Aug 25
maureen-pickellTrade Shows ASAE & the Center, attendee interaction, meeting industry, Tips for Meeting Planners, Trade Shows
The ConventionPlanit.com dynamic duo, Julie and mysef, attended a session entitled “What is the Future of tradeshows?” and learned a lot about charting the course for a new business model.
Instead of “re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic” (as one supplier succinctly put it) we should be polling association members, staffers, meeting planners and exhibitors all to come up with a trade show that lives up to everyone’s expectations…as well as providing ROI.
The night ended with Cindy Lauper…talk about a “Grand Finale!”
Jun 07
Ashley SpitzerTrade Shows Event Industry Networking, overseas meetings, Tips for Meeting Planners, Trade Shows, upcoming meetings industry events
ConventionPlanit.com saleswoman extraordinare Julie Roberts has returned home to Florida after a whirlwind month of travel and sales calls, including attending the Mexico Showcase & Travel Expo. She has shared the below show recap with us:
If you have not had the opportunity to attend this terrific event in the past, do plan to do so for the future. Organized by the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mexico Tourism Board and Global Incentive Management Mexico – DMC, the 3 day schedule offers a terrific opportunity to experience Mexico, research venues and evaluate services while reviewing your program details on a one-on-one basis with knowledgeable hospitality professionals.
There was plenty to digest this year, and we’re talking about more than just the wonderful cuisine. A warm welcome greeted guests at every turn. Professionals representing hotels, audio-visual/technology companies, decorators, restaurants, caterers, off-site venues, transportation, eco-tourism, were on hand to enthusiastically share the enjoyment and fun while providing their “know how” for every aspect of hosting a group, special event or congress. Charlie Moore, with Faith Christian Fellowship, has attended Showcase every year and uses it to evaluate and gather new ideas for his clients. He has run 3 successful programs in Cancun and finds “the event does what it says: it ’showcases’ the tremendous variety available for events and really cements my relationship with hoteliers.”
The tradeshow is organized with an efficient appointment schedule. With the show being in Cancun, the destination was well represented, as were other zones of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Everyone got down to the business of doing business in the atmosphere created by the Cancun Convention Center staff and decorator.
You need never be concerned with the delivery of service for detailed programs. Omega World Travel’s Alonzo Duncan commented, “Mexico Showcase has opened my eyes to some wonderful meeting alternatives in Cancun for my clients. The tradeshow networking appointments were very worthwhile, allowing us planners to focus our attention on specific products, maximizing the time available during the exhibition. I would definitely attend again.”
These folks are at the top of their game.
The Q & A game (Oh, the fun of “were you paying attention!”) at Saturday’s luncheon only added to the program touting Re-Evaluate, Re-Invent, Re-Investment and Re-Silient for updating planners, agents and brokers on the MICE business climate of Mexico today. Mexico is experiencing media sensationalism, just as any number of global destinations. Adding the economic climate and other challenges from the past few years, representatives did not shy away from acknowledging tough issues and then demonstrated how your price-points will get great value with flexible or no attrition clauses, expanded emergency management, additional airline service and competitive rates. Some surcharges are even disappearing! The luncheon panel gave an excellent “walk through” of master account management in regards to the VAT tax refund as well.
Another program presentation covered the ease with which larger groups can bring in exhibits, materials etc. through customs by working with local freight carriers at a most reasonable cost. The National Onion Association’s Wayne Mininger commented that he has done programs on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Mexico and what he finds most impressive is the “service, service, service” with a “can do” attitude of everyone involved (including the story of a gardener building an easel for him!) “The most extraordinary things are done just to make sure things work and run smoothly by this industry in Mexico,” says Mininger.
In planning for the future, Andy Ortiz with Global Incentive Management reflects on how 9 years ago a small ‘Showcase’ was organized solely for Cancun. Now, all of Mexico provides support.
“The wonderful participation and support of Mexico Showcase comes from a group of professionals who understand what this business is about and they want people to know we can deliver. They know having professional planners and organizers coming to actually experience our service, is what has produced the twenty million in revenue directly attributable to this show for our country,” Ortiz said.
Yes, Mexico is fun and always will be, given the warmth of its citizens, but know that the country plays on a global stage when it comes to group business, whether it’s a wedding party or an international congress.
