Archive for the ‘Event Planning’ Category

Getting the Word: SpeedRFP’s New and Improved Email Notification + MORE

Take a look below for interesting articles, event planning tips, venue ideas – all sourced by our in-house experts and curated for your enjoyment. We trust that you find them interesting – please feel free to share this post, or any of the links therein.
Ideafest Speaker Hillary Harris Warner Bros. Studios Special Events-Show 259 

 
On todays show Mike McAllen interviews Hillary Harris Executive Director of Warner Bros. Studios Special Events—a full-service event production department specializing in entertainment industry, corporate, charity and weddings creating and producing more than 275 events a year, both on the Warner Bros…

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PCMA EduCon: The Event Software Insights Every Event Planner Should KnowThe PCMA 2013 Education Conference will lead attendees to new concepts for reinventing their events through event technology, marketing and branding, perspective, and leadership. Head to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver this June to learn how to transform your own events! As a technology partner of PCMA, we will be meeting with attendees for a consultation to discuss our suite of event software solutions…

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Getting the Word: SpeedRFP’s New and Improved Email Notification
Your lead coordinator’s life is about to get a little easier. SpeedRFP has released a new, more user-friendly email notification for RFPs that have been submitted to your property.
These new notifications incorporate more information so it’s easier for lead coordinators to assign RFPs to the correct sales managers…

Continue Reading On elitemeetings.com »

Top Int’l. Travel Spots and Airline Stats Released
In late May 2013, the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities was released along with the International Air Transport Association’s latest figures. Business meeting planners may want to take note that collectively the reports indicate that international travel destinations are in high demand…

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Roger Rickard CMP Conclave Meetings Industry Advocacy – Show 258Jon Trask sits down at the CMP Conclave in Spokane to chat with Roger Rickard, the Founder of Voices in Advocacy .  We talk with him about some of the “how’s” and “why’s” that members of the meetings and events industry should (and can) become advocates.  We touch on the recent IRS meeting controversy and why sometimes saying nothing is better than saying something quickly and in the heat of the moment…

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Meet Me in San Juan + MORE

Our picks of the week – to keep you up to date with the meeting and events industry.

Easy to use RFP tool makes event planning easier

– elitemeetings.com

Easy to use RFP tool makes event planning easier
Do you have a big event coming up that needs that perfect location? Own a hotel, or chain of hotels, and want people to know yours is perfect for big groups? The development of an easy to use RFP tool is the answer to both questions.
SpeedRFP stands out at the world’s first global Request For Proposal system…

Use of Upscale Hotels for Business Meetings is Expected to Increase

– elitemeetings.com

Use of Upscale Hotels for Business Meetings is Expected to Increase
According to a recent article in Travel Weekly, the luxury travel market is expanding and expected to heat up in the not so distant future. So what does that mean for corporate meeting and convention planners? Read on for more:
In their leisure time, travelers are demanding destinations that offer more than the standard fare…

Corporate Meeting Must-Have: Hosted Buyer Programs

– regonline.com

Corporate Meeting Must-Have: Hosted Buyer ProgramsJust a few weeks ago I found myself waiting in the Frankfurt First Class Club Lounge (courtesy of the ever gentlemanly Graham Frazer).  Whilst savouring a lovely glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and anxiously waiting news of my much delayed flight back to London, I reflected on yet another successful IMEX…

UPCOMING: Workshop

– thelofton2nd.wordpress.com/

Interested in the wedding planning industry and starting your own business? Maybe you’ve already started your wedding planning business and looking for more training and answers.
In my years of teaching the Wedding Planner Certification Course at Cal Poly Pomona, I’m asked frequently to provide more training specifically on the actual day of the wedding…

Meet Me in San Juan

– elitemeetings.com

Meet Me in San Juan
Thinking of a group event in Puerto Rico? There’s still time to take advantage of a promotion for meetings in San Juan this year—if you book by June 30. Called Puerto Rico Plus, the offer applies to meetings at the Caribe Hilton and Condado Lagoon Villas, Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, and El San Juan Resort & Casino…

San Francisco Experiencing High Demand

– elitemeetings.com

San Francisco Experiencing High Demand
Meeting planners may want to take note. After the NFL’s most recent announcement, finding enough ideal meeting space in San Francisco may just take a bit more time. The City by the Bay was thrust into the national spotlight on May 21, 2013 when it was revealed that it would host Super Bowl L. Prior to the announcement, the city’s tourism agencies were already noticing a year-to-year uptick in visitor traffic and spending…

