Plan Your Meetings Blog
On the road with meeting planners in the ‘Ham
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on October 21, 2009 at 9:51 amEvery October, PYM does a really special dual event with the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. We take a busload of Atlanta-based meeting planners to Birmingham for a daytime PYM LIVE Event (this year it’s at the amazing Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa), which local Alabama planners also attend. Then, the Atlanta planners get a tour of the city and attend the CVB’s Fright Night, a fun evening event promoting what the city has to offer. We’ve got a couple of tech-savvy planners in the PYM group, including @checklistqueen (a.k.a. Erica Prewitt from A Big To Do Event Planning), who promised to keep us up-to-date on the trip.
Here’s the presentation from @Kevin_Johnston (click to download):
Contracts: Tips, Trends & Tactics
Here’s a timeline of tweets from the PYM peeps:
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PYMLive: RT @rossbridgehotel: Hello Friends! We are PROUD to be hosting a wonderful event tomorrow for Plan Your Meetings http://ow.ly/vtix #pymbham
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PYMLive: @ChecklistQueen Don’t forget 2 tweet about the PYMLIVE B’ham & FAM. Tag your tweets #pymbham and teach your peers how it’s done!
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LisaKraus: RT @rossbridgehotel: Hello Friends! We are PROUD to be hosting a wonderful event tomorrow for Plan Your Meetings http://ow.ly/vtix #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Aaaand we’re off! First @powercore meeting then #pymbham!!! So looking forward to @rossbridgehotel today for @pymlive birmingham
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ChecklistQueen: @Leeni so excited! I will see you soon! #pymbham
1 day ago from UberTwitter · Reply · View Tweet ·
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LisaKraus: Ready for Birmingham @PYMLIVE Event @rossbridgehotel! @Kevin_Johnston “Contracts: Tips, Traps & Tactics” http://bit.ly/14lkOt (expand) #pymbham
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LisaKraus: Tweet about today Birmingham @PYMLive. Use #pymbham @rossbridgehotel @kevin_johnston @pymconnect @leeni @southernessyank Thanks!!
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PYMConnect: Today is @PYMLIVE Birmingham! Very excited! @Kevin_Johnston “Contracts: Tips, Traps & Tactics” @rossbridgehotel #pymbham #eventprofs
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PYMConnect: Follow the TwitterFountain from #pymbham http://bit.ly/27mq0Y (expand) @PYMLIVE @LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston @rossbridgehotel
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ChecklistQueen: RT @PYMConnect: Follow the TwitterFountain from #pymbham http://bit.ly/27mq0Y (expand) @PYMLIVE @LisaKraus @Kevin_Johnston @rossbridgehotel
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PYMLive: RT @Leeni: getting ready to head to bham with @pymlive @lisakraus @checklistqueen so excited! #pymbham [Have fun! Wish I could go!]
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ChecklistQueen: Great lunch provided by Boston Market. THANK YOU! Did you know BM will deliver any catering order within 35 miles of any store? #pymbham
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LisaKraus: Delicious lunch provided by Boston Market for #pymbham FAM! Thank you! Check out www.bostonmarket.com/rewards
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ChecklistQueen: Greene transportation has been in the biz for 26 years. Thanks for taking us to PYM LIVE Birmingham #pymbham
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Leeni: #pymbham having a great time talking with all our wonderful planners and key not speaker @kevin_johnston
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ChecklistQueen: @Leeni yes ma’am! We are having a blast. #pymbham. Here we go!
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Leeni: @checklistqueen eric is great entertainment! Glad were all having a blast! #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: I heart David Ecton. He is filling all of us in on TMZ gossip on the bus to #pymbham.
