01 Apr 11 10 great options for your next special event or corporate meeting
- SeaDream II—SeaDream Yacht Club
- Liberty of the Seas—Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Millennium—Celebrity Cruises
- Silver Spirit—Silversea Cruises
- Pride of America—Norwegian Cruise Line
- Seven Seas Navigator—Regent Seven Seas
- MSC Splendida—MSC Cruises
- Allure of the Seas—Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Dream—Carnival Cruise Lines
- National Geographic Endeavour—Lindblad Expeditions
Tags: Art Facilities, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Millennium, Club Liberty, Entertainment Options, Incentive Travel, Lindblad Expeditions, Mdash, Meeting Planner, Msc Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Pride Of America, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Seadream Yacht Club, Service Adventure, Silver Spirit, Silversea Cruises, Specialist Company
16 Mar 11 Boost the Brain Computer, Don’t Crash It
Maybe you’re not always what you eat but emerging studies do bolster the theory that eating the right foods can have a big impact on how your brain works. This becomes evident at corporate meetings and conferences where attendees are usually served high carb and white flour foods in breakfasts, lunches and snacks. The result? A quick sugar rush, followed by a sharp crash, often leading to unfocussed, sleepy and all-around cranky participants.
As Andrea Sullivan, president of BrainStrength Systems states, “For a long time, we’ve focused on what we should not eat. This shift is about focusing on what we should eat to produce desired results.” Rather than the traditional meeting menus, the goal should be to provide foods which aid the brain in learning and improve attention skills. In the article, Ms. Sullivan goes on to describe the benefits of a more balanced offering; “eggs are rich in choline, which aids healthy neurotransmission and enhances our ability to pay attention, form new memories, and make decisions.”
That doesn’t mean cutting out sweets altogether though. Instead, it’s about providing healthier choices with foods that enhance your program rather than work against it. Dark chocolate, for example, has been proven to have a positive effect on cognitive performance even for hours after consumption. Although the lower costs of the sugar-laden foods are attractive for keeping within your budgets, when you look at the overall cost of its effects, are you really getting such a good deal? After all, what good does it do to fly someone in, pay for their lodging and participation, only to have them zone out after a sugar buzz, and subsequent crash?
Instead of pastries and cinnamon rolls, try serving quiche, whole grain breads and some fresh berries. High protein salads with light vinaigrettes are a great alternative for lunch. So are salmon and mackerel, both of which contain the fatty acid, omega 3, proven to rev up your thinking power. For snacks, serving nuts, yogurt, and fruits will prove more effective than a sugary cookie or cake.
Although it’s not anything we don’t already know in our personal lives, carrying that thinking into the business meeting arena may show returns much greater than a snazzy presentation or a captivating guest speaker can ever provide. Besides, how likely will it be that your attendees will remember your message if they’re too busy trying to stay awake?
Tags: Attendees, Attention Skills, Boosting Brain Power, Brain foods, Choline, conference participation, Conferences, Corporate Meetings, Dark Chocolate, Desired Results, Eggs, Flour, guest speakers, Meeting Planners, Ms Sullivan, Mso, Neurotransmission, New Memories, Orphan, Positiv, Snacks, Style Definitions, Style Name, Sugar Rush, Sweets, Times New Roman
25 Oct 10 What a Meeting Planner Should Do On a Cruise
Many meeting planners get to go on company sponsored incentive cruises as one of the perks of the job but it is also often the product of the belief that a meeting planner does need to be present for meetings or events to be well executed. Here’s what a meeting planner on a cruise should consider doing to feel and actually be useful:
• Meeting with the concierge/host/hostess and restaurant managers on a frequent basis. It might be worth stopping by and making sure that all is well and that guest requests are being met. In some cases it might be possible to take a small portion of the load off the staff and look like an all-star by fulfilling very complex or complicated requests.
• Distribute promotional material and/or schedules. If there are materials that need to be distributed or messages that need to be sent, then it might pay to get on top of those chores as early and as frequently as possible.
