Plan Your Meetings Blog
Planning family events can be a full-time job
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on July 12, 2010 at 1:59 pmBy Kristi Casey Sanders
I object to being called a Type A personality; I think I’m more a Type A+. So it goes without saying that it’s hard for me to relax. When I began my maternity leave in mid-May, my co-workers took bets on how long it’d be before I’d start working again. They all lost. I sent my first work-related e-mail before I left the hospital.
Don’t get me wrong: I’ve loved every minute of bonding with my new daughter (even the ones when I’m sleep deprived and can’t figure out what she wants), but I had a devil of a time being just a full-time mom these past two months. My own mother constantly teases me about my tendency to over-commit. I gave her plenty to tease me about when I took on planning my in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary party, which took place this past weekend.
In my defense, I didn’t intend to spend my last weeks of maternity leave planning an event for 80 people. I began asking my mother-in-law to send me her attendee estimate last July so I could start the planning process then. I continued to ask for estimates with more urgency once I realized a baby was on the way. But she didn’t want us to fuss over them, and so put off giving us a go ahead. Less than a month before she wanted to celebrate on July 11 — which happened to be the day after my cousin was getting married just north of Atlanta — I finally was given an invite list and her consent to plan the party.
Immediately, I got to experience what we often write about at Plan Your Meetings: short booking windows, attrition and tight budgets. In fact, the budget was a huge source of confusion. Originally, I was working with the all-inclusive per-person rate set by my husband, which would have restricted us to a barbecue held in someone’s backyard. It wasn’t until we were 14 days out that I understood he wasn’t paying for it and the person who was — his mother — had grander plans and a more liberal budget. Luckily, that ended up working for us. Because I was so thrifty on the front-end, I was able to secure the venue, florals, F&B, entertainment, décor, photography and transportation she wanted for half the amount she was willing to spend.
I struggled with the final attendee count, too. A niece was calling the invite list, but my mother-in-law was adding people right up until the last minute. I finally had to accept an estimate from my mother-in-law that I thought was a little high. But she insisted the people that would drop out would be replaced by people who hadn’t RSVP’d (and she was right).
The biggest vendor concern was the entertainment. There was a band she loved that I had to get. And I got them … verbally. Unfortunately, I kept being told a contract was on its way, and it wasn’t. Up until the last minute I was afraid they’d back out. Luckily, they didn’t, and I was able to sign that last contract hours before we had to head out to my cousin’s rehearsal dinner Friday night.
It was a busy weekend spent with both families. Car trouble made us miss my cousin’s wedding, but I enjoyed seeing my family and introducing them to the baby at the wedding reception Saturday night. Baby was a little overstimulated, so I got far less sleep than I intended to before we had to go to Sunday’s venue to begin set-up. Luckily, she slept until most of the guests had arrived. Then she made the rounds and got to meet some of her father’s family while I made sure we were sticking to timeline and getting payment to vendors.
Was it exhausting? Yes. Would I have gone insane without the help of some family members who chipped in during those critical last few days? Definitely. But bringing a family that only sees each other at funerals together for a happy event was worth it. Especially when I saw how much my husband’s parents were enjoying themselves. According to my husband, his dad even found his “crazy legs.” (He was once a Jitterbug champion dancer and he’s still got the moves!)
When we got home Sunday evening, our little nuclear family was exhausted. I immediately got in my pajamas and kicked my feet up. Baby took an extra two-hour nap while I ate some ice cream and called my mother-in-law to make sure the limo got them home safe. As I let my feet cool off and tried to unwind, I finally, completely understood why one of our advisory board members includes enough to get a manicure/pedicure after every event in her fee.
My own mother, instead of teasing me this time, complimented me on the way the celebration for my in-laws turned out. “It was all first-class,” she said. And then she informed me that I would be responsible for planning her and my father’s 50th wedding anniversary party. Luckily, it’s not for another 11 years.
The cultural time clock
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on June 28, 2010 at 2:40 pmBy Monica Compton, CMP
When delegates from 150 countries recently converged in Frankfurt, Germany for the IMEX 2010 exhibition, cultural differences were discussed, embraced and congratulated. But one theme seemed to be common among the host of international planners: a challenge to adapt to different concepts of time depending on the host country and cultural blend of the delegates. For example, for events in Latin America and Mexico, one planner adds “hora Ingles” to his agendas, which translates to “English time,” and is meant to persuade the delegates to be on time for the meeting. But when he arrived to speak at his 8 a.m. presentation, there was only one person in the room. Five minutes before the end of his presentation an attendee arrived and asked, “has the presentation started yet?” Somehow, the on-time message did not get across.
