CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Monday 24th February

9.00AM – 2.00PM	GNEX 2025 GOLF TOURNAMENT
	Bear’s Best Las Vegas is a unique golf experience that brings together 18 of Jack Nicklaus’ favorite holes into one Las Vegas golf course. Nicklaus and his design team scoured photos and plans from hundreds of holes from many of his most notable golf course designs around the world to come up with these 18 holes, saying after the process that it just might have been more challenging to organize the existing 18 than to create all new holes. But by borrowing from the past to shape the future of Vegas golf, the end result is a must playing experience that stands alone. This is a separately ticketed event exclusively for registered delegates and spaces are VERY LIMITED! Learn more and Register HERE.

9.00AM – 2.00PM

GNEX 2025 GOLF TOURNAMENT

Bear’s Best Las Vegas is a unique golf experience that brings together 18 of Jack Nicklaus’ favorite holes into one Las Vegas golf course. Nicklaus and his design team scoured photos and plans from hundreds of holes from many of his most notable golf course designs around the world to come up with these 18 holes, saying after the process that it just might have been more challenging to organize the existing 18 than to create all new holes. But by borrowing from the past to shape the future of Vegas golf, the end result is a must playing experience that stands alone.

This is a separately ticketed event exclusively for registered delegates and spaces are VERY LIMITED!

Learn more and Register HERE.

2.30PM – 3.30PM	CONFERENCE REGISTRATION & COFFEE
	Pick up your delegate badge and grab a coffee ahead of opening remarks and 60-Second Pitch.

3.30PM – 4.00PM	CONFERENCE WELCOME
	Our resident Emcee will outline what’s coming up in our agenda over the next couple of days.

4.00PM – 5.00PM	60-SECOND PITCH
	The success of any conference is finding who you want to speak to as soon as possible. This session helps you put faces to names right at the start of the event by giving one representative of each participating company the change to take to the microphone for just 60-Seconds to provide a fast elevator pitch about who they are and what their company does. Then find those you are interested to speak to at the cocktail party that follows to arrange meetings for during the conference. Please Note: This session only lasts one-hour and so participation is only guaranteed for sponsors and the first companies to purchase delegate tickets up to a maximum of 60 companies, so if you haven’t already, REGISTER NOW to secure your spot!

4.00PM – 5.00PM

60-SECOND PITCH

The success of any conference is finding who you want to speak to as soon as possible. This session helps you put faces to names right at the start of the event by giving one representative of each participating company the change to take to the microphone for just 60-Seconds to provide a fast elevator pitch about who they are and what their company does.

Then find those you are interested to speak to at the cocktail party that follows to arrange meetings for during the conference.

Please Note: This session only lasts one-hour and so participation is only guaranteed for sponsors and the first companies to purchase delegate tickets up to a maximum of 60 companies, so if you haven’t already, REGISTER NOW to secure your spot!

5.00PM – 7.00PM	KICK-OFF COCKTAILS
	Getting the 15th Anniversary celebrations off to an early start, we invite you to an extra cocktail party that is open to all delegates but is also a big Thank You to all our sponsors! This event will be held in the Networking Lounge with Premium Open Bar with a silent auction available at each exhibitor table. Please Note: There will be no food served at this event so that you can all continue your night and enjoy one of the many restaurants in the hotel or nearby before the conference gets into full swing!

5.00PM – 7.00PM

KICK-OFF COCKTAILS

Getting the 15th Anniversary celebrations off to an early start, we invite you to an extra cocktail party that is open to all delegates but is also a big Thank You to all our sponsors!

This event will be held in the Networking Lounge with Premium Open Bar with a silent auction available at each exhibitor table.

Please Note: There will be no food served at this event so that you can all continue your night and enjoy one of the many restaurants in the hotel or nearby before the conference gets into full swing!

Tuesday 25th February

8.00AM – 3.30PM	GLOBAL NETWORKING EXPERIENCE DAY
	The Global Networking EXperience (GNEX) focuses heavily on networking and so the first day is designed around helping everyone to develop new relationships. This year we are adding a little adrenaline to the mix with a trip on the Thriller & Hurricane Speedboats in between meetings and visiting exhibitors in our Networking Lounge. Then the conference will kick off officially early afternoon with THE BOARDROOM. In addition to our scheduled sessions, spend time in our Networking Lounge where business deals are brokered, strategic partnerships are forged and new relationships are born. With all-day coffee and tea and morning pastries you can hold meetings, network and visit our exhibitors at your leisure. GNEX attracts senior executives from 100+ companies from around the globe, so your day will be filled with new opportunities to advance your business.

8.00AM – 3.30PM

GLOBAL NETWORKING EXPERIENCE DAY

The Global Networking EXperience (GNEX) focuses heavily on networking and so the first day is designed around helping everyone to develop new relationships. This year we are adding a little adrenaline to the mix with a trip on the Thriller & Hurricane Speedboats in between meetings and visiting exhibitors in our Networking Lounge.

