 |
Meetings & Events
Corporate Travel Management
Incentives & Rewards |
|
|
The annual wave of seasonal trade shows and exhibitions will soon be upon us. For many event planners, some form of exhibition or trade show is part of the marketing mix for many industries. Read on for some insight on future trends impacting the exhibition industry. |
 |
|
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events board of directors created this task force to identify future trends it felt will impact the industry. For the full report, click here, but here's a hit list of the top five trends.
|
|
Big Data:
This concept refers to collecting every bit of information about your customers, the community and your event. Once collected this data can be "mined" with advanced analytical tools to understand issues and trends that may not have been visible with more traditional methods. |
|
 |
Social Media Marketing:
Each of the social media platforms, such as Google, Facebook and Pinterest, have targeted communication and their own communities. Future exhibition organizers will need to be highly skilled at social media marketing to build appropriate followings for their events. |
|
 |
Year-round Communities:
The growth of social media enables trade shows and events to participate in these "communities" on a year-round basis as opposed to the annual time slot when the event occurs. Show organizers need to understand social media marketing and develop strategies to engage its specific target community. |
|
 |
Experiential Trade Shows:
In the future, show design and format will be driven by assessments of engagement and on-site experiences on the show floor. Creating outstanding "experiences" will be a growing show management consideration going forward. |
|
 |
Internet Connectivity:
The increased use of mobile apps and wireless programming means show managers need low-cost/no-cost access to robust high-speed Internet services. Venues will need significant bandwidth access, and clear and consistent pricing with reliable service. Clearly written contracts will need to cover all aspects of service delivery. |
|
|
|
|
Editor's Choice
|
 |
|
Liberty Print Eye Masks |
|
|
|
 |
Save the date
eventConnect
When: February 19, 2014
Where: Victor Restaurant + Bar, Hotel Le Germain, 30 Mercer Street, Toronto
Why go: This networking event for GTA event professionals features entertainment, education and great appetizers.
What's in it for you: The event will feature an interactive panel discussion of this year's theme "Take Your Events to the Next Tech Level" with leading experts in new technologies including Cher Jones, corporate social media trainer at Socially Active, and Ahmad Iqbal, co-founder of Atendy.
More industry events at Ignitemag.ca
|
|
|
Good to know
|
|
MEETINGS + EVENTS
Turbulence with CMM program
The rollout of the new CMM program launched by MPI and GBTA in December of 2013 has hit a snag with current CMM (Certificate in Meeting Management) holders frustrated and angry that they weren't consulted about changes to the CMM designation. MPI headquarters has issued a video from president and CEO Paul Van Deventer to address their concerns. The updated CMM designation program is posted on the MPI website and the organization has pledged ongoing consultation with CMM designees to collect feedback. Initial concerns about the new program are the reduced experiential requirement (from 10 years to five), reduced class time and news that the program would welcome travel agents.
|
|
CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT
Game On
Keeping travellers loyal to corporate travel policy may be easier to do if aspects of gaming are brought into the mix. Encouraging road warriors to make the best possible decision for the company when presented with multiple compliant options is categorized as super compliant behaviour, and should be rewarded with highly tangible rewards. Carlson Wagonlit Solutions Group believes that identifying particular behaviours that will drive the greatest benefits to a corporate travel program should be the focus of the first gamification tactics to drive super compliant behaviours.
|
|
INCENTIVES + REWARDS
Meridican, a Markham, ON.-based company that plans meetings, incentive travel and special events, has recently launched their new website focusing on the personable, relationship-building approach to the events and incentives industry. From snapshots and insider info on the principals and team staff, to case studies and a blog, the website raises the bar on electronic interaction. The website was designed, developed and written by pixels & prose.
|
| Share your event news, case studies or story ideas with us here at ignitemag.ca. |
|
|
 |
|
Job code: Opportunities in the world of work |
Legal Ties
National law firm Miller Thomson is looking for a creative, proactive event planner to assist with a wide range of client seminars and internal events in its Toronto office. With your related degree and at least three to five years of corporate event planning experience, you will develop program goals, budgets and manage assigned events. You will report to the event manager. |
In the Money
Scotiabank requires a seasoned, management-level event planner to handle the details and execution of at least 45-plus events per year for the bank's mortgage delivery partners. Events include incentives, internal conferences, meetings, training seminars and client entertainment initiatives. This Toronto-based position requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, fluency in French is considered an asset. |
A Cultural Gem
If you've got great ideas and a can-do attitude, the German Cultural Centre in Saskatoon has an opening for an events manager. Acting as a liaison between clients and the GCC, you will plan and coordinate a variety of functions from meetings to cultural events and weddings. A minimum of two years' experience in event planning, excellent customer service and social media savvy are required skills. |
Calling all Students
Volunteers are needed for the Ignite Business Event (iBE) Expo, April 8-9—a fabulous opportunity for students wishing to gain valuable industry experience. Students will be asked to volunteer for the two days of the business event, be willing to commit to a training session and sign up for a work schedule. If you're interested, please contact Alice Parnis. |
|
| |
|
|
|