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Ignite polled some highly creative meeting planners for their thoughts on how to organize events that engage and inspire attendees. The common thread? Make every element count, from big picture planning to finishing touches.
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Personalize the experience. “When delegates select workshops in advance, prepare a personalized insert for their badge listing selected workshops by name, time and location,” says Heidi Wilker, CMP, Blessed Events, Brampton, Ont. blessedevents.ca |
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No one forgets a thank you. “Follow up directly after the meeting with a personal thank you that includes a mention of several meeting highlights and/or learning outcomes,” says Cass Bayley, CMP, CMM, The Bayley Group, Hensall, Ont. bayleygroup.com |
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Ease the awkwardness. “Have a unique icebreaker to help new and returning delegates meet, such as a first-time attendees reception, colour-coded name tags, or a mentor program,” says Bayley. |
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Walk in their shoes. “Before your event material is finalized, slow down and picture yourself as the delegate. Read the conference registration materials—is there something in each timeslot for every target audience type? Does the confirmation package have what a delegate needs to arrive and navigate stress-free?” says Karen Elliott, CMP, ProPlan Conference Planners, Richmond Hill, Ont. proplan.ca |
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Be the provider of play. “Give delegates the opportunity to experience local cuisine, culture and shops,” says Claire Bélanger-Parker, CNT Management Group Inc., Regina, Sask. cntgrp.ca |
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Watch their backs. “Is security in-house or on contract? An employed security team has the benefit of routine and clear knowledge of who should be where and when,” says Ellen Boddington, CMP, Stellar Conference & Event Management Inc., Toronto, Ont. stellarplanners.com |
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Give them a voice. “Make the process engaging by giving attendees time and space to contribute their own ideas and insights,” says Patti Gera, Truth and Dare, Saskatoon, Sask. truthanddare.ca |
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Help them be green. “Pick a meeting or event location that is closest to attendees. It is typically cheaper, especially with rising fuel costs, and on-the-go business professionals will appreciate not having to spend valuable time in transit,” says Shawna McKinley, director of sustainability, MeetGreen, Vancouver, B.C.
meetgreen.com |
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GBTA Canada Conference 2011
When: March 28-29, 2011
Where: Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre
Why go: It’s an education-focused conference and Canada’s biggest travel industry trade show in one, with over 300 travel purchasing and meetings management pros and over 40 industry suppliers exhibiting.
What’s in it for you: Rub shoulders with top-ranking industry professionals from across Canada and around the world.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
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INCENTIVES + MEETINGS
MPI’s got an app for that
Attendees of IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America can take advantage of new mobile apps designed to “expand content and marketplace access for attendees before, during and after the events.” As strategic partner with IMEX America, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and development partner QuickMobile will design apps for both shows. Having recently released its app for the iPhone, giving meeting professionals greater access to MPI’s directories and content, and in corroboration with the results of FutureWatch 2011—an annual survey of global meeting and event professionals—MPI recognized a need and growing trend. The apps will become available before each show: IMEX in Frankfurt (May 24-26, 2011) and IMEX America in Las Vegas (Oct. 11-13, 2011). |
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CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Top priorities for 2011 travel buyers
Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s third annual client survey revealed that improving traveler compliance, optimizing hotel spend and addressing safety and security needs are among the top priorities for travel buyers in 2011. The report, Travel Management Priorities 2011: Insights into the Rebound, also notes that with the projected cost increase of air fares, hotel rates and rail travel, together with the surge in meetings and events decreasing the likelihood of supplier concessions, organizations should have strategic meetings management programs in place. Read the full report at carlsonwagonlit.com. |
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CORPORATE GIFTS + REWARDS
Employee satisfaction best bet for success
When customer service is central to your business plan, keeping employees motivated is key. So when Caesars Entertainment Company saw their cash-based reward system was viewed more as remuneration than reward, affecting employee performance and, in turn, customer service, they teamed with Maritz for an overhaul. Calling on the findings of a 2010 Maritz study where performance incentive was greater with more experiential rewards, Caesars adopted a non-cash reward system where employees earn credits for improved customer service—based on surveys, safety and feedback—to be redeemed for personal items, like trips and iPhones. With customer service rankings up four percent in the first year, the program successfully realizes Caesars’ corporate goals by connecting work accomplishments with employee wishes. |
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| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
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Bring your big ideas to the table
If your specialty is large-scale event planning, then set your sights on William Osler Health System in Brampton, Ont. The position of Corporate Event and Organizational Design Planner will have you conceptualizing, planning and executing events for over 2000 attendees. For more details and to apply online, check out the posting on their website.
Go west and coordinate!
This Meetings Manager/Event Coordinator position in Calgary, Alta., is for the seasoned planner. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production, needs a pro to oversee the planning and operations of all SPE technical conferences and exhibitions. Click here to apply for this position. |
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