tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29388882319662160872024-03-13T11:05:48.092-05:00International Association of Conference CentresThe International Association of Conference Centres is the global home for IACC approved conference centres. Corporate meeting planners, event organizers, and businesses select IACC meeting venues for corporate training sessions, sales meetings, board retreats, and customer special events. Discover why IACC Conference Centers do meetings better and find the right conference centre for your next event.Jerry Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322991624729452691noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-1220690709572523782015-06-08T13:34:00.002-05:002015-06-08T13:34:53.836-05:00Useful tips for meeting planners contribute towards healthier conferences <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">1. Look out, here comes Gen Y, The Millennials!</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> More fluent in technology, this new generation is addicted to social media, is even more environmentally conscious than their predecessors--the Gen Xers, and has high expectations of connectivity, interactivity, and the ability to influence and engage in dialogue. They know how to seek out free Wi-Fi, and as they enter the workplace and start attending meetings, they expect Wi-Fi to always be free and fast!<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">2. Think <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Socialising</em> rather than <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Networking</em></span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Socialising at work used to be frowned upon, taking on somewhat negative connotations. But increasingly, socialising is seen as relationship-building, and for meetings, conference venues encourage relaxed socialising by providing multi-use spaces for conferees to gather together. It turns out that conferees actually do talk business in these welcoming environments!<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">3. Switch up the Mood!</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Meeting rooms have seen radical makeovers in terms of design, color and creative seating options of late. New developments in technology have allowed venues and organizers to instantly change the look and feel of a meeting room with user controllable LED mood lighting, high-tech furniture groupings and more.<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">4. Geofence Your Conference</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Important advances in GPS-based app technology enable planners and venues to now </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">personalis</span><span style="font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">e a delegates’s welcome and offer other location-based alert notifications upon arrival. For example, a badge is printed when the conferee enters the geofence (think venue), with notification sent via the app to the badge printing location. Providing useful location information and navigation assistance, the geofence can notify attendees where they are on a map and give guidance on where they wish to go.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">5. Conference </span></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Networking and Information Exchange</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Developments in app-based two-way communication means that with user permission, one’s smart phone can easily transmit contact information, social media profiles, specific meeting room access information, meal tracking, food preferences, and much more. Communication between attendees can be enhanced with notifications, pictures and other information about who is nearby. Consider the value of automated demonstrations (videos, etc.) for exhibitor products that meeting groups can offer their sponsors as a marketing enhancement. Instant and targeted </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">contact is king today; new technologies and applications that help foster participant engagement and social interaction will grow in popularity and usage. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">6. The Sky’s the Limit...For Now!</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> We have seen a dramatic rise in the use of drones in extreme sports -- and now conference organisers are using this affordable technology to capture creative event photos and map out the venue for GPS integrated conferences. What will “<span class="aQJ" data-term="goog_1703921830" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;" tabindex="0">tomorrow’s</span>” technology bring to outpace the functionality of drones!<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">7. The Days of the Cable are Numbered </span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Just when venues think their under-counter box of chargers is current and complete, technology moves on and we get closer to a single standard for wireless charging technology, after years of competing standards. Currently pushing for a single standard, QI Consortium boasts wireless charging points in 3,000 hotels. With large scale furniture makers such as IKEA installing standardized wireless charging into tables and desks they sell, the writing is on the wall for meeting venues to incorporate wireless charging points into bar tops, meeting room tables and guestrooms. They better do so this year, as 2015 is sizing up to be the year the hospitality industry finally took standardising wireless charging technology and its availability seriously!<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">8. Meet your Virtual Colleague</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> There are times when its just not possible to get <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">everybody</em> in the same place at the same time. Conference venues understand this and are making the virtual attendee experience much better. How? Venues are developing meeting rooms with multiple ceiling-mounted microphones, high-bandwidth connectivity and advanced software solutions to provide seamless integration into the meeting for virtual attendees, faculty and guest speakers. Additionally, there is an increase in clients wanting to capture video to send to another physical location, where a second group of participants is gathered.<span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">9. Conference Venues Welcome Streetview Technology</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> The trend toward part-time meeting planners who are NOT full-time professional planners but may be an executive assistant, marketing coordinator, human resource professional or department head, is on the increase. Today's meeting planner, therefore, expects and requires more from their venue partners, in terms of evaluating venues’ capabilities to support their meeting or event. When a planner cannot conduct an in-person venue inspection, technology is fast evolving using the Google Street View concept to provide valuable virtual venue tours, multiple room images showing different meeting layouts and even property video footage. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">10. Buying Your Meeting Online</span></strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> More and more clients are using the web as their primary tool for making purchasing decisions. One IACC venue recently reported 70% of all new business comes via online search activities and they expect that number to grow. The venues that will be the most successful in capturing this business will have websites that serve not only as marketing brochures but as the primary tool for their clients to plan, book, purchase, and engage with them for their next meeting.</span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-27539652199372594592015-05-19T10:07:00.004-05:002015-05-19T10:07:49.606-05:00IACC Events Helps Inspire etc Venues Latest Innovations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 2014 IACC-Europe conference provided one <a href="http://www.iacconline.org/" target="_blank">IACC</a> member with creativity in Sweden, which shaped their latest venue opening in London. It's a perfect example of why you invest in membership of associations, to learn, share ideas and improve as a community! For this one member, opening their 15th venue in London, you might think they have learned all they can learn, but this is not the case!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JHJjtig8X8/VVtQpTZ3afI/AAAAAAAAAWM/29OoThRHCQI/s1600/marblearch4%2Breception.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JHJjtig8X8/VVtQpTZ3afI/AAAAAAAAAWM/29OoThRHCQI/s200/marblearch4%2Breception.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2015 has been a busy year for etc.venues with the opening of its latest venue at Marble Arch. IACC caught up with Alastair Stewart, etc venues CEO about how IACC had played a big part in the inspiration for the new venue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tx5G4lOjVpM/VVtQq6SgY0I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0LsWGVx6SV0/s1600/marblearch1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tx5G4lOjVpM/VVtQq6SgY0I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0LsWGVx6SV0/s200/marblearch1.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We know that a new generation of delegates are coming through with very different design tastes to their parents, these are delegates for whom fast wifi is more important than 8-hour chairs and they are I think more receptive to a brand and design led venue design. There is an area in London called Shoreditch which is home to creative and tech industry hubs and you only have to visit their offices to see just how different the working environments are. They have open plan co-working spaces, hard surface floor, lots of glass, contemporary art and communal socialising spaces. The challenge for conference venues is no different to offices with venues and offices designed over ten years ago now looking out-dated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Getting out and about is key to the way we innovate, IACC has some of the world’s best venues in membership and the study tours and conferences have always been one of the best ways to see what others are doing. In 2014 we went to the IACC-Europe Conference in Sweden which had a big theme around design. They venue had recently been completely rebuilt, following a terrible fire and we were blown away with the work Lotta and Bjorn had done at </span><span lang="SV" style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.iacconline.org/v/sigtunahojden-hotel-amp-conference" target="_blank">Sigtunahöjden</a>. In the </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">new building they had incorporated many of the design concepts we we thinking about. The way they had remodelled the space to be so open plan and yet intimate, meeting rooms that you actually wanted to be in and the way they changed the guest-staff dynamic through co-working spaces – it was all superbly done (and that from a team that is hard to impress!)".</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbyRHhFB3aE/VVtQsPlXHXI/AAAAAAAAAWg/x47CyH57GwY/s1600/marblearch3%2Bmeeting.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbyRHhFB3aE/VVtQsPlXHXI/AAAAAAAAAWg/x47CyH57GwY/s200/marblearch3%2Bmeeting.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="SV" style="font-size: 11pt;">IACC member Stewart further commented "We’re looking forward to this year conference in Milan, Chateauform' are one of the most exciting venue operators in Europe and there will be lots to learn from undertanding their philosophy and the attention to detail on design. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s always a great opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues from across Europe and this year’s agenda looks to be a weekend from which we can take something back to our venues whether on service or design".</span></span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-70055870227901039502015-05-14T15:15:00.006-05:002015-05-14T15:15:58.633-05:00IACC Reveals Top 10 Conference Food Trends for 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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contribute towards healthier conferences<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Following extensive research among the 400 members of the </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www.iacconline.org/" target="_blank">InternationalAssociation of Conference Centres</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">, the organisation released its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Top 10 Conference Foods Trends</i> for 2015, which are influencing
meeting planners across the globe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1.
Local is <u>Everything</u></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> The importance
of adding a local feel to meetings has been identified as a major trend by IACC
members. Attendees want to experience as
much as they can about the destination they are going to for their meeting or
event--and this includes locally-sourced ingredients for food & beverage
consumed during their conference.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2.
Network Your Heart Out</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small
plates of food items, continuously served in a reception format, add a welcome
diversion to an extended meeting event and help maintain energy levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hosting networking-friendly dining receptions
midway through an event is particularly effective as this provides a great way
for guests to pause and meet up in a causal environment, initiate or build
relationships, while recharging with exceptional food and beverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.
