Plan Your Meetings Blog
Education at the Downtown Aquarium Houston
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on August 31, 2010 at 4:46 pmOn Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT, meeting and event planners are coming together at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas, for education, networking and an intimate trade show at the 2010 PYM LIVE Houston.
The educational session, from 11:15-12:15 CT, will be led by Jeff Rasco, CMP, and Lynn Tiras, CMP. The attendee-driven roundtable will discuss “everything you ever wanted to know about meeting planning but never had the chance to ask.”
Follow the discussion at our Twebevent page and on our Twitter fountain below. Or be part of the discussion, by asking your own questions or providing answers on Twitter, using the #pym2010 hashtag.
twebevent @TheGICC Heh, funny. That link has a picture of me on it from #eventcamp. Forgot about that. Hybrid events: http://ow.ly/2y2rh #pym2010 -3:44 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block twebevent Over 450 page views so far today on http://twebevent.com/PYM2010Houston #PYM2010 #eventprofs -3:40 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block TheGICC RT @PYMLive: Here are some cheap and easy tips for livestreaming conference content (hybrid events) http://ow.ly/2y2rh #pym2010 -2:13 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco #pym2010 thanks for putting this together PYM. And Landry’s / Downtown Aquarium is amazing! Great venue, fabulous lunch -2:04 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Tweets about #pym2010 have reached 16,912 people – http://bit.ly/bOODW2 (from TweetReach) -1:53 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block RaciPlace RT @PYMLive: Here are some cheap and easy tips for livestreaming conference content (hybrid events) http://ow.ly/2y2rh #pym2010 -1:27 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive RT @PYMVanessa: Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLIVE Houston!! #pym2010 -1:21 PM Sep
Feature | Block PYMLive Here are some cheap and easy tips for livestreaming conference content (hybrid events) http://ow.ly/2y2rh #pym2010 -1:16 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Meeting planners on Twitter, let me know, I’ll add u 2 #mtgplannersrule list. Read daily: http://paper.li/pymlive/mtgplannersrule #pym2010 -1:14 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus Beyond tele-presence, hybrid events can increase attendance and add another revenue stream. #pym2010 -1:12 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Tele-presence allows you to use the internet to connect virtually. It is an option to use, when face-to-face not available. #pym2010 -1:11 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus @jeffrasco And if you’ve been in the business a long time, be a mentor & let your protege teach you about tech #pym2010 -1:11 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLIVE Houston!! #pym2010 -1:10 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus There is no way teleconferencing could ever replace face-to-face meetings. #pym2010 -1:09 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa This is fantastic! RT @PYMLive A daily newspaper for #pym2010, so u can check out all our conversations! Link is http://paper.li/tag/pym2010 -1:08 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @jeffrasco suggests get a mentor to help elevate you to the next level. #pym2010 -1:06 PM Sep 1st, 2010
PYMLive Link is http://paper.li/tag/pym2010 #pym2010 -1:02 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Oh this is so awesome: I just made a daily newspaper for #pym2010, so you can check out all our conversations! #pym2010 -1:02 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus Also employee retention, sales output, reduction in lawsuits can all = $$ for ROI on programs planned #pym2010 -1:01 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus PCMAMPICMMSMMCMPSGMPIAAPIMEX….repeat #pym2010 -12:58 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus Also convert intangibles into $$ (ie: time saved traveling or working faster=money), relationships can=$$ too if tracked #pym2010 -12:57 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planning lingo….. We’re in a sea of alphabet soup! #pym2010 -12:57 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive off-topic: here’s a cool tool to gather info on Twitter like a newspaper http://paper.li/tag/Eventprofs (after /tag/ put keyword) #pym2010 -12:56 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Ways to prove meeting ROI: show your savings, under-budget numbers, show your negotiations’ savings. #pym2010 -12:55 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How are you proving ROI for your meetings? #pym2010 -12:53 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block NewRenaissance RT @PYMLive: Knowing meeting/company goals can also help you save money http://ow.ly/2y0MQ #pym2010 -12:53 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @suzannecarawan Is there anything you’re struggling with? #pym2010 -12:49 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block brentskinner RT @PYMLive: And if you have to re-negotiate a hotel contract, some tips for #eventprofs: http://ow.ly/2y186 #pym2010 -12:49 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive The Big Book of Answers has a lot to say about avoiding attrition too…. but here’s Mission: