Here’s a fabulous & practical tip for your next overseas meeting: rent local cell phones to save time and energy!

Susan Rosen of In the Event… is the winner of our June Stellar Tip Contest for this tip:

“When traveling outside the US, we’ve found it imperative to rent a local cell phone to keep in contact with the DMC and hotel staff. For internal communications we use our walkie talkies, but hotels do not use them any longer & most hotel staff are using cell phones for communications.

Our guests could find us no matter if we were at our desk or not… well worth the investment.”

For more great tips, visit the Stellar Tip Archive…you can even search by keyword to find the most relevant tips from your peers.

My new favorite latest planning tool is the ConventionPlanit.com Toolbar…

It only makes sense to have all of your favorite planning tools right on your web browser.

Some highlights:

• Google search field: search the web from your browser

• Meeting Search: accesses the database of ConventionPlanit.com meeting destinations, properties, and service providers

• RFP Valet: opens a basic template to submit an RFP for selected dates. RFPs go directly to ConventionPlanit.com executives for immediate follow-up…and the next time you use the template, your info will already be filled in - just change your dates.

Download the toolbar here…you won’t believe how easy it is to use, and how much time you’ll save. (And it even auto-formats for Internet Explorer, Mozilla, or Macs)

Here’s a new meeting planning tip for you - this comes from Jennifer Winn of Winn Events, who just won our May Stellar Tip Contest…

Client Contracts

“A good contract with your client can take the guesswork out of planning your meeting. It makes the planning experience better for both the client and you as the planner because the questions are answered from the start as to who is responsible for what. It covers you if the event is cancelled or the client needs to cancel your services. The contract outlines your payment terms so you can hold the client to them.”

Do you agree with Jennifer? What do you always include in your contracts with clients?

Looking for a unique activity for your next meeting in France … How about a visit to a French perfumery?

At Molinard, a Provençal perfumer that’s been around since 1849, your corporate group of 10-200 can play interactive olfactory games and concoct your own fragrances.

The newest addition is the Atelier Gourmand game - your guests’ senses will enjoy coffee, tea and chocolate!

Let Maison de la France help you find more one-of-a-kind activities - find out more today.