We see the world as we are. Scientists will tell you that there is no objectivity. Researchers influence the outcome of their research. The questions that we ask influence the information we uncover. If you change how you think, you'll change how you see the world. How Do You View Your Annual Meeting? Valeria Maltoni talks about how our point of view matters. She says that people want great products and great experiences. When it comes to your organization's annual meeting, the way you view … [Read more...]
Changing Attitudes: The Conference Mindsets Of Progress
Where are the dynamic conferences going in the future? Who is driving these conference changes? A renewed vision focused on learning, value, connections and ROI is driving this change. Participants and conference organizers are leading the charge. Mindset: Conferences Are About Learning Not Just Distributing Information Participants can find information online. Ask any Millennial for a synonym for information and they say, "Oh, that's on the Internet. It's Google and Bing. We don't need to go … [Read more...]
Want To Be A More Strategic Meeting Professional? Adopt These Perspectives!
Meeting professionals often hear they need to be more strategic in order to succeed. The successful meeting professionals that can move seamlessly back and forth from the logistics to the big picture are those that rise to the top. They are the ones that gain a seat at the executives' table. Defining The Strategic Meeting Professional So what exactly does being more strategic mean? How can those charged with managing the details begin thinking differently without overlooking the … [Read more...]
Meeting Site Selection Cheat Sheet: Logistics
While a journey is a road, not a destination, most meetings are about the destination not the road. Choosing the right destination is critical to a meetings' success. Effective meting professionals focus on two key factors in the site selection process: Foretelling an organization's meeting requirements and Evaluating a potential site's ability to meet those requirements. Eight Steps To Successful Site Selection The needs of an event must be identified first and then aligned with sites … [Read more...]
Meeting Site Selection Cheat Sheet: Attendee Perspective
Location, location, location. Three of the most important words in a meeting professional's repertoire. The selection of a city and venue is a critical factor in the success of a meeting. Choose the wrong city and your potential attendees may not register. Choose the wrong venue location (airport, downtown, resort or suburb) and your attendees may complain that it doesn't meet their needs. Choose the wrong venue and you can have challenges with logistics, service and possibly perceptions. The … [Read more...]
The Quest for Continuous Meeting Improvement
Every business seeks to hire and retain exceptional talent. Organizations that demonstrate that they care for their people are making an investment in their future. We've all heard it many times over. For meeting professionals to bring the greatest value to their organization, they've got to be strategic. The path leading to the executive table varies greatly from organization to organization. One thing is for certain, though: If you are bogged down with tactical planning, reporting what … [Read more...]
Eight Ways To Vary Your Conference Seating And Improve Your Attendees’ Experience
Said to myself sit down, sit down, you're rockin' the boat The room layout will drag you under With a monologue so heavy you'd never float, Sit down, sit down, sit down Sit down, sit down, sit down, you're rockin' the boat. Paraphrase of Sit Down Your're Rocking The Boat from Guys And Dolls One thing is a given. Your conference attendees will spend the majority of their time sitting at your meeting. The typical conference schedule requires attendees to sit five to eight hours a day. Their … [Read more...]
