The challenge internally was to bring together more than 200 WIC staff members for a four-day training to educate them about policies and procedures, excite them about new outreach avenues and allow staff hired during the pandemic the opportunity to meet one another in person for the first time.

TMG managed all aspects of the conference, including an RFP process for site selection, meeting spaces, catering and accommodations for all guests, speakers and exhibitors. Through this process, Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe, WV was selected as the venue for this event. TMG handled all communications with the venue which were extensive as, our staff dealt with a building collapse only two weeks before the conference, requiring coordination of all new meeting spaces, directional signage, and negotiating shuttle services which now would be necessary.

The Manahan Group LLC developed the theme for the conference: Kaleidoscope Konference. The pandemic required the WIC program to examine its tools or “colors,” taking the conference theme into account, that local offices have to work with and arrange them in a way that allows WIC to serve the public in new, equally beautiful ways.

Other aspects that TMG coordinated

Theme
Event décor
Logo
Signage
PowerPoint slide templates
T-shirts
Photobooth
Communications materials
Program
Nametags
Identifying exhibitors
Catering and dietary restrictions
Directional signage
Promotional items
AV recordings
Video editing
Speaker handouts
Speaker and exhibitor contracts
Scheduling
Activities
Registration
Post-event survey analysis

Results

WIC increased conference exhibitors by 33% over their previous statewide training event, those funds offset training costs. WIC staff left their conference energized and prepared to reopen their local offices.