When it comes to meeting planning, there are way too many places where mistakes can be made. With the myriad of details involved, mistakes are bound to happen at times. Even though, and this is fact, meeting planners are closer to super heroes than human. Let’s look at some common mistakes, place them in that[...]

This article is  a continuation of the article that appeared in a recent HelmsBriscoe newsletter. I shared the first part in my blog last week, so if you missed it, please be sure to read it now. Here is the remaining part of the article: When asked if there are any distinctive qualities to the[...]

This article is in a HelmsBriscoe newsletter and I wanted to make sure to share it with all of you! It allows you some insight as to how I work with my clients, all of which I adore. I divided into two parts as it is a longer than usual read, at least when it[...]

As a meeting planner you are all too aware that taxes can do quite a number on your budget. Taxes must be figured into the meeting-planning equation; the price of rooms in one city may sound quite reasonable at first, but once taxes come into play, those rooms can quickly go from affordable to astronomical.[...]

A surprising article from USA Today Travel revealed that more hotel rooms than ever were sold between January through June 2012. Over 500 million room nights – a new record has been set! If you have been traveling as of late, you are also aware that room rates have gone up.  During 2008 – 2009,[...]

A block of rooms is a necessity in the meeting planning world and the whole thought of attrition can cause hives. But what about the opposite “problem?” Not having enough rooms. While this is a good problem to have, it is an issue none-the-less. So what’s the popular meeting planner to do? Here are some[...]

Sing to the tune of “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen: Your boss just gave you a ring Said time to plan a meeting Your voice said okay Your mind said no way You’ve got more meetings than time Plannin’ for pennies and dimes Another meeting to list Not much time in a day[...]

As much as I would love for each of you to call me TODAY and engage me to assist you in finding the perfect place for you meeting, you may simply not need my help. And, here is why: You have tons of time on your hands: Perhaps you are one of the few meeting[...]

As meeting planners I know the word “budget” can cause a bit of  teeth gnawing and jaw grinding. You can create the best, most awesome, outrageously amazing meeting, but if it does not come in on or under budget, those powers that be will not be very happy. The next time you are in budget[...]