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Beyond the Program: Designing STEM Events for Lasting Impact
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
Category: Webinars
CESSE September 2026 Webinar

The success of a conference isn't measured only by attendance or satisfaction scores—it's measured by what happens because people gathered.

Join leading association and event professionals for a conversation about how thoughtful event design can intentionally create collaboration, innovation and lasting legacy. Inspired by the panel 'When Disciplines Collide' and informed by Destination Canada's Legacy & Impact research, we'll explore how STEM organizations can move beyond content delivery to design experiences that strengthen communities, accelerate research, and create value for members long after the closing keynote.

By the end of this webinar, attendees will understand how intentional event design can create value beyond knowledge sharing and leave with practical ideas for designing STEM meetings that foster collaboration, innovation, and lasting impact.

Attendees will earn 1 CAE credit. CESSE is also a CMP preferred provider.

Registration is limited to CESSE Members. Not a member? Explore the benefits and join CESSE today!

Register Now

Meet Your Presenters

Michael Beale is the Client Engagement Manager at Destination Canada with over 10 years of experience in the global business events industry. He works with international associations and corporate leaders to attract high-value events to Canada, aligning clients with destinations and expertise across the country. Michael is passionate about the role business events play in driving meaningful economic and social impact, and takes particular pride in representing Canada on the global stage. 

Christina Lewellen, MBA, FASAE, CAE, is Executive Director and CEO of the National Society of Professional Engineers. A seasoned association executive known for her data-driven approach to strategy and organizational leadership, she holds an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives. Lewellen speaks nationally on leadership, ethics, and the future of professional communities and associations. She also serves as a trustee for Harmony, Incorporated and is an active volunteer within the association management profession. In 2025, she was named an ASAE Fellow, an honor held by fewer than one percent of ASAE members.
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Beth Surmont is a strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign, reinvent, and reinvigorate their events. As the current Head of Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media, her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is her secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was recently named as an Innovator in the Smart Women in Meetings 2026 class. She was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. Beth is both an ASAE Fellow and a CMP Fellow. She holds certificates from IDEO in Human-Centered Strategy and Applied Futuring. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife, dog, and cat.

 

Contact: [email protected]