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston Corporate bookings in the last 7 months are down by as much as 70 percent. #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Hospitality industry swings from buyers market to sellers market every 7-8 years. We are now in a buyers market. #pymbham #kevinjohnston
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston Hotel occupancy is down right now by an average of 20-30 percent. #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: You don’t have to spend a lot of $ to give good event-u have to plan it well + buy its supplies well. #pymbham #kevinjohnston
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston Fact 1: hospitality industry swings from buyers market to sellers market every 7-8 yrs #pymbham
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LisaKraus: @kevin_johnston got his start in television industry on the Osmond Show. Wow! #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Are you a meeting/event planner in birmingham? Come to Birmingham CVB’s Fright Night tomorrow night at the Avon Theatre 530-830. #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Follow @rossbridgehotel for twitter-only specials. Also follow them on facebook for specials. #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Thanks to the FAB Renaissance Ross Bridge Hotel for hosting the PYMLive event. #pymbham http://pic.gd/dc065d
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LisaKraus: Another contract tip: don’t make PRICE your only concern. @kevin_johnston #pymbham
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LisaKraus: @kevin_johnston says to always ask for MORE than you expect! Great contract negotiating tip! #pymbham
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LisaKraus: Asking for it BEFORE signing contract is negotiating. Asking AFTER, is begging. @kevin_johnston #pymbham
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AspenMtgsGirl: RT @LisaKraus: Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes, UNICEF wants to get that number to zero. help www.unicef.org. #pymbham
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LisaKraus: Every day 24,000 children die of preventable causes, UNICEF wants to get that number to zero. Find out how to help www.unicef.org. #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: What are the two words that strike fear into a Meeting Planners soul? “Attrition Clause” #pymbham @kevin_johnston
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LisaKraus: “Attrition penalty” strikes fear in the hearts of every meeting planner. How true! @Kevin_Johnston #pymbham
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LisaKraus: People buy from people that they like. Must be trusting and treated fairly! – @kevin_johnston #quote #pymbham
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston says a quickly done agreement can be very costly in the end! #pymbham
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston recommends asking hotelier to provide a re-booking credit in group contracts. Great tip! #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston shares excellent ways to rewrite attrition clauses in hotel contracts. #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston shares excellent ways to rewrite attrition clauses in hotel contracts. #pymbham
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PYMLive: @LisaKraus has been sending out some gr8 tweets on contract negotiation tips from @Kevin_Johnston’s presentation at #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: RT @Southernessyank: @Kevin_Johnston “Sales people sell the dream / Convention services service the nightmare!” #pymbham #quote
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ChecklistQueen: BIG Thank you to all of the fabulous exhibitors at #pymbham.
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ChecklistQueen: Lots and lots of great prizes at #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: !!Sweet!! Just won a weekend stay at Chattanooga Hotel at #pymbham
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cacouncil: RT @LisaKraus: Asking for it BEFORE signing contract is negotiating. Asking AFTER, is begging. @kevin_johnston #pymbham
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Leeni: Another successful wonderful pym event! @kevin_johnston gave a wonderful speech with very informative info! #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: Look at this view! This is from a regular room @rossbridgehotel! Heaven! #pymbham http://pic.gd/11c1f3
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ChecklistQueen: Look at this HUGONGOUS presidential suite @rossbridgehotel GORGEOUS! And this is only half of the room! #pymbham http://pic.gd/f684a2
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ChecklistQueen: @rossbridgehotel has an amazing terrace – see the circles in the floor?They hold the stakes of any size tent #pymbham http://pic.gd/e2afbd
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Leeni: #pymbham sounds like fun! Sad im missing it! But @kevin_johnston vanessa larry and i ate middle of no where bbq! Yumm!
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chinaelitefocus: RT @LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston Fact 1: hospitality industry swings from buyers market to sellers market every 7-8 yrs #pymbham
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Leeni: had a GREAT time at #pymbham sad I couldnt stay the whole time! @lisakraus and Zach will take good care of ya! ENJOY!