Then the conference will kick off officially early afternoon with THE BOARDROOM.

In addition to our scheduled sessions, spend time in our Networking Lounge where business deals are brokered, strategic partnerships are forged and new relationships are born. With all-day coffee and tea and morning pastries you can hold meetings, network and visit our exhibitors at your leisure.

GNEX attracts senior executives from 100+ companies from around the globe, so your day will be filled with new opportunities to advance your business.

8.00AM – 11.00AM	PRE-CONFERENCE COFFEE & PASTRIES
	Grab your delegate badge, and some early morning coffee and pastries in the Networking Lounge and visit our exhibitors or hold planned meetings ahead of and after your Thriller Speedboat Experience!!

9.00AM – 12.00PM	THRILLER SPEEDBOAT EXPERIENCE
	As GNEX has proven over the past 14 years, there’s no better way to meet new people than through a shared experience, and so we are sending two groups of delegates (limited spaces) on a 1-hour Speedboat tour on the impressive Thriller and Hurricane Speedboats which will cruise through the bay and past celebrity mansions before roaring down the coast in true Miami Vice style… Participants will leave the hotel in provided transport at 8.45am and return around 11.15am. All delegates have access to the Networking Lounge from 8am to grab coffee, pastries and to hold meetings. PLEASE NOTE: This experience is included in your delegate ticket subject to availability at time of purchase and reservation. Once your ticket has been purchased a separate opt-in reservation form needs to be completed to secure your space! Those registering late for the conference may not be able to participate.

9.00AM – 12.00PM

THRILLER SPEEDBOAT EXPERIENCE

GNEX 2024: Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures

As GNEX has proven over the past 14 years, there’s no better way to meet new people than through a shared experience, and so we are sending two groups of delegates (limited spaces) on a 1-hour Speedboat tour on the impressive Thriller and Hurricane Speedboats which will cruise through the bay and past celebrity mansions before roaring down the coast in true Miami Vice style…

Participants will leave the hotel in provided transport at 8.45am and return around 11.15am.

All delegates have access to the Networking Lounge from 8am to grab coffee, pastries and to hold meetings.

PLEASE NOTE: This experience is included in your delegate ticket subject to availability at time of purchase and reservation. Once your ticket has been purchased a separate opt-in reservation form needs to be completed to secure your space! Those registering late for the conference may not be able to participate.

12.30PM – 1.45PM	GRAB & GO LUNCH
	Following your exhilarating speedboat experience, we’ll keep the speed going with a fast grab and go lunch ahead of the Official Opening of the conference. This can be found in the Networking Lounge so you can continue your meetings and browse the exhibit booths.

1.45PM – 2.00PM	CONFERENCE WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jim Madrid President Advance Sports Technology, Inc.	Our resident Emcee will outline what’s coming up in our agenda over the next day and a half!

2.00PM – 3.30PM	THE BOARDROOM
Unique to GNEX, this compelling session is the “ultimate” meeting of minds. The audience gets a fly-on-the-wall experience as our C-Suite industry experts conduct a round-table discussion on trending topics that impact the vacation industry, and their opinions of what the future holds.
Rosario Rodriguez CEO Royal Holiday Group	Alain J.A. Grangé Principal Grangé Group / The Playa Collection	Rebecca Currier Area VP of Sales and Marketing Marriott Vacations Worldwide	Warren Smith Executive Vice President Living Water Resorts	Christopher Agnew Chief Financial Officer Exploria Resorts
Jason Gamel President & CEO ARDA	Robert Webb Partner BakerHostetler	Shawn Brydge Executive Vice President Wellington Financial	Ross Crowder Chief Commercial Officer arrivia	Paul Mattimoe President & CEO Perspective Group

3.30PM – 4.00PM	COFFEE BREAK
	Head back to our Networking Lounge for some quick refreshments ahead of the final sessions of the day.

4.00PM – 5.00PM	GUEST SPEAKER: LEADING WITH EMPATHY
Wendy S. Williams Professor, TCU & Certified Mindfulness Instructor and Empathy Trainer	Wendy Williams is a professor in the honors college at TCU, author, certified mindfulness instructor, and empathy trainer. As an empathy facilitator, she offers transformative, research-based, experiential empathy training designed to enable business leaders to create high-trust work environments, attract and keep top talent, and increase productivity and profits. In this research-based workshop, GNEX attendees will explore “empathy” (defined differently than “taking another’s perspective”) and why it’s important in leadership and in life. With self-awareness exercises attendees will explore and understand their own mindsets and learn to shift their mindsets in ways that allow them to move past negative assumptions and thought patterns.

