Let’s get some traction and let the world know we’ve got a domain of our own.
New York City, Event Alley and PYM LIVE, oh my!
PYM LIVE hits the Big Apple Aug. 7. See what your peers are digging and sharing and view a post-event recap here.
2001 called and it wants its spuds back
Our Monthly Morsel column shares tales from the dark side, what catering managers can do to make sure they book an event and some of the major turnoffs.
Wise words for hosting holiday events at home
Since the holiday season is upon us, I thought I’d write about entertaining at home. Some people look forward to this all year long; others dread it. Which are you?
Federal shutdown grounds Tampa conference
Hello, government shutdown. Goodbye, conference business. A four-day gathering at the Tampa Convention Center was postponed this week because of the federal government shutdown, reportedly taking with it more than 7,000 hotel-room nights and about $5 million in revenue. The GEOINT 2013 Symposium expected more than 4,000 intelligence, defense and homeland security professionals and 265 […]
If your awards events are a snooze …
Technology is here to stay in the world of event planning. Why not use it to your fullest advantage? Here’s one idea: If half your audience expects a traditional awards ceremony but the other half feels it’s too stuffy, why not create simultaneous experiences that are formal and casual? We know of one clever organization […]
PYM brings print to life with first augmented reality-enabled magazine for meeting, event planners
Imagine flipping through a magazine, seeing an ad for a hotel and being able to download meeting room schematics, tour the facility and book rooms without having to visit a website or turn the page. Plan Your Meetings, a meetings media company, has made that and more possible with the industry’s first-ever augmented reality publication: […]
Don’t get burned when booking a caterer (enter our contest)
What’s wrong with this picture? Read this month’s morsel on “Hiring an outside caterer” and, if you can answer the red flag question, you’ll qualify to win a Starbucks gift card.
The view from the ballroom chair, Part 3: The expo
Everyone knows the model is outdated but that fixing it is complicated.
Trying new things in Chicago
Well, things are always interesting around Plan Your Meetings and today is no exception. The PYM LIVE team is in multiple places, which means today’s event is happening simultaneously in Chicago; Columbia, S.C.; the Netherlands; several regions of California; and Atlanta. Because some of our panelists have to join via mobile devices, we won’t have […]
Case study: Installing temporary Internet for meetings and events
When our venue lost Internet days before our event, it required MacGyver-like action.
Catering association takes new name
NACE, formerly the National Association of Catering Executives, has changed its name — but not its acronym. It’s now the National Association for Catering and Events, a move made to more accurately reflect its 4,000-plus members. Today’s catering and event professionals must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of event planning, design and executive, […]
PYM Live Chicago 2012 recap
How to increase leverage during contract negotiations and augment events with virtual meeting technology were the key educational points discussed at PYM LIVE Chicago, which took place at the Dana Hotel on July 25. Here’s a Storify recap of the social media conversation surrounding this event and its #yaypym hashtag.
Learning about revenue management and hybrid event planning in Denver
We had a blast in Denver at the Brown Palace.But don’t just take our word for it: Read all about it, in the words and images of our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and event team.
Say you want a revolution? 12 things you can do today
The No. 1 thing that has to change is … us. Here are 12 action items that you can start (or stop) doing today that will make a huge difference.
