Thank you to everyone who participated in my Happy New Year contest. The winner is Mikel Robinson! Mikel plans meeting for a few associations, most notably the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF), whose members include “experts in all aspects of Wildland fire management.” The organization offers a “neutral forum for the consideration of important,[...]

Maybe it is our can-do attitude, our difficulty in saying “no,” or our undeniable confidence in what we do, but meeting planners are often times viewed as modern-day miracle workers. And though the honor is quite appreciated, at times it can make us feel a bit wiggy, causing us to want to ask, “Are you[...]

Have you checked out your latest (February 2012) issue of Meetings & Conventions Magazine? Notice that none other than our own Roger Helms graces the cover. The article focuses on how third party planners have gained momentum as a definite and necessary player in the meetings industry. Meeting planners have watched their departments dwindle over[...]

There are many technologies that will make your meeting planning life so much easier. If you are not up on these technologies, then here is a soft nudge to get you moving in the right direction.  Don’t get left behind! Smartphones: If you are not packing a smartphone in your tote, then what are you[...]

Better yet, is anyone even listening? I came across a blog the other day where the author was discussing his reason for blogging; he blogs because he wants to be heard. He asks for comments because he assumes that his readers, too, wish to be heard. This all seems so timely to me. At this[...]

Happy New Year to all you wonderful meeting planners out there. So, did you spend all your Santa Money and Gift Certificates? Well, here is your chance to win a little bit more spending fun and it is soooo easy. I have been hinting around about an upcoming contest and here we are. I will[...]

It’s all a part of planning better meetings, capturing higher returns on investment and creating long term relationships with properties that are willing to demonstrate their knowledge of your expectations, and to fully support those expectations through contracts that speak to your particular meeting. For meeting planners, successful negotiation with a property is critical! The[...]

The uses of QR Codes are staggering! You can create QR Codes that will point to a website, carry your contact information (like a digital business card), go to a video, even contain a quote or secret message. With this in mind, here is a fun idea for your next meeting. You can create a[...]

I have written about the important technologies available to today’s meeting planner. It is astounding the amount of information that can be found right at our fingertips. Here is a nice checklist for you on what you need to be aware of, working on and considering.  Social Media. Are you on it and active? If[...]