National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Event Garde Strengthens NCPG’s National Conference with Strategic Insight & Operational Excellence

“Event Garde’s assignment for NCPG was like building a plane while flying it. We contracted for both operations management for a conference right in front of us. The same event also badly needed an overall strategic assessment for the future. In the best way, the team provided expertise on cost-saving logistics and operational decisions, while also assessing the conference at a strategic level. It was a great combination of accomplishing short-term goals and longer-term strategic results—all in a very short timeframe. The impact for NCPG? Significant expense reductions on the 2025 event, and a 2026 event on track to bring fresh ideas and new experiences to attendees.”

- Nancy Green, FASAE, CAE | Interim Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Benefit Summary

Stabilized conference operations amid organizational transition and staff turnover.
Delivered a comprehensive strategic analysis integrating data, observation, and stakeholder feedback.
Improved attendee experience and engagement through refined design and logistics.
Provided actionable recommendations that directly inform future conference strategy and structure.

Challenge

When the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) lost its lead meeting planner during a period of organizational change, it faced the dual challenge of implementing its 2025 National Conference while reassessing the event’s long-term direction. Contracts were already in place, but operational processes, role clarity, and data tracking had become inconsistent. Beyond simply managing logistics, NCPG needed a partner who could restore order, ensure financial stewardship, and evaluate how the conference could better reflect its mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Solution

Event Garde designed a two-tier engagement—combining hands-on event management with a strategic event analysis. Our team led pre-planning, vendor coordination, budgeting, and onsite logistics for the three-day event in Columbus, Ohio, while simultaneously conducting a five-phase evaluation: historical data review, onsite observation, stakeholder interviews, experience surveys, and written recommendations. This dual approach ensured seamless planning and implementation while gathering deep insights into performance, participant engagement, and strategic alignment.

Finish

The result was a successful, financially strong, and widely praised 2025 National Conference that balanced operational precision with forward-looking strategy. Event Garde’s report provided NCPG with a clear roadmap for the future—highlighting actionable improvements in data use, cross-team coordination, and event design. By aligning day-to-day delivery with long-term vision, Event Garde helped transform NCPG’s flagship event from a logistical challenge into a sustainable, strategic asset.

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