18 Jun 10 Frugal Meeting Planners
Meeting planners that are looking for ways to find cost-effective meeting locations are often under a lot of pressure. After all, the boss probably wants an unreasonable number of people to be hosted in a large area for a price that is entirely unreasonable by most standards. There are a few options, however, and these options are perfect for meeting planners with bosses that happen to be a little too frugal.
Consider local parks – Many local parks have shaded areas that are both scenic and free! The lawn chairs might be expensive, and make the meeting less than formal, but it would be hard to beat the local park for a location that is both affordable and unique.
Movie theaters – Believe it or not, many movie theaters offer weekday morning access to their theaters for a fairly reasonable price. Deposits tend to be a little on the high side if the projection equipment will be used, but you can generally get it back immediately after the projection equipment is inspected.
Libraries – Many public libraries also have small conference rooms that range from free to very affordable, but you will have to keep the noise down.
Coffee shops – If the meeting or event is not going to be packed with secret information, a local coffee shop or restaurant can be an affordable location and makes choosing a catering service much easier!
Tags: Boss, Catering Service, Coffee Shop, Coffee Shops, Cost Effective, Effective Meeting, Lawn Chairs, Local Park, Meeting Planners, Movie Theaters, Noise Down, Projection Equipment, Public Libraries, Secret Information, Shaded Areas, Unreasonable Number, Weekday Morning
22 Feb 10 Preparing Your Attendees for a Successful Meeting
Corporate meeting planners wear many hats, which sometimes includes making sure the attendees are well-prepared. Pre-meeting preparation is an important part of ensuring the meeting is effective and productive, and also allows the attendees to know what to expect and which materials, presentations or notes they may need to bring. Productive meetings that stay on task and on schedule reflect well on the meeting planner, even if the planner is not the one actually conducting business during the meeting.
Here are ways you can help your attendees prepare for a great meeting:
1. Distribute the agenda beforehand – Make sure that all attendees have an accurate agenda prior to attending the meeting. Since you will be including the date, time and location of the meeting on the agenda, this also works as an effective meeting reminder.
2. Make sure attendees have background information – Either distribute materials related to the meeting topic, or let the attendees know where they can find the information they need.
3. Give the attendees pre-meeting homework – Whether it is simply asking them to read the background material or asking them to prepare ideas or a presentation, assign pre-meeting tasks that will help the meeting run smoother and get participants involved in the process.
With a little preparation, your meeting participants will have a more fulfilling meeting experience and will have you to thank for it.
Tags: Attendees, Background Information, Background Material, Business Meeting, Corporate Meeting Planners, Date Time, Effective Meeting, Hats, Homework, Meeting Agenda, Meeting Planner, Participants, Presentation, Productive Meetings, Reminder
10 Jun 09 Meeting Planning for Success
You can hardly conceive a large corporate body not holding some type of meeting planning or conference. In fact, such meetings and conferences are the key to the assessment of the present status and formulating plans for the future in any large, medium, or small scale organization.
The only difference is that the size and shape of the meeting differs from organization to organization based on the nature, size, and shape of the organizations themselves. It may also be an inner circle or core group meeting, a general body meeting, or a participatory meeting with guests from various sectors. However, in any of these cases effective meeting planning remains an essential ingredient to success, and the professionalism of the meeting planner must equal the company’s achievements.
Mastering the art of contributing to company growth and leading business meetings successfully is an area where your presence will be omnipotent. A good knowledge of the meeting process and its impacts will pay life long dividends. What analytical and interpersonal skills are essential in corporate meeting planning? A membership in with Meeting Planning International MPI provides a greater help in arranging such professional meetings. Whether you are a meeting planner in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, San Diego or any other city MPI can help you plan more effectively. (more…)
Tags: Business Meetings, Conference Europe, Conference Presentations, Core Group, East Spring, Education Congress, Effective Meeting, Essential Ingredient, Inner Circle, Interpersonal Skills, Meeting Planner, Meeting Planners, Meeting Planning, Mpi, Professional Education Conference, Professional Meetings, Professionalism, Profit Association, Scale Organization, World Education
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