07 Jun 10 Meeting Planners Make Breaking the Ice Easier

Most meetings come with a measure of tension integrated deeply into their very fabric. This is not unexpected because two or more parties tend to be attempting to both work to their individual benefit, but a smart meeting planner can actually reduce this tension in a few ways. Reducing tension can create a meeting environment that is more productive and causes all parties involved to work to their mutual benefit rather than look for individual opportunities that tend to come at the expense of one another.

Tables and presentation tools – Tables and presentation tools should be arranged in such a fashion that everyone is facing the same direction. The subliminal message of seating rivals or separate parties facing one another are those of conflict, but seating people side by side creates a sense of cooperation. Make sure that the room and charts/presentation materials are properly set up.

Lighting is important – Many venues, especially corner offices, have a tendency to pick up light at specific times of the morning or afternoon. Heightened light levels that are directional in nature tend to make some parties feel as if they are being assaulted by the light, and they may become less friendly as a result.

Comfort is paramount – everyone involved in a meeting should be made to feel comfortable. A stellar meeting planner knows this and makes preparations ranging from special meals and drinks down to height adjustable chairs for the vertically challenged.

Tags: Adjustable Chairs, Breaking The Ice, Conflict, Cooperation, Drinks, Environment, Fabric, Fashion, Lighting, Meeting Planner, Meeting Planners, Mutual Benefit, Nature, Paramount, Presentation Materials, Presentation Tools, Rivals, Subliminal Message, Tendency, Tension