Big Easy Meetings Made Even Easier

– elitemeetings.com

Big Easy Meetings Made Even Easier

Each year millions of people flock to New Orleans for business as well as pleasure. And given the recent news coming out of the Big Easy, that number is only expected to grow. Here are the highlights:For starters, the city’s renowned meeting spot, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, was upgraded earlier this year…



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Easy to use RFP tool makes event planning easierelitemeetings.com
Use of Upscale Hotels for Business Meetings is Expected to Increaseelitemeetings.com
Corporate Meeting Must-Have: Hosted Buyer Programsregonline.com
UPCOMING: Workshopthelofton2nd.wordpress.com/
Meet Me in San Juanelitemeetings.com
San Francisco Experiencing High Demandelitemeetings.com
Big Easy Meetings Made Even Easierelitemeetings.com

CRM tools for business owners in the meetings industry Show 254 + MORE

Every day we search the web for interesting articles, snippets, and links that we think you our readers may be interested in. 
Here is the list for today – we hope you find them interesting.

That Niggling Feeling…

– michelleragoltd.com

That Niggling Feeling…

http://www.thelittlenell.com

Two other times in my life I distinctly remember having the same niggling feeling upon arriving at a resort as I did upon arrival at The Little Nell in Aspen on Wednesday. This feeling I get is essentially a sense that things don’t quite seem in sync or simply don’t add up…


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CRM tools for business owners in the meetings industry Show 254
On this weeks podcast, Jon Trask of Grass Shack Events & Media and Elizabeth Glau of Building Blocks Social Media continue their discussion of CRM tools for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the meetings industry. Part three has a focus on social media connections to you CRM system and some ways to integrate social media into your customer relationships…


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Love

– michelleragoltd.com

Love
I didn’t get a chance to blog on Sunday because I was driving back from a site inspection in both Newport and Nantucket. Both gorgeous destinations and I anxiously await the client’s final decision. I like to write about destinations, entertaining and travel as obviously those things are my passion…


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Brandscaping for Events with Andrew Davis -Show 255Unleashing the Power of Partnerships
Mike McAllen interviews Andrew Davis author of Brandscaping Unleashing the Power of Partnerships Drew talks about how event planners and organizers can use partnerships to extend the value of their events and meetings.  Andrew shares stories and options on how you can make your events content grow legs and keep attendees excited before, during and after your event and get them looking forward to the next event…


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One Day Sale on Tiny Prints

– bonjourevents.com/

For those who love stationery, Tiny Prints is hosting a one day sale, 40% off all thank you notes – more than 1700 designs.  You can add a photo, a monogram or just order the cards just as the designer created them.  
Sale is today through 8:59am PST Friday. You can find designs for professional correspondence, cards for graduates to say thanks, Easter notes, and a specific line for children as well…


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Bird’s of a Feather Flock Together…Engage!13 Pop QuizThe phrase, Bird’s of a Feather Flock Together is defined as, people of similar character, background, or taste tending to congregate or associate with one another. But in truth, I haven’t actually found that to be necessarily true of the bridal industry…until my participation in the luxury wedding summit called Engage! Founded by Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Margeson Arce, Engage! takes place twice a year and assembles the industry’s tastemakers and most committed students and leaders…


Continue Reading On michelleragoltd.com »

Launch Festival Startups- Instaplayer – Luis Hervella – Show 253Great Walk In Video Option
 
Luis Miguel Hervella  from CHIPOTLELABS is an indie app developing company that builds “apps to spice up your life”.
They take this motto very seriously and have made it our mission and philosophy. Luis talks with Mike about his experience at the Launch Festival…


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Mon Anniversaire.

– michelleragoltd.com

Mon Anniversaire.A delightful day….