Small is the New Big!</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bite-size
desserts have overtaken larger portions in popularity—if for no other reason
than conferees are watching their waistlines and cholesterol levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conference guests have turned their backs on generous
sugary sweets, heading instead for easy-to-handle, bite-size desserts that
satisfy without packing on the pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm
miniature house-made donuts, chocolate truffles, French macaroons, mini
cupcakes and house-made cookies are top of the list for planners—taste and
pleasure without the calories! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4.
In with Flavor, Out with Fats!</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healthy
choices don't need to resemble rabbit food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IACC member chefs are working with exciting new <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">ingredients increasingly popular with conferees--including</span><span style="color: red;"> </span>protein alternatives (quinoa, amaranth, tofu, beans),
whole grains, leafy green vegetables (especially kale and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spinach), low fat selections and low sugar substitutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>healthy cuisine that sustains conferees through the meeting experience,
appeals to the eye and satisfies the palate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">5.
Making and Breaking Bread Together</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
brings a team together more than food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having
the opportunity to cook alongside colleagues can create a whole new
appreciation for the hidden talents within an office environment or at a company
outing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Culinary teambuilding is red hot
today as it has all the ingredients to cook up a winning team while bringing
out the hidden chef in every conferee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">6. Contrasting
Environments<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Using outside spaces to create a change in scenery and provide a casual dining
experience can revitalise conference attendees, especially during multi-day
meetings and events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IACC members across
the globe are rediscovering these hidden exterior gems and using them for light
receptions, breakout sessions and informal gathering areas for conferees
throughout the meeting experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">7. Finale,
NOT a Gala</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone are the days when meetings ended with a
formal gala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, meeting planner
professionals want finales that create a dynamic and stimulating experience for
their conferees, which bring people together to celebrate and bond at the end
of their conference. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creativity, room or
venue selection, seating layout and dining style are as important to the
success of the finale as the menu and beverages served.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">8. That's
Theatre!</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little drama is a good thing for ratcheting
up the conference dining experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Adding a chef interactive station accompanied with a highly personable
chef can highlight the menu, underscore locally-sourced and freshly-prepared ingredients,
as well as invite guest interaction in the creation of unique takes on selections
such as a Panini, clubhouse or slider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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choices, such as gluten free options on the menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">9.
Go Micro for Max Effect</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">With the explosive popularity of microbreweries offering brews that
appeal to all tastes; often with a local appeal, conference planners are
increasingly looking to chefs and sommeliers to provide pre-dinner receptions and
speciality dining with microbrews on the menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Raise a glass to that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">10. Infused Tea Cocktails</span></b><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The English are known for their love of it,
and increasingly its health benefits are being embraced globally, but drinking
tea has never been more fun than with the current trend of tea-infused
cocktails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after raising a glass of
microbrew, ask your mixologist for a hibiscus tea martini! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">IACC is the only global professional
association, which represents small to medium sized venues focused on meetings,
training courses and conferences. All members conform to a comprehensive global
set of criteria and standards. The organisation serves its members by being the
global thought-leader in the meetings industry and currently has 355 members in
21 countries in the Americas, Europe and Australasia<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">. </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-62764442543246148692014-09-08T06:59:00.000-05:002014-09-09T08:54:05.770-05:00Selling as a Community = Increased Productivity <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By Cindy Novotny – <a href="http://www.masterconnection.com/" target="_blank">Master Connection Associates</a></div>
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Selling today has become even more complex than in the past. Disagree? Although the Internet has made life easier for some, it has confused the sellers that don’t understand speed and how to compete in today’s hyper fast world.</div>
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Master Connection Associates in partnership with IACC spend a great deal of time with meeting planners, corporate travel managers, leisure travel agents and special event planners and without a doubt there are a few essential elements needed to compete effectively.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqAN3rOqYWk/VA8FDAd_W9I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/iM-Ok9F6PFM/s1600/sales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xqAN3rOqYWk/VA8FDAd_W9I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/iM-Ok9F6PFM/s1600/sales.jpg" height="109" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is our list:</div>
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<li>Focus your entire
attention on the client – don’t create processes at the property that work for
YOU – create a seamless way for clients to do business with you easily</li>
<li>Don’t take things
too personally. Sure there is the one
client that doesn’t click with you, the one boss who rubs you the wrong
way. Learn to move on and not take
things so seriously. If you are
providing excellent service to your clients and bringing in revenue for you
property – sleep well!</li>
<li>Thank operations
daily. Yes, it is their job to provide
excellent service, but it is your job to keep them motivated to do it every day!</li>
<li>If you work at a
resort, conference center or hotel today that is the hottest commodity in town
– be humble, be happy and don’t forget that tomorrow what goes around comes
around. Those that treat clients well
during the good times and bad end up with a steady stream of new business. </li>
<li>Inspect what you
expect. We believe that you should
convey what you want 100% of the time.
This is no mystery. Make sure you
are clear with clients and operations so that the end result is a win.</li>
<li>You had us at
NO. Learn to love NO…. as you will
continue to hear it all your life. Learn
how to overcome objections with class, dignity and professionalism.</li>
<li>There is always
room to work with your clients and operations for a win-win. Always be ready to bend the rules and
negotiate to win the business.</li>
<li>Stop
multi-tasking – focus on one thing at a time and do it right the first time!</li>
<li>Be kind, fair and
professional – ALWAYS!</li>
<li>Never stop
selling!</li>
</ol>
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<b><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></b><b> Visit the <a href="http://iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=page-education" target="_blank">IACC Institute’s calendar</a> to know more about the IACC-Master Connection Associates training courses and other educational opportunities. </b></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-78480972660197885522014-08-18T04:30:00.001-05:002014-08-22T08:17:45.652-05:00Ten Insider Tips for Meeting Planners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By Derek Grimaldi and Al Morgan, Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre. <br />
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Chaos is a common scenario for a lot of Meeting Planners. It’s not the easiest job and sometimes you tend to lose perspective. That’s why we picked the brains of several members of the IACC community and came up with some effective insider tips. We only gathered from the best, so use our information wisely!</div>
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1) IS THE VENUE AS PASSIONATE ABOUT MEETINGS AS YOU ARE?<br />
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It is likely that you are a Meeting Planner because of your passion for organising events and bringing people together into an environment where they feel inspired and valued. You will be a 'detail' person and will know that meetings are an opportunity to help people and organisations perform at the top of their game! But can you say the same about the venue and the staff you are working with on your RFP? Don't be afraid to ask them what percentage of their overall business are meetings and conferences as it will tell you a lot about how they structure and skill their staff. If meetings are their staple and they value being certified by associations like <a href="http://www.iacconline.org/" target="_blank">International Association of Conference Centres</a>, it is a sure-fire indication that they take meetings seriously! The prominence of the Meeting Information pages on their website is another good way to figure this out!</div>
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2) CONSIDER THE PROFILE OF YOUR DELEGATES AND THEIR VENUE PREFERENCES<br />
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It’s difficult to always achieve this, but considering that your delegates might have a different view of what the ideal venue looks like can have a number of benefits. If you put a delegate in an uninspiring environment for days on end for a training workshop, expect uninspiring results in terms of their retained learning. Organisational culture, demographics and even the countries that delegates travel from to attend your meetings will all play a part in their venue preferences. Do you know your delegates this well? See some of the <a href="http://iacconline.org/press/index.cfm?fuseaction=ReleaseView&ID=584&utm_source=Copy+of+IACC+News+-+July+2013v2&utm_campaign=July+News+2013&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">recent research</a> proving how different generations value venues in another way and you will see that we do not all think the same!</div>
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3) EXPECT TO BE TREATED BY YOUR VENUE TEAM LIKE YOU TREAT YOUR DELEGATES</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwt5wUZGW8E/U_HRtxj-LKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/K2brSXpepyQ/s1600/4.250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwt5wUZGW8E/U_HRtxj-LKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/K2brSXpepyQ/s1600/4.250.jpg" /></a>It’s not too much to ask and don’t settle for anything less! You and your delegates should be treated in the way that you treat your delegates. After all, it’s the hospitality industry right? It doesn’t matter how big or small your meeting is. You should leave it feeling like your group was the only one at the venue that day, even if you were one out of ten! If you do not feel this way, just tell your Conference Planner. A good venue will want you to walk away feeling completely satisfied and pleased about choosing them.</div>
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4) DO YOU GET A BEAUTY PARADE OR A MEETING & SITE INSPECTION? <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hFGfsHJbAc/U_HJ_OInzRI/AAAAAAAAAPs/qFpovBSAQoE/s1600/meetingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hFGfsHJbAc/U_HJ_OInzRI/AAAAAAAAAPs/qFpovBSAQoE/s1600/meetingroom.jpg" /></a></div>
There is a lot that can be read into the first visit you make to a venue when considering it for your next meeting. Did you get a guided tour of the facilities with the obvious pointed out? Or did your Conference Planner see this as a business meeting to understand your requirements, before looking to match these with their venue services and facilities? In other words, did they see this as an opportunity to learn what is important for YOUR meeting, or did you get the same parade that every other Meeting Planner gets? Whether they are organising a training course, board meeting or conference?! Try calling the venue an hour before arrival and leave a message from a fictitious named person and then see how well the message is captured and relayed back to you upon arrival. Communication is an important tell-tale sign of an operationally efficient venue. Just consider the impact of your CEO not getting that all-important message when they attend your meeting!</div>