Avoid Attrition http://ow.ly/2y1iN #pym2010 -12:48 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Controlling the reservations on the front side is the best way to avoid high attrition. Get your lists in order. #pym2010 -12:46 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive And if you have to re-negotiate a hotel contract, some tips for #eventprofs: http://ow.ly/2y186 #pym2010 -12:44 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Video: Contract tips & traps http://ow.ly/2y16H #pym2010 -12:43 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus Here are some helpful contract clauses for #eventprofs from @kevin_johnston http://ow.ly/2y13M #pym2010 -12:42 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Great article: Facing attrition by @Kevin_Johnston http://bit.ly/c47g7Y #pym2010 -12:41 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Hotel owners are now more involved than ever; so it’s not just the hotels, but the owners are looking at your contracts. #pym2010 -12:41 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Profile of PYM Planner who’s done more than 100 nonprofit events http://ow.ly/2y114 by @lisakraus #pym2010 -12:40 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Contract negotiations are vital for preventing slippage and attrition. Have the clauses that protect you. #pym2010 -12:38 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus @jeffrasco It’s amazing how you can leverage conversations on Twitter to find event partners & opportunities #eventprofs #pym2010 -12:37 PM Sep 1st, 2010
PYMLive Gr8 article from @kevin_johnston here http://ow.ly/2y0Qg RT @LisaKraus: Stress the importance of networking and partnerships. #pym2010 -12:36 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @jeffrasco : Networking is the way to get things done! (Amen to that!) #pym2010 -12:35 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Knowing meeting/company goals can also help you save money http://ow.ly/2y0MQ #pym2010 -12:34 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus People want to do business with friends. It’s all about relationships. #pym2010 -12:34 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Stress the importance of networking and partnerships. #pym2010 -12:33 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Be sure to know your company’s goals for a meeting before you start planning. #pym2010 -12:32 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive One of our fave indies @checklistqueen also makes sure to build in a massage & mani-pedi into fee bc you need it afterwards! #pym2010 -12:32 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Some indie planners decide how much they want to make a year, determine hourly wage & hours to get there & charge based on that #pym2010 -12:31 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive I’ve heard advocates use “tax-exempt” RT @LisaKraus: Lynne Tiras, CMP recommends treating a non-profit like they were for profit. #pym2010 -12:30 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Getting started as an independent planner? Try to arrange financial backing. Make sure you have some support. #pym2010 -12:30 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @LisaKraus Some venues have special non-profit rates. I usually see those attached to special facilities like parks & museums #pym2010 -12:29 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Lynne Tiras, CMP recommends treating a non-profit like they were for profit. #pym2010 -12:29 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa We’re already getting awesome tweets from @PYMLive Houston! Can’t wait to see what else is in store for #pym2010! -12:27 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Any suggestions for planning meetings for non-profits? #pym2010 -12:27 PM Sep 1st, 2010
PYMLive @suzannecarawan Welcome! Ask your ??? and @JeffRasco & Lynn will answer @lisakraus is taking notes at live event #pym2010 -12:24 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block suzannecarawan @PYMLive thanks for making me aware of the convo. now i’m engaging! #pym2010 -12:24 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block suzannecarawan i’m in @pymconnect for #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010houston -12:22 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive @jeffrasco I’m wondering how many pple in the audience have F&B gripes … #pym2010 -12:19 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco #pym2010 what other event encourages you NOT to put your cell phone on stun? Tweet away y’all -12:16 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive #eventprofs: Have ???s about the industry RT @twebevent: PYM chatter now live on twebevent at http://twebevent.com/PYM2010Houston #pym2010 -12:14 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco #pym2010 the lady in the tank has REALLY wrinkled fingers -12:14 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block twebevent PYM chatter now live on twebevent at http://twebevent.com/PYM2010Houston #PYM2010 -12:12 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Thanks for the reminder @PYMVanessa #pym2010 (@ Downtown Aquarium) http://4sq.com/5euWdP -12:10 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Did everyone see the lady in the tank as you walked in? Be sure to wave to her as she swims with the fish! #pym2010 -12:08 PM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive The Downtown Aquarium Houston has the coolest dining area, surrounded by fish in tanks (not the ones you eat tho) #pym2010 -11:48 AM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Attending the @PYMLive Houston event? Remember to check in @ the Downtown Aquarium with @foursquare! #pym2010 @LisaKraus -11:26 AM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Welcome partners & planners to @PYMLive Houston! #pym2010 -11:00 AM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @PYMLive Houston has begun! The Downtown Aquarium is a great venue! #pym2010 -10:47 AM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect Do you know?