You can learn for yourself at next year’s 10th Anniversary, April 28 – May 2, 2011!
May 25
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News meeting planner help, meeting planning services, Tips for Meeting Planners
Simply invite five meeting planners to your office for a breakfast, lunch or a cocktail hour featuring an online demonstration of ConventionPlanit.com. We’ll deliver the presentation and the cuisine.
As a sponsor of the presentation, you’ll receive a $50 American Express Reward Card for your efforts. You can also spread the word about this offer to your guests – they can host their own presentation and take advantage of this great offer.
For more information, please contact Katherine Markham, CHME, at 301-975-9462, or katherinem@conventionplanit.com.
May 17
Ashley SpitzerContests Peppermill Reno, refer a meeting professional, Tips for Meeting Planners
Calling all meeting professionals:
Do you use ConventionPlanit.com? Do you have industry colleagues or peers who could benefit from using these services?
If so, you can refer your colleagues and enter to win a trip for yourself at the same time!
Enter the Refer a Meeting Professional Contest for a chance to win a trip for two to the Peppermill Resort in Reno Nevada.
Package Includes:
-Two nights in the all-new Tuscan Tower suite, complete with European soaking tub
-Round trip air for two valued at $500 each on Southwest Airlines
-Limo transportation to and from Reno-Tahoe airport
-Couples massage for two…or spoil just yourself with a massage and a facial
-Dinner at our Bimini Steakhouse valued at $150
The contest winner will be announced early July 2010, so be sure to enter before it’s too late!
Dec 11
Damion RutherfordTips for Meeting Planners, Trade Shows MACE, meeting ideas, meeting industry, MPI, Tips for Meeting Planners
Yesterday I attended the Potomac Chapter of Meeting Professionals International’s (PMPI) Mid-Atlantic Conference & Exposition (MACE!2009). Instead of a traditional trade show, the event organizers introduced a ‘flipped marketplace’.
The flipped marketplace gave each planner and supplier the opportunity to schedule up to 10 one on one 15 minute-long appointments – with the planners seated at booths and the suppliers moving throughout the room.
Like many attendees, I was skeptical of the marketplace before experiencing it, but found it to be an absolutely brilliant concept.
Why PMPI’s Flipped Marketplace worked:
1. Mutual Interest - suppliers requested appointments with planners (suppliers had access to organization names, planner’s role in the decision making process, location of meetings, budget, average peak room night, and next available planning year…but NOT the planner’s name). The planners could approve or decline the appointment request via email, or propose a new meeting time. Giving both planners and suppliers the ability to choose to meet with one another gave value and meaning to the conversations before they actually even occurred.
example: When I arrived for the morning introduction session, I took my cup of coffee and introduced myself to the colleague seated next to me at the table. The planner turned out to be one of my appointments for the marketplace! This realization that we had selected one another for the appointment gave us a connection for the rest of the day when our paths crossed.
2. Length of Meeting Time - With a solid 15 minutes to converse, planners and suppliers were able to build solid connections and relationships with one another. This was a refreshing change from the traditional exhibit hall, in which booths often become crowded, making it difficult to have an in-depth conversation. The halls, in general, are constantly in a flow of motion; it is rare for a planner to spend 15 minutes of their time in the hall at one booth…and who can blame them. The 15 minute appointments allowed both planner and supplier to walk away with knowledge and understanding of one another that will not be forgotten as easily as tossing a business card into a drawing for a give-away while walking past a booth.
3. Supplier Cost - While suppliers did pay to participate in the Flipped Marketplace, the cost compared to that of booth space, decorations, furniture, internet, electric, carpet, popcorn machine, etc. was very reasonable; especially when the quality of interactions with attendees and ROI is factored in.
4. Scheduling - The time period for the marketplace did not coincide with any educational sessions. This allowed for the largest possible number of participants at the marketplace, and eliminated the possibility of distraction.
5. Spotme Devices -Spotme, a networking and data gathering handheld device company, provided every show attendee with a device for the day. These devices are far more valuable than electronic scanners. Spotme electronically transfers business cards by touching the devices to one another – no paper involved. Attendee’s appointment schedules were preloaded onto the devices, as well as a photo. The search component allowed users to search for individuals by company or name, and see the person’s photo. Setting the scan feature for an individual causes the device to vibrate when the individual enters the room. This is extremely helpful in a large conference area. Electronic surveys for sessions appeared on the devices at the end of each session. Maps of the Flipped Marketplace as well as the corridor of the conference center were also loaded onto the devices. The devices, overall, contributed to the ease and flow of the day.
