The value of the ‘happy accident,’ or the secret to being creative
Every time you try something and it fails, you have two options. 
Cost-saving strategies and solutions to industry challenges
Despite reassurances that the recession is over, corporate purse strings aren’t getting any looser. And that, coupled with increasing hotel and transportation costs and short booking windows, is leaving meeting and event planners feeling pinched.
On the meeting supply side, hotel and convention sales managers are having a hard time connecting with potential clients and maintaining [...]
The true value of the U.S. meetings and events industry
The American meetings and events industry directly and indirectly supports 6.3 million jobs and generates almost $1 trillion a year in direct, indirect and induced spending. The industry's direct $106 billion contribution to the U.S. GDP is greater than the amount generated by auto manufacturing ($78 billion), performing arts/spectator sports/museums ($71 billion), and information and data processing services ($76 billion). If indirect and induced spending numbers are included, meeting and event production's total annual contribution to the GDP is $458 billion.
Grow in 2011: Five action steps to take now
The economy is slowly getting back on track. People aren't afraid to meet anymore. This year is looking a little better than years past, so it's time to think about making some improvements.
Make a great first impression in 10 not-so-easy steps!
Have you ever wished you could make a better first impression at that company meeting, industry trades how or local networking event? Do you find yourself wishing you could have said or done something differently afterwards? Are you envious of people who make it look so natural and easy? (I [...]
The scoop on getting certified
Table of contents for Best PracticesThe ABCs of RFPsWhen you start your site inspection from the back seat of a limo …Introduction to strategic meetings managementProve your worthEssential planning tips: from blueprints to budgetsEight meeting planning steps that will save you moneyNegotiating your best deal starts with a strong RFPHow to conduct site inspectionsContract negotiation [...]
‘Don’t underestimate the power of inspiration’
Virtual and hybrid meetings may have been the biggest meeting trends during this “great recession,” but their ubiquity has only reinforced the fact that some business objectives are best achieved face-to-face.
The 2009 Oxford Economics Study found that for every $1 a company invests in business travel, an average of $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 [...]
