Presented by the RFP® Valet Team

Following a particularly infectious flu season, many will come in contact with travelers this Spring.
To avoid a trip to urgent care, here is a checklist to stay healthy—or at least feel better.

HYDRATION: Increasing your water intake while traveling will keep you hydrated in a dry environment and healthy. 

MEDICINE BAG: Pack a small assortment of pain relievers, band-aids, antacids, and anything you may need. Since it’s common to be congested after a flight, pack saline solution for cleansing and fluticasone for inflammation. 

HAND SANITIZER: We touch several dirty surfaces while traveling. Keep it handy and use it often.

SLEEP: Sleep is essential for recovery. Without it, our hormones and immune system break down. Sleep aids like a white noise app, stickers to block blinking lights, or a light-blocking eye mask will help.  

VITAMIN E & ZINC: Supplements provide added support when healthy food options are limited.

Bonus Tips to Go the Extra Mile

WIPE DOWN SURFACES: Airplanes, hotel rooms, and public transit surfaces can harbor germs. Bring antibacterial wipes to clean armrests, tray tables, remote controls, and light switches before use.

SNACK SMART: Avoid processed airport snacks. Pack immune-boosting options like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars to keep your energy up and your system supported.

MOVE AROUND: Long periods of sitting—whether on a flight or at a conference—can impact circulation and energy.
Make time to stretch, walk, or do light movement every couple of hours.

Stay safe, stay smart, and happy travels!

In his debut book “Twist the Familiar: Your Playbook for Success, One Story at a Time,” Gary Hernbroth delivers a refreshing departure from typical business advice literature. Released in summer 2024, the book quickly claimed the #1 spot as Amazon’s Top New Release in its category, and it’s easy to see why.

What sets this book apart is Hernbroth’s masterful storytelling approach. Rather than presenting dry business theories, he weaves together sixty-one engaging stories that serve as practical coaching lessons. Each narrative showcases how ordinary people achieve extraordinary results by taking familiar concepts and giving them an innovative twist.

The book’s strength lies in its accessibility and flow. As Hall of Fame De La Salle Coach Bob Ladouceur noted, “It’s so easy to understand, and it’s hard to put down. It just flows.” Hernbroth’s experience as a motivational speaker shines through in his writing, making complex business concepts digestible and actionable.

The author doesn’t just share his own experiences; he creates a rich tapestry of insights drawn from diverse sources, demonstrating how success principles can be applied across different contexts. This approach makes the book particularly valuable for a wide range of readers, from business leaders and sales professionals to entrepreneurs looking to stand out in their fields.

What’s particularly impressive is how Hernbroth manages to maintain authenticity throughout the book. Unlike many business books that feel disconnected from real-world applications, each story demonstrates practical techniques for creating authentic success. The narratives aren’t just entertaining; they’re transformative, pushing readers to reconsider their approach to business challenges.

However, readers should note that this isn’t a traditional step-by-step business manual. Instead, it’s a collection of stories that require reflection and personal application. The “twist” in the title is both literal and metaphorical – it’s about taking familiar business concepts and viewing them through a fresh lens.

For those tired of conventional business wisdom, “Twist the Familiar” offers a welcome change of pace. It’s a reminder that success often comes not from reinventing the wheel, but from finding new ways to make it turn. While the book may not provide quick fixes, it delivers something more valuable: a framework for thinking differently about business success through the power of storytelling and personal experience.

Presented by Katherine S. Markham, CHME, ConventionPlanit.com

In Gary Hernbroth’s groundbreaking book, Twist the Familiar, he advises that like King Arthur of Camelot, we must all assemble our own Round Table of support professionals. 

As Chief Motivating Officer for Training for Winners – a sales training company, the following excerpts focus on improving all aspects of one’s sales career, including career development. “Essentially, I believe we all need to have  our own Knights of the Round Table, in one way or another. We need to have an inner circle of people we can draw support from, bounce ideas off of, and share our thoughts, dilemmas, or crises we are facing.”  He suggests writing down 5-10 professional colleagues who you would call in a pinch for intelligent advice and cultivating these relationships. 

“We need people around us who can be honest sounding boards for us. ” Having truthful supporters versus those who simply tell you what you want to hear will put you on solid ground. “Confident, self-assured people and true leaders are brave enough to surround themselves with people who bring value to the table, whether they always agree or not.” And raises the question, “Who’s Round Table are you on?”     

For a deeper look into the ideas shared here, take a moment to read this insightful review of the book that inspired them. It offers a clear perspective on building strong professional relationships and cultivating a trusted inner circle

Five steps to implementing audience-focused presentations.
Presented by the RFP Valet® Team

Comfort

Padded fabric chairs with tall backs provide reasonable support. They should face forward within 5-12 degrees of the main focal point of the presentation and ample leg room. Attendees must feel comfortable moving around to refreshments stations and restrooms. Set the temperature an hour prior to the meeting with ventilation and air circulation

Special Needs

To provide each attendee with the same advantages of the meeting, ADA requirements provide the blueprint for fully accommodating those with special needs.

Lines of Vision

Can all attendees see the presentation? This applies to the speakers and a video of the presenters. This also allows for lip reading and stage recognition. To improve the interactive quality, a sight line for attendees to see the physical reaction of other attendees is a powerful strategy. Exit signs must be clearly lit and accessed from the meeting room.

Lines of Communication

Articulate words in the local vernacular. Include interpreters when needed and sign language. Projecting screen visuals may be used to amplify the message. Have back-up material available online and in print.

Networking Opportunities

Attendees enjoy having their ear to the ground for issues. They can determine common ground for added support.

by Todd McElwee

USAE News

IMEX America’s show floor is getting bigger and bigger.
 
Staged at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, from October 8–10, the show’s 13th edition enjoyed a 7% increase in space compared to 2023, with more than 400 exhibitor booths occupying the hall. Last year’s show featured 360 booths.
 
“The business events community is the shining star of IMEX America – our buyers, attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners rightfully take the spotlight,” said Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX.
“Over the last decade or more the industry has really taken this show to their hearts, encouraged by proof of business value but also the strong sense of community and togetherness they experience here.”
 
The number of exhibiting companies joining the show for the first time increased from 65 last year to 70 in 2024. Among the new booths were Guatemala, Exhibition World

Bahrain, Sonder Hotels, Destination Niagara USA, Yosemite Park, and Experience Grand Rapids, along with DMCs including Dragonfly Africa and Greenroute Africa.
 
Organizers noted this year’s event was home to 46 technology booths, one-third of which were new. Many other sectors of the show have also seen growth, from event production and incentive products to airlines and cruise lines—all pointing to the current strength of the wider business events community.
 
“From growing exhibitor participation and exciting, immersive activations, through to dozens of fringe events both on and off the show floor, it’s now clear the sector feels empowered to make this show their own,” Bauer said. “It’s a sign of the trust placed in the IMEX team and a living expression of two of our company values—people first and achieve together. I’m excited for the week ahead and looking forward to hearing about all the deals, the new connections and the bright ideas that will spring to life here.”
 
For more about IMEX America visit imexamerica.com.