• Ask what else needs to be done. You might be feeling like a fifth wheel, but if you want to be invited back on the next corporate cruise then you probably need to seem as useful and as busy as possible.
• Stay out of sight and out of trouble. If there is truly little to do other than enjoy yourself then do so in a quiet manner and do not stay in any one place too long as it may make you seem as if you have nothing to do. This is certainly not the impression that you want to give.
Tags: All Star, Belief That, Chores, Concierge, Corporate Cruise, Cruise Planners, Fifth Wheel, Frequent Basis, Guest Requests, Hostess, Incentive Cruises, Job, Meeting Planner, Meeting Planners, Out Of Sight, Promotional Material, Quiet Manner, Restaurant Managers, Small Portion, Wheel
18 Oct 10 Meetings Not Productive? Consider Changing These 4 Ideas
When meetings between different departments, groups, or even entities start to become less productive then it is time to try some new techniques. Here are the top four ways to break through meeting roadblocks:
1. Consider a change of venue – Sometimes the same meeting places will produce the same results. This is especially true whenever the meeting is held at a non-neutral venue. Consider moving a meeting to a neutral venue if there is even the slightest possibility that the big deal is being held up because of some psychological slight regarding the demand that one party meet on the other party’s turf.
2. Consider a change of time – Some people are morning people, others are decidedly not morning people. If the meeting is being held in the morning then there is a possibility that mental juices are not flowing as fast as possible or that attitudes are not what they should be.
3. Consider a single-sided table – Sometimes a single-sided table reduces the subtle subconscious tendencies to view those sitting on the other side of the table as adversaries. Instead, everyone should be facing the same direction looking at a whiteboard or other presentation device to work as cooperative problem solvers.
4. Add an espresso shot or go with a half-decaf blend – If the meeting is seemingly held up by a lack of energy then give the coffee an extra boost of espresso. If the meeting is getting a little too serious, consider mixing decaf in with regular coffee to give the participants a little less edge.
Tags: Adversaries, Attitudes, Change Of Time, Coffee, Cooperative Problem, Entities, Espresso, Juices, Lack Of Energy, Meeting Places, Moving, Neutral Venue, Participants, Presentation Device, Problem Solvers, Roadblocks, Tendencies, Turf
13 Oct 10 Are Tablets Right for Meeting Planners?
Tablet computers have been around for roughly two decades in one form or another, but they are starting to get a lot of attention thanks to the iPad. Many meeting planners are starting to wonder whether or not tablet computers might be a good match for their business needs. While some tablets might be a good match for business needs, the iPad might not be a good fit for all offices given its media-centric and hip image. Of course, some offices might be the ideal location to use the iPAd, especially if Macs are used throughout the office and already handle the scheduling chores. Failing that, look for a tablet that can:
• Handle easy input and possibly even handwriting recognition. In most cases it is more important to take quick notes for later, so be sure that the note taking capacity is very fast.
• A capacitive touch screen is very important for many reasons so do not look for any tablet without touch screen technology. Multi-touch is highly preferred.
• Battery life is also important as is the method of charging. If an app has a battery life that won’t last the day then there is going to be more than a little bit of trouble. If it can synch and charge at once, then the problem might not be so bad. WiFi synching is also a very desirable trait.
• Don’t forget the apps. A professional scheduling app that links to Exchange is very important because just about every third party professional scheduling app does the same. Exchange is where data is exchanged if you will forgive the pun.
• Don’t forget the apps! A tablet without apps that prove useful is just a hunk of metal, silicon and plastic.
Tags: Apps, Attention Thanks, Battery Life, Bull Battery, Capacitive Touch Screen, Chores, Decades, Desirable Trait, Handwriting Recognition, Hunk, Ipad, Little Bit, Match, Meeting Planners, Pun, Rsquo, Silicon, Tablet Computers, Third Party, Touch Screen Technology
04 Oct 10 Cruise Destinations Worth Contemplating
Cruise ships span the globe and tour nearly every major waterway. Some are large, some are small, and many are tied to cultures and their unique traditions. For example, there are ancient Chinese-looking ships of modern design cruising the Yellow River and similarly antique-looking modern ships cruising the mighty Mississippi disguised as traditional steamboats.