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ChecklistQueen: @Leeni @kevin_johnston middle of nowhere bbq is often the best! Glad I got to hang out with you both today. Again soon!! #pymbham
Day two:
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RTJGolf: RT @ChecklistQueen Look at this view! This is from a regular room @rossbridgehotel! Heaven! #pymbham http://pic.gd/11c1f3 #travel
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rossbridgehotel: RT @ChecklistQueen Look at this view! This is from a regular room @rossbridgehotel! Heaven! #pymbham http://pic.gd/11c1f3 #travel
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LisaKraus: Excellent teambuilding for your group: check out www.getrhythumprograms.com #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: www.barbermuseum.org has the world’s largest collection of motorcycles, and great event space too! #pymbham #eventprofs
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MotorcycleFans: RT @LisaKraus: www.barbermuseum.org has the world’s largest collection of motorcycles, and great event space too! #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: I just walked up 20 flights of stairs to the top of www.vulcanpark.org! Whew! I am out of shape! #pymbham
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lyksumlikrish: RT @LisaKraus: @Kevin_Johnston recommends asking hotelier to provide a re-booking credit in group contracts. Great tip! #pymbham #eventprofs
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ChecklistQueen: RT @LisaKraus: Excellent teambuilding for your group: check out www.getrhythumprograms.com #pymbham #eventprofs
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LisaKraus: Web site correction: RT I just walked up 20 flights of stairs to the top of www.visitvulcan.com! Whew! I am out of shape! #pymbham
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ChecklistQueen: RT @LisaKraus: The Sheraton is the largest hotel in Alabama! Thank you to them for the beautiful guestrooms. #pymbham {AMEN!! Beautiful!}
A fun little song about meeting
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on October 20, 2009 at 5:54 pmFrom our friends at Keep America Meeting: A catchy little song from TBA Global and artist NewSide, commemorating industry advocacy efforts. Check it out! (Hit “Play the Song” and wait for the magic to begin.)
The value of being loyal to corporate policy and partnerships
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on October 12, 2009 at 10:56 amBy Susan Fox, CMP
As a CMP I have committed – at least to myself – that I will be a professional. As a corporate planner, I have committed to use my training and knowledge of the industry to attack all issues that need to be addressed on a daily basis so my clients can work effectively. One of my primary focuses is on corporate partnerships.
In my industry, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, one of the first things I look at when choosing a venue is “who’s using our products?” This is a double-edged sword. The upside is, when making a decision, it reduces the choices I have. The downside is, it reduces the choices I have. So what to do?
The answer is two-fold: follow corporate loyalty and do the right thing for the right reason. Sounds simple, but is it?
I realize that am old-school when I say that you need to “dance with the one who brung ya.” So let’s talk about corporate policies. These are an absolute must – especially now – and I don’t believe they can be effective without loyalty. While I can adhere to the policy by simply asking the venue to have our products on hand, is that the intent? Does my corporation want me to meet the minimum requirement of our policy? Recently I was listening to a friend lecture and he said, “Interpret the message literally unless you can’t.” It struck me as very appropriate for his topic, but completely inappropriate for the meeting and event industry, because it blows the doors wide open for me to do whatever I want and still be marginally within corporate policy, without obligating me to also do the right thing.
If I only meet the minimum requirements of corporate policy, I am short-changing everyone. The people that pay me are trusting me to do the right thing. If I do the minimum, am I giving them what they’re paying for? How about the vendor that signs a contract to carry our products just so we can give them first priority as a venue? If they don’t normally carry our products, have I exhibited the loyalty that my corporation is asking from me as a professional? Have I held true to the ethical standards of the Certified Meeting Professional? Am I doing the right thing for the right reason?
As a planner, I receive at least eight to 10 cold calls a week, not to mention e-mail blasts that come through day after day, hotel surveys and miscellaneous invites to exotic places. I must spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day “unsubscribing” to the e-mail blasts alone. Those free lunches, FAM trips and boondoggles are very appealing. I don’t unsubscribe because I’m not interested, but because I am forever defending my time and theirs. However, I struggle with this. I value the opportunity to broaden my horizons and get exposure to new and different venues just like any other planner. But if I accept an invitation knowing full well that they are not one of our partners, then am I operating outside of corporate policy? I realize they are just doing their job, and I want to help them fill their “quota” of sales calls, but does it help anyone if I can’t use their services?