4.00PM – 5.00PM

GUEST SPEAKER: LEADING WITH EMPATHY

Wendy S. Williams
Professor, TCU & Certified Mindfulness Instructor and Empathy Trainer

Wendy Williams is a professor in the honors college at TCU, author, certified mindfulness instructor, and empathy trainer. As an empathy facilitator, she offers transformative, research-based, experiential empathy training designed to enable business leaders to create high-trust work environments, attract and keep top talent, and increase productivity and profits.

In this research-based workshop, GNEX attendees will explore “empathy” (defined differently than “taking another’s perspective”) and why it’s important in leadership and in life. With self-awareness exercises attendees will explore and understand their own mindsets and learn to shift their mindsets in ways that allow them to move past negative assumptions and thought patterns.

5.00PM – 5.30PM	PUTTING EMPATHY TO WORK
Jim Madrid President Advance Sports Technology, Inc.	Following on from Wendy’s session and with her assistance, Jim Madrid will add an industry-specific perspective on just how powerful “putting empathy to work” in your business can be. Jim Madrid is an expert in Human Performance and Leadership. From Fortune 500 Companies like Boeing, Nordstrom, St. Regis Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes Benz, Lexus Banco Santander, Oakley to professional sports teams like Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Utah Jazz, along with collegiate teams, Cal State Fullerton, Seattle U, UNLV, and now to youth sports clubs; Madrid and AST have helped organizations and individuals, achieve unprecedented, record-breaking results by their unique approach to “One Team, One Direction.”

5.00PM – 5.30PM

PUTTING EMPATHY TO WORK

Jim Madrid
President
Advance Sports Technology, Inc.

Following on from Wendy’s session and with her assistance, Jim Madrid will add an industry-specific perspective on just how powerful “putting empathy to work” in your business can be.

Jim Madrid is an expert in Human Performance and Leadership. From Fortune 500 Companies like Boeing, Nordstrom, St. Regis Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes Benz, Lexus Banco Santander, Oakley to professional sports teams like Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Utah Jazz, along with collegiate teams, Cal State Fullerton, Seattle U, UNLV, and now to youth sports clubs; Madrid and AST have helped organizations and individuals, achieve unprecedented, record-breaking results by their unique approach to “One Team, One Direction.”

7.00PM – 9.00PM	FONTAINEBLEAU PARTY
	Dress up in “Bleau” (optional) for another memorable GNEX Party complete with heavy food, premium bar and entertainment – so don’t make other plans for this night! Join us on the Tropez Lawn in the center of the iconic Fontainebleau. sponsored by

7.00PM – 9.00PM

FONTAINEBLEAU PARTY

Dress up in “Bleau” (optional) for another memorable GNEX Party complete with heavy food, premium bar and entertainment – so don’t make other plans for this night! Join us on the Tropez Lawn in the center of the iconic Fontainebleau.

sponsored by
arrivia + Catalyst GNEX 2024 Sponsors

Wednesday 26th February

8.30AM – 10.00AM	NETWORKING BREAKFAST
	Enjoy a hearty breakfast ahead of a day of general sessions and more networking.

10.00AM – 10.30AM	UPCOMING EVENTS PREVIEW
Jim Madrid Founder AST	Grab your seats for some not-to-be-missed sessions, and see and hear about our upcoming events in Canada and Cancun and benefit from a GNEX 2024 attendee only limited-time special rate!

10.30AM – 11.30AM	KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 40 YEARS OF LEADING THE WAY IN VACATION OWNERSHIP
John Ruble SVP, Global Sales Operations & Field Operations – The Americas Marriott Vacations Worldwide	Get ready to hear how the first branded hospitality company to enter the vacation ownership market helped to shape our industry over the past 40 years and several acquisitions later continues to impact its future. After sharing his invaluable insights as a participant in THE BOARDROOM sessions at recent GNEX-CRTA and GNEX-ACOTUR events we are delighted to have John Ruble share his industry perspective from more than 24 years at Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

10.30AM – 11.30AM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 40 YEARS OF LEADING THE WAY IN VACATION OWNERSHIP

SVP- Global Sales Operations & SVP-Field Operations – The Americas Marriott Vacations Worldwide

John Ruble
SVP, Global Sales Operations & Field Operations – The Americas
Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Get ready to hear how the first branded hospitality company to enter the vacation ownership market helped to shape our industry over the past 40 years and several acquisitions later continues to impact its future.

After sharing his invaluable insights as a participant in THE BOARDROOM sessions at recent GNEX-CRTA and GNEX-ACOTUR events we are delighted to have John Ruble share his industry perspective from more than 24 years at Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

11.30AM – 12.30PM	NETWORKING BREAK
	Head back to our Networking Lounge for some tasty bites, coffee and tea. Don’t forget to visit all of our exhibitors to learn more about what they can offer to your business.