Some of the cruise ships are tied specifically to certain destinations, but other destinations are open to almost all kinds of cruise vessels. This creates a situation where a company not interested in a specific theme needs to know what different kinds of group cruises are available.
Here are just a few and what they say about the host company or organization:
- Hawaii – Hawaii’s lovely islands are a safe bet for a cruise, but they do not show much imagination. Some people appreciate this, while others do not. Be certain to evaluate customer/company image before choosing the islands of Hawaii.
- Mexico – Parties and drinking are still a big deal for certain crowds, and companies with a youthful and slightly rebellious image might want to consider options south of the border.
- Alaska – Alaska is gorgeous, but it is cold and not necessarily inviting. Companies need to consider cruise meetings to Alaska carefully because the message that the crumbling icebergs offer might be inappropriate.
- The Caribbean – The northern sections of the Caribbean offer plenty of very safe and well-known destinations while the West Indies chain offers great and lesser known destinations.
- Africa and Asia – These simply scream exotic but need to be carefully considered for a few obvious reasons, not the least of which is the travel cost.
Tags: Company Image, Crowds, Cruise Alaska, Cruise Destinations, Cruise Ships, Cruise Vessels, Cultures, Customer Company, Different Kinds, Group Cruises, Host Company, Imagination, Islands Of Hawaii, Mighty Mississippi, Northern Sections, Rsquo, Safe Bet, Waterway, West Indies, Yellow River
07 Sep 10 What kind of inclusive incentives can be had on a cruise ship?
Cruises are popular for many reasons, but one of the most appealing reasons to businesses is the fact that cruises come with all sorts of travel incentives that are built right into the price. Inclusive incentives are popular with businesses for so many reasons, including:
- Easy pricing – Inclusive pricing is great, and inclusive incentives are simply amazing. What kind of incentives, how about food, fun, activities, and possibly even souvenirs?
- Less time spent shopping around – Nobody like spending their day calling 100 different caterers trying to see who will offer the best deal on a specific set of meals. The good news is that no caterers need to be called as the cruise price has top notch meals and a staff ready to serve them on call 24/7.
- Plenty of options – Want to make sure that you and your guests are pampered? Ask for free time with a certified massage therapist or personal trainer be included with the price of each participant.
- Some cruise lines go the extra mile – Concierge services are truly amazing, and can add a little something extra. Don’t be shy when asking, because you might be surprise to find out that some cruise lines offer business customers a wide range of time and money saving services such as special assortments of alcohol and even access to branded products/gift baskets made to order and placed in the cabins of participants prior to the cruise.
Tags: Assortments, Branded Products, Business Customers, Caterers, Certified Massage Therapist, Concierge Services, Cruise Lines, Cruise Price, Cruise Ship, Extra Mile, Free Time, Fun Activities, Gift Baskets, Money Saving, Personal Trainer, Rsquo, Ship Cruises, Time And Money, Top Notch, Travel Incentives
01 Sep 10 Ship Charters For When You Need to Call The Shots
Cruise events are an obvious choice for many companies and organizations, as well as an obvious fit for certain needs. The problem that many organizations planning cruises run into is that they do not necessarily want the cookie cutter cruise that takes x number of days to stop at y number of ports in a specific order. The solution is simple: ship charters. Here is what you need to know about booking ship charters:
- Ship charters can be very cost effective – Booking an entire ship might seem expensive at first, but charters are almost always more cost effective than renting cabins on a generic tour when everything is factored into the equation. Why? Simple: it is an extra tour for the cruise company and one in which they are presented with a chance to build a long lasting relationship with many high-powered guests and clients.