For its first year, I believe the Flipped Marketplace at MACE was a huge success among both planners and suppliers. There are a few kinks that will most likely be ironed out for 2010, and the show organizers were very eager to hear feedback.
Kudos to PMPI for successfully implementing the Flipped Marketplace. The meetings industry should be experimenting and constantly pushing forth new ideas; I believe this concept has done just that!
Aug 04
Ashley SpitzerContests, Tips for Meeting Planners attendee interaction, economy, meeting ideas, meeting planner feedback, Tips for Meeting Planners
A smart way to save on your meeting costs is by cutting back on the breaks.
We worked with a hotel to provide vouchers for breaks instead of serving an expensive break time. Each participant was given vouchers to go to the snack shop located in the hotel lobby.
Each voucher was worth $3. For each item the participant chose, they turned in a voucher. The vouchers were then counted and charged to the master account. This wound up costing considerably less than paying for breaks. Hope this tip helps you in your planning!
…this idea comes from Kathy Craig, Administrative Assistant with Ecumenical Stewardship Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, who just won our July Stellar Tip Contest.
If you have a meeting tip to share, enter the August contest to win a $100 prize!
Apr 27
Ashley SpitzerPlaces to Stay, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, economy, Fairfax, meeting ideas, Tips for Meeting Planners
Fairfax, Virginia has made planning an affordable meeting so easy that you don’t even have to try.
Fairfax is between Dulles International (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) airports, so attendees can comparison shop for the cheapest fares.
There’s plenty to do – one-of-a-kind special event venues are within short driving distance, such as Mt. Vernon, the Barns at Wolf Trap and the Tyson’s Corner Shopping Center, not to mention the majestic sights of nearby Washington, DC.
Visit Fairfax has worked out amazing deals with 20 area hotels to lower costs even further with bonuses like:
-complimentary continental breakfasts
-free guest rooms
-discounted audio-visual
-percentage off your master account
Fairfax is a great alternative for your next meeting. Be sure to check it out!
Apr 14
Ashley SpitzerMember News, Tips for Meeting Planners meeting education, meeting industry, Tips for Meeting Planners, travel tips
The latest edition of our e-newsletter went out today -
You can sign up to receive your copy here…
…or catch up on your meeting news through the archive on ConventionPlanit.com.
The e-Alert is published every other week, and is a great source of meeting information, happenings and tips!
Apr 07
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners economy, imex, meeting education, meeting industry, Tips for Meeting Planners
• Are we seeing the green shoots of recovery?
• Where will growth develop?
• Which market segments will be most resilient?
• When will activity pick up?
If you want the answers to these questions, register for IMEX’s free webinar:
Wednesday, April 22, 12:00 PM EST
At the recent G20 Summit in London, world leaders claimed that the global economy would soon start to see the ‘green shoots of recovery’.
But where will these shoots bud in the meetings industry and where is growth most likely to develop?
Leading corporate meetings experts – Christine Duffy, President & CEO of Maritz Travel; Luca Favetta , Director Global Events EMEA & Asia Pacific for SAP, Andrew Latta, Head of Corporate Events – Aviva, and David Kliman, President of The Kliman Group will explore the issues driving the debate.
This hour-long webinar will look beyond the immediate crisis and negative PR stories to focus on where growth is going to come from, how companies are revising their live events strategies, which market segments are likely to be most resilient, and when activity is likely to start showing significant increases.
Mar 27
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News, Trade Shows economy, hsmai affordable meeting, meeting ideas, meeting industry, Tips for Meeting Planners
With so much news surrounding the meetings industry lately, how are we supposed to keep up?
Here are a few highlights for you to stay in the loop –
1. HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings Mid-America show is next week…April 1-2 in Chicago. It’s not to late to register!
2. Sign the Petition to Keep Meeting…if you haven’t done this yet, it only takes a moment. Be sure to pass the link along to friends and family; do your part to help the industry!
3. There is a fantastic volunteer event in the DC area for hoteliers. Spread the word, register to help, or donate to the cause.
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