Michael “MJ” Jordan currently serves as the Senior Director of Conferences and Events at RILA where he oversees the logistics and planning of all signature events and educational conferences.
Prior to joining RILA, MJ worked for the Nuclear Energy Institute, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and SmithBucklin where his focus was on global logistical planning and onsite management of conferences, meetings, and special events across North America, Europe, Asia and The Middle East. He currently serves on the Planner Influencer Board for Destinations International.
MJ graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management. In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, trying new cuisines, playing golf, and exploring our Nation’s Capital.
Accessibility at RILA Conferences
General Information
We’re passionate about designing events that feel safe, inclusive and accessible to all. We want to create the best experience for everyone attending RILA Events. The following information will help you plan your conference experience and answer questions you may have about accessibility.
Contact Information: If you need accessibility assistance before the show, please contact our logistics team lead, MJ, at Michael.Jordan@rila.org.
Who to contact during the show: Visit the RILA Team at the registration and information desk.
All RILA Team members will be wearing distinct “Staff” badges and can assist in any requests or assistance.
Connect With Us
If you need accessibility assistance before the show, please contact our logistics team. For assistance during the event, visit the RILA Team at the registration and information desk. All RILA Team members will wear distinct “Staff” badges and can assist with any requests.
Michael Jordan
Kate Rabatsky
Kate Rabatsky, Senior Manager of Conferences and Events, helps organize RILA’s signature events which are a core framework to the education and networking executives benefit from each year. She manages the development of the conference programs and execution of conferences, meetings and events. She acts as key staff contact for conference steering committees. Prior to her role in event planning, Kate worked on the exhibitor and sponsor team at RILA.
Rabatsky holds a B.S. in Sports and Event Management from Elon University.
Venue Accessibility
All conference venues comply with all relevant accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accessible elevators and/or escalators are available to all levels, and appropriate signage will be provided to help locate these facilities. We strive to accommodate the diverse needs of all our attendees and ensure that everyone has a comfortable and productive experience. If you have specific accessibility needs or require additional assistance, please contact our team ahead of the conference.
Accommodation Services
- Mobile Scooters: If you need a mobility scooter please contact us two weeks prior to the start of the conference.
- ADA Accessible Hotel Rooms: Conference venues often provide different wheelchair accessible hotel rooms. If you require one, please contact our logistic team manager Kate at kate.rabatsky@rila.org. We will do our best to reserve the room closest to the meeting spaces for a better commute to the conference activity.
- Service Animals: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are permitted in all areas where guests are normally allowed. If you are bringing a service animal, please inform us in advance to ensure we can provide the best possible accommodation.
- Nursing/Pumping Room: RILA will provide a private room that includes a comfortable chair and small refrigerator onsite at our conferences. For more details, including location, please contact Michael.Jordan@rila.org.
- Interpreting Services: Sign language interpreters are available upon request. Please contact us 30 days prior to the start of the conference.
- Dietary Restrictions: During the registration process, you will be prompted to list any dietary restrictions or requirements you may need at our conferences. Please be as detailed as possible so we can accommodate accordingly. If this was not included in your registration information, please contact our logistics team lead, MJ, two weeks prior to the start of the conference.
Educational Spaces and Materials
- Seating and accessibility: Session room seating is flexible for adjustments if need for wheelchair access, front row seating, priority seating for service animals and aisle seating. Please let a RILA Team member know prior to the session start if assistance is needed.
- Closed Captions: All videos during educational sessions will include closed captioning.
- Sensory Information: Loud music can be heard prior to the start of all general sessions. We recommend waiting in the pre-function space before the sessions begin, if this causes issues. This information will be noted on signage outside of the general session space during the conference period.
- Stage Requirements: All conference staging will include chairs for speakers and handrails. If a ramp is required to access stages with ease, please contact us 2 weeks prior to the start of the conference.
- Session Materials: Digital documents are accessible via the conference mobile app up to 90 days post conference. A desktop version of the conference app is available on our conference website to view materials on a larger scale.
If you require ANY specific aids or services not listed above, please contact the RILA logistics team lead: Michael.Jordan@rila.org to discuss your requirements.