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5) CONNECTIVITY ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH NOW<br />
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These days we couldn’t imagine a venue without WiFi anymore and that's a good thing of course. But now we’re entering into the phase where fast stable broadband is an expectation and the average delegate needs to connect two devices at their meeting, if not three! </div>
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Ask the venue what the speed of the WiFi (bandwidth) is and check out what the minimum is that you need for your meeting by using an online bandwidth calculator. DO NOT settle for less because you don’t receive any complaints. That will not wash with your delegates when they fail to connect during their presentation and the essential informative YouTube video blocks halfway through...</div>
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6) BRING SOCIAL MEDIA OFF THE TABLET AND MAKE IT PART OF THE FURNITURE!<br />
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Social Media Displays are coming into their own right now. At your next conference, consider that there are many different attendee touch points that can both benefit the conference and attendees, beyond hoping that delegates are tuned into their Social Media App on their smartphone. Creating a “Social Media Hub” display, where all social media platforms come together in one place is exciting. It allows guests to engage with other attendees while sharing the happenings across the venue space! Cvent SocialWall and Eventstagram for live display feeds are worth a look!</div>
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7) NEGOTIATE THE RIGHT PACKAGE FOR YOU!<br />
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A good venue expects to mound its product around a Meeting Planners needs, it’s called being flexible! No two meetings are the same and a good conference centre operates to allow flexibility and creativity to provide the best meeting experiences! Your Conference Planner will want to know about any challenges that you may be having from a services or budget perspective. </div>
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8) SPEND YOUR ALLOCATED BUDGET ON ITEMS THAT WILL PROVIDE THE HIGHEST IMPACT TO EACH GUEST<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ9KQ1n8VBc/U_HSKSRaBjI/AAAAAAAAAQY/p1gvmnevpqE/s1600/8.250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ9KQ1n8VBc/U_HSKSRaBjI/AAAAAAAAAQY/p1gvmnevpqE/s1600/8.250.jpg" /></a>Often Corporate Meeting Planners are given a budget by their boss and are told to “Book this for me please!!” Conference Centre meeting planners are happy to help you find the best bang for your buck. For example we might suggest if you are down to your last $300 in your budget and you are planning a dinner for 30, perhaps adding a fourth course to your dinner would have more impact on everyone attending, than four $75.00 centrepieces. Conference Centres always have something simple that can be placed in the middle of your tables that will fit into the overall look. Ask us for help. As you already noticed, we love sharing our ideas and thoughts.</div>
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9) START YOUR MEETING EARLY, END EARLY<br />
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This is applicable especially if you have a number of guests that are local and are driving to your meeting. If you start at 7:30am instead of 8:30am, you allow your attendees the opportunity to beat heavier city rush hours. Likewise if you start early, finish at 3:30pm. You beat the afternoon rush hour and it will feel like you are giving your attendees an afternoon off if they usually work until 4:30pm. Also, you get the first opportunity to partake in shared coffee breaks and earlier starts might allow you to schedule an 11:30am or 11:45am lunch to beat the rush there as well.</div>
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10) ASK FOR A MEETING TO REVIEW THE FINAL INVOICE<br />
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All Conference Centres have their own format of providing you with your final invoice. Ask your Meeting Planner for a face-to-face meeting or a phone conversation to go through the final invoice line-by-line. Email is not as efficient a method to review this matter. Direct conversation is most helpful when dealing with tax structures, gratuities and attrition charges. If you encounter a property that gives you a feeling that they are trying to find a way out of this post event meeting, be wary. Ask them about this meeting when you initially book, just to see what kind of reaction you get. Every professional Conference Centre Planner should be thrilled to have a chance to review the invoice with you as soon as possible after the event is over. It will help with a quicker payment and will facilitate both parties. </div>
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That sums up our 10 best Insider tips and we are sure that they can be of value to your work. At IACC we find these kinds of guidelines important, as it makes working as a Meeting Planner easier and more professional. That’s exactly why we don’t mind sharing this essential information. So absorb it, make good use of it and achieve your full potential as a professional Meeting Planner!</div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-26910522265266207822014-07-02T05:00:00.000-05:002014-07-14T05:20:37.025-05:00No money? No problem! 20 Free Tools for the Creative Conference Centre Marketer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By IACC's Marketing Team <br />
<br />
As a conference centre or events marketer sometimes you get handed a project that demands everything while the budget is next to nothing, right? What are your options when you are required to be financially savvy and a creative genius at the same time? Fortunately, the wonderful world of the wide web offers some amazing online marketing tools that don’t cost a dime and are just as practical and professional as the real thing. We start with Google, because let’s face it, everything always starts with Google. <br />
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You’re probably already rolling your eyes to the back of your head, but don’t worry, we’re not here to talk about this wonderful search engine. You already know Google, but have you checked out <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts" target="_blank">Google Alerts</a> yet? This notification service browses the web for you to figure out how popular your brand name is and who actually sets the standard in your industry. Google also helps you keep track through <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.google.com/analytics/" target="_blank">Google Analytics</a></span> which generates detailed statistics about your website and email communications. Last but not least, <a href="http://www.google.com/trends/" target="_blank">Google Trends</a> will help you play Big Brother on your own. You can see what the world is searching for by typing in key words.<br />
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Before using these Google tools, some email communications to attract the attention of your target audience could be very useful. The light-hearted and humorous company <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://mailchimp.com/" target="_blank">MailChimp</a></span> will accompany you through this usually complicated process. The what-you-see-is-what-you-get style of this email marketing service helps you craft creative messages in no time at all. Afterwards you can send them to a database up to 2000 people. Another amusing primate is found in <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/" target="_blank">SurveyMonkey</a></span>. Marketers adore this tool, because of the easy method to draft a survey, after which it can easily be send to a targeted audience.<br />
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In the decade of data it’s also important to showcase your information in an easy going way. PowerPoint is a little out of date, but you can be a great presenter with <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a></span> now. These zooming presentations make your demonstration look trendy, memorable and fun. If you prefer getting in touch with your customers through a website or a blog, you should definitely check out <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.weebly.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Weebly</a></span>. You can even start an online store, if necessary. <br />
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Some of these are remarkable tools, which could make your life easier. But don’t forget; content is king. You can reach out big audiences, but if your grammar is rubbish, your message is rubbish. Who other than <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.hemingwayapp.com/" target="_blank">Hemingway</a></span> could help in your goal for clear, simple writing? No, not the renowned author, but the useful app that will mark unnecessary adverbs and complicated phrases.<br />
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The content of your client’s blog can also not be forgotten. In case you suffer from writer’s block, you can always go to <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.hubspot.com/blog-topic-generator" target="_blank">Blog Topic Generator</a></span>. Fill in some keywords and they will come up with a week's worth of relevant blog post. Last but not least, the visual aspects of your emails or other campaigns cannot be underestimated. Graphics are bliss in the marketing world and you don’t always need to pay an expensive graphic designer every time you want to publish a campaign. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a></span> is an amazing little programme which helps you craft designs and infographics in a very easy and fast way. <br />
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Let's not forget social media! You know Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and many more, making it sometimes a little bit too much to handle. An overview comes in handy, <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://followerwonk.com/" target="_blank">Followerwonk</a></span> and <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.tweriod.com/" target="_blank">Tweriod</a></span> assist you in getting a grasp on timing and show you when the ideal moment is to tweet. Conversation <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://cscore.recommend.ly/" target="_blank">Score</a></span> and <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/facebook/" target="_blank">Wolfram Alpha Facebook</a></span> report will recap all your Facebook activities and pours them in a pleasant summary. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://likealyzer.com/facebook/" target="_blank">LikeAlyzer</a></span> will review your company’s presence based on dialogue, action and information. Finally, find out how your company is doing on your LinkedIn Company page through <a href="http://simplymeasured.com/free-social-media-tools#report-166" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">S</span>implyMeasured LinkedIn Analysis</a> tool. In case you still find it too hard to control everything, you can always rely on websites such as <a href="http://www.quicksprout.com/" target="_blank">Quicksprout</a> and <a href="https://marketing.grader.com/" target="_blank">Marketing Grader</a>. These tools report a whole media summary on all your social media accounts. Another amazing programme is <a href="http://www.sharedcount.com/" target="_blank">ScharedCount</a> which tracks how your content spreads across the web. This way you can track your marketing efforts all through the internet.<br />
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It’s possible that you are overwhelmed by all of this information, so it’s better to organise everything in <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://trello.com/" target="_blank">Trello</a></span>. You create a board for your marketing campaign and pin your progress and to-do lists. This way you have an eye on the bigger picture and you remember all your ideas. Another way of being prepared is <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/" target="_blank">Dropbox</a></span>. Here you can collect all your files in a cloud so you and other people involved in a project can reach it whenever you or they want. <br />
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There are no longer reasons to hold your head down, as we gave you several ideas not to give up. The internet offers so many solutions to build a solid marketing campaign without costing money. So, start browsing the World Wide Web, try out all these free tools and impress your clients and colleagues with creative and innovative ideas!</div>
IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-75190665921198537602014-04-30T07:32:00.000-05:002014-07-02T05:02:01.152-05:00My experience at the 33rd IACC-Americas Annual Conference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the week of spring break, I had the opportunity to
travel to Los Angeles, California to receive the IACC-NYU Doris Sklar
Scholarship. The award was presented at the 33<sup>rd</sup> IACC-Americas
Annual Conference -Catch The Wave-, which was held at the Pacific Palms Resort.