Another planner referenced Swiss time with an example of a train leaving for Zurich. A delegate stood at the door of the train and asked the conductor, “Is this the train to Zurich?” ready to step inside as soon as he had affirmation. “Yes,” the conductor said, then immediately blew the whistle, shut the doors and left the delegate standing there on the platform. With Swiss time, there is no waiting. You are either on time or you miss the train.
I had a similar experience at IMEX. Along with two Italian delegates, we hurried to the conference shuttle that was only 10 steps away. The Italian delegates plea of “uno momento” (wait a moment) was ignored by the German shuttle driver. Much like the Swiss conductor, the driver shut the doors and departed. An American delegate said, “I can’t believe he just left us.” The Italian responded, “Ah, the Italians, we wait but this is Germany.” She thought some more and said, “They think it’s [impolite] to keep the others on the bus waiting.” We all agreed that the shuttle would forever be delayed by attendees who wanted just one more moment. In this culture, the time is now, not in one minute.
And, then there’s the Slovenian culture where time is meant to be kept, but also meant to be spent in quality. This culture follows the Greek concept of time: Chronos and Kairos. While the former refers to chronological or sequential time, the latter signifies a time in-between or a moment of undetermined time, in which something special can happen. While conducting business, they are always on time — the quantitative Chronos approach. But in a social setting with friends and family, they are concerned with the essence of time — its qualitative importance, or Kairos.
As planners, we also should consider this approach to time. Yes, it’s important to adhere to time-driven agendas to organize successful events, but it’s just as important to be flexible, allowing for the possibility of the undetermined moment — that slice of time when something special can occur.
PYM meets Chi-town!
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on June 16, 2010 at 5:34 pmOn June 17, Plan Your Meetings was in the Windy City for the first ever 2010 PYM LIVE Chicago. Hosted by the Sutton Place Hotel, Steve Lowe (STLowe@harrahs.com) of Harrah’s & Harveys Lake Tahoe and Kevin R. Johnston, CMP (@Kevin_Johnston) of the Advantage Event Group addressed pressing industry topics and concerns, such as measuring ROI, using the expertise of CVBs and tracking the output of sustainable meetings.
Based off the 2010 PYM Big Book of Answers, the theme was “Everything you always wanted to know about meeting and event planning, but never had the chance to ask.” To get your free copy of this issue, click here.
In case you weren’t able to join us, here’s a Twitter transcript of what was discussed (start from the bottom and read up):
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Next stop for @PYMLive…. #Denver! July 22, The Brown Palace http://ow.ly/1Zie5 #pym2010 #eventprofs -1:30 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planning tip: Begin with the end in mind; you’ll always win. Thanks @Kevin_Johnston #pym2010 -1:19 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Who is measuring ROI for meetings (and how)? #pym2010 -1:18 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block ADME_GROUP (interesting fact) RT @LisaKraus: Planners still prefer printed mags as a meeting planning resource. But, are using digital too. #pym2010 -1:15 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents (interesting fact) RT @LisaKraus: Planners still prefer printed mags as a meeting planning resource. But, are using digital too. #pym2010 -1:15 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Planners are reporting and tracking green measurements at meetings #pym2010 -1:15 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Thank you to all our planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive Chicago!! #pym2010 -1:15 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Planners still prefer printed magazines as a meeting planning resource. But, are using digital too. #pym2010 -1:13 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire Planners should take advantage of cvb’s… I agree #pym2010 -1:13 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Use the services and rely on the expertise of CVBs for promoting your events. per @Kevin_Johnston #pym2010 -1:11 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Will direct mail make a comeback as a solution to the email clutter for getting your event info out? #pym2010 -1:09 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus LinkedIn can connect you to more than 4million professionals who can provide answers to you immediately. #pym2010 -1:05 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How do you use facebook in business? @PlannerWire use it to your advantage – post everything! #pym2010 -1:03 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire Great session #pym2010 http://twitpic.com/1xkzch -1:03 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Set an expectation level from the people you’re requesting info from. Provide clear deadlines. per @Kevin_Johnston #pym2010 -1:02 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Consider the environment you’re selecting for your meeting and how it engages your delegates #pym2010 -12:59 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @PlannerWire You can’t just rely on email marketing. You have to have multiple channels of communication (facebook, etc.) #pym2010 -12:58 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How do you get your group to care about having a green meeting? #pym2010 -12:57 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How to you plan according to the generational differences amongst your meeting delegates? #pym2010 -12:53 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Who is still