After answering these questions I know that I can only live with myself if I adhere to the policy in the spirit of which it is intended. What is that? It’s being loyal to my corporation and choosing a venue that has also chosen us. This is a give and take world. To expect to be able to take without giving simply isn’t the right thing to do. We need to be professional, step up to the plate, do the right thing and make it a true partnership between our company and our suppliers.
Corporate loyalty should produce an employee who is proud of their product and want to give back to their corporations by choosing to comply with the policy to the letter. Is that you?
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Susan M. Fox, CMP, has been with Frito Lay Research & Development for 10 years and has recently begun working with the PepsiCo Global R&D teams planning global collaboration events around the world. She has a BA from the University of Texas, and is a candidate for the CMM. She is married and has two children.
Texas two-step
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on October 6, 2009 at 10:53 amClaudia, Evan and Lisa have their hands full this week, hosting not one, but two Texas PYM LIVE Events: Houston on Oct. 6 and Dallas on Oct. 8. I wish I were with them, but since I can’t be, here’s a timeline of tweets on what happened.
Jeff Rasco’s presentation at the events:
HOUSTON (archive of tweets, start at bottom and read up):
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FlipFlops45: I learned so much just from the tweets at #pymhou. Good Job @jeffrasco! Wish I could have tasted that Almond Salad Dressing @ASAPAndrea
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PYMLive: RT @LasTerrazasBZE: @PYMLive Wish I was there! #pymhou [Maybe we can come to Belize!]
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interactiveguy: Every planner present won a prize at #pymhou today. I can’t wait to see what happens in Dallas.
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PYMConnect: Loving all the tweets from #pymhou @LisaKraus @jeffrasco
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco “golden rule of technology is just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should do it” #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco Corbin Ball: “virtual meeting will replace face2face meeting when virtual honeymoon replaces real honeymoon” HA! #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco Use pathable.com to create a social network for your meetings. #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco says to make quality videos, use animoto.com. It’s FREE!! #pymhou
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LisaKraus: Yeah! @jeffrasco is encouraging everyone to join @pymconnect w/ a great tutorial. Says we r way ahead of others! #pymhou
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interactiveguy: Superb insights from Jeff Rasco at #pymhou
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ASAPAndrea: Learning all about today’s technology offerings for mtgs @ #pymhou! Very informative!
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco delivers “technology that works for you.” Great for meeting planning. #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco @pymlive “Make friends with a geek. They come in handy.” #pymhou
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interactiveguy: #pymhou is under way. Great food at the Northwest Forest Conference Center.
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ASAPAndrea: Attending #pymhou tech seminar at NW Forest conf center. Almond salad dressing rocks!
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PYMConnect: RT @LisaKraus @PYMLive Houston is going great! Northwest Forest Conf Center is beautiful. @jeffrasco @interactiveguy are superb! #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @PYMLive Houston is going great! Northwest Forest Conf Center is beautiful. @jeffrasco @interactiveguy are superb! #pymhou
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FlipFlops45: Wish I was at #pymhou! Hope everyone is tweeting about their experience!
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PYMLive: @jeffrasco Break a leg! #pymhou Let me know how it goes.
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PYMLive: @lisakraus Tweet your notes from @jeffrasco presentation at #pymhou! I’m interested in his tech know-how. Hear he’s fantastic.
