Let’s face it - you can’t escape or avoid technology, even if you tried…and as soon as you finally understand how to work your dvd player, blu-ray has become the new trend.

How are you supposed to keep up with technology trends for your meetings?

HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings National introduced a technology component to the show this year - with both exhibitors and information sessions on the understanding and using the latest trends in meetings. (ConventionPlanit.com hosted a technology information session…on search engines!)

If you attended the show, what did you think of the technology component? If not, is a technology component something you would find useful? How are you incorporating technology?

Free and often wireless internet connections are becoming more common at hotels, much to the relief of our email, facebook, bussiness-addicted society…

…but have you ever wondered how safe those internet connections are?

Some faculty at Cornell University did ask that question, and their research found many hotel networks run on outdated or old security techlology - leaving you at risk for your personal or business information to be attacked by a hacker.

The research is a helpful analysis of hotel trends, and includes some great tips on how to keep your information safe if you are connected to an unsecure network…so check it out!

The study is available for free through Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research website.

Sheraton installed Microsoft Surface units in the lobbies of 5 of their hotels this week…

…Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch display built into a table top. There’s no mouse or keyboard - it uses touch.

It’s like a giantic iPhone, only better!

Hotel guests can browse pictures of the hotel, create playlists with the jukebox, and even find restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the city with 365-degree satellite maps.

Check out the Surface at these hotels:

• Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers – 811 7th Avenue 53rd Street, New York

• Sheraton Boston Hotel – 39 Dalton St, Boston

• Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers – 301 East North Water Street, Chicago

• Sheraton Seattle Hotel – 1400 6th Ave, Seattle

• Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel – 600 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame

If yesterday’s tech info post tickled your fancy…

…here’s some extra help to get you started:

Watch this short video from MeetingsPodCast.com on how to use Flickr Video for your next meeting or event.

Check out these meeting technology must-haves to make your meetings relevant and appealing to 21st century meeting attendees:

Web 2.0 Tools

• Social networking sites: facilitate networking and disseminate peer-to-peer knowledge.

• Establish a wiki: feature links to conference information & to replay conference speakers, tips on getting more out of the event, conference pictures, and links to conference blogs Wikis allow attendees to post information - so content discussions and networking start before the conference.

PDAs

• Create, send and manage announcements for events and exhibit and speaker information can be downloaded to attendees’ PDAs

• Replace your conference binder with PDA based-information from providers like Near Space and VisionTree

• Use Vindigo City Guide to download information on restaurants, movies, shopping, ATM locations and more

These tips are courtesy of Sue Tinnish of SEAL Inc., a popular facilitator, speaker, teambuilder, and trainer. Sue Tinnish publishes a monthly newsletter, “Tips for Innovative Meetings and Events.” Check out more great tips at www.suetinnish.com.

Business travelers have found a way to lighten their load when flying - by leaving laptops at home.

A few years ago, leaving a laptop at home would have left many travelers isolated and cut off from the rest of the world…but as a USA Today article reports, the technology surrounding Smart Phones has made this possible.

Smart Phones with fast email and internet access like the Apple iPhone and Blackberrys have made it easy to stay connected to the office on the road…and occupy much less space than a laptop would.

With increased fees from airlines for baggage weight and checking, phones are becoming even more convenient to stay connected.

Do you bring a laptop when you travel? Have you ditched your laptop for your Smart Phone?

Over 270 international planners attended IMEX’s annual Associaton Day yesterday in Frankfurt, Germany for professional education and debate.

Planners could exchange opinions and best practices from around global markets. Seminars included information about new meeting techniques, green meetings and integrating technology into meetings.

Association Day created an open forum for world-wide discussions.

IMEX is held annually - qualified planners can travel as hosted buyers through sponsors like ConventionPlanit.com and attend for free.