Savannah convention center bumps up green strategies
You’ll be seeing even more green than usual the next time you visit Savannah, the Georgia city known for its tree-lined streets and annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The 33,000-sq. ft. Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, which recycled 32 tons of materials in 2011, has stepped up its green-friendly strategies with a comprehensive plan […]
Building essential skills in Atlanta
If you weren’t able to join us in Atlanta for the March 1 PYM LIVE Event at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, you missed a couple of incredible sessions on essential planning skills. Luckily we didn’t forget you, so we archived half of it, and the other educational session will be available as a […]
Drinking the Kool-Aid at 2012 PYM LIVE Tampa
The first PYM LIVE Event of the year (#yaypym!) kicked off in Tampa at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore. In addition to an educational session led by Erica Prewett, there were roundtable discussions on the trade-show floor — including one that gave planners insight into how hotel sales staff values their business. (Support PYM partners. Click here to […]
Visas and visibility: The dual missions of the US Travel Association
In 1994, nearly one of every 10 people traveling worldwide were headed to the United States. By 2000, the U.S. share of inbound travel had dropped from 9 percent to 7 percent; 10 years later, it was at barely 6 percent. So why has America lost 30 percent of the worldwide travel market in less […]
Best practices for planning international events
Unless you work for a small local business, chances are that at some point you will have to plan an event overseas. When you do, there are a few things you should bear in mind. 1. Educate yourself about cultural sensitivities “The best way to prepare yourself for the cultural expectations of a destination is to […]
Best practices for organizing customer/employee appreciation events
You’re sitting at your desk, decompressing from the last event and your boss walks in with your next assignment: an appreciation event for customers and/or employees. Sound exciting or scary? Maybe a little of both, but let’s get you to a place of comfort, excitement and success! Appreciation events cater to the attendee. This event will be used […]
Artistic accommodations
Looking to add some culture to your itinerary, but short on time? For the second consecutive year, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Ky., as the No. 1 hotel in the U.S., and the No. 6 hotel in the world in the 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. The 90-room hotel integrates […]
The coast is clear
It’s been more than six months since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill raised questions about whether Gulf of Mexico destinations from Texas to Florida would be able to maintain their blue waters, white-sand beaches and fresh seafood production. But by all accounts, businesses and beaches are open and welcoming all meetings and events. Here are some destination updates …
Say goodbye to ho-hum meetings
If you want to create memorable meetings and events, there are many ways to do so. All you need is a little ingenuity and inspiration. Plan Your Meetings spoke with meeting planners across the country to find out what advice they had for livening things up and engaging attendees …
Raising the bar with event marketing
As the event industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Not only are planners expected to give their clients more for their money, they are required to prove return on investment for each event they participate. It is important that planners have a clear understanding of what event marketing is and how to maximized their […]
Why you should meet in Gulf Coast states now
Yes, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has sullied some of America’s favorite beaches and messed mightily with the meetings and event industry, but smart planners see opportunities beyond the tar patties. From Florida to Texas, the main message from travel and tourism officials is that it’s business as usual. Most attractions, hotels, restaurants, exhibits, […]
The biggest contract trap of all
In all my writings, speeches and rants at meetings, I am often asked what’s the best tip or greatest “gotcha.” Recently, after concluding the filming of PYM’s “Contract tips and traps” Knowledge Series video, I was reflecting on the input provided and the value of what was shared. Then it occurred to me that one […]
Knee high by July: July 2010 morsel
As I am spending the month in Kittanning, Pa., working my father’s estate, I can’t help but drift back to the roots of this small town: farming. Since it is July and we are in the midst of “corn growing season,” I thought it would be appropriate to give you some insight on how to […]
Ground transportation: Getting from point A to B
Ground transportation is a very tricky part of the event planning industry because if done right no one really thinks to thank you. How hard is it to order a car/bus and driver? Here is the answer: harder than you think. If ground transportation isn’t done correctly — for example, a shuttle bus hits a […]
What’s your social media policy?
In my last several prospective client meetings, a consistent conversation has centered on the need for a social media policy. Whether you work for a progressive organization or a conservative, risk-adverse one, it seems that everyone has an opinion on the best approach. Here are some prevailing camps: 1. The ostrich look-alikes “I’m on Facebook […]
Event paparazzi
Looking for tried and true event photography? Consider the award-winning Northlight Photography Inc. Backed by veteran-photographer Ross DeLoach, the Atlanta-based company specializes in creative logistics and has captured diverse corporate and social events for the past 17 years.
Up-close and personal city tours
The Kessler Collection hotels (Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront and the Mansion on Forsyth Park) in Savannah, Ga., put a new twist on traditional group tours. Meeting attendees staying at either property can get up-close-and-personal with historic downtown Savannah via self-guided iPod Touch tours. The tours have been customized to give visitors access to insider information, […]
How ‘Lost’ are your attendees?