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PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Houston Northwest Conf. Center 10am. TODAY! Keynote address by @jeffrasco @LisaKraus #pymhou
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LisaKraus: @rleseberg I’m thoozed about todays @PYMLive Houston Event w/ @jeffrasco and @interactiveguy #pymhou
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LisaKraus: RT @PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Events this week! Houston Oct.6 & Dallas Oct.8. Keynote address by @jeffrasco #pymhou #pymdal
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PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Events this week! Houston Oct.6 & Dallas Oct.8. Keynote address by @jeffrasco #pymhou #pymdal
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ChecklistQueen: RT @LisaKraus: HOUSTON PLANNERS: Need CMP credits? Attend @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 6th Northwest Forest Conf. Center http://bit.ly/lFnp5 (expand) #pymhou
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LisaKraus: HOUSTON PLANNERS: Need CMP credits? Attend our @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 6th Northwest Forest Conf. Center http://bit.ly/lFnp5 (expand) #pymhou
DALLAS (archive of tweets, start at the bottom and read up):
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interactiveguy: Another great PYM Live event. It was good to meet so many new people. Jeff Rasco was excellent as always. #pymdal
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LisaKraus: You Tube “augmented reality.” Really cool!!! @jeffrasco #pymdal
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LisaKraus: If you want to be found on the Web, blogging is the most important thing you can do! @jeffrasco #pymdal
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LisaKraus: We’ll be adding all of @jeffrasco @pymlive notes and downloadable pdf to @pymconnect. #pymdal
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PYMConnect: RT @LisaKraus @jeffrasco Use cell phone technology to communicate with meeting attendees!! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco Use cell phone technology to communicate with meeting attendees!! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: 4.3 percent of the room said their favorite tech tool is their toaster! Funny stuff @jeffrasco @interactiveguy #pymdal
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LisaKraus: In 1954 the “predicted” home computer of 2004 had a steering wheel on it! What?? @jeffrasco #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco internet speed will be at 24 mbps very soon! Wow, that’s fast! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco was the one who predicted back in the day that we’d one day have email addresses on biz cards! #pymdal
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FairmontDallas: Thank you! RT @LisaKraus: Delicious food @fairmontdallas and @jeffrasco is sharing meeting technology insights #pymdal
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FairmontDallas: @MMMulloy I hope you are enjoying lunch at the #pymdal event!
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PYMConnect: RT @MMMulloy lunching at PYM Live! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco no. 2 is “a tangled Web?” #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @jeffrasco 5 key trends in meeting technology: no 1 is “smaller faster cheaper” #pymdal
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LisaKraus: Delicious food @fairmontdallas and @jeffrasco is sharing meeting technology insights #pymdal
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interactiveguy: #pymdal is about to get started. Come hear Jeff Rasco and experience a Total Interactive Event.
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FairmontDallas: A very special welcome to all of the @PYMLive attendees! Please let me know if I can do anything for you throughout your stay! #pymdal
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PYMConnect: RT @LisaKraus It’s a beautiful day @FairmontDallas for @PYMLive with @jeffrasco & @interactiveguy! http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
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FairmontDallas: Enjoy your day! RT @LisaKraus It’s a beautiful day @FairmontDallas for @PYMLive w/ @jeffrasco & @interactiveguy! http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
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PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Dallas at Fairmont Dallas 10am. TODAY! Keynote address by @jeffrasco @LisaKraus #pymdal
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LisaKraus: It’s a beautiful day @FairmontDallas for @PYMLive with @jeffrasco & @interactiveguy! http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
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LisaKraus: It’s a beautiful day in Dallas for @PYMLive with @jeffrasco & @interactiveguy! http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
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PYMLive: @FairmontDallas You can follow a twitterfountain of #pymdal here: http://ow.ly/taVn
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FairmontDallas: Meeting planners are taking over our hotel tomorrow with the @PYMLIVE Event! If you can’t make it, follow the #pymdal Twitter stream!
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PYMLive: @sterlingraphael @MelissaZoom Thanks for spreading the good word about #pymdal Are you attending tomorrow?
