Finding sponsors is not easy. It takes a lot more than a brochure and a good story. Setting the foundation for a relationship is the best ways to start and is key to creating a sustainable sponsorship process. Spend more time cultivating relationships now and you’ll spend less time chasing that next dollar down the[...]

There are a lot “F” words out there, many that I would definitely prefer to use over others. Today I share with you some of my most favorite “F” words! Financial: I love this word because it plays a huge role in what we do as meeting planners. Does the cost of a meeting make[...]

Probably. Sometimes we meeting planners fee-l it; paying fee after fee after fee. We find ourselves asking – Do I have to pay them? Is there room for negotiation? Why so many fees? Let’s explore the world of fees. Resort-ful: Even if you do not plan to use the pool or gym, these fees could[...]

Whenever and wherever we take our meetings to, we know that there will be fees and surcharges involved. Some such charges we have become accustomed to. While, some tend to make us scratch our head about, and others just make us a bit perturbed. 2016 is looking to be a banner year for rising hotel[...]

Budgets are a tricky deal. Little things add up, big things end up costing more than expected and then there are the surprises that catch us off guard. Before you head in to plan your future events’ budgets, take these few points to task! Review and Revise: You know the ole sacred cow issue, if[...]

“Wow!” This was my reaction when I opened up an email from Roger Helms, founder of HelmsBriscoe, stating that our total bookings in 2014 came to over one billion dollars. One billion dollars! No one has delivered a billion dollars in room revenue in one year ever before. I have been with this company for[...]

A few months ago I wrote about a plan for ensuring that the ever-important ROI happens for your event. If your events include sponsors and exhibitors, their ROI greatly affects your ROI! They look to you to create opportunities for them that will make it worth their while to be a part of your event.[...]

I came across this quite funny list from Buzzfeed the other day; 33 Things Every Conference Attendee Knows To Be True.  If you notice, actual attendees of the Northeast Festival & Conference compiled the list. While some of these items are beyond a meeting planner’s control, some could actual get a little bit closer to[...]

Have you heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none?” Well, when it comes to meeting planners, the saying should be “Jack (or Jill!) of all trades and master of all you survey!” Am I right or am I right? Yes, my dear meeting planners, you not only have to be super creative[...]