… By attending any @PYMLive event, you can earn your CEUs for CMP/CSEP designation http://ow.ly/2xyvG #eventprofs #pym2010 -10:00 AM Sep 1st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Love it here! #pym2010 (@ Hotel Derek) http://4sq.com/8ZuSkJ -8:35 PM Aug 31st, 2010
Feature | Block twchat RT @PYMVanessa: Unable to attend @PYMLive Houston? You can still join the convo! http://twebevent.com/pym2010houston #eventprofs #pym2010 -6:30 PM Aug 31st, 2010
Feature | Block EileenLawrence RT @PYMVanessa: Unable to attend @PYMLive Houston? You can still join the conversation! http://twebevent.com/pym2010houston #eventprofs #pym2010 -12:41 PM Aug 31st, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Back again to my 2nd home. Heading to Houston for @PYMLive #pym2010 (@ Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ✈) -12:37 PM Aug 31st, 2010
Revving up for Charlotte
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on August 9, 2010 at 7:24 pmAugust 10’s PYM LIVE Event is in Charlotte, N.C., home of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Charlotte Center City, meeting planners convened to network and learn from their peers. The educational session was led by Kimberly D. Roberts CMP, CSEP, and Caryn Terradas. Here are some highlights from the event:
PYMVanessa Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive Charlotte! #pym2010 -12:25 PM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Use confidence monitors for your speakers. Allows them to advance their slides at their own pace. #pym2010 -12:14 PM Aug 10th, 2010
loriharbin RT @LisaKraus: “Car salesman” days are over when negotiating meetings with vendors. It’s a relationship biz. #pym2010 -12:11 PM Aug 10th, 2010
PYMLive RT @LisaKraus: http://www.johnhaydon.com/offers great advice for social networking strategies for non-profit organizations. #pym2010 -12:11 PM Aug 10th, 2010
PYMLive @kellybhicks They can mention your name with some spam, but unless they hack yr acct not a security issue. Moderate stream at evnts #pym2010 -12:09 PM Aug 10th, 2010LisaKraus Don’t underestimate the power of interns. #pym2010 -12:05 PM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus John Haydon.com offers great advice for social networking strategies for non-profit organizations. #pym2010 -12:00 PM Aug 10th, 2010
PYMVanessa RT @LisaKraus “Car salesman” days are over when negotiating meetings with vendors. It’s a relationship biz. #pym2010 -11:58 AM Aug 10th, 2010
AdamSchomaker RT @LisaKraus: Use your company name and set up a free “Google Alert” to help you research your audience. #pym2010 -11:50 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Use your company name and set up a free “Google Alert” to help you research your audience. #pym2010 -11:49 AM Aug 10th, 2010
AdamSchomaker RT @LisaKraus: The purpose of social media is to brand yourself, your company, etc. Keep it professional & relevant. #pym2010 -11:49 AM Aug 10th, 2010
kellybhicks What about the issues with Twitter regarding security – anyone can tweet anything to your account – how do you handle #PYM2010 -11:47 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Hootsuite.com allows you to set timers & update all of your social networking platforms. It will speak for you all week! #pym2010 -11:45 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Facebook has more than 450 million users – the majority of which are on at least 1 hr per day. #pym2010 -11:43 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus The purpose of social media is to brand yourself, your company, etc. Keep it professional & relevant. #pym2010 -11:41 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus What are some of your sponsor challenges when planning non-profit events? #pym2010 -11:38 AM Aug 10th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Being transparent will get you a lot more than you expect. #pym2010 -11:35 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus “Car salesman” days are over when negotiating meetings with vendors. It’s a relationship biz. #pym2010 -11:34 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Ask for a list share, link on website, and place for promotion o trade show floor. #pym2010 -11:32 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Stay current with your attendees’ demographics. It changes often. #pym2010 -11:31 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Offer cross-marketing on your website to create affiliate relationaships & promote your non-profit event. #pym2010 -11:30 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Planning for non-profits? Start by looking at your goals & objectives. Form partnerships. #pym2010 -11:29 AM Aug 10th, 2010
kellybhicks PYM 2010 meeting in Charlotte! Great vendors!#pym2010 -11:26 AM Aug 10th, 2010
