An Independent HelmsBriscoe Associate | 636-678-7661 | jstone@helmsbriscoe.com

Jill Stone

Your Meeting Matchmaker Fairy Godmother

Comfy Conference Shoes

Oh, those achy feet at the end of a conference day! Whether you are attending a conference or in charge of the conference, being on those feet for an extended amount of time is common. As a self-professed shoe expert, I have some ideas for you. Here are some basics to consider when deciding which[...]

The Panel Primer

panel

A panel discussion for your event is a great way to bring together a group of industry experts to share their knowledge and guidance, while also allowing your audience to participate with questions and comments. Panels are a relatively easy addition to your event, but they can do require a bit of planning. Here are[...]

Mother Meeting Planners

May is the month we celebrate mothers. Whether or not you are a mother, if you are a meeting planner, you definitely have a sense of what it’s like to be a mother. We are the caretakers of many when it comes to those that take part in our events. We plan for the future[...]

Luck O’ The Meeting Planner

meeting planner

Happy St. Patty’s Day Meeting Planner! And yes, after a harrying year, you are definitely in need of less Covid and more 4-leaf clover. Covid knocked us down a bit, but the events industry is filled with resilient and creative people. We stood up to the challenge, we hung in there and now we’re seeing[...]

How High is Your AQ

We have EQs and IQs, but these days, you need a high AQ – Adaptability Quotient. Once upon a time, people were invited to attend events all around the world. They would sign up for the event, pay a registration fee, fly to the event and check into their hotel. Events that delivered on promises;[...]

What Goes Bump in the Night

meetings bump in the night

It’s that scary time of year when our minds turn to witches, goblins, ghosts and ghouls . . . and things that go bump in the night. For the meeting planner, many things can go bump during many nights; these being the scary number of details involved in planning an event. Here is how to[...]

Across the Pond…

international

or any other destination your group may go, usually requires a bit more planning. Here are a few ways to prepare for an international meeting: Who do you know: You’ve been to your own conferences and networking meetings, reach out to some of your contacts or organizations and ask if they can connect you to[...]

FOMO: Fear of Missing Out

fear of missing out

FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out, is real! In event world, it can be a real way to gain attendees now and later. Here are some ways to create a draw with FOMO. We’re Having So Much Fun! Make sure your network is engaged before, during and after your event. Who are your influencers,[...]

Beware of Trolls

trolls

Happy Halloween! The movie Trolls will be in theaters next month. I for one will be taking the grandkids to check it out! I’m also excited that one of my most favorite songs, Can’t Stop the Feeling, by Justin Timberlake will be featured. Don’t get me wrong, Justin does a fine job, but I have[...]

Futurassic Park Meeting Planners

Meeting Planners

I recently published a blog about those that may not be keeping up as well as some of us. But in all reality, my experience with most meeting planners has been this: Meeting planners are influencers within their organization, they have the pulse on what’s new and what’s coming, they are with it, organized and[...]