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LisaKraus: RT @PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Events this week! Houston Oct.6 & Dallas Oct.8. Keynote address by @jeffrasco #pymhou #pymdal
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PYMConnect: @PYMLIVE Events this week! Houston Oct.6 & Dallas Oct.8. Keynote address by @jeffrasco #pymhou #pymdal
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PYMLive: RT @LisaKraus @MelissaZoom DALLAS PLANNERS: Join @PYMLIVE Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Dallas http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) Hope you can attend! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: @MelissaZoom DALLAS PLANNERS: Join @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Dallas http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) Hope you can attend! #pymdal
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LisaKraus: DALLAS PLANNERS: Need CMP credits? Join @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Dallas http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) @MPIDFW @StevenGFoster #pymdal
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ChecklistQueen: RT @LisaKraus: DALLAS PLANNERS: Need CMP credits? Attend @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Dallas http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
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LisaKraus: DALLAS PLANNERS: Need CMP credits? Attend our @PYMLIVE Event Oct. 8 at the Fairmont Dallas http://bit.ly/WbIbs (expand) #pymdal
PYM planner profile: Kimberly Roberts, CMP, CSEP
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on October 2, 2009 at 3:30 pmBy Lisa Kraus
Welcome to my new monthly column! Each month I will spotlight a new planner. If you’re interested in being profiled, please contact me at Lisa.Kraus@PlanYourMeetings.com. This month, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to Kimberly Roberts, CMP, CSEP.
Thank you, Kimberly, for taking time out of your busy schedule! How long have you been a meeting planner?
Almost 17 years. Wow, I cannot believe I have been doing this for that long!
How long have you been with UniPro Foodservice, Inc.; and what is your current title and responsibilities?
I have been with UniPro Foodservice, Inc. for one and half years. I am the Manager of Meetings & Conventions. UniPro is a co-op of food distributors, and I help plan over 25 meetings per year, from incentive shows to food trade shows, which always include appointment-style vendor fairs. We plan all over the world, so I travel extensively. I’ve been to Budapest, Munich, Los Cabos, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Chicago, Washington D.C., and all over Florida and Arizona, just to name a few places.
Sounds like fun. Do you enjoy traveling?
Traveling for business is very different than traveling for leisure, in that there really isn’t much time for any leisure activity at all. I seldom even leave the meeting site. I pretty much hit the ground running, and it doesn’t stop. Plus, these are my clients, so the last thing I want them to see is me at the pool, just “hanging out.”
What can you share about any past experiences?
Before UniPro, I was with the third-largest law firm in Atlanta. I was the Conferences Manager, and supported over 650 attorneys and staff. Our offices were in the downtown Bank of America building, and we occupied 14 floors. I organized and planned all sorts of meetings, such as luncheons, depositions, staff meetings, receptions and even tailgating parties.
What do you like best about your job and why did you choose meeting planning as a profession?
I definitely like seeing the end result. It is so rewarding. I like knowing that the event flowed smoothly and that none of the guests or vendors were ever aware of any of the behind-the-scenes work that went into it.
Can you tell me about various organizations in which you’re active, your role in each, and why you feel they’re important?
Well, I am a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and the International Special Events Society (ISES). I think organizations such as these help keep me abreast of what’s going on in the industry, and they are great networking tools. You never know whom you’re going to meet, and what business may develop from that. I was recently a panel speaker for “What do buyers really want?” at the last two ISES world conferences, which were held in Canada in 2007 and Florida in 2008. I am also involved with the Junior League of DeKalb County and the Atlanta Chapter Urban League. I enjoy community service and I feel it is my way of “giving back.”
What advice can you offer to new or aspiring planners?
Join an association and get involved immediately. Ask questions, always demonstrate your skill set, shadow an experienced planner or be an intern, anything that will help you improve and learn. And know that you have to pay your dues. Experience is key, and that comes with time.
You are currently teaching several online meeting planning courses. Can you elaborate on this?
Believe it or not, I started teaching because I wanted a new challenge. With my job, I sometimes tend to get in auto-mode, and I wanted some new experiences. Also, it is a great way to prepare for my future, so that when I am married and have a family, I can teach online and still be a stay-at-home mom, if I want. I have an MBA in marketing, and I was an adjunct teacher at Georgia Perimeter College from 2002 – 2008, and offered continuing education courses. That really helped me segue into online teaching. Also, by teaching online classes, I have flexibility with my time and do not have to compromise any hours needed with my current job. I love sharing my extensive experience with students, and providing them with a real-world view of event planning. Currently, I teach a business course for the University of Phoenix, event planning and management for DeVry University, and a host of hospitality classes for the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
How can planners and industry professionals contact you for more information?