experiencing attrition challenges? #pym2010 -12:50 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus As meeting planners, how do you influence the decision makers for your meetings? #pym2010 -12:48 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @LisaKraus: Meeting planners should partner with hotels – make it a win-win; it is a partnership. #pym2010 -12:43 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus To strategically negotiate AV, know your options. per @Kevin_Johnston #pym2010 -12:42 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus What’s important to your group? What are you trying to achieve? Thought-provoking question from Steve Lowe. #pym2010 -12:40 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Meeting planners should partner with hotels – make it a win-win; it is a partnership. #pym2010 -12:37 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston “If you ask for something before a contract is signed, it is negotiation; if you ask after, it is begging” #pym2010 -12:35 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus F&B challenges: Does our concept of traditional F&B need to change? #pym2010 -12:34 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus What is your biggest gripe with hotels/meetings? Asks Steve Lowe #pym2010 -12:32 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block AFarrell09 Strategic 2way partnerships. Who can spread ur word to tons? RT @LisaKraus How do you tackle the challenge of “I have no budget?” #pym2010 -12:32 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston The hotel industry is cyclical. #pym2010 -12:30 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How do you tackle the challenge of “I have no budget?” #pym2010 -12:27 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block AFarrell09 {{{{Standing O}}}} RT @LisaKraus Round of applause for the excellent trade show @PYMLive Chicago. Thank you to our suppliers #pym2010 -12:27 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire What are planners biggest gripes about th industry #pym2010 -12:27 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Round of applause for the excellent trade show @PYMLive Chicago. Thank you to our suppliers #pym2010 -12:25 PM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire Planners, live industry events still can’t be beat. Learned about 3 new properties today #pym2010 -11:49 AM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire Great crowd for PYM Live Chicago #pym2010 http://twitpic.com/1xkcnl -11:39 AM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Welcome Meeting & Event Professionals to @PYMLive Chicago! #pym2010 -11:00 AM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @Starbrite57 We’ll miss you today. Submit your questions for Steve Lowe & @Kevin_Johnston #pym2010 -9:52 AM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus For #pym2010 (@ The Sutton Place Hotel) http://4sq.com/bZqj5u -7:11 AM Jun 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @LisaKraus #pym2010 Chicago is tomorrow. Who’s coming? (@ The Sutton Place Hotel) http://4sq.com/bZqj5u -12:00 PM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect Do you know?… By attending any @PYMLive event, you can earn your CEUs for CMP/CSEP designation #pym2010 http://ow.ly/1Zixb #eventprofs -11:55 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus #pym2010 Chicago is tomorrow. Who’s coming? (@ The Sutton Place Hotel) http://4sq.com/bZqj5u -11:51 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus I’m here for @PYMLive Chicago! #pym2010 (@ Chicago Midway International Airport Parking Garage Level 3) http://4sq.com/962dL6 -11:48 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Attending tomorrow’s @PYMLive Chicago at The Sutton Place Hotel? Please tweet about our event & use #pym2010 http://bit.ly/anPfs4 -11:33 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Very excited about tomorrow’s @PYMLive Chicago!! #pym2010 @LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston -11:28 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect Tomorrow: @PYMLive Chicago @ The Sutton Place Hotel. Town hall style seminar w/ @Kevin_Johnston & Steve Lowe http://ow.ly/1ZhPo #pym2010 -11:10 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block Southernessyank RT @Kevin_Johnston: Headed to Chicago to speak at @PYMLive @ The Sutton Place Hotel Thursday. Will I see you… http://ow.ly/17KGLq #pym2010 -10:30 AM Jun 16th, 2010
Feature | Block twebevent RT @FlipFlops45: Gearing up for PYM LIVE Chicago… June 17 #pym2010. Who’s pumped? http://twebevent.com/pym2010chi -4:05 PM Jun 11th, 2010
Feature | Block FlipFlops45 Gearing up for PYM LIVE Chicago… June 17 #pym2010. Who’s pumped? http://twebevent.com/pym2010chi -3:13 PM Jun 11th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Submit your questions for @PYMLive with this tag & link: #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010chi -2:26 PM Jun 11th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect Here is the twebevent page hosted by @pymconnect for #pym2010, @PYMLive Chicago http://twebevent.com/pym2010chi @LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston -1:51 PM Jun 11th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Here is the twebevent page hosted by @pymconnect for #pym2010, @PYMLive Chicago http://twebevent.com/pym2010chi @LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston -1:51 PM Jun 11th, 2010
Meet the 2010 PYM Advisory Board
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on June 2, 2010 at 8:30 amBy Lisa Kraus
Everything we do at Plan Your Meetings is designed to help you plan better meetings and events, and to help you connect with products, services and properties that best meet your needs. In order to develop the best editorial, LIVE Events, online resources, programs and content available, we regularly seek the help of experts. These meeting professionals make up our PYM Advisory Board.