Southernessyank Can’t wait to hear all about @PYMLive Charlotte! #pym2010 (@ Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing) http://4sq.com/bJJAmw -11:11 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus Be sure to tweet if you win a cool door prize from our exhibitors at @PYMLive Charlotte! #pym2010 -10:28 AM Aug 10th, 2010
Dolce_Hotels Hello! #pym2010 -10:27 AM Aug 10th, 2010
PYMVanessa Welcome planners & partners to @PYMLive Charlotte! #pym2010 -10:00 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus It’s a beautiful day in Charlotte for @PYMLive. Tweet if you’re attending. #pym2010 -9:32 AM Aug 10th, 2010
LisaKraus @PYMLive Charlotte is kicking off! Be sure to tweet w #pym2010 (@ Hilton Charlotte Center City) http://4sq.com/cB7hrv -9:29 AM Aug 10th, 2010
Southernessyank Tomorrow: @PYMLive Charlotte! #pym2010 (@ Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing) http://4sq.com/bJJAmw -3:36 PM Aug 9th, 2010
twebevent RT @PYMVanessa: Eventprofs: Here is our @twebevent page for tomorrows @PYMLive Charlotte. #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010char -1:03 PM Aug 9th, 2010
Dolce_Hotels Pop by Dolce’s chat at 11 EST. RT @PYMVanessa: @twebevent tomorrows @PYMLive Charlotte. #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010char #pym2010 -11:36 AM Aug 9th, 2010
PYMVanessa Eventprofs: Here is our @twebevent page for tomorrows @PYMLive Charlotte. #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010char -11:29 AM Aug 9th, 2010
PYM planner profile: Cindy Lo
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on August 6, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Cindy Lo, president of Red Velvet Events, says her mission statement is to “out-plan, outplay and out-party!” And with hundreds of events successfully created in just eight years, she’s put her money where her mouth is. PYM was lucky to catch up with the busy entrepreneur between gigs, as she wrapped up the NACE Experience! Conference (July 25-28) and was on her way to Baltimore, Md., for ISES Eventworld (Aug. 5-7, 2010). — Lisa Kraus
Cindy, how did you get your start as a meeting planner?
Well, like so many people you talk to in this industry, I fell into it. My background was in business technology, and the only similarity between the two jobs is how I managed software deployments taught me how to manage delivering on our clients’ needs and wants with respect to their conferences and events. I have been doing it now for eight years, and I absolutely love what I do. I actually got started with the encouragement of my friends. I had been doing project management work, and they all said I would be a natural at meeting and event planning. When I initially started the job search, it was a real eye-opener. It was post-9/11, and no one was hiring within the industry, especially someone like myself coming from Corporate America. And there always seems to be a plethora of newly inexperienced planners that “think” they want to be in the industry – me included at the time. Looking back, I now see why no one took me seriously at that time since this type of job takes a special personality and it is not a good fit for everyone especially if your background is more corporate. What I believe everyone underestimated in me was how much I love helping others, and I was willing to start from ground zero to make it happen. When you truly love your job, you’re able to do it well. So, with zero formal experience, I started my own company, Red Velvet Events. During this transition, I taught myself everything. I read as many case studies as I could find, learned the business jargon (and boy are there a lot of acronyms), and actually tweaked my business plan as I moved along the process. I also got involved with MPI and ISES, and I credit my local chapters for helping me get where I am today.
What associations and organizations are you currently affiliated with, and why are they beneficial to you?
Red Velvet Events is a member of five industry organizations. And, really, it’s more than a membership. When you join these groups, you need to get involved. Otherwise, it’s a waste of money. The payoff, or benefit from joining comes from one’s involvement. So, we are involved with Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which is great for providing all-around networking and connections with like-minded planners and suppliers. We’re also members of International Special Events Society (ISES), which is an organization I highly recommend to any independent planner because there is such a great focus on the production side of events. ISES is truly the epitome of all that is special events. I believe it prepares planners and allows us to broaden our network. And, it is through my involvement with ISES that I was able to partner with the National Association of Catering Executives Austin chapter, which was the destination for their national education conference this year. I really enjoyed being able to showcase the city during this event. Red Velvet Events is an official destination management company for both Austin and San Antonio, so we are also heavily involved with the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME). We are also a member of American Marketing Association (AMA) as we have found it to be a good organization for independent business owners. Lastly, we are also members of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), because it is good for forming alliances with the hotels we partner with.
