Story of Shriners International
- Imperial Sir Mark Hartz, Chairman, Marketing and Communications Committee
Lunch
Marketing Boldly, Managing Wisely: A Conversation on Risk, Events and Business Protection
- Tom Ravn, Corporate Risk Manager, Legal Department with Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Trending: A Healthier You - Fitness, Mobility & Wellness Advice Worth Going Viral
- Jake Morran, Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Mobility Coach
Break
Then and Now
- Theming Committee
The Work Behind the Work: Task Force and Committee Report Outs
- Committee Leads
Passing It On: Conference Takeaways and Report Outs
You Spoke, We Listened.
- BAM Marketing Agency
Closing Remarks
- Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Dinner & Service Awards


Dinner Cruise
Experience Tampa from a new perspective as we journey through the heart of the city along the Hillsborough River.
Aboard Craft Tampa’s sleek, European-style river cruiser, you’ll enjoy a seasonal dinner featuring a selection of starters, entrées and desserts while taking in waterfront views and passing beneath Tampa’s iconic low bridges.
You’ll also have the chance to visit the unique Bow & Stern Bar, built around a beautifully restored 1914 wooden vintage cruiser. This unforgettable evening combines dining, sightseeing and great company on America’s lowest-profile river dining cruise vessel.
Dress code for dinner cruise (per Craft Cruises)
To help us maintain a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, the following clothing items are not permitted for any guests:
- Excessively revealing attire (examples: bikini tops, sheer garments without underlayers).
- Mesh or see-through clothing.
- Overly torn or distressed pants.
- Attire exposing private areas.
- Clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or graphics.
The following attire is recommended:
- Resort to Dressy/Business Casual (no jeans or shorts).
Please note:
- No wrapped packages are allowed on board (in case anyone was planning on giving a gift).
- Purses and bags are subject to search.