During the course of the year, you may meet them at our events, read their stories online, in our magazine, or even take an educational seminar with them. The work they do behind the scenes affects everything we do. Please join us in welcoming the members of our 2010 PYM Advisory Board:
Debbie Autman, conference logistics specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is responsible for planning, developing and executing conferences, meetings, awards programs, trainings and seminars. Involved in meeting planning since 1998, her meetings range from 10 – 2,500 attendees. She is the recipient of the Atlanta Chapter SGMP Presidents Award for 2006 and 2007.
Monica Compton, CMP, event specialist, Pinnacle Productions, Inc. She has been a strategic event marketing consultant and corporate meeting planner for over 18 years. Her background ranges from the implementation of large-scale global leadership meetings for Fortune 100 companies, to intimate training seminars and sales incentives. She has managed hotel contract obligations for 11 hotels in North America and Europe and provided logistical operations for a variety of corporate meetings and events in Mexico, Brazil, England, France, Monaco, Australia and Japan.
David Ecton, marketing director, Syscom Technologies. In his current role for 11 years, one of his many responsibilities include planning and executing over 40 events, meetings, workshops and seminars a year, which are devised as lead generating activities for the company’s sales team. His goal is to make an everlasting impression on his customers.
Tavia Foster Evans, principal event planner, Events that SPEAK! She is also a speech language pathologist.
Susan Fox, CMP, CMM, research and development, Frito-Lay. She has planned all of Frito-Lay’s domestic and global programs for over 10 years. She also serves as a member of MPI, PCMA, and NAPW.
Amber Frix, meeting planner/executive assistant, Morrison Senior Dining. For over three years, she has planned nationwide meetings for 10 – 500 employees. She is also responsible for the support of 80 accounts, new hires, terminations, employee recognition, team-building activities and coordination of training sessions.
Bobby Hobes, CCTE, travel and meetings coordinator, SRA International. He has worked in business travel and as a meetings specialist since 1991. In his current role since 2005, his responsibilities include overseeing the corporate meetings and travel programs for the southeastern regional division of the company.
Dr. James Hogg, Ph.D., adjunct faculty, Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. Providing instruction in the departments of tourism, events and attractions, he has spent 18 years in hospitality operations management. His experience is in restaurants, hotels, events, resorts and theme parks.
Anesia Jordan, meeting planner. Currently in transition, and working toward establishing a role as an independent meeting planner, she has previously served as the executive assistant and meetings coordinator for SunTrust Bank, Inc., Spherion Employment Agency, Execu-Search Staffing and JPMorgan Chase Bank.
Qualena Odom-Royes, CSEP, CMP, owner and principal event planner, EventEssentials. With over 16 years of experience, and an extensive background in event management and marketing, she started her business in 2003. She provides planning and facilitation services to organizations, with meetings ranging from 12 to 7,000 attendees.
Erica Prewett, owner, A Big To Do Event. Since 1999, she has been in the business of creating memories through her stress-free social and corporate events. She founded her company in 2005.
Paula Rigling, CAE, CMP, president, Meeting Planning Professionals. With over 25 years of meeting planning and hospitality experience, her firm specializes in association meetings. In 1998, she received the Texas Society of Association Executives Professional Excellence award.
Kimberly Roberts, CMP, CSEP, meetings and conventions manager, UniPro Foodservice, Inc. She has consulted on a myriad of events as a freelance consultant as well as served as an in-house planner for over 17 years. She also teaches event planning and hospitality classes online for DeVry University in their Hospitality Management Program.
Lynne Tiras, CMP, president, International Meeting Managers, Inc. With over 30 years in the meetings and events industry, 24 of which have been running her own independent planning company, she offers full-service meeting, association and special event management to her worldwide clients. She received the Planner of the Year award from the Houston chapter of MPI in 1988 and 1989, and is an international speaker on various meetings industry topics.
Keisha Wilson, CSEP, president, Keisha Wilson Events, LLC. She is an independent planner with over 10 years of experience, and has worked with hundreds of nationwide corporations on their meetings and events. In 2005, she won the Allie Award for best team effort for the Event Solutions Magazine welcome party.