Tell us about Red Velvet Events.
We are a full service event management firm. Our headquarters is in Austin, and we also have an office in San Antonio. Our specialty is the corporate market, and we also produce high-end social events upon request, which include platinum weddings by referral. Our ideal clients are small to medium-size business that want their events to be on-brand and on-budget.
How has social networking helped you to grow your connections and your business?
Being a small business owner, social networking has helped me reinforce my brand. It has also allowed me to share information I find pertinent, newsworthy and useful to the industry, without spamming my e-mail contacts. In other words, people have the choice to follow me on Twitter and read the information I provide, as opposed to me soliciting them to sign up for my e-mail newsletters and such. And, it’s free. Whenever someone tells me they don’t have time for professional social networking, I always ask how can they possibly ignore an effective marketing tool that is absolutely free! Who doesn’t make the time for that? And, it truly does pay off. In fact, I just received a proposal to manage another company’s social networking. When I say proposal, I mean they’re offering to pay me to do their online marketing for them. How cool is that? I believe that if you sell a targeted service or product, especially one that is geared toward generation Y, you’d be foolish not to have a presence on social media.
What do you like most about your job?
I love working with our clients. I am so fortunate in that I get to touch a variety of clients. I enjoy learning their business objectives, and being able to tie those into their special event. It’s really all about creating a “wow” factor. I like the challenge of figuring out how to make each event different and memorable, and demonstrating that producing events is much more than just a checklist. It’s about creating an unforgettable experience.
What advice can you share with our readers?
If you’re currently working for someone, use this time wisely and take advantage of really getting to know the industry. Attend conferences and networking meetings. You never know when your career or job will change. If you’re a small business owner, always push yourself to learn. The day you stop learning is the day you start to fail. You don’t want to settle for status quo, so push yourself constantly. And, I’d like to preface this last bit of advice by saying that I really do have a lot of fun with my job. I mean, I adore it and love it to death. But, what people sometimes don’t realize is that it’s not all glitz and glamour. No matter who you are in this industry, you still have to do the “grunt work.” You’re never “too good” for any task that needs to be done in order to make the event successful. There will be times when it seems like a very grueling job, physically and mentally. And, there will always be times when you can feel unappreciated. My advice is to remember to always focus on the end product and that the client is happy. Don’t always look for that constant pat on the back because regardless to how it may appear, this industry is not all fun and games.
Well said, Cindy. How can planners get in touch with you?
Definitely follow me on Twitter @RedVelvetEvents; or e-mail me at cindy@redvelvetevents.com or call 512-380-9688.
Note from Lisa: If you’re in the Austin, Texas, area, you can meet Cindy Lo in person at the PYM LIVE Austin Event on Feb. 16, 2011.
GAMPI gets personal about helping members achieve goals
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on August 3, 2010 at 5:02 pmTapping into an attendee’s personal experiences not only enhances learning, it also helps them set and achieve goals. That’s the primary philosophy of the Georgia MPI chapter’s upcoming Summer Educational Alliance (SEA) set for Aug. 26-29 in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Twitter hashtag: #sea2010) that Plan Your Meetings is sponsoring.
Concurrent sessions will stress interaction and audience-driven discussions. In addition to education, the conference agenda includes several site tours of local hotels. The SEA Committee is asking attendees to bring crayons, markers, pens, paper, pencils, notebooks/notepads, backpacks or old conference bags to donate to Jamaican schoolchildren.
If you decide to go, make sure to mention that PYM sent you!
Mile high adventures with PYM LIVE
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on July 21, 2010 at 3:19 pmOn July 22, PYM LIVE returns to Denver for a very special educational event and trade show at the legendary Brown Palace. The educational Q&A session will be led by social media strategist Eric Elkins and strategic meetings maven Brooke Sommers, CMP, CMM. Designed to be audience-driven, the session theme is “all you ever wanted to know about meeting planning but never had the chance to ask.”
For an awesome recap of our last event in Chicago, read this funny blog from planner Keith Johnston.