I recently celebrated my 49th birthday-which is an utter shock to the system. It was a perfect New York spring day and I hosted it at my most favorite sneaky spot, The Norwood Club. My patient partners at Norwood, Camille, Allen, Rachelle completely delighted me with their heart and creativity…


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Submitted by the team at Mission Guru. Thank you Remos.
The foundation to any well-run event is the event blueprint. Event Managers are in the business of risk management and a well structured event blueprint helps us reduce as much risk as we can. The event blueprint should clearly highlight the objectives and needs of your company or client so that throughout the planning process you keep in mind your deliverables…


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Launch Festival startups- Attendify.com Michael Balyasny- Show 252Event Technology
 
MeetingsPodcast This Week in Meetings show features one of the Launch Festivals event startups. Mike McAllen talks with Michael Balyasny of Attendify.com formally Kitapps.com about their new Event App solution for meetings and events.  We have run across many event apps but this one really caught our eye at the recent Launch Festival in San Francisco…


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CMP Conclave 2013 – Show 256

– grassshackroad.com/

CMP Conclave 2013 – Show 256
The 2013 CMP Conclave is rapidly approaching. Jon Trask and Elizabeth Glau will both be attending and presenting sessions. They took a few minutes to talk about their sessions and why the Conclave is an event worth considering if you are a CMP – or why the event might be a reason to get your CMP (Certified Meeting Professional designation)…


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What can you take online?

– bonjourevents.com/

As we’ve blogged before, our sister site is shaking up the way online registrations take place.  By offering a flat rate/form we’re welcoming new organizations to move their registrations online with a la Reg, saving valuable time and funds.   

We love to hear how clients are using a la Reg…


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Cooking up the Perfect Vacation!

– michelleragoltd.com

Cooking up the Perfect Vacation! 

Tropea, Italy. Water Seeks it’s own Level.

What is continuing education for someone like me who is committed to her craft and always seeking enriching experiences to bring to the table? Do I… audit a college course… LAWD HAVE MERCY…no-I couldn’t work that out back in the day! Do I return to cooking school for a refresher… or do I put myself right into the thick of it?
By way of my dear friend Jennifer Learmonth, Executive Chef at The Rock House in Harbour Island www…


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Maximizing Your Corporate Event ROI

– bonjourevents.com/

Planning a corporate event can cost a lot of money, be very time-consuming and take up a lot of resources. So it’s important to plan a corporate event thoroughly and think about all aspects of an event to mitigate disasters and also to get as much return on investment out of it as possible. Here’s a checklist of strategic considerations to help plan the perfect corporate event…


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Submitted by Q Center in St. Charles, IL 
When searching for the perfect venue for your upcoming meeting, it’s important to consider how the atmosphere of the venue supports or undermines the purpose of your event.  Many meetings are held at hotels and vacation destinations, which means attendees find themselves distracted and unfocused during their meeting (the pool bar is always attractive)…


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Make Your Appointments Before The Event

One of the things that see a quite a bit is the fact that many exhibitors just show up and hope people will come to their booth and buy their products or services.  This is such a missed opportunity if you don’t take advantage of the fact that you are giving your customer a chance to meet face to face and experience your conversation first hand.

I try to make as many appointments wit all my contacts that I can. This helps me set a good schedule before the event and sets out my time.  I can stay on track that way and make sure I get the biggest bang for my buck.  There is also another underlying thing that happens, people talk about you and the fact that you will be at the event.  Many of the people that you make appointments with will talk about you to your friends, your competitors and others in your industry. You ge4t seen as the expert or as the person in the know about what is going on at the event.  You are seen as the person that they need to know and meet or compete with on the floor.  This increases your stock exponentially.  Make your contacts now and get your calendar set before the show and you will see great benefits.

Feedback From Convention Attendees Makes Changes Happen

I have been asking many of the event coordinators I know how they gather feedback from their attendees.  With all of the social media tools that we have that allow us to listen in online to conversations that others are having, we get a chance to hear first hand what many are saying.   We can see what they say on Twitter during the show and we can see what they say on their Facebook pages after they get home and finally blogs are a great source for reviews of how your event went or how the show was perceived by those in attendance.

Listening to that feedback can be invaluable when you are wanting to implement changes to your format, your exhibit space or other parts of a show to make sure you are keeping the sponsors happy, the attendees and the exhibitors.  I was reading recently that a convention that was taking place in Las Vegas is now moving due to the feedback received by the attendees.  This is a bit of a drastic move on the part of the organizers but it may provide to be the best move for their business. They listened to what was being said about the location and now are moving from Las Vegas to Anaheim.  Listening to your detractors is hard but you can make it a positive.