- Ship charters let you have incredible flexibility – Want to book a 4 am spinning session so everyone has time to shower before the breakfast seminar at 7am? No problems. Want specific menu items planned? That can almost certainly be arranged with a little preparation and advanced notice.
- Stop where you want to stop and when – Most ship charters are generally very flexible in terms of where and when stops take place so long as no scheduling conflicts exist. See what you want to see and when, it’s your call when you charter a ship.
Tags: Breakfast Seminar, Charter, Conflicts, Cookie Cutter, Cruise Company, Cruise Events, Cruises, Extra Tour, Fit, Flexibility, Ports, Relationship, Ship Charters
30 Aug 10 When Do You Need to Hold a Cruise Event?
Cruise events have been a popular choice for meetings and events of all kinds for years now, but not every meeting/event planner knows all that they need to know about planning cruise events. In fact, the lack of knowledge might turn some away from cruise ships. Here’s what a cruise ship has to offer:
- Low prices – Cruises are actually less expensive than hotels plus catering services plus entertainment expenses plus renting a conference room or meeting venue in almost all cases. Why? Because cruise companies build in the cost of all these services and distribute them across all of their customers all year long
- All inclusive options – All inclusive pricing makes cruises a cinch to plan. One price, one call, and the event can be planned. This saves time and money!
- Amazing catering – Want custom catering? You’ll have a hard time finding a better catering troop than those found on cruise ships. Shipboard caterers do catering day in and day out, every day and night. Nobody knows catering like these people!
- Custom meetings and entertainment – Want to have meetings in amazing locations instead of just a closed in room at the convention center? Try finding a better alternative than a cruise ship for even twice the price and you’ll be stumped!
- Some of the best restaurants and clubs anywhere in the world – It is important to play hard when you work hard, and that is why cruise ships pack some of the best restaurants, bars, night clubs, and even shopping centers around.
Tags: Best Restaurants, Caterers, Catering Services, Cinch, Cruise Companies, Cruise Events, Cruise Prices, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, Cruises, Entertainment, Event Planner, Hard Time, Lack Of Knowledge, Meeting Venue, Meetings And Events, Night Clubs, Rsquo, Shopping Centers, Time And Money
23 Aug 10 Tricks to Making Morning Meetings Merrier
Morning meetings can be sluggish, and may even be tepid by any measure. This is doubly true for Monday mornings, and triply true for Monday mornings after a three day weekend. Good meeting planners have a few tricks up their sleeve to make morning meetings less of a drag:
- Freshly ground coffee – Fresh coffee has more caffeine than the pre-ground varieties sold in most supermarkets.
- Energy drinks, on the house – Energy drinks are a great way to get people moving, as is coffee. Weigh the cost of beverages against the value of the time spent sloshing through a meeting, and the beverages usually come out on top.
- Lights – All lights should be on, not just most of the lights. This is true even when the sun is up.
- Morning radio – Start by finding the most annoying morning radio shows in town, but skip those that are offensive. Then, let the crew at the morning zoo antagonize your staff until the meeting starts. Everyone will be wide awake and thankful that the mindless dribble is over with.
- Open a few windows – Letting the fresh air in often helps, especially if the meeting room is packed.
- Set the temperature – If the temperature is too cold, people will naturally be inclined to start drifting off. Keep the temperature in the meeting room slightly warn, but not hot.
- Suggestions – Everyone has problems, but few people ask for help. Ask the boss to help develop an incentive program where workers can start meetings with some aspect of their job that they wish was easier to perform with some teamwork or with a fresh approach. Give rewards to the employee(s) with the best solutions to problems. It’s a win-win situation and a great way to get the creative juices flowing early in the morning.
Tags: Best Solutions, Beverages, Boss, Creative Juices, Energy Drinks, Fresh Air, Fresh Coffee, Ground Coffee, Incentive Program, Meeting Planners, Meeting Room, Mindless Dribble, Monday Mornings, Morning Meetings, Morning Radio, Morning Zoo, Radio Shows, Rewards, Supermarkets, Teamwork
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