Here’s a recap of the Denver Twitterstream with notes from the educational session. Read from the bottom up to get the proper chronology:
Feature | Block PYMConnect Couldn’t make it to our @PYMLive Denver event yesterday? Read the highlights from the town hall style seminar http://ow.ly/2fBSM #pym2010 -10:05 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @datingdad I had a great time speaking at #pym2010, @LisaKraus , @PYMVanessa, and @PYMLive – thanks for the invitation! -9:53 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block datingdad I had a great time speaking at #pym2010, @LisaKraus , @PYMVanessa, and @PYMLive – thanks for the invitation! -9:52 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block conniepgilbert RT @LisaKraus: Me too! RT @ mariskuklis @LisaKraus I’m pleased to hear that meeting planners ARE NOT order-takers anymore.Finally. #pym2010 -8:41 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block GMICAtlanta RT @LisaKraus: Non-profit organizations are starting to connect on facebook, to cut costs on direct mail. (and, it’s green) #pym2010 -8:21 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block GMICAtlanta RT @LisaKraus: It is our responsibility to develop CSR strategies in our companies and events. #EmpoweredPlanners #pym2010 -8:20 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Me too! RT @ mariskuklis @LisaKraus I’m pleased to hear that meeting planners ARE NOT order-takers anymore.Finally. #pym2010 -7:54 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block MarisKuklis @LisaKraus I’m pleased to hear that meeting planners ARE NOT order-takers anymore.Finally. #pym2010 -2:47 AM Jul 23rd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive RT @LisaKraus: RT @PYMVanessa: Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive Denver! #pym2010 -11:42 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMVanessa: Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive Denver! #pym2010 -9:20 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Thank you to all our wonderful planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive Denver! #pym2010 -7:30 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus One planner put together an “Amazing Race” activity; kind of like a scavenger hunt. #pym2010 -7:10 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Tired of hokey team building activities? Try the “Go Game” #pym2010 -7:09 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planners are a very strong force. We need to be backing it up with our recognitions and accreditations. #pym2010 -7:08 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Post info on your social networks to show relevance in the industry. You want to be perceived as an expert. #pym2010 -7:07 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus LinkedIn Groups are very powerful. The key is to invite the right people, and encourage them yo invite people. #pym2010 -6:59 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus The FB newsfeed page is the most visited page on the Web. Make sure your company gets posted in the newsfeed by creating a page! #pym2010 -6:58 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Per @datingdad The largest demographic joining FB are women over 35. Interesting! #pym2010 -6:55 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Per Brooke Sommers: Forget FAM trips, they don’t involve education. That sends the wrong message. #pym2010 -6:54 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus And, of course, huge round of applause for @BrownPalace. #pym2010 -6:54 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Shout out to Kessler Canyon! Planners are gushing over it. #pym2010 -6:53 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Remember to ask your vendors & partners to promote your events. It is a partnership. Social media is great for that. #pym2010 -6:52 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa So many great highlights & useful tips! #pym2010 -6:50 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Negotiating attrition means you’re responsible to sharing the risk with your hotelier. Create a win-win #pym2010 -6:49 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus It is our responsibility to develop CSR strategies in our companies and events. #EmpoweredPlanners #pym2010 -6:48 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planners should make the decision when to “cut off” the alcohol consumption, not the hotel. Take charge! #pym2010 -6:47 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Stay abreast of meetings trends & you won’t experience difficulty in negotiating attrition and F&B minimums. #pym2010 -6:46 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Start with a base of good knowledge so that you build trust with your meeting suppliers. Build the relationship. #pym2010 -6:44 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Eliminating attrition does not help anyone in the long run. You need to be accountable for your meeting. #pym2010 -6:44 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Electronic surveys are a huge assistance to meeting planners. Find out what your delegates want! #pym2010 -6:41 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @LisaKraus: Meeting planners ARE NOT order-takers anymore. Amen to that! #pym2010 -6:38 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planners ARE NOT order-takers anymore. Amen to that! #pym2010 -6:37 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Be sure to consider your room set up and how it applies to the session you’re holding. #pym2010 -6:37 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block datingdad Interesting discussion about communicating in new ways at events and meetings! #pym2010 -6:35 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Start your content early, pre-event, to engage them. Encourage your speakers to do the same. Your attendees will appreciate #pym2010 -6:33 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