Going The Extra Mile or The Extra Scoop

Going the extra mile is what I have been preaching to others as I visit with event planners and convention planners at their events across the country.  I recently attended a conference and wanted to share something that I thought might also be going that extra mile that was done at this event.

Many of the attendees that go to events and have never been to the location or have never been in the city where your event is held may not know what the local best restaurants or the local best bars or attractions might have to offer. This is a great time to tap into the visitors and convention bureau staff to get the best places for a drink maybe the best late night dessert bar or even the best place to sing karaoke.  The conference I recently spoke at had a buy one get one free deal for anyone that showed their conference badge at the local ice cream parlor.  I decided it would be a good idea to buy one and take the free one too! I love ice cream.

Find out where these places are in the area and then see if they will give your attendees a little discount or a special offer.  The local business would love the additional customers and your attendees get a good deal on their wares.  It truly is a win-win.  Go that extra mile or even that extra scoop of ice cream.  Iy may make an attendee, or in this case, one your event speakers very happy.

What Do You Do For Your Event Eve?

I have been traveling all day and I had about 12 hours of airports, boarding this plane and carrying that bag.  I am currently speaking at an event in North Carolina and I really enjoy visiting new towns and places that I have never bee before and drink in all that place has to offer. It is part of the perks of having to put up with business travel like the day I just experienced.

I like to get to events and have a set place I can go for dinner and have most of the details worked out for me. Because I have had an all day excursion, it is nice not to have that next bit of problems with deciding where to eat, what parties to go to and what is the next thing.  Do you offer a stress free environment for the attendees or event the conference speakers for your event?  This could set you apart from other conferences and events that might be competing with yours.  Give a stress free itinerary to those tat have been going hard all day to get your event.  They will be refreshed when the event opens and will be one of your best evangelists.

Great Tips For Exhibitors At Any Tradeshow or Convention

My friend Dana Doody from The Expo Group sent out a twitter message this morning and I picked up on about 4 tips of things that exhibitors should not do on the show floor in their booths.

These are really good tips.  The one about speaking too much in your booth is a great tip and one that I have issue with in my own experience.

This is a great way to use a social media tool like YouTube and your own knowledge of your conference to help people have a better experience.  If you are an event organizer take a note here from someone that is using a tool that will help remind your exhibitors about how they can make your event better for them and better for the attendees and others.

Publishing Recaps Of Your Event

One of the things that is becoming common in the new world of new media is many companies are now publishing blog posts about their experiences at your convention of trade show.  Many companies are now blogging and they have Facebook pages that they are using to publish articles about your convention, your trade show and event the meeting they attended.  These articles, photos, and conversations can be re-purposed in recap posts.

Recap posts are feedback and review of attendee experience, exhibitor experience and sponsor experience.  These can be some of the best advertising for your event as it is generally not a biased opinion of how well you did in your planning, or your organization of that event.  You can also thank those that are writing about you by recognizing their blog post by putting it in a gathering of those posts in a single post on your own company blog.

Finally, by finding and listening to the content that is being generated, you can also get that valuable feedback that I discussed yesterday.  Feedback and reviews written are great opportunities for find out what people that how you did.  Publish they good bad and the indifferent and then follow that up with your own review and feedback of what you think went well and the things you intend improve on in the next event or show.

Getting Feedback From Your Convention Attendees

Are you providing the product that your attendees want?  That may seem like a simple question and it may be an obvious one but many organizers and people that are setting forth the program of a convention may not have a clue about what their attendees really want.  One of the best ways to get this information is through the use of surveys.

Many of the conference and convention organizers already have the ability at their fingertips to reach out to their attendees and find out what they want.  I am not talking about the post event feedback that we always look for, but as the event is being planned.  Many organizers are already sending monthly newsletters and those are perfect times to poll or survey their attendees with questions or what they wan to see most at the event as speakers and content being presented, and whether it be workshops or panels.

Facebook and Twitter are a great place to poll your attendees with questions about “chicken or beef” or even the most basic of questions about what they want at your event.  Listening to the industry in the social networks are great ways to find out what is hot in the industry and what the community is talking about and what is garnering their attention.  Keeping an eye on these areas can be quite revealing.

Finally, remember to refer back to those post event surveys that you sent to everyone when your event was over.  If you are not sending post event surveys, you need to find a way to do this to find out what people thought could be done better and then try to implement those changes.  Getting feedback from your attendees is important.  Implementing the changes to make it better is more important.