After years of ignoring the hit TV show “Lost,” I decided to tune in for the series premiere last night. It was interesting, but I felt utterly adrift. Evidently, it was filled with all sorts of people and bits of information that I would have gotten had I been plugged into the TV show over […]
Simplified promotions
Looking for an easy way to promote your event on multiple social networks? EveryMeeting.com is a membership-based site where planners can post meetings and events, including speaker information and a link to a contact person. Meetings posted on the site can be promoted across 150+ social media outlets, and are publicly searchable by location and […]
The first event of the year
So we’re kicking off our 2010 series of PYM LIVE Events today. New format, new whitepapers, new destinations and exhibitors. Atlanta’s Jan. 7 show promises to be very exciting, and not just because it may end with some snowfall. Here’s a transcript of what we were up to (start at the bottom and read up […]
What augmented reality could add to meetings
Thanks to @samueljsmith for bringing this to my attention. Look what you can do with the printed page: Now think about what this could do to trade show and conference materials. What applications can you think of for meetings and events? Check Samuel’s blog for more…
You want me to pay what?! Part I
A first-time exhibitor recently arrived on-site at a major meetings industry trade show with company check in hand and instructions from her boss in mind: rent a few furniture items for the booth. No problem, right? Upon speaking with show services providers, the exhibitor was floored to learn that she would have to pay $500+ […]
Top 5 reasons to meet now
Meetings fulfill many legitimate business purposes, but how do planners overcome resistance with clients or bosses who are wary of meeting in this economic climate? Mike Mason, senior vice president of group sales at Gaylord Hotels, offers these top reasons to meet in a down economy…
What’s going on at the WEC?
MPI’s big annual World Education Congress has already kicked off in Salt Lake City, Utah. Monday morning, I head out to join them. I’m presenting two sessions there, “The Irreplaceable You: Prove Your Worth” and “Change Begins With You: Meeting Responsibly.” I’ll be tweeting when I can from my @PYMLive handle. And I won’t be […]
New Treasury rules for TARP recipients
The U.S. Treasury issued new regulation guidelines for companies that have received taxpayer assistance on June 10. After 90 days of public commenting and review, the rules will be finalized. Industry leaders do not predict the final regulations will differ much from those proposed by the Treasury Department, which call for companies receiving taxpayer assistance […]
Straight talk about sustainability with Visit Denver’s Rachel Benedick
In our final interview with green meeting industry leaders, we talk with Rachel Benedick, vice president of sales and services for Visit Denver, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). CVBs are often the first contact planners have when choosing a site for their meeting or event. In recent years, because of the increase in requests […]
Washington: Meetings, incentives and events are ‘legitimate business practices’
During an April 1 colloquy on executive compensation for TARP recipients, Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) asked Financial Services Committee Chair Barney Frank (D-Mass.) to clarify whether or not TARP recipients would be allowed to spend money on meetings, events and incentive travel programs. “During the past few months, legitimate business travel for meeting, incentive and […]
Meeting guidelines defined by industry
Days after the U.S. Department of the Treasury made it a requirement for companies receiving assets from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to define and make public a company-wide policy on expenditures (including entertainment, holiday parties, conferences and events), a coalition of meeting, event and incentive travel organizations released a set of guidelines for […]
Keep America meeting
A campaign is afoot to keep America meeting. More than 5,000 people have already signed an online petition at KeepAmericaMeeting.org, and many more signatures are needed to help raise awareness of the importance of corporate meetings. The petition is endorsed by a non-partisan coalition of industry leaders, meetings media and associations, and will be delivered […]
Industry challenges and solutions: Report from PYM LIVE 2009 Atlanta
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of conducting a brainstorming session with meeting planners about the challenges they’re facing right now and what some of the solutions are. Whether you attended or not, I think everyone can benefit from some of the advice your peers have on dealing with toxic bosses, contract negotiations, dealing with attrition, […]
Green meetings step No. 3: Establishing and tracking metrics
Congratulations, you have committed to planning your meetings and events in a more sustainable way! You have gained support from your executives and board members, and communicated your goals and expectations with vendors and attendees, implementing sustainable practices. What is next you may ask? Metrics! Metrics are the method of measuring an event’s impact on […]
The Retreat of Dunwoody
The contemporary and spacious Retreat of Dunwoody can host up to 1,200 people. Ideal for corporate meetings, holiday parties, social receptions and team building, the Retreat has a terrace, gardens and flexible event space that have a futuristic vibe. — Taylor Dahl The Retreat of Dunwoody at PYM’s Resource Directory
Make it interactive!
The average attendee has a lethally short attention span. Keep attendees engaged, by generating real-life metrics and audience demographics through your speaker’s PowerPoint presentation with The Extreme Group Inc., which creates interactive meeting environments using hand-held audience response systems.
What does service charge mean to you?
Working on-site at an event in Florida this week, one question has occurred to me repeatedly: When does the “service” in service charge begin, and where does it end? Because a portion of that 22 percent usually goes to the Conference Services Manager (CSM), I have high expectations for the level of service I get […]
e-Tools
LaQuinta Resort & Club in LaQuinta, Calif., has an arsenal of new online tools for meeting planners, including an e-Event booking engine for small groups that bundles room, F&B and A/V reservations, and a personalized online group page.
