Scrappy to Scalable: Building the Tech Infrastructure Behind a New Event
Launching a new event from the ground up means building more than the attendee experience — you also need the systems, workflows, and processes to make it all work.
When The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) launched TotalForce+, our team had to build that infrastructure in real time, adopting new technology, creating new workflows, and connecting teams across the organization. We learned plenty along the way: what worked, what didn't, where we needed to pivot, and how to build a stronger foundation for year two.
In this session, members of the MOAA team will share those lessons and offer practical takeaways for organizations looking to move from scrappy solutions to scalable systems.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Choose the right tools: Learn how to identify the technology you actually need and get a look at the specific tools that helped us solve real event, marketing, and project-management challenges.
- Integrate technology across teams: Build workflows that connect people, processes, and platforms while keeping cross-functional teams moving together.
- Make the case for investment: Identify technology gaps, demonstrate organizational value, and build internal buy-in for the tools your team needs to succeed.
Speakers
Leslie Janaros
MOAA
Leslie Janaros is Vice President, TotalForce+, at MOAA, where she oversees the TotalForce+ conference. This flagship event brings together leaders from the military, industry, and nonprofit sectors to address some of the toughest “people” challenges and advance solutions for the military and veteran community.
Sarah Ferris
MOAA
Sarah Ferris is Vice President and Chief Information Officer at MOAA, where she oversees MOAA's technology portfolio operations and strategy.
Elizabeth Limarzi, CAE
MOAA
Elizabeth Limarzi, CAE, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, is responsible for delivering innovative, collaborative, and engaging multichannel marketing strategies to achieve the association’s membership goals. She plans and implements multiple campaigns and promotions, including development of cohesive marketing and content strategies using traditional and digital media, email marketing, and social media.
Rachel Barth, CAE
MOAA
Rachel Barth, CAE, Director, Creative & Visual Communications, sets and stewards enterprise-wide visual, design, and publishing standards within the Communications function, ensuring consistent, high-quality storytelling across print, digital, social media and multimedia channels. The Director partners closely with editorial leadership, digital and UX teams, and communications colleagues to ensure that design, user experience, and editorial intent work together to advance organizational priorities.
Kristen Stotz, MBA
MOAA
Kristen Stotz, Senior Director, TotalForce+ Operations, leads the charge in securing sponsorships, exhibitors, and partners for TotalForce+, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience on the show floor while developing innovative solutions to drive future growth.