Invasion of the Alamo
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on May 21, 2010 at 7:30 am
On May 20, Plan Your Meetings descended on the Hill Country for the first-ever 2010 PYM LIVE San Antonio. Hosted by the Westin La Cantera, Jeff Rasco, CMP, of Attendee Management, Inc. (@JeffRasco) and Cindy Lo of Red Velvet Events (@RedVelvetEvents) moderated the roundtable discussion, addressing a variety of industry concerns such as meeting technology and the importance of continuing education.
In case you weren’t able to join us, here’s a Twitter transcript of what was discussed (start from the bottom and read up):
Feature | Block LisaKraus Thank you Cindy! RT @RedVelvetEvents: Thx @LisaKraus for inviting me to speak at #PYM2010 -8:32 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMVanessa: Thank you to all our planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive San Antonio!! #pym2010 -8:30 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive THX!!! RT @WestinLaCantera: Welcome @PYMLive. If there is anything we can do to make your event more enjoyable please let us know. #pym2010 -7:58 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Thank you to all our planners & partners for being a part of @PYMLive San Antonio!! #pym2010 -6:31 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents Thx @LisaKraus for inviting me to speak at #PYM2010 -6:28 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus How can we encourage the Department of Commerce to attract more foreign meetings biz to the US? @keepmeeting #pym2010 -6:20 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Recommendation: use your CVBs to negotiate with meetings vendors. Great idea! #pym2010 -6:11 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Good question: asa planner, do you use hotels’ preferred vendors, or do you negotiate with other vendors in your RFPs? #pym2010 -6:10 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Hospitality marketing is a good field to earn your degree #pym2010 -6:05 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Good MBAs to get for meeting professionals: organizational communication, international business #pym2010 -6:03 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Certifications for meeting planners are good because they give you credibility. per @jeffrasco #pym2010 -6:02 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus For more about @jeffrasco, read his PYM planner profile (how he earned his CMP is included) on planyourmeetings.com/blog #pym2010 -6:00 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block ootoWeb @LisaKraus: @ootoweb video was shown at #pym2010 today in San Antonio for the 1st time. Round of applause! It is so… http://bit.ly/9psANx -5:56 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block mrs_roth Use Twitter lists to capture twitter handles of your meetings attendees, per @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -5:55 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block mrs_roth #pym2010 when referring to someone’s handle in a tweet, do you always need to do a search before you tweet or is there a quicker way? -5:54 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Use Twitter lists to capture twitter handles of your meetings attendees, per @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -5:54 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Social media WILL NOT take the place of conferences; it is just a way to connect, per @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -5:51 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Bizarre Voice is a good source for rating and reviewing… Use it to promote your events per @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -5:50 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @ootoweb video was shown at #pym2010 today in San Antonio for the 1st time. Round of applause! It is so cool! Thanks @jeffrasco #pym2010 -5:49 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @RedVelvetEvents says twitter is here to share business…. #pym2010 -5:48 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @mrs_roth: Wow @clinkevents may need to look into @ootoweb #pym2010 -5:48 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Are you finding most planners are planning short term as opposed to long term? #pym2010 -5:30 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @mrs_roth: I won a 2 night stay at the Embassy Suites San Marcos at the #PYM2010!! #pym2010 -5:23 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block mrs_roth I won a 2 night stay at the Embassy Suites San Marcos at the #PYM2010!! -5:21 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus From @paularigling “What is the biggest obstacle planners must overcome when integrating social media into a conference?” #pym2010 -5:21 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents I’m here w/ @jeffrasco about to start http://twitpic.com/1phgs2 #PYM2010 -5:20 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus From my text message: Pam &Rosie won great door prizes from Dave&Busters & HardRockCafe. “Best time we’ve had at a conference!” #pym2010 -5:20 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @ootoWeb: @jeffrasco about 2 show @ootoWeb revolutionary mobile meetings management (sneak peek!) #pym2010 http://bit.ly/b7W5by #pym2010 -5:16 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco #pym2010 howdy PYM Live! -5:14 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa @JenniferRVE Those cupcakes look delicious! I’m sure the planners will love them! #pym2010 -4:43 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block JenniferRVE Stop by the RVE booth! We have cupcakes! #PYM2010 IMG00078.jpg http://twitpic.com/1ph27n -4:14 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Welcome Meeting & Event Professionals to @PYMLive San Antonio! #pym2010 -4:00 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block ootoWeb @jeffrasco is about to show @ootoWeb revolutionary mobile meetings management (sneak peek!) at #pym2010 PYM Live – see http://bit.ly/b7W5by -3:25 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block ootoWeb RT @jeffrasco: Just arrived at always fabulous Westin La Cantera for #pym2010 PYM Live. Can’t wait! -3:18 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco Just arrived at always fabulous Westin La Cantera for #pym2010 PYM Live. Can’t wait! -3:15 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Gearing up for #pym2010 @WestinLaCantera. Submit your ??s to @jeffrasco & @RedVelvetEvents now. #pym2010 -3:14 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents can’t join @jeffrasco & me in #SA today? then send your ?s via Twitter and incl hashtag #PYM2010 and we’ll answer them #eventprofs -12:56 PM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMVanessa: Very excited about tomorrow’s surprise @PYMLive San Antonio!! #pym2010 @LisaKraus @jeffrasco @RedVelvetEvents -10:56 AM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa We have a Live Twitter Fountain for todays @PYMLive San Antonio. @WestinLaCantera @jeffrasco @RedVelvetEvents http://ow.ly/1NDTu #pym2010 -10:38 AM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents We are all off to SA today as I will be speaking with @jeffrasco at @PYMLive at @WestinLaCantera #PYM2010 -8:24 AM May 20th, 2010
Feature | Block WestinLaCantera RT @LisaKraus Wondered about all of the hospitality designations & certifications? Here’s a thorough breakdown: http://bit.ly/VCqz8 #pym2010 -9:34 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block WestinLaCantera Welcome to @westinlacantera, @PYMLive. If there is anything we can do to make your event more enjoyable please let us know. #pym2010 -9:31 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block WestinLaCantera Thank you, Lisa! RT @LisaKraus: Relaxing @westinlacantera as I prepare for @PYMLive San Antonio. LOVE the heavenly beds here. #pym2010 -9:29 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMLive: Invasion of the Alamo -we descend on Hill Country for 2010 PYM LIVE San Antonio #pym2010 http://ht.ly/17qJPi -9:13 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Ever wondered about all of the hospitality designations & certifications? Here’s a thorough breakdown: http://bit.ly/VCqz8 #pym2010 -6:02 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Relaxing @westinlacantera as I prepare for tomorrow’s @PYMLive San Antonio. LOVE the heavenly beds here. #pym2010 -5:55 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Very excited about tomorrow’s surprise @PYMLive San Antonio!! #pym2010 @LisaKraus @jeffrasco @RedVelvetEvents -2:51 PM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Don’t be shy, join the conversation with @jeffrasco & @RedVelvetEvents for @PYMLive San Antonio, 5/20 for #pym2010… http://bit.ly/9Y75PO -11:30 AM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents RT @LisaKraus: Heading to San Antonio for @pymlive. Submit your ?? for @redvelvetevents & @jeffrasco w #pym2010 #fb -7:45 AM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Heading to San Antonio for @pymlive. Submit your ?? for @redvelvetevents & @jeffrasco w #pym2010 -6:57 AM May 19th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Do you know?… By attending any @PYMLive event, you can earn your CEUs for CMP/CSEP designation #pym2010 http://ow.ly/1F9Oo #eventprofs -1:15 PM May 18th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa What meeting & event challenges have you been facing so far this year? #pym2010 #eventprofs -2:27 PM May 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect RT @jeffrasco: 3 days to @PYMLive San Antonio this Thu http://bit.ly/dpbbIM #pym2010. Cindy Lo @redvelvetevents & I showing something NEW -11:45 AM May 17th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Join the conversation with @jeffrasco & @RedVelvetEvents for @PYMLive San Antonio, 5/20 for #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010sa -10:28 AM May 17th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents RT @jeffrasco: 3 days to @PYMLive San Antonio this Thu http://bit.ly/dpbbIM #pym2010. Cindy Lo @redvelvetevents & I showing something new -9:56 AM May 17th, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco Countdown to @PYMLive San Antonio this Thursday http://bit.ly/dpbbIM #pym2010. Cindy Lo @redvelvetevents & I showing something never seen. -9:00 AM May 17th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents RT @LisaKraus: Submit your questions for @jeffrasco and @RedVelvetEvents by following your tweets with #pym2010 #pym2010 -4:46 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus @jeffrasco and @RedVelvetEvents