It was an honour to represent NYU at the IACC Conference, and to network with
conference and meeting professionals in the industry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The week was filled with informative, engaging workshops
and entertaining keynote speakers. Sandra Dove-Lowther, the Tisch Center’s
Director of Academic Services, accompanied me to the conference and introduced
the scholarship to the attendees during the opening ceremony. The scholarship
allowed me to demonstrate my interest in the future of the meetings industry
and indicate how it may be effected by the desire of conference centres to
cater more towards guest needs. In 2013, I was a part of the Shark Tank team at
the 2013 North American Hotel Investment Conference (NATHIC) in Chicago. I used
our findings about the rising demands of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">millennial </i>generation<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>and
interpreted a selection of meetings and events trends to determine how this
information may also effect the conference and meetings event industry. I
personally focused on the technological changes and demands of the rising
generation, gearing towards a more flexible conference centre, different
channels, and shorter booking windows. Ultimately, when conference centres
further incorporate desired amenities and services, organizers will be able to
provide a more unique experience for their attendees, a goal that hotels,
restaurants and other service entities are trying to tap into.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the conference progressed, I had the opportunity to
sit down with IACC Global President, Peter Stewart and IACC President, T.J.
Fimmano. Mr. Stewart and Mr. Fimmano were both extremely helpful in offering
recommendations and advice for students and also very open to sharing their
unique stories about how they entered the industry. With my graduation date in
May fast approaching, it was a wonderful time to explore what aspect of the
hospitality industry that I am interested in. I also had the opportunity to sit
in on a few great workshops, including PKF Trends in 2014 led by CEO Mark
Woodworth, Global Culinary Trends and Beverage Pairing Strategies led by Brian
Freedman, and a HSIA (High Speed Internet Access) workshop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Copper Skillet</i> Chefs cooking competition
finals were also held at the resort, and featured five international chefs and
three judges from Le Cordon Bleu, the British Culinary Federation, as well as
the Pacific Palms’ very own executive chef. It was very exciting to see the
competition up close and to smell the mouthwatering scents of artistic dishes
being prepared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am incredibly honoured to be chosen as the 2014 NYU
Doris Sklar-IACC scholarship recipient and I look forward to entering the
industry in May of this year. You can always remember me by my last name – HSIA
(High Speed Internet Access). Thank you!</span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-37917869776509945912014-02-11T10:49:00.003-06:002014-02-11T10:50:45.488-06:00Attendees can now earn valuable CE Credits at the IACC-Americas Conference this March!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">The exciting speaker line-up for the <a href="http://ch1-marketing.mci-group.com/t/79107/36146572/17656/0/" style="color: #eda727; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>33<sup>rd</sup> IACC-Americas Annual Conference</b></a> brings together a multi-talented group of experts from around the globe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and discuss the latest Conference Center trends!</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Cindy Novotny</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Managing Partner, Master Connection Associates</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Opening Keynote: <em>Disrupt Your Status Quo!</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Avinash Chandarana</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Group Learning and Development Director, MCI Group</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Plenary: <em>Crossroads of Culture -How to Do Business and Work Together in a Global Marketplace</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Mark Woodworth</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />President, PKF Hospitality Research</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>PKF Trends</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Tom Cole</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />General Manager, The Ohio State University</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>University Fishbowl</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Midori Connolly</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Chief AVGirl, AVGirl Productions</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Hybrid Meetings - Strategy, Planning and Execution</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Joan Eisenstodt</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Hospitality and Meetings Industry Trainer, Facilitator and Consultant, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC.</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Shades of Grey: Critical Conversations about Industry Ethics<sup>™</sup></em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Michele Joseph</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Professional Facilitator, Consultant and Speaker, Master Connection Associates</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Setting the Bar Higher than Ever Before!</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">John Potterton</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Innovative Conference Centre Design</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><img border="0" src="http://www.associationhq.com/be-bruga/iacc/eBlasts/0131/12.png" id="_x0000_i1037" width="100" /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Chuck Salem</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />President, Unique Venues</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Leading the Service Philosophy</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 3.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Eric Bracht, CTS</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Sr. Consultant, CTS</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Hot Topics in Technology</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 3.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Travis Hodge</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Director of Business Development, SpeedRFP, Elite Meetings International, Inc.</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Speed RFP</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 3.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">John Rissi</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Senior Vice President Operations, PSAV</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>High Speed Internet Access (HSIA)</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="padding: 3.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Jeff Kear</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />Owner, Planningpod.com</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>Conference Planning -Organizational Tools for Meeting Planners</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 3.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Mary Anne P. Bobrow</span></strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />CAE, CMP, CMM, CHE, Bobrow Associates</span><span style="color: #1cafe7; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Workshop: <em>High Speed Internet Access (HSIA)</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">View the <b style="color: #eda727; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://ch1-marketing.mci-group.com/t/79107/36146572/17833/0/" style="color: #eda727; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">full conference program</a> </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
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</div>
IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-23955477013833666662014-02-06T09:56:00.002-06:002014-07-02T05:01:40.365-05:00Too many cook's spoil the broth....? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>........Not a chance! </b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-4sivhm7yM/UvOu4AM9edI/AAAAAAAAAJg/sVaI1vEkUrg/s1600/us+gen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-4sivhm7yM/UvOu4AM9edI/AAAAAAAAAJg/sVaI1vEkUrg/s1600/us+gen2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I have had the pleasure of attending two IACC Regional Copper Skillet competitions in as many weeks and I feel inspired to share my experiences with you.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0j4vmgoCpcE/UvOu28INiAI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Mpur003xeRc/s1600/Sweden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0j4vmgoCpcE/UvOu28INiAI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Mpur003xeRc/s1600/Sweden.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>The <b><i>IACC Copper Skillet</i></b> competition is in it's 11th year and in my mind it is getting better and better each and every year.<br />
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This annual competition is a shining example of the passion and determination of IACC members pushing the boundaries to be the absolute best in the World at what they do, with food being at the heart of it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQuP7PIQviA/UvOu85Ew8pI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/FVoFqnSYXcw/s1600/judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQuP7PIQviA/UvOu85Ew8pI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/FVoFqnSYXcw/s1600/judges.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>To put it into context, the 6 regional competitions which take place throughout the Americas, Europe and Australia Asia Pacific, determine who will go on to represent their conference center AND their Country in the Global Final.<br />
