23 Jul 10 Can Your Company Afford NOT to Hold Cruise Events?
If you have been looking at cruise meetings as an alternative that is not cost-effective, then you may be missing out on some of the math. Here is how you should be looking at the whole picture: even if your company does not pay for the meals and entertainment of participants at a meeting or event, then someone else might. IF given the choice between a cost effective cruise or a compensated hotel with continental breakfast, which would you choose? That’s right, you’d go with the cruise ship, and that is exactly what other people would do 9 out of 10 times.
When you consider all that cruise ships offer, they are truly a bargain destination for meetings. Those that look only at hotels and conference centers might forget this, and may be completely insensitive to the fact that they are actually costing their customers, partners, clients, suppliers, colleagues, or even branch offices to incur expenses simply to participate. This might be the cause of barriers to successful events and productive meetings, so be sure to evaluate your strategy carefully in this regard.
Also remember that cruise events are typically cost effective when measured against landlocked alternatives. The all-inclusive prices can often be lowered when booking multiple cabins, and there are plenty of compensated bonuses to be had. These bonuses, such as a massage in the spa, can be used as incentives to further enhance the profitability and success of a cruise.
Tags: 9 Out Of 10, Bargain, Colleagues, Continental Breakfast, Cruise Events, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, Hotels, Incentives, Massage, Math, Participants, Productive Meetings, Profitability, Regard, Spa, Success
12 May 10 Cruise Meetings Encourage Active Participation
Organizations sometimes become stuck in a rut, and they feel that long-practiced traditional methods are as effective today as they were yesterday. However, this is not always the case as traditional methods sometimes stifle creativity and do not allow employees to express fresh, new ideas with their contemporaries. Instead of planning a meeting at the typical hotel venue in a bustling metropolitan city, consider a cruise meeting. Meetings at sea are an excellent venue in which to encourage active participation in meetings. Employers may be surprised to find just how productive meetings can be when employees are encouraged to participate and feel their ideas are valued.
Event planning is often a hassle as employees are not excited about the meeting and logistics of the meeting are often a nightmare. Employers may speak with a meeting planner than can help them find an incentive cruise that will be right for their organization. An incentive cruise may motivate employee performance and enhance the desire of employees to attend organizational meetings. Meetings at sea provide employees with a relaxing and inviting environment in which to share their ideas. Employers that choose a cruise meeting may find their employees are more willing to actively participate in the meetings and the outcome of the meetings more productive.
Tags: Contemporaries, Creativity, Desire, Employee Performance, Event Planning, Hassle, Hotel Venue, Incentive Cruise, Logistics, Meeting Planner, Metropolitan City, Nightmare, Organization, Organizational Meetings, Participation, Productive Meetings, Typical Hotel
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
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