Changing the flag
What planners need to know when hotels are renovated or change brands
Recently, while coordinating a meeting in Palm Springs, Calif., I became concerned when my breakfast set-up was not complete 15 minutes before guests were due. “We still have some kinks to work out due to the management change,” the hotel salesperson informed me. The hotel had recently changed brands and management companies, which was reflected in the service for this particular function. Ultimately, the hotel provided seamless service, and the guests did not notice anything amiss.
In many cases, though, a change in hotel brands or management companies can present challenges for planners.
Continuing education with PYM LIVE events
PYM LIVE Events are held annually in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Orlando. Other locations are being added this year, so keep watching our events page for more information. Educational seminars offer meeting tips, creative shortcuts and information on the newest industry trends, as well as Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You’ll get a chance to meet […]
Miami NASCAR Racing Weekend
Assignment: South Florida event company ME Productions was hired to create several events taking place during the NASCAR race weekend in Homestead, Fla. Challenge: Emphasize the brand of each sponsor in each venue. Solution: ME Productions’ creative team created props, furnishings and décor that playfully displayed company logos and insignias while transforming each Miami venue […]
2008: Green, lean, immediate and demanding…
The future is here, along with more technology, more networking opportunities, more budget demands… in fact, more demands for everything, including your time. 2008 may be more of 2007, but pick up the tips from our planners and you’ll be ready for a (somewhat) fresh start.
Where can I find event planning answers?
Many people begin planning events without the benefit of taking an event planning class or having the opportunity to study the hospitality industry. You can learn all of the industry standards seasoned professionals know by getting the same books they study. When seasoned event planners cannot recall a specific detail, they often pull one of these books from their bookshelves. Hospitality professionals also use these books to study for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam.
Beer here: October 2007 Monthly Morsel
Working an event recently, I did my usual schtick and said I wanted to do the bar inventory by counting beer caps. The property said they would make these arrangements … and then didn’t. What did they do? They served the beer in cans instead of bottles. What didn’t I like about this? A lot […]
Taking meetings from ordinary to extraordinary
More than 400 meeting planners and exhibitors learned cutting-edge techniques and essential skills to make the most of their meetings, their profession and each other at the 2007 Plan Your Meetings (PYM) Atlanta Expo, held Sept. 27 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Ravinia.
Using music at public events
Do you know there are federal laws event planners should be aware of if they want to use music at a public event? Most people think because they buy their favorite artist’s CD, they have the right to play that CD anywhere they want to, including at an event. However, Federal laws protect all recorded music. Read the legalese on the CD: “Unauthorized copying, lending, public performance and broadcasting prohibited.” That means you. Recording companies, musicians, and songwriters own the copyright, and are entitled to royalties every time the music is performed or played in public.
Viral marketing
One event marketing strategy that won’t cost you any money, but could help you meet and exceed your attendance goals is viral, or “buzz,” marketing. Viral marketing is a strategy that encourages individuals to pass on marketing messages to others. Here are some simple ways to incorporate it.
Develop an event marketing strategy
The best-planned event will not be considered a success if attendance is low. Therefore, event marketing strategy is a key part of success. Unfortunately, there is no set formula that always works. Marketing strategies may include print ads, television ads, electronic brochures, Web sites, billboards, Internet ads, radio ads, public service announcements, direct mail, e-mail, formal invitations, electronic invitations, blogs and other new media. Before you determine your plan, here are some important questions to consider:
Puppets with pizzazz
In Europe, puppetry has long been revered as an art form. Houston-based Puppet Pizzazz provides custom entertainment and puppetry workshops for receptions, social gatherings and other special events using larger-than-life-sized puppets. The company also can create corporate living logos, mascots, customized puppets and costumes.
Twenty-first century bulletin board
Networking is a big deal during conferences and conventions, but short coffee breaks and evening activities don’t always allow for enough time, or exchange of information. Jot Event Messaging Systems can turn any computer on-site into an instant messaging service, allowing attendees to search for contacts by name, company, organization, church or school. Organizers also […]
Ethics in action
When international events company MotivAction made the decision to go green, it wasn’t just paying lip-service to a hot trend.
White linen marketing
Morton’s The Steakhouse and Velocity Broadcasting have partnered to offer satellite network Velocity HD Suites, housed in Morton’s private boardrooms.
Tips on tipping
How much should you tip after an event?
Life’s a crêpe
Let attendees get French with La Crêpe Party.