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But if you think that the chef's see this as just a qualifying round, you would be sadly mistaken, the Heat is definitely on and pride is at stake here!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnYTLez99Dc/UvOu7TrblQI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/OTo1f6gc6TQ/s1600/us+judges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnYTLez99Dc/UvOu7TrblQI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/OTo1f6gc6TQ/s1600/us+judges.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Up to 12 chefs compete to take the prestigious Gold Copper Skillet Award in their country's final, looking to earn the right to go on and compete head to head in the Global final, held this year in California. It's serious business for the chefs and also their band of followers from their conference centers, who come along to cheer (and sometimes sing!) them on to victory!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWGeVVrdVKE/UvOu7wW_tmI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ndYH18dK2UE/s1600/us+planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWGeVVrdVKE/UvOu7wW_tmI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ndYH18dK2UE/s1600/us+planner.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
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I have had the privilege to attend the US, Swedish and UK finals, as well as the Global Final and no two events are quite the same, I can tell you. Except perhaps for the importance each put on the event, which is blindingly obvious from everyone I have met. Some invite clients along to watch, some see it as a chance for members to network and many invite press to join IACC members in a display of culinary intensity and pressure, which even Gordon Ramsey would struggle to re-create! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Juq9VpsK2p8/UvOu39Ul6iI/AAAAAAAAAJU/XjdcgcJEglk/s1600/us+gen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Juq9VpsK2p8/UvOu39Ul6iI/AAAAAAAAAJU/XjdcgcJEglk/s1600/us+gen.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
When you attend a <i><b>IACC Copper Skillet</b></i> competition, you will see just as I have, that food is an incredibly important component to delivering an exceptional <i>IACC Meetings Experience </i>and according to many industry judges I met this year, IACC members can be proud to be creating World beating dishes! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPI0iomJz2E/UvOu29V_IgI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3tipOVkVcP8/s1600/US+2013+Winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPI0iomJz2E/UvOu29V_IgI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3tipOVkVcP8/s1600/US+2013+Winner.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
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Bring on the final in California this March!<br />
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-58726225883149553542013-11-13T03:37:00.003-06:002013-11-13T03:37:46.739-06:00It’s all about the Education! IACC at IMEX Americas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With
IMEX 2013 as its backdrop in Las Vegas last month, IACC CEO Mark Cooper
announced the association’s ambitious goals for the upcoming year. IACC
dramatically increased it participation at IMEX 2013 where Mark Cooper was a
presenter with DCI, Development Counsellors International IACC used educational
sessions at the trade show to deliver the results of their joint survey<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span><b><i>“Exploring the Generational
Preferences of Meeting Planners”</i></b>. <span style="color: #e22922;"> </span> IACC
was also recognized as a parter to IMEX’s popular Association Planner Forum
which takes place on the Monday before the main trade show and is attended by
hundred’s of Meeting Planners representing some of Americas largest trade
associations and societies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhoJ2MYhDHg/UoNIOXqyHOI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Zs1xN4ifXBw/s1600/IMG_7571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zhoJ2MYhDHg/UoNIOXqyHOI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Zs1xN4ifXBw/s320/IMG_7571.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At
a media luncheon hosted by IACC, Mark Cooper announced additional IACC goals
for 2014 that include the development of the IACC Institute,<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span>a certification program for conference
centre operators in 2014. “Cooper noted, “IACC has long sought to
increase its presence and influence in the certification of professionals in
our industry.” The benefits of a certification program for IACC members
focusing on the excellence and best practices adopted by Conference Centres and
the IACC Institute aims to “deliver learning and training opportunities which
will form the backbone of professional and personal development of our
members.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">IACC
saw a record number of pre-booked Meeting Planner appointments at IMEX this
year and greatly appreciated the support of 6 IACC members who supported the
IACC stand over the three day period. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In
the coming year, IACC will also step up its presence and participation in
industry trade shows in 2014 to include AIBTM Chicago, CIBTM
Beijing, IMEX Frankfurt, AIBTM Orlando, IMEX Las Vegas, and EIBTM
Barcelona. Educating Meeting Planners will be the key focus at IACC's Camp-Fire
sessions at MPI's conference in February. This is consistent with the association’s
goals to increase and strengthen awareness and to grow membership in the
association. IACC has successfully increased global membership in 2013,
achieving its highest number of new members in the Americas in the last five
years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-19076363514628171452013-11-13T03:24:00.003-06:002013-11-13T03:24:48.313-06:00IACCs September Roadshow in Australia Asia Pacific Takes in 5 Countries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">IACC’s
CEO, Mark Cooper, embarked on a comprehensive tour of Asia and Australia
Pacific this September, taking in 5 Countries and 6 major cities in the space
of just over 2 weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1AA91vpVg0/UoNEMoUoHrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/iti453MO1XM/s1600/IMG_6989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1AA91vpVg0/UoNEMoUoHrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/iti453MO1XM/s200/IMG_6989.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
tour began in Beijing, China, where Mark used the annual CIBTM Trade Show as
the backdrop to understand more about the potential for IACC to participate in
China in future and the best approach to participating in this major economy
which has recently opened its doors to global meetings trade. The importance of
this market was evident from the involvement of other global industry players
such as MPI and IEEE, with both associations CEO’s leading educational sessions
aimed at Chinese Meeting Professionals. Furthermore, the US Department of
Commerce has officially certified CIBTM, the only tradeshow they have certified
outside of the US and the number of US exhibitors in attendance highlighted
further the importance put upon being part of China’s developing meetings
industry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x37LrYS5qpM/UoNESybHBmI/AAAAAAAAAGc/0y-L4e0o6E8/s1600/IMG_7140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x37LrYS5qpM/UoNESybHBmI/AAAAAAAAAGc/0y-L4e0o6E8/s200/IMG_7140.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In
a visit to Tokyo, the opportunity for growth of the IACC Meetings Concept was
also highlighted, with training and meetings being an important part of Japanese
corporate culture. Hosted by Benchmark Japan and Joined by IACC’s Global
President Peter Stewart, IACC’s two current member properties and other
potential member conference centres were visited and leaders met and introduced
to IACC. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6hH2alKujQ/UoNERqUF5jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/fhU1561iPu8/s1600/DSC02959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6hH2alKujQ/UoNERqUF5jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/fhU1561iPu8/s200/DSC02959.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
next leg of the trip included a visit to the Philippines capital Manila, to
inspect IACC’s first member property, First Pacific Leadership Academy and to
meet with their leadership team. Peter and Mark were impressed with the global
benchmarking that FPLA undertake, including recent trips to GE’s Crotonville
and to the IACC-Americas Conference earlier in the year to seek out new
innovative ideas to set the academy further apart from its national completion.
IACC’s visit to FPLA was later featured in the national press, which it is
hoped will raise the profile of IACC in the region. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckwcvi9tG-c/UoNERn5h-_I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/pqS-t8H-B-4/s1600/DSC03050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckwcvi9tG-c/UoNERn5h-_I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/pqS-t8H-B-4/s200/DSC03050.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
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Mark
Cooper then travelled on to Singapore where he conducted an in-depth induction
of the new staff and officially opened IACC’s office, which will support the
activity in the Australia Asia Pacific Chapter. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
next stop was Sydney Australia, where Mark Cooper and Peter Stewart conducted a
roadshow of potential members in the Hunter Valley region, a popular conference
destination and where there is a collection of venues focused on meetings. The
visit included a meeting with the leadership at Chateaux Elan, who have since
become the latest new member of IACC in the Chapter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44llgSxD9jo/UoNETYmZoTI/AAAAAAAAAGw/t5itEUDE73g/s1600/IMG_7410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44llgSxD9jo/UoNETYmZoTI/AAAAAAAAAGw/t5itEUDE73g/s200/IMG_7410.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
final stop was Melbourne, where Chapter board members had staged a current and
new potential members meeting at Bellinzona Grange Conference Centre as well as
a new member luncheon in Central Melbourne where Mark Cooper and board members
spoke of the benefits of IACC membership and future aspirations for the region.