LisaKraus: @BrownPalace just completed a $40,000 per guest room bathroom renovation! Wow! #pym2010 -6:15 PM Jul 22nd, 2010· Reply · View Tweet · 
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PYMVanessa Welcome planners & partners to @PYMLive Denver! #pym2010 -5:00 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Exhibitors set up. Check. Planners arriving. Check. @PYMLive Denver is underway! @BrownPalace #pym2010 -4:58 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
LisaKraus All of the staff @BrownPalace is so wonderful! Special shout out to the AV guys. You rock! #pym2010 -4:17 PM Jul 22nd, 2010
PYMLive @datingdad I’m looking forward to your tweets about the show today, especially the educational session… #pym2010 -11:24 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMConnect: RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 @LisaKraus -11:08 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
LisaKraus RT @PYMConnect: RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 @LisaKraus -11:08 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMConnect: If you are attending today’s @PYMLive Denver event remember to follow your tweets w/ #pym2010 http://ow.ly/2f2JV -11:08 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @BrownPalace has a 9-story atrium with an exquisite stained-glass ceiling. Breathtaking! #pym2010 -11:07 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Did you know that @BrownPalace opened in 1892? Gorgeous and historic #Denver landmark. So honored to have an event here. #pym2010 -11:04 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect If you are attending today’s @PYMLive Denver event remember to follow your tweets w/ #pym2010 http://ow.ly/2f2JV -10:04 AM Jul 22nd, 2010
Feature | Block The_Caribe RT @PYMConnect: RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 @LisaKraus -7:49 PM Jul 21st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive RT @PYMConnect: RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 -3:31 PM Jul 21st, 2010
Feature | Block PGAVillage_Golf RT @PYMConnect: RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 @LisaKraus -2:18 PM Jul 21st, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect RT @PYMVanessa: Check out our @twebevent page for @PYMLive Denver! July 22 http://twebevent.com/pym2010den #pym2010 @LisaKraus -2:13 PM Jul 21st, 2010
Feature | Block Southernessyank Last minute to-dos for @PYMLive Denver! #pym2010 (@ Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing) http://4sq.com/bJJAmw -12:36 PM Jul 20th, 2010
Feature | Block datingdad Looking forward to speaking about using social media with events at #pym2010 on Thursday! http://bit.ly/PYMdenver -1:11 PM Jul 19th, 2010
Quality costs. But it’s worth it.
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on July 21, 2010 at 1:42 pmToday, I went into a stationery store to purchase a package of “thank you” notes. When I receive something nice, I like to send something beautiful in return, and I love the feel of fine paper.
Crane & Co. is a brand I trust, but I wasn’t crazy about their basic designs — I was looking for cards thanking people for baby gifts, so I wanted something that was a little more fun and a little more artistic. Then, I spotted a box of Martha Stewart cards developed for Crane & Co. that were just what I was looking for design-wise — and at almost half the price of the standard Crane cards.
I should have known it was too good to be true. When I opened the box and pulled out the first card, I was crushed — the folded note card was printed on stock that had the same consistency of printer paper. I could have gotten something nicer at the local supermarket. It completely eroded the trust I had in both brands.
The same thing can easily happen when you’re planning an event. When you’re focused on the bottom line, don’t get so myopic that you forget about the quality of experience you’re offering. Help your boss or client understand what line-item costs mean, especially when going with the lowest price might create an experience that will negatively effect your brand.
Quality costs. But when the alternative is apologizing for how cheap things look, it’s a necessary business expense.
PYM planner profile: Joyce J. Ginsburg
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on July 14, 2010 at 11:09 amBy Lisa Kraus
This month presented an incredible opportunity for me to discuss the hospitality industry with an accomplished veteran and true pioneer, Joyce J. Ginsburg. With over 40 years of experience as both a supplier and a professional planner, Joyce’s story is very interesting and compelling. Her dedication and passion for meeting planning is immeasurable. After speaking with her, I realized that in this learn-as-you-go business, it’s oftentimes more about who you know than what you know. — Lisa Kraus
Joyce, take us on your journey. How did you get started in the hospitality industry?
Well, like most people, I fell into it by accident. I had finished broadcasting school and took a job with a major company in Chicago. This was 41 years ago, at one of those times when corporate America was crazy and companies were laying off a lot of employees. Since I was someone with the least amount of seniority at the time, I was let go. The human resources person looked at me and said, “You should go into the hotel industry.” I was a kid; what did I know about the hotel industry? But, it seemed reasonable enough. So, I marched out of the office, and went straight to a phone booth and started calling hotels in the area. First I called the Bismarck Hotel, which was right across the street. They weren’t hiring. Next, I called the Sheraton Blackstone Hotel, used my best phone voice (remember, I was in school for broadcasting) and said, “I am looking for work and I have an interest and the ability to learn.” I guess that worked, because I was offered an opportunity to come in and interview for the position of diary clerk.
