About us
The idea for The Planning Connection was conceived while Jackie Cassarly, Founder and President, worked for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida (UF). In progressively responsible roles during fourteen years at UF, she coordinated medical student rotations, handled domestic and foreign travel for faculty, planned and managed many events and meetings. In addition, she assisted faculty in planning professional organization conferences.
Jackie started The Planning Connection in 1999 to pursue a career that fits her strengths of organization and attention to detail. Planning Connection clients have been acquired through referrals. We have planned small and large events around the United States and Canada. Our goal is to deliver the highest level of personal attention to each client. We believe that close personal attention enables us to develop long-term relationships to enhance the service we deliver as we develop our understanding of each client's needs.
Jackie Cassarly, CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), is an active member of MPI (Meeting Professionals International), SGMP (Society of Government Meeting Professionals), and Toastmasters.
MPI
- 2002 Program Chair for the 2002 Southeast Conference
- 2007 Marketing Chair for the 2007 Southeast Conference
SGMP - July 1-June 30 fiscal year
- 1999-2002 Membership Chair
- 2002-2004 Second Vice President
- 2002 Co-chaired the 2002 SGMP Florida Educational Conference
- 2003 Chair of the 2003 Florida Education Conference
- 2004-2006 Program Committee
- 2006 Planner Director
- 2006-2008 First Vice President
Toastmasters Club 3019 - July 1-June 30 fiscal year
- 2001-2002 Treasurer
- 2002-2004 Vice President of Education
- 2004-2005 President
She regularly attends industry conferences to obtain knowledge about meeting planning with a primary focus on hotel contract language and negotiation.
The CMP designation, established in 1985, is a program of the Convention Industry Council and is endorsed by the 31 organizations within the meetings industry, which comprise the Council. To earn the CMP credential, the standard of achievement within the meetings industry, a rigorous examination must be passed. In addition, candidates must demonstrate experience in the field and responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.