Discussions with new prospect members are ongoing and it is expected that new
members will join in the coming months following this visit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mark
Cooper commented on the trip “The trip to Asia and Australia was extremely
beneficial and allowed me to understand these very different markets much
better and to start to build a presence and relations further. Doing business
in Asia requires an understanding of the region and it is important that we
have opened an IACC office in the region to support our future projects and
activities”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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IACC Meetings - Mark Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255133850658517373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-73100435134352068622013-07-30T11:39:00.001-05:002013-07-30T11:39:20.381-05:00TRENDS IN THE CONFERENCE CENTER INDUSTRY 2013<p>IACC has released the 2013 Edition of "Trends in the Conference Center Industry" and they are now on sale on the IACC Website at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001h04beXGmAdY51zOtfZ8l_Q2umeGOR1YZeui48qPfSl_O8YGmwjFZk--H5p6w5IU4LnYHX0k3c_vtWxGGJGZ6O2YEsZhz2WCNhYo1kY0hrONyzL2UHOsCsWK25c1m9FcGmGayPK9UidszOg-xwM8on6xtrnYoT4P2dCijbX1nwyHdotUqp5t5dkDoX6LooehjpSuwXs2HpjJ5rAXkt9JhU09sT9uDkdkWZDEIx6hSItThHA3PL2v9YD898PBOZxYqfbSdIE7dGtP07YwkFHjZuSiPBHlmvZwlFMePjOz07TCQYyZ7zglLwPl8fXtjdPRPWyqt0QbxpE4=" target="_blank">Benchmarking Surveys</a>.</p>
<p>This year's trends report gives clear signs that IACC Conference Centers are experiencing recover and outperforming the broader hotel sector in relation to occupancies and profitability.</p>
<p>Demand for Conference Centers grew and so did average rates, with Executive style Conference Centers performing better than average with an ADR increase of 5% over the previous year. This led to a higher than average rise in rates compared with the hotel industry average in 2012, indicating conference centers are in vogue and the choice of Meeting Planners.</p>
<p>The report, compiled by PKF Hospitality Research on behalf of IACC, showed that Executive Conference Centers enjoyed the greatest gain in occupancy during 2012, growing on average 7.3%. Dave Arnold, CEO of East PKF Consulting commented "Our results this year indicate that a long awaited recovery is taking place for those centers positioned to do so. Corporate meetings have proven to be the last segment of the market to claw back to some semblance of former glory".</p>
<p>There is a saying that 'Turnover is Vanity and Profit is Sanity'. In 2012, IACC Resort Centers achieved the highest profits on a dollars per-available-room basis. On average, Operating Profits increased 14.5% during 2012 and in 2012, Residential Centers enjoyed greater gains in Net Operating Income (NOI) compared to comparable transient hotels.</p>
<p>In 2012, Executive Centers achieved the greatest increase in profit margin, increasing by 27.4%.</p>
<p>Mark Cooper, IACC's CEO commented "With improving margins and greater stability on the marketplace, we expect to see our members investing further in their conference environment for their clients. It will be our aim to provide our members with knowledge, trends and research to help them make the very best choices as they further development their services and facilities".</p>
<p>The PKF Trends report is a valuable resource for any conference center operator and the report also provides valuable insights into financial statistics for salary levels, operating expenses, package breakdowns and revenues. A must for good revenue and cost management. With increasing numbers of non-residential conference centers taking part in the IACC Trends in the Conference Center Industry survey, it contains valuable data for this growing conference center type.</p>
<p><img src="http://iacconline.org/content/files/IACC-PKF%202013%20Cover_med.jpg" alt="IACC PKF Trends Report 2013" width="250" height="324" />Pick up your copy of the 2013 Edition by visiting the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001h04beXGmAdaKgZYoKKKfKTq8jz6oBANrgdt2pwCKq7uegIcfmkn8s4U0GDi0FYkWT5Sx7WJLTRwk9bOFVzQg1mwLVkajRA2q0IRO53-ukDiKjNCGVmNHpPUKQ-TWIK92_r1pxNUVJdzoNdaFUSKi-cdKrYPBGHC76q9IXLARb2hFdyCz2Fy9BavYAt0z9flRjC1HngGPykRLqEG_wAd9e8lXLJQ0cjsif7AfFK9_9eD_5CnUxujou8M9H3fiwYpyTrJ92mMteIWgwA2kdemBK7gsUHqNqcv6L4o_mzae6Qh9nPR77l9Y1Q==" target="_blank">IACC Store</a>.</p>Jerry Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322991624729452691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-27949818875627670622013-03-19T14:10:00.000-05:002013-03-19T14:10:20.734-05:00How Will Generational Buying Preferences Transform the Meetings Marketplace?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The meetings (MICE) industry is in a state of flux with matures
(those aged 66 and older) retiring and millennials entering the workplace. It
is projected that employment in the North American meetings market will grow by
a massive 44 percent through 2020. This rapid growth will usher in a new era of
new expectations and demands for conference centers seeking to woo a meetings
planner’s business.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was with this in mind that the<a href="http://www.iacconline.org/"> International Association of Conference
Centers</a><span style="color: red;"> </span>(IACC) Emerging Trends Committee and
<a href="http://www.aboutdci.com/">Development Counsellors International</a><span style="color: red;"> </span>(DCI) partnered together to survey meeting planners
of various generations—from boomers to Xers to millennials. The findings of the
survey were announced at IACC-Americas 2013 Conference in March.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This survey explored whether there are generational preferences
among meeting planners and if these preferences shape how meeting space is
selected. For the purpose of this study, the generations were defined as mature
(age 66 and older), baby boomer (Age 47-65), Generation X (Age 33-46) and
Generation Y/millennial (Age 18-32). The largest cohort of respondents were
baby boomers followed by Generation X.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On average, the planners responding to the survey organize
meetings for 11 organizations annually. A majority of respondents, 76<span style="color: red;"> </span>percent, were familiar with IACC. When asked the
importance of holding events at an IACC facility, meeting planners responded
that it was somewhat important. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Choosing and
Declining Conference Facilities <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the survey results, the most important factor in
choosing a conference facility is ease of <b>connectivity
via WiFi</b> followed by the onsite presence of a staff planner and conference
room design. When asked to further elaborate, respondents noted that <b>adequate meeting rooms/flexibility of the
space </b>and<b> the appeal of destination were
highly important</b> in selecting the location of meetings they had recently
planned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The top reasons for declining a facility were cost and
excess charges followed by inadequate meeting space, location appeal and
appearance/condition of the property.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the most surprising fact, however, is that the <b>preference of attendees—those individuals
for whom the meeting planner is planning—actually didn’t rank as important</b>.
This is an interesting consideration for destination marketers who have long
been trained to think about their “end audience” when crafting their conference
center sales and marketing plan. It
turns out there are always exceptions to every rule.</div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Key Generational Preferences<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the generations have very similar preferences. There
are a few differences to keep in mind, however, when selling to meeting
planners of different generations.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Matures:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
When pitching a meeting planner of the mature generation, provide details on
business-friendly guest rooms, spaces that are conducive to learning and
collaboration as well as off-site activities that are within walking distance
of the venue.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Baby Boomers
and Generation X:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Promote your Wi-Fi capabilities. Like matures, these
generations are also interested in spaces that are conducive to learning and
collaboration. They are apt to decline a facility for inadequate meeting space
(size/quality/layout) as well as cost and/or excess charges.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Generation
Y:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> The top two reasons that this generation is likely to decline a facility
are the same as baby boomers: inadequate meeting space and cost/excess charges.
However, Generation Y cares deeply about the appeal of the destination, so it is
beneficial to share entertainment and evening activities that are available
off-site. In addition, this younger generation is interested in space that
provides the ability to recognize key performers, so if you have a stellar set
up for an awards banquet, make sure to highlight that in your discussions with
this generation.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
To download the full results of this survey, click <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/aboutdci/how-generational-buying-preferences-will-transform-the-meetings-marketplace">here</a><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>.</div>
Jerry Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322991624729452691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-52419447013550916622013-03-12T09:43:00.001-05:002013-03-12T09:44:24.450-05:00Getting the most out of Banquet and Catering<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>by Neil Pompan, CMP; President, PHG, Inc.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my_DEk4Ji80/UT8-sJfDleI/AAAAAAAAAEU/p4jHsLVZwJM/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my_DEk4Ji80/UT8-sJfDleI/AAAAAAAAAEU/p4jHsLVZwJM/s200/36.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smith Travel
Research is on the verge of releasing a new index that will measure Banquet and
Catering contribution to property performance.
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike guests rooms and average rate which are for the most part
objective; the factors involved in BnC success such as event room sizes and
configurations, menu complexity, upselling skills, and the like are subjective.
This will no doubt create a great deal of debate because of the inherent
conflicts of comparing ones performance against others.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I predict
that in time the debate “noise” will settle down and the industry will agree to
accept the inconsistencies in comparison in favor of the consistency of a
regular metric that will give operators the ability to compare period to period
within their respective markets. In
time, such an indexing report will be noticed by owners and developers and as
such, it will integrate into the analytical culture of how property success is
measured and understood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a
long overdue revolution. Food and
beverage, and specifically banquet and catering, has always been the
misunderstood stepchild of a properties operations and revenue streams. We all want more events, higher average
checks, better meeting room rentals. We
all have meetings on how to improve performance in this area and we comfort
ourselves with the action plans we create to make such improvements. But how
many of us understand and measure, for example, the difference between actual
banquet and catering average check versus retail opportunity average
check. The difference between the two is
money on the table. How many of us have a strategy in place to handle price
push back that does not compromise profitability? How many of us are manually
entering more than 10% of menus onto BEO’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following
is a list of questions a property should ask and answer if they want to feel
confident that they are maximizing the potential of their banquet and catering
profit contribution:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">What is your strategic pricing plan for your
banquet and catering menus compared to your competition in all meal periods?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ave you calculated your retail opportunity
average check and is so, how often does is vary from your actual
performance?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">hat is your acceptable variance factor between
retail opportunity average check and actual average check?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ow do you measure variances in average checks
by market segment to maximize revenues?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">hat is the menu audit process to evaluate the
efficiencies in your property's space management system? Has an audit
been completed within the past 12 months?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ow is the information from a space management
system audit used by your team to maximize banquet and catering revenue generation?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">W</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">hat percentage of menus is manually entered on
BEO’s? What practices do you employ to minimize manual entry?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">ow do you determine banquet and catering
minimums and adherence to the guidelines to ensure profitability is not
compromised?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the
hardest thing for and operator to do is take a step back and devote the time
needed to fully understanding a situation. With only so much time in a day,
operators need to ensure they are being as effective as possible in what they
are selling and servicing to maximize profitability, otherwise all the work
they are currently doing is being wasted. The questions above, and many more, once
understood and answered, will serve to help a property map out the strategies
and tactics needed to make the banquet and catering function operate at maximum
profitability and become better prepared for the analytical performance
measures that are on the horizon.</span></div>
