For the first time, Affordable Meetings Mid-America, the annual conference and exposition sponsored by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, will offer three distinct educational program tracks.

During the April 14–15 conference at Chicago’s Navy Pier, one educational track will be tailored to intermediate meeting planners, a second to advanced meeting planners, and a third is designed for planners interested in event technology.

”Contracting in Today’s Economy,” presented by industry attorney James Goldberg; “High Expectations/Low Budget: Cost-Saving Tips for Meetings,” presented by Vicky Betzig, CMP; “Making Your Way to Better Meetings with Wayfinding Strategies” (a methodology for navigating from place to place), presented by Sue Tinnish; and “The True Cost of Technology,” presented by Nick Romano, president, SignUp4, are just four of the 18 seminars offered over the two-day conference.

Entrance to the conference and show is free to qualified meeting professionals on April 14 and 15. Beginners can opt for a one-day “Meeting Planning Boot Camp” on Tuesday, April 13, for a registration fee of $99.

For more on the event, visit the Affordable Meetings Web site.