Presented by Michael Harward of SPL Productions, this interactive workshop takes the mystery out of the AV Request for Proposal (RFP) process and shows how both planners and suppliers can benefit from a smarter, more streamlined approach.
|Whether you’re a meeting planner looking to secure better AV contracts or an industry supplier aiming to stand out in proposals, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes on both sides of the process.
Key learning objectives for participants include:
- Understanding the value of a streamlined RFP process.
- Learning how to identify the right partners and ask the right questions.
- Mastering the creation of an RFP template.
- Developing skills to evaluate proposals effectively.
- Recognize whate planners truly need - and what suppliers can deliver.
(Accredited Education Clock Hours - accreditation approved by EIC = 1 hour)
You’ll walk away with exclusive resources, including an AV RFP Checklist, an AV RFP Outline, and an AV RFP Template, designed to save time, reduce confusion, and foster stronger planner-supplier partnerships.
This workshop is for anyone in the event industry—planners, hoteliers, venues, and suppliers—who wants to simplify the RFP process and elevate results.
Following the workshop, MPI Kentucky Bluegrass chapter will conduct the 2025 BRAVO! Awards Ceremony where they honor the Best of Bluegrass and induct the 2026 Board of Directors.
Agenda:
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Registration and Networking
1:30 pm - 1:50 pm Welcome Remarks and Chapter Announcements
1:50 pm - 2:50 pm RFP Ready Workshop
2:50 pm - 3:20 pm BRAVO! Awards Presentation
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm 2026 Board Induction
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm Raffle Drawing and Closing Remarks
4:00 pm - Optional Tours of Marriott Louisville East
Location Address:
Louisville Marriott East
1903 Embassy Square Blvd, Louisville, KY 40299
Parking: Onsite Parking is Complimentary
About Our Speaker, Michael Harward:
With more than two decades of experience in the AV industry, Michael's journey began in the early '90s at Gaylord Opryland. He reflects, "There is no better place in the country than Opryland to learn the event business. We were always very busy, frequently working on unique projects and overcoming complex challenges like running 150 breakout meetings in sleeping rooms or lighting ice sculptures in a room kept at 20 degrees in September."
Driven by a commitment to the exceptional service learned at Opryland, Michael excels at helping organizations elevate event production and expectations. He believes the AV industry can better serve its clients by simplifying complex technical aspects and focusing on what truly matters: the client's vision and the attendees' experience.
This workshop is a testament to Michael's dedication to empowering event planners. It offers practical strategies that cut through the jargon and enable more efficient and effective collaboration with AV partners to create truly memorable events that leave a lasting impression on attendees.
About Our Event Sponsor:
Conveniently located in Louisville’s East End, just off I-64 and minutes from downtown, the Louisville Marriott East offers a full-service experience ideal for meetings and events of all sizes. The hotel features over 18,500 square feet of versatile event space, including the impressive 7,792-square-foot Commonwealth Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 915 guests theater-style or 630 for banquets. Planners will also find a variety of breakout rooms and salons, such as the Bluegrass Ballroom and Bourbon Boardroom, providing flexible options for workshops, networking sessions, or executive meetings. With in-house audiovisual services, full catering, and high-speed WiFi throughout, every detail is designed to streamline event execution.
Attendees can enjoy the convenience of 252 modern guest rooms, on-site dining, and complimentary parking—all within a property that celebrates Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
Whether hosting a large general session or smaller committee gathering, the Louisville Marriott East offers a seamless blend of hospitality, functionality, and local flavor that makes it a standout choice for the MPI Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter’s educational event.
MPI Foundation Optional Donation: Support the MPI Foundation! Your donation of $2, $6, $10, or $20 will help fund scholarships, grants, and research initiatives that advance the meeting and event industry. Every contribution makes a difference in fostering innovation and growth for our meetings and events community.