have a BIG surprise for #eventprofs attending @PYMLive San Antonio next Thursday. Don’t miss it! #pym2010 -2:45 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Submit your questions for @jeffrasco and @RedVelvetEvents by following your tweets with #pym2010 #pym2010 -2:44 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus Live Twitter channel for @PYMLIVE San Antonio #pym2010 Submit your ??? & join the conversation http://twebevent.com/pym2010sa -2:43 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block EventBea RT @PYMVanessa: Submit your #meeting & #evemts questions for @PYMLive San Antonio. Educational Session w/ @jeffrasco, CMP & @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -1:38 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Submit your #meeting & #evemts questions for @PYMLive San Antonio. Educational Session w/ @jeffrasco, CMP & @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -1:20 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Plan #meetings & #events? Definitely don’t miss @PYMLive San Antonio! Big surprise during Educational Session!! http://ow.ly/1LchE #pym2010 -1:16 PM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @RedVelvetEvents: RT @jeffrasco: @PYMLive #pym2010 @RedVelvetEvents & I looking forward to 5/20 & PYM Live. Thx 4 your ???s. Big surprise in our session! -11:50 AM May 14th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @PYMConnect: Join the conversation for @PYMLive San Antonio, 5/20 for #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010sa -3:55 PM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @PYMConnect Join the conversation for @PYMLive San Antonio, 5/20 for #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010sa #eventprofs #meetings -3:08 PM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMConnect Join the conversation for @PYMLive San Antonio, 5/20 for #pym2010 http://twebevent.com/pym2010sa -2:40 PM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Plan #meetings & #events? Definitely don’t miss @PYMLive San Antonio! Big surprise during Educational Session!! http://ow.ly/1KDKs #pym2010 -11:03 AM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa RT @RedVelvetEvents: RT @jeffrasco: @PYMLive #pym2010 @RedVelvetEvents & I looking forward to 5/20 & PYM Live. Thx 4 your ???s. Big surprise in our session! -10:42 AM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents RT @jeffrasco: @PYMLive #pym2010 @RedVelvetEvents & I looking forward to 5/20 & PYM Live. Thx 4 your ???s. Big surprise in our session! -9:54 AM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block jeffrasco @PYMLive #pym2010 @RedVelvetEvents Cindy Lo & I looking forward to SAT May 20 & PYM Live. Thx for your ???s. Big surprise in our session! -9:00 AM May 13th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire RT @PYMLive: Do you know?… By attending any @PYMLive event, you can earn CEUs for CMP/CSEP designation #pym2010… http://bit.ly/agIToi -4:30 PM May 11th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive Do you know?… By attending any @PYMLive event, you can earn your CEUs for CMP/CSEP designation #pym2010… http://bit.ly/agIToi -4:25 PM May 11th, 2010
Feature | Block LisaKraus RT @RedVelvetEvents: Not too late to reg to attend #PYM2010 in San Antonio – http://bit.ly/9GMWOg $35 for education, networking & CEU pts -10:08 AM May 11th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents Not too late to reg to attend #PYM2010 in San Antonio – http://bit.ly/9GMWOg $35 for education, networking & CEU pts -4:56 PM May 10th, 2010
Feature | Block PlannerWire RT @PYMLive: PYM Advice: Going green in five easy steps. #pym2010 http://bit.ly/apDmpi -2:09 PM May 10th, 2010
Feature | Block RedVelvetEvents RT @PYMVanessa: Submit your #meeting & #evemts questions for @PYMLive San Antonio. Educational Session w/ @jeffrasco, CMP & @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -1:43 PM May 10th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMLive PYM Advice: Going green in five easy steps. #pym2010 http://bit.ly/apDmpi -1:39 PM May 10th, 2010
Feature | Block PYMVanessa Submit your #meeting & #evemts questions for @PYMLive San Antonio. Educational Session w/ @jeffrasco, CMP & @RedVelvetEvents #pym2010 -10:50 AM May 10th, 2010
PYM planner profile: Joe Salazarte
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on May 10, 2010 at 3:44 pmWith the recent celebration of Earth Day, I was reminded of the approach many corporations are taking to institute sustainable practices not only into their organization, but also their meetings and events. This month’s profile focuses on a planner who is determined to make a difference. Joe Salazarte is manager of the meeting and event services department for Cox Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s leading media companies and providers of automotive services. He is responsible for overseeing the strategic meetings management for all businesses of Cox (Enterprises, Communications, Auto Trader, Cox Media Group and Manheim). Additionally, Joe serves on the Board of Directors of the Green Meeting Industry Council – Atlanta Chapter and the Atlanta’s Table Advisory Board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. — Lisa Kraus
Joe, how did you get started in the hospitality industry and how long have you been a meeting planner?