Now, this was well before the time of computers; and the diary clerk was responsible for blocking all hotel function space within the hotel for meetings, social functions, etc. in this extraordinarily large book. Well, I got the job and was soon after promoted to their assistant banquet coordinator. But, as is common in this industry, (although I didn’t know it at the time) I was ready for a new challenge after about two and a half years. Amazingly enough, I was offered an opportunity to transfer to the Sheraton Four Ambassadors Hotel in Miami, Fla., and be their convention services manager. After almost three years, I was ready to move on again. I was young and still didn’t realize this was typical in this industry.
I returned to Chicago to work for a private temporary placement business in Schaumburg, Ill. Before leaving, my general manager at the Sheraton had told me, “You’ll be back. The hotel industry is in your blood.” Well, wouldn’t you know it, exactly six months to the day, I returned to the hotel business! This time, I accepted the position of director of sales and catering at the Holiday Inn of Itasca, which is located in the outskirts of Chicago. Selling outside of the city was a little different, so I simply made up my mind I was going to sell like crazy, which I did. After two and a half years there, I accepted the convention services manager position at the Arlington Park Hilton. Then, I had another opportunity to transfer and move again.
In 1980, I accepted the position of director of convention services at the Denver Hilton Hotel. While I was there, I was promoted to director of marketing in 1982, which at that time made me the first woman director of marketing for Hilton Hotels. It was an incredible opportunity. In 1983, Hilton asked me to transfer to Los Angeles and work as director of corporate accounts at their Western Regional Sales Office. This was a holding position until another director of convention services position became available, which needed my experience. After about seven months, they asked me to return to Miami Beach and be their director of convention services at the Fountainebleau Hilton Resort and Spa. The reason they brought me on was to handle one of their major accounts, a huge revenue-generator for them. Every year, this company held back-to-back meetings consisting of 800 to 1,400 people per movement for six to eight weeks. It was amazing.
So, that was 20 years in the hotel business, and then you made the leap to corporate America, which jump-started your career as an independent planner?
Yes. In 1989, I had the opportunity to be a corporate meeting planner with a huge global company. But, in 1992, that company had a restructuring and downsizing, which meant that the American side of the business was pulling out and they were offering us severance and buy-out packages. So, it was then that I began my career as an independent meeting planner. When you’ve been employed all of your life and then find yourself self-employed, it’s very interesting, to say the least. I learned how to “not keep all of my eggs in one basket,” which helped me when the meeting business was down, like 9-11, and as a result of the time that followed. So I do a lot of consulting and on-site management.
What do you like most about your job?
The world of meeting planning allows me to interact with so many people. Not to mention the diversification! For example, while on the hotel side, a day could consist of working with a corporate meeting to an association meeting to a religious event to working on a meeting involving the secret service! How diverse is that? This has given me the flexibility to work with various organizations on many different types of events. I feel that my prior experience in the hotel industry provides me with an acute understanding of hotel services available to a client, while simultaneously being able to understand any challenges a hotel faces in order to conduct a successful meeting. Understanding both sides is an advantage to any client. I think it is good to know what can logistically be accommodated and what cannot.
You’re involved with a unique group: AIMM (Alliance of Independent Meeting Managers). Tell our audience about the organization.
We’re a group of independent meeting planners who meet quarterly and share ideas, discuss topics, and even merge efforts, if needed. There are no membership fees; it’s not an official organization with bylaws and such. It’s really a sharing effort. We help spread the word that there is a group of independent planners who can assist any organization with their meeting planning needs.
Are you involved in other meeting planning organizations?
I wish organizations within our industry could offer the independent planner an opportunity to join them with the understanding that there isn’t a company supporting our annual membership dues, which are not feasible to the independents. Their pricing is not in line or logical to many of us. I’ll volunteer and work with many of the groups out there, when my time permits, though. There are so many wonderful and reputable groups. I definitely advocate getting involved.
What is your favorite thing about this industry?
The hospitality industry is interesting. It is so complex and yet it can be simplified. There is knowledge and ability involved that the meeting planner can use to create a successful end result.
What advice can you share with our audience?
Life is an education. We all live it in different ways. Service and flexibility is the key to the industry.
How can planners and organizations contact you?
Connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at joyce@jgmeetings.com.