Please send me an email at kimdenrob@comcast.net.
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Lisa Kraus is the Director of Marketing & Audience Development and a contributing writer for Plan Your Meetings. She enjoys traveling, music, reading, and is an avid cat lover. She is currently working on writing her first book, a business guide for customer service and employee management.
Atlanta LIVE, through the eyes of a student planner
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on September 30, 2009 at 7:21 pmBy Guest Blogger Allison Goldstein, PYM intern
On Sept. 16, I attended my first event with the Plan Your Meetings crew at the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It was my first visit to the gardens, but I quickly discovered just how beautiful they are; what a perfect location for an event! Upon arrival, the other interns and I received a quick tour (all the setups were flawless!) and were given an overview of what would be taking place there in a few hours. We arrived just in time to watch the exhibitors set up in Day Hall, where the trade show would be taking place. Everyone was so friendly! A few of the exhibitors even gave us a summary of their companies and asked us about our internships. It was refreshing to see people so enthusiastic about their jobs.
When 3 p.m. rolled around, the other interns and I stood outside the doors of Day Hall and offered eco-friendly bags to the incoming meeting planners. We welcomed all the planners to the event, and by 3:30 p.m., it was obvious that everyone was excited to be in attendance. Around 4 p.m., just as the presentations were about to begin in Mershon Hall, the clouds opened up and it began to POUR. Not that rain isn’t welcomed at an organic garden, but had it waited just 10 more minutes, the planners would have been able to successfully make the 20-yard walk from Day Hall to Mershon Hall without getting soaked. I, personally, found the situation quite challenging, but the PYM staff was on their toes. Within five minutes, we had gotten a hold of what seemed like a dozen umbrellas, which we used to literally shuttle people between buildings. Unfortunately, my lack of height made it hard for me to stay under the umbrella, but I was happy to help the planners stay dry as they made their way into Mershon Hall for the presentations and keynote speech.
After all the planners were transported to the appropriate location, the interns and I headed to the registration table to hand out parking vouchers and collect nametags for those leaving the event. The nametags were going to be recycled and reused for the next event. In fact, the whole event was environment-friendly! Even the silverware was made of bamboo, and the guests loved it. Not only was I amazed by the event’s great vibe and success, but also that it was promoting environmental awareness.
I would like to thank the whole Plan Your Meetings staff for making me feel so welcome at the company. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I have already learned a lot about the company and the industry. I always look forward to Monday and Wednesday afternoons when I get to return to work, and I can’t wait for the rest of the semester!
Allison Goldstein is an Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing editorial intern for the 2009/2010 school year. With Plan Your Meetings, she assists at local PYM LIVE Events, copyedits and fact checks. With Encore Atlanta, she assists the editors in the creation of arts-centric editorial.
Giving voice to the industry
Posted by Kristi Casey Sanders on September 22, 2009 at 8:34 amSince February, US Travel has been spearheading a promotional and advocacy campaign to give a voice to the meetings industry, with the help of industry associations such as PCMA, MPI and NBTA. But there is still some frustration with its speed in addressing media and government criticisms. Enter Yes2Meetings, an initiative of the Meetings Community (MeCo), an online community for those in the industry.
Designed to create a “voice” that allows meeting professionals to be heard, Yes2Meetings is a grassroots effort to unite planners and suppliers to deliver a positive message about meetings to C-level executives, businesses, government, media and the general public.
Currently, Yes2Meetings has a Twitter account and is encouraging interested parties to begin following them and share what they’d like to see on the Yes2Meetings Web site. The group also is looking for industry spokespeople who can respond to any crisis in the industry, video documentarians and people willing to share positive news about meetings and events.





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