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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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

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07 Sep 10 What kind of inclusive incentives can be had on a cruise ship?

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