Jerry Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322991624729452691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-71097178347349212032013-01-29T08:18:00.000-06:002013-01-29T08:18:07.959-06:00New technology trends that can boost your performance in controlling conference rooms<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With recent trends showing that 1 out of 3 meetings are
using technology the need for presentation technology support has grown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially on Monday mornings or in the
beginning of a program until the presenters become more familiar with the room
and the technology. Sometimes the needs are as simple as sound or lighting
adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other requests involve
connecting the presentation to the projection unit/s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult for the presentation
technicians to take care of multiple needs concurrently especially when there
is distance between the meeting rooms. Here are two solutions FLIK Hotels and
Conference Centers have recently implemented in some of our conference centers
to support these needs.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>A mobile application was recently installed that
allows our technicians to adjust sound, lighting from their smartphone for the
meeting rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows the
technician to manage the demand of his/her priorities and still assist some
presenters in their meeting room remotely from a different place. With the
requestor on the telephone the technician can toggle to a control screen from
his smartphone and adjust sound and lighting in the requestor’s meeting room
while discussing the adjustment with the requestor. His smartphone has become a
new mobile office for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the assisting
customers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The application as it appears on the smartphone
is below:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xd2_iYZSYM/UQfZOXwTZlI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Ey_O_zSsVrQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xd2_iYZSYM/UQfZOXwTZlI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Ey_O_zSsVrQ/s320/Untitled.png" width="216" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Wise projection systems – allow presenters to
connect their presentation to the projection through a wireless network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you do not need cables to connect to the
projector - you do not have to be concerned with notebook adaptors. Another
benefit is the cable may have a defect and compromise your presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any presenter who can power up and find their
presentation on the screen with speed and simplicity will be pleased and not
need to call for a technician’s assistance. This will add to productivity and a
much smoother Monday morning of launching 5 meetings at 8am!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Written by Joe Sebestyen. Sebestyen is a
Regional Director with FLIK Hotels and Conference Centers. He specializes in
sales and operations and assisting the Conference Center General Managers in
creating an environment for achievement. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-87649867856148267682013-01-07T09:00:00.000-06:002013-01-07T09:00:10.859-06:00Making the Most of LinkedIn with Tips from a LinkedIn Expert<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y11zqflFBg/UMa04wORf0I/AAAAAAAAAPA/e6wA_CcQf04/s1600/Lindsey-Pollak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1y11zqflFBg/UMa04wORf0I/AAAAAAAAAPA/e6wA_CcQf04/s320/Lindsey-Pollak.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">
Everyone is talking about LinkedIn these days, but how exactly do you use the world’s largest professional social network to support your professional goals and the goals of your property? <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank"><b>Lindsey Pollak, an official spokesperson for LinkedIn,</b> will share expert tips,</a> tactics and case studies at IACC's 2013 Annual Conference. Feel free to bring your laptop or iPad to implement Lindsey’s advice immediately.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">
<br />Lindsay Pollak will explore topics such as how to:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">
<li>Build an impressive and “discoverable” LinkedIn profile that achieves the results you desire</li>
<li>Grow and maximize your professional online network</li>
<li>Drive more traffic to your property’s LinkedIn Company page</li>
<li>Use proper LinkedIn etiquette and avoid online networking mistakes</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Receive expert answers to your LinkedIn questions</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>Lindsay is an exceptional speaker. This session will only be offered once during the annual conference so don't miss it. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register for the 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE TODAY as an individual or with a property! </a></b>Don't forget you can share this post on Facebook or Twitter #IACC13 to let your network know you're attending the 2013 IACC Conference.</span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-16041328938097771932013-01-03T10:02:00.000-06:002013-01-03T10:02:00.554-06:00Marketing Your Property through Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkCA35FqwnI/UMawSoE7RaI/AAAAAAAAAOk/TnRWGP2HP4c/s1600/1164918_36413221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkCA35FqwnI/UMawSoE7RaI/AAAAAAAAAOk/TnRWGP2HP4c/s320/1164918_36413221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Video, what was once considered a rather high-end medium to showcase your property, is now becoming an expected marketing tool. In fact, video has become one of the fastest growing segments of the internet. Search engines are even providing video clips in results. The good news is that barriers to developing quality videos are being broken down with advancing technology. This is a great time to take advantage of the opportunities video offers to engage people and highlight the many unique features of your property, building both your brand and your sales. This session will highlight the components of developing a successful video strategy for marketing a property and discuss the myriad of tactical considerations.<br /><br />I<a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">n this IACC conference session with </a></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">Dan Swartz,</a> SVP Interactive Marketing and Analytics, Upshot, participants will walk away with knowledge about:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How to develop a comprehensive video strategy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">H</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ow to effectively create and leverage property video assets for marketing purposes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Extending visibility of video assets in social networks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Creating and managing online video channels that encourage meaningful participation</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Hotel marketers, don't miss this conference session in Chicago. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register for the annual IACC conference</a> today! If you're already registered, tweet about the session you're most looking forward to in March. #IACC13</span>Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-39062988976066586732013-01-02T10:00:00.000-06:002013-01-02T10:00:04.629-06:00Networking: Post Season
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiWaXSwLjbc/UN4ALEhmC2I/AAAAAAAAAPc/R63GUBNJPbo/s1600/2902800782_34673d9bca_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiWaXSwLjbc/UN4ALEhmC2I/AAAAAAAAAPc/R63GUBNJPbo/s1600/2902800782_34673d9bca_z.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><em>David Haas is a long-time Marriott veteran and currently the Destination Sales Executive for Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. As the former Board Associate for IACC, David still plays an active role on the Emerging Trends Committee. Enjoy this article about networking, a pastime that David is very talented at...</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong>Congratulations! You made it!! -Fresh out of the holiday
season.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Do you feel well-rested? Are you ready for the New Year and
a new challenge? This year, have you asked yourself, “How do I get better at
networking?” </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Cambria;">According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all
jobs are found through networking. We are talking good, old-fashion
conversations with older and more experienced executives. These folks are able
to help you get noticed. The baby boomers are not the enemy, and most times
willing to help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As we roll on by the holiday season a majority of companies
host training courses, corporate kick-offs and strategy meetings. Our
conference centers host these events, and they are likely never second nature
to you. Now think about what happens when you are the guest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Here are (7) tips to work a room:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">If your boss is a company veteran, get them on a topic about an old holiday party. That <strong>“back in my day” nostalgia</strong> can pay off later. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Don’t leave early! If a training class ends 45 minutes early talk a few colleagues into a cocktail. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You were planning on being there anyway</i>; <strong>use the time</strong> to grow a connection, hopefully more than one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong>Avoid negativity</strong> at all costs. A bad comment about a colleague could offend someone in the group. You could lose allies without knowing it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Avoid pointing out the sleeping person if their boss is present. <strong>If the boss is not there,</strong> it is free game and highly amusing!</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Go to a business after-hours event at your Chamber or local business association. In an environment created for networking, <strong>watching veterans is the best training.</strong> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong>Keep an almost empty drink in your hand</strong> as long as you can. You leave an opening for a person to refill that glass. You also give yourself an out to do the same. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><strong>Be interested, not interesting.</strong></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Finally, it is most important to be a strong performer in
your current role. If you are not producing, networking is not the answer to
next job. This is all made possible by making your goals!</span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-4516345411494929512012-12-28T22:07:00.000-06:002012-12-28T22:07:00.298-06:00Assessing Conference Center Technology Infrastructure<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZuRjg8sRms/UMayWjY6usI/AAAAAAAAAO0/P0nOVJP4Ba4/s1600/1146283_66136726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZuRjg8sRms/UMayWjY6usI/AAAAAAAAAO0/P0nOVJP4Ba4/s320/1146283_66136726.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Technology is an ever-changing environment, and it is often difficult for facilities to determine how and where to spend effectively to keep up with those changes. The IACC has developed the Design for Great Technology, which provides an assessment tool for facilities to use to understand where in the technology spectrum they currently fall, and provides benchmarks for basic, medium and high levels of technology in specific areas. </span><a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">This course will introduce participants to the Design for Great Technology</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">, discuss the concepts addressed and provide a practical example of how the assessment tool may be used to determine opportunity areas and items of concern to be addressed during the planning of refurbishments and upgrades to the property.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />Make sure you register for this session with </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Eric Bracht, Sr. Consultant, Operations, Electro-Media Design Ltd. Participants will gain... </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Knowledge of the Design for Great Technology</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">U</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">nderstanding of how to use the assessment tool</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">E</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">xplanation of the concepts and terms used</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>Tweet about this session or other sessions you're interested in attending with the hashtag #IACC13. </b>R<a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">egister for IACC 2013 in Chicago today</a> to experience inspiring conference education this March. </span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-44534804479197267282012-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T09:00:01.642-06:00How to Play in the Sandbox Before Building Your Castle<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxay-xraL28/UMauv8IMGUI/AAAAAAAAAOc/z5enfPFrBYw/s1600/herman_miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxay-xraL28/UMauv8IMGUI/AAAAAAAAAOc/z5enfPFrBYw/s320/herman_miller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Leverage the Learning Studio Model to Inform Future Meeting Space Design</strong><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">When we were kids, the sandbox was a place for experimentation and where new ideas came to life. Spaces in meeting facilities should be no different. For more than five years, Herman Miller has partnered with learning institutions through its Learning Spaces Research Program (LSRP) to explore new approaches to learning space design. This will be an interactive session where you will gain new insights from our research while having the opportunity to play in our specially designed Learning Studio sandbox as well.<br /><br />Here's <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">what you'll learn from Derrell Jackson,</a> Strategic Education Consultant for Herman Miller Education:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Connections between academic and corporate learning/meeting spaces.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">H</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ow space can support different learning and instructing styles.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Experiment with new space designs</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><b>If you strive to provide planners with the best meeting experience with proven results, you won't want to miss this session with Herman Miller Education. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register today for the IACC Annual Conference</a> in March. Discounted rates will end 12/31/12. </b></span>Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-19663730866313281232012-12-18T11:03:00.001-06:002012-12-18T11:03:57.335-06:00The Future of Meetings: The Case for Face-to-Face<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and Maritz Institute</b></span><br /><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mary
