01 Jun 11 Break out of the boring and go for unforgettable at your next meeting

At every conference and corporate meeting, attendees are crammed into a hotel ballroom or conference center and basically told what they are expected to do. Whether its motivating them to do something, teaching them to do something different, or setting expectations for what you envision them doing, the message remains the same; you are telling them to change their ways because yours is better. That’s the main point behind David Gurteen’s article We must stop doing things to people. He goes on to say that “we need to approach people with ‘How can we work better together?’.”

Although I agree that attendees are more likely to be receptive to change if they feel they took part in creating the final outcome, I couldn’t help but think of how the overall environment of the typical conference/corporate meeting is really not conducive to team-building or thought sharing.

Same ole, same ole approach doesn’t work

To start with, the mere cookie cutter approach to these events already sets the mind on auto pilot before attendees even arrive. Once there, attendees are herded from reception to meeting to meal and back to meeting, only to have the same pattern repeated for the duration of the event. Free time is generally spent checking voicemails and emails, with little time for social interaction. The formula, although standard, really leaves no room for engagement, team building or real interaction.

The solution is simple: turn the formula inside out into something that works. What is the antithesis to a boring traditional hotel ballroom? How about a state of the art meeting center in the middle of the ocean? The word cruise ship alone instills an excitement that no hotel can replicate. From the minute guests receive the invitation for a meeting at sea, they know this is not a typical meeting. This isn’t just a meeting, it’s an adventure. It is THAT enthusiasm that will provide you with an audience that is receptive and engaged.

Inspire, excite and engage in new ways

Once there, it’s time to tap into that excitement by creating programs that not only educate but also facilitate the sharing of insights that will make your organization that much stronger. With a variety of theaters, meeting rooms and lounges available for private functions, your sessions don’t have to be detached and sterile. Instead, you can use this opportunity to bring together the various areas of your organization that have gathered and constructively develop new ways to take your business to new heights.

Part of the problem with the “old formula” is that nobody wants to sit all day and be talked to. On a ship, you don’t have to. Cruise ships offer a unique setting for team building activities such as zip lines, wave riding machines, golf and other sporting activities. Exotic ports of call also allow for specialized excursions and additional group opportunities.

The goal of a conference or meeting should be to inspire and reinvigorate employees (coming back with a tan doesn’t hurt either). A meeting at sea not only does that but accomplishes so much more as well. It’s a bonding experience unlike any other and certainly not one that will be forgotten any time soon.

Tags: Antithesis, Attendees, Audie, Auto Pilot, Cookie Cutter Approach, Cruise Ship, Engagement Team, Excitement, Free Time, Gurteen, Hotel Ballroom, Invitation, Little Time, Meeting At Sea, Meeting Center, Middle Of The Ocean, Rsquo, Social Interaction, Team Building, Traditional Hotel, Typic, Typical Conference, Voicemails

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02 Apr 10 Sparking Interest in a Cruise Meeting

An all-inclusive cruise is an exciting spin on meeting planning. Participants are well aware meetings formats may center on focused blocks of hard work and it becomes all too easy to forget how to relax. One way to generate excitement for an upcoming cruise meeting is to educate the group about life on board and at their ports of call.

This will be the first cruise experience for many people in the group. Add a list of commonly used “ship slang” to the packet of materials provided to each participant. A simple game of ship speak bingo can break the ice and give group members a chance to get to know one another. By the time the game is over, participants will feel confident that they know their fore from their aft.

Go beyond the standard travel brochure and create guides give group members a few helpful hints on local social graces. These could include: how much and who to tip, how to stay please and thank you in the local language, suggestions for appropriate dress, and portable currency exchange guides. A section discussing which situations are friendly photo opportunities (or not) will give camera buffs something to mull over. Good manners are easy to pack, improve communication, and guarantee a welcome on a return trip.

Tags: Bingo, Camera Buffs, Communication, Cruise Experience, Currency Exchange, Excitement, Good Manners, Group Members, Helpful Hints, Many People, Meeting Planning, Participant, Participants, Photo Opportunities, Ports Of Call, Return Trip, Simple Game, Slang, Social Graces, Travel Brochure

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02 May 09 Event Planner’s Responsibilities

The event management industry is a huge platform that offers a rich variety of career options. For those eager to build a solid career in the event management field, it is always a rewarding profession. Be it the financial perks, the excitement or the simple joy of meeting people, event planning is like a platter full of assorted dishes, ready to be relished.

However it is not always hunky dory and fun- work duties of event planner include so many multiple activities that it’s not at all easy. At the end of the day, clients need to feel thoroughly satisfied with the service of an event planner. Let us have a closer look at two important duties of an event planner.

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Tags: Assorted Dishes, Career Options, Client Requests, Closer Look, Cocktails, Designing Brochures, Event Management, Event Planner, Event Planning, Excitement, Food Menu, Invoice, Management Field, Management Industry, Neighborhood Bar, Printing Invitations, Rewarding Profession, Rich Variety, Time Management, Urgent Delivery

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02 May 09 Event Planner’s Responsibilities

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