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in computer science and moved to Miami, Fla. I started as a front desk associate at the Miami Airport Marriott Hotel. Two years later, I was offered the opportunity to run a hospitality desk for an incentive program at El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. The president of the company was so impressed with my hard work and people skills that he [eventually] offered me the meeting planner position at his firm. I worked at this incentive house for seven years, during which I traveled the world planning and operating exciting and exotic trips for our clients. In 1999, I moved to Atlanta and landed a job as the senior planner at World Travel Meetings and Incentives. I joined Cox Enterprises in 2003 as a senior meeting planner. In 2005, I was promoted to manager of the meeting and event services department.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the opportunity that my company and my position provide for me to engage in building lasting relationships with my colleagues and industry partners; the encouragement from my company leaders to be a good citizen of the communities we serve; and the support that I receive to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives in our companies’ meetings and events.
How have you introduced and implemented green and sustainable practices into your meetings and events?
I was very excited to have the opportunity to introduce sustainable initiatives into our meetings and events. Cox Enterprises, Inc. has always taken pride in being good corporate citizens and an environmental leader. To introduce these initiatives, I had to educate myself on the various options available at the time. This was followed by the education of the team of meeting planners in my department. Then, one step at a time, we began introducing these initiatives to our meeting hosts. I began with small things such as electronic registration communications and water stations instead of plastic bottles, amongst others. I now have a green clause that I send to the venues I contract. Though not every venue has all of the items in the clause, many can certainly be implemented. As sustainable resources become more available and affordable, [in time,] we should be able to check off all of the items on this clause.
Please tell our audience more about the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) and your involvement.
I am currently the president-elect for the GMIC – Atlanta Chapter. GMIC members are a passionate and committed global group of individuals, who strive to create a better and more sustainable world through practices in the meeting and event industry. We try to accomplish our goals through knowledge, experience, creativity, innovation and measurable results. Our vision is to transform the meetings industry by creating a more successful and sustainable global meetings marketplace.
When I was approached to join GMIC – Atlanta Chapter as a board member, I was very excited. It was an opportunity to encourage and influence change in the meeting and hospitality industry as it relates to sustainability and the protection of natural resources. I am proud to be involved with this organization and encourage others to get involved, too.
What are your favorite things about the hospitality industry?
I enjoy the energy and excitement of our ever-changing industry. There is always something new to offer our meeting/conference attendees: new venues, advanced technology and very creative WOW factors in presentations and décor of any program. I also admire the dedication and commitment of my industry colleagues who always find ways to enhance the way we do business by working together and adopting innovative practices and initiatives, such as sustainability.
How about sharing some advice with our audience?
I believe in balance, fairness, respect and honesty. It is through honest and fair business practices and strong partnerships with our business colleagues that we create a strong and successful meeting and hospitality industry, regardless of current economic and social events. I encourage everyone to practice sustainability in all aspects of our lives: work, home and the communities we serve. We must be committed to helping shape a better world through responsible actions, [as an] industry and individuals.
Joe, thank you for sharing with us, and for everything you do. I’d also like to encourage everyone to get involved with the Green Meeting Industry Council. The organization is global, and local chapters are currently forming. For more information, please visit greenmeetings.info.
Plan Your Meetings and Encore Atlanta win big
Posted by Ashley Brazzel on May 4, 2010 at 11:48 amAtlanta Metropolitan Publishing Inc. walked away from the GAMMA Awards luncheon a big winner. Both its publications took home honors from the Magazine Association of the Southeast (MAGS).
AMP editorial and design team bring home the Gold.
Encore Atlanta, the official arts publication of the Fox Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera and Alliance Theatre won an Honorable Mention for Best Custom Publication for its December 2009 Fox Theatre issue.
Business to business publication Plan Your Meetings won three top awards. Its editorial and design staff brought home a Silver GAMMA for Best Feature, for the article “Change Begins With You,” which appeared in Plan Your Meetings magazine, Volume 14, Issue 1 2009. The same issue also won two Gold GAMMA Awards — Best Service Journalism, for the article “Making Cents: 75 Ways to Stretch Your Planning Dollars,” and Best Single Issue.
Of “Making Cents,” the judges said: “What an empowering piece that directly meets the needs of its readers. Thorough, actionable, and intelligently reported, ‘Making Cents’ is guaranteed to spark ideas for readers — and make them look like heroes to their companies. Even better: The editors compile more tips online. Smart, savvy, superb way to serve a readership.”
Of the 2009 issue as a whole, the judges said: “Packed with useful tips for the part-time meeting planner, Plan Your Meetings’ light, breezy design makes it fun to read.”
This was the first year AMP submitted to the MAGS GAMMA Awards, and AMP Editorial Director Kristi Casey Sanders was pleased with the results. “To win in almost every category we submitted for was a huge validation of the hard work and tireless hours my editorial and production teams have put in over the past couple of years,” Sanders said. “I am incredibly proud of them. If anything, this has inspired us to raise the bar of quality and value for our readership even higher.”