Beth McEuen, vice president and executive director of the Maritz Institute,
explains her research on the continuing importance of face-to-face meetings as
an important companion to digital communications. She presented her research
findings during the recent Cornell Hospitality Research Summit 2012, and also explained
why face-to-face remains important in the digital age in a Cornell Hospitality
Industry Perspectives paper written with Christine Duffy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An excerpt:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>With the advent of virtual-meeting technology, the issue of how to format group meetings and events has become remarkably complex. Meetings can be completely virtual, completely face-to-face, or a hybrid of the two. Leading companies are using all three formats. The challenge for meeting planners is to decide which format is most effective for important business outcomes. Rather than rely on personal preferences or currently popular approaches, the decision regarding meeting type is a strategic one that should rest on specific, scientific criteria. This paper examines those science-based decision criteria to help executives determine when face-to-face is the most effective approach to large-group meetings or events. This decision is important because face-to-face meetings require the greatest investment of all meeting types, and thus carry the greatest expectations for a strong return on investment. Face-to-face is most likely to be the best approach in the following three business situations:</i></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To capture attention, particularly when you want to initiate something new or different;</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To inspire a positive emotional climate, as a way to catalyze collaboration, innovation, and performance; and</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>To build human networks and relationships, realizing that information can increasingly be shared virtually whereas the greater value is in people networks and relationships.</i></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The research presented in this paper provides a discerning approach to determining when an investment in large-group face-to-face meetings and events will have the greatest impact.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To download more, please go to "<a href="http://cl.publicaster.com/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=390%7c18631%7c05896%7c11683&digest=v%2bwDgvlwxFLxJwQFt%2bBWGQ&sysid=1" target="_blank">The Future of Meetings: The Case for Face-to-Face</a>,"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" /></span></div>
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Jerry Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322991624729452691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-39572213223124731332012-12-18T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-18T09:00:01.765-06:00From Products to Property: How Third-Party Certification Can Advance Sustainability<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66ZVM561WSI/UMatBwA7C1I/AAAAAAAAAOU/LqJ4l7aJPQM/s1600/104422_2466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66ZVM561WSI/UMatBwA7C1I/AAAAAAAAAOU/LqJ4l7aJPQM/s400/104422_2466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Government and corporate travelers continue their efforts to “green” their official travel, but individual consumers are also expressing more interest in staying in accommodations that reflect their personal environmental values. While certification to a comprehensive sustainability standard represents a significant property-wide achievement, not every property is ready to go “all in.” One of the more straightforward initiatives to put into place, and one that is a keystone of a property-wide sustainability program, is to start with purchasing. Purchasers currently use third-party certification for everything from electrical safety to water quality and the use of credible certifications can likewise simplify green procurement. Using effective products with reduced human and environmental hazards can reduce risk to guests and employees while improving efficiency and helping the property to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Many also represent cost-savings and may have other intangible benefits, such as improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">This session <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">"</a></span><a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank"><strong>From Products to Property: How Third-Party Certification Can Advance Sustainability" </strong>at IACC's annual conference</a> in March <span style="font-size: 10pt;">will explore the range of third-party certification options and sustainability considerations for commodity products such as sanitary paper, housekeeping cleaners, ware washing products, laundry care products, paints and food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register today to receive the discounted rate</a> for individuals or a group of 3 or more. IACC's annual conference has discounted rates until 12/31/12 so register before the new year!</span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-1985967856158436572012-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-13T09:00:01.903-06:00360 Degree Approach to Enhancing the IACC Meeting Experience<br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>The Complete Meeting <i>Experience</i> Package (CMEP)</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nl8p0rKw90/UMarHcZ9dTI/AAAAAAAAAOE/W7K6d56Lnf8/s1600/360_Exp_clockwise_x2_75w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nl8p0rKw90/UMarHcZ9dTI/AAAAAAAAAOE/W7K6d56Lnf8/s1600/360_Exp_clockwise_x2_75w.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">In these times of economic uncertainty, one thing does remain certain – those organizations providing the greatest value for their clients will succeed and those which are choosing to stay the course and conduct business as usual will struggle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">Join the facilitator John Potterton</a> as he leads us in an impactful, memorable learning experience designed to generate new ideas and creative solutions to your current business issues. Come prepared to do some walking, observing, writing, discussing and innovative thinking with your industry colleagues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">What attendees will gain through this session: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Identify the top three business challenges you are facing today</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Develop new strategies to move your organization forward</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Create a vision for what you expect your customers will say about your organization in the future</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Witness and experience the positive impact of learning in a non-traditional, innovative manner. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register for this session at the IACC 2013 Conference</a> today! Don't miss the discounted rate. </span></span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-8278247159093566442012-12-12T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-12T09:00:10.423-06:00Implementing Menu Change: How to Make Healthy Menus a Reality<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdH23a_GOw/UMapVSav49I/AAAAAAAAAN8/4-wUF46is5Q/s1600/1214135_82855809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdH23a_GOw/UMapVSav49I/AAAAAAAAAN8/4-wUF46is5Q/s320/1214135_82855809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Healthy, brain-friendly menus contribute to outstanding meeting experiences, but making all the changes can be complex: facility capabilities, budgets, food sourcing, attendee preferences and other challenges can make a simple change very difficult to accomplish. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/education/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=8970" target="_blank">Ms. Sullivan and Executive Chef Craig Mason</a> combine their expertise to give you a rare view from inside the brain to inside the kitchen. This participative session will explore many tips and strategies to give you what you need so you can offer your clients menus that delight and energize their attendees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>What you'll learn:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Identify foods that aid in energizing attendees for great engagement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">R</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ecognize the common barriers to menu change and gain a comprehensive view of the many factors involved.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">G</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">ain tools and strategies to move beyond these barriers to implement the changes required to offer delicious, healthy foods at your venue.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Don't miss this session. <a href="http://events.iacconline.org/2013annual/" target="_blank">Register for the IACC conference in Chicago, IL</a> today! Discounted registration ends December 31, 2012.</span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938888231966216087.post-36845204484034600052012-12-10T15:51:00.000-06:002012-12-10T15:51:32.713-06:00The Competitive Advantage<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Written by Sasha Sook, Sales and Marketing Manager at Summit Executive Centre and a member of the Emerging Trends Committee with IACC.</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve always believed no matter what you do you should be the
best at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Sales Manager at </span><a href="http://www.summitchicago.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summit Executive Centre</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I work with
meeting planners to ensure they have the proper learning environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday I see people from various industries
coming from all over the world to grow and prosper in their field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This inspires me to continue to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the advancement of technology and ideas
being shared at a rapid rate innovation comes into fruition on a daily
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>To stay current and relevant</strong> in
your position you must continue to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The way I learn best is to combine different methods of studying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read
online and print magazines, newspapers and blogs but not just ones that pertain
to your industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>One way to receive
articles you’re interested in learning about is to use Google Alerts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong>They’ll send you articles written regarding a
subject or word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many social
opportunities to network and gain valuable education through your local
associations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IACC, MPI, ASTD, Women in
Hospitality, PCMA, Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, and Concierge
Preferred are a few that</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am actively involved in.</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becoming
certified in your profession can gain you recognition, give you a competitive
advantage, peer acceptance, personal achievement and possibly a salary
increase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong> </strong></span><strong>There are professional certifications in every
industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been accepted to become a Certified
Meeting Professional (CMP) and I will be taking my test in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people have asked me about getting
certified, as well as tips on studying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think repetition is the best way to retain information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the CMP there are four recommended books,
I read them all and completed the chapter questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a proven fact that if you write
something down you’re more likely to retain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>PCMA and MPI periodically offer study groups that have great success,
but since they are not offering those this test period I emailed a few people
who have recently taken the test to get their insight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PCMA also offers an online study course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There
are many ways people are learning, for example, Webinars, Videoconferences,
Reading and the traditional face to face meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of Conference Centers are adopting
more unique methods with soft-set room setups or offering graphic facilitation
for their groups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find a
way of learning that best suits you whether it is social or personal and dive
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be surprised what you can
learn and how much you’ll enjoy it.</span></div>
Sarah Vininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01684267673818715285noreply@blogger.com0