Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cool IACC Venue Tips: Special Banquet Set-Up

Written by Purvi Bhatt of the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center in Durham, NC.

Purvi Bhatt is a member of IACC's Emerging Trends Committee, made up of young industry professionals under the age of 30. Purvi helps in creating and producing the "Cool Conference Center Tips." Enjoy these cool conference center tips and be as creative as possible!

With so many groups looking to have team building/interactive activities and adding some fun to their conferences, offering an option like cooking classes is always a fun idea. Guests can work in groups to create their own dinner and focus on improving their company team building skills. This offers something outside of the usual buffet setup and gives the group the opportunity to have some fun with their food!

Bouncing off of the idea of doing something different from the ordinary buffet setup, conference centers can also offer planners the option of having a family-style dinner with lazy Susan at each table. Planners who want their attendees to bond over longer conversations and make a connection, family-style meals is the perfect idea.

Do you think you're the guru of cool conference center ideas? Share your expert tips with us.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Cool IACC Venue Tips: Themed Break Stations

Written by Purvi Bhatt of the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center in Durham, NC

This is the first post in the series of "Cool Conference Center Tips." The series of short tips which will feature unique ideas (free) for you to take and implement at your own property.


IACC's Emerging Trends Committee, made up of young industry professionals under the age of 30 will be creating and producing the "Cool Conference Center Tips." Worried about using the ideas of others? The most creative people get their ideas from others and build upon them. So go ahead - enjoy these cool conference center tips and be as creative as possible!

When working with a planner and setting up break stations, conference center F&B should try and make them fun, festive, and creative. Memorial Day is coming up, see if the planner is okay with having a festive break station to go with the holiday. Then work with your team to create customized break menu items.

For instance, during Mardi Gras at the R. David Thomas Executive Conference Center, we put out Mardi Gras/New Orleans themed items like king cake, mini po’ boys and much more. On the flip side, conference centers could go the extra mile to personalize their clients' experience. Imagine,... would any of your clients appreciate seeing something specific to their organization? A company focusing on sustainability would value a break station set-up with eco-friendly products, such as recycled bamboo and greenery. Another great idea is a conference center could offer fun drinks in test tubes for a company in the chemical industry.

Want to share other cool conference center tips? Write us a comment!