12.30PM – 1.30PM	GUEST SPEAKER: HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
Joseph Boccuzzi, Ph.D. Principal 5G Architect NVIDIA	As AI continues to be all the rage, quickly accelerating its capabilities and accessibility to companies to enhance business functions we ask… “what can it actually do for the vacation industry”? Well who better to help enlighten us than a man at the bleeding edge of development at NVIDIA – the world leader in Artificial Intelligence Computing. Joseph will present how the intersection of 5G/6G Cellular Networks & High Performance, Edge Computing will Proliferate AI within the Hospitality industry by enabling delivery of customized experiences. He will discuss current trends in AI/ML, advances in Generative AI (Large Language Models and Large Multi-Modal Models) as they evolve Vision AI & Robotics as well as the importance of creating Digital Twins. As these technologies continue to evolve at an increasing rate, it is necessary to understand how they should be used to: improve operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and create new revenue streams. Let’s increase the spatiotemporal radius in which guest engagement begins – when & where can you start making a guest feel important? Joseph has been designing cutting edge technology enabling digital communications for over 30 years. He has worked for companies such as Bell Labs, Infineon, Intel, Broadcom and is now with NVIDIA!! Joseph is a Principal 5G Architect defining Hardware/Software solutions to enable 5G/6G and AI evolution. He has over 50 Patents, 20 publications including authoring two books and co-authoring an additional two. He has taught at NYU School of Engineering and continues to teach Digital Signal Processing & Wireless Communications through continuing education courses. His passion is to define new technology to enrich our lives.

12.30PM – 1.30PM

GUEST SPEAKER: HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT

Joseph Boccuzzi, Ph.D.
Principal 5G Architect
NVIDIA

As AI continues to be all the rage, quickly accelerating its capabilities and accessibility to companies to enhance business functions we ask… “what can it actually do for the vacation industry”? Well who better to help enlighten us than a man at the bleeding edge of development at NVIDIA – the world leader in Artificial Intelligence Computing.

Joseph will present how the intersection of 5G/6G Cellular Networks & High Performance, Edge Computing will Proliferate AI within the Hospitality industry by enabling delivery of customized experiences.

He will discuss current trends in AI/ML, advances in Generative AI (Large Language Models and Large Multi-Modal Models) as they evolve Vision AI & Robotics as well as the importance of creating Digital Twins.

As these technologies continue to evolve at an increasing rate, it is necessary to understand how they should be used to: improve operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and create new revenue streams.

Let’s increase the spatiotemporal radius in which guest engagement begins – when & where can you start making a guest feel important?

Joseph has been designing cutting edge technology enabling digital communications for over 30 years. He has worked for companies such as Bell Labs, Infineon, Intel, Broadcom and is now with NVIDIA!! Joseph is a Principal 5G Architect defining Hardware/Software solutions to enable 5G/6G and AI evolution. He has over 50 Patents, 20 publications including authoring two books and co-authoring an additional two. He has taught at NYU School of Engineering and continues to teach Digital Signal Processing & Wireless Communications through continuing education courses. His passion is to define new technology to enrich our lives.

1.30PM – 3.00PM	LUNCH
	Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant setting at Prime 54 across the hallway from our conference space.

3.00PM – 3.30PM	GUEST SPEAKER: RESORT SAFETY – PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Ben Kincaid Founder / CEO Complete Threat Preparedness	Ben Kincaid, Founder & CEO, Complete Threat Preparedness will provide an insightful look at how to make improvements at your resort or business to reduce the risk of unexpected threats or disasters and how to prepare your employees to handle any situation. Learn how to address the critical need for improved safety and emergency preparedness within the the hospitality community from an expert risk assessment firm whose clients include the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, NASA, NORTHCOM, NORAD, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more.

3.00PM – 3.30PM

GUEST SPEAKER: RESORT SAFETY – PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Ben Kincaid
Founder / CEO
Complete Threat Preparedness

Ben Kincaid, Founder & CEO, Complete Threat Preparedness will provide an insightful look at how to make improvements at your resort or business to reduce the risk of unexpected threats or disasters and how to prepare your employees to handle any situation.

Learn how to address the critical need for improved safety and emergency preparedness within the the hospitality community from an expert risk assessment firm whose clients include the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, NASA, NORTHCOM, NORAD, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more.

3.30PM – 4.00PM	CONFERENCE WRAP UP
Jim Madrid President Advance Sports Technology, Inc.	As another unforgettable GNEX Conference comes to an end, we celebrate with the GNEX 2024 Vacation Industry Awards presentations and one final premium open bar to start the night off before attendees enjoy their own night out in Miami Beach!

4.00PM – 6.00PM	FAREWELL COCKTAILS & AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
	As another unforgettable GNEX Conference comes to an end, we celebrate with the GNEX 2024 Vacation Industry Awards presentations and one final premium open bar to start the night off before attendees enjoy their own night out in Miami Beach!