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Former Walgreens Exec Brings Broad Experience to MPI

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The new CEO of MPI plans to formulate a global strategy for the organization, but first he’ll step back and listen to others, Paul Van Deventer told Travel Market Report. Formerly with Walgreens and American Express, he will draw on a wide range of experience in his new role.

Montana Travel Agency Makes Meetings a Moneymaker

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A Montana-based travel agent has built a thriving meetings and incentive business by paying close attention to both people management and logistics planning skills. Billie Ruff of Travel Café explains how she has made meetings an important part of her travel agency’s business mix.

Meetings Industry Finds Strength in Adversity

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

When President Obama warned businesses in 2009 not to spend taxpayers’ money to travel to Las Vegas, the meetings industry feared the repercussions would reach far beyond Vegas. But the industry has turned this low point to its advantage, executives say. Now it needs to stay proactive.

MPI Taps Longtime AMEX Exec for Top Post

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Van Deventer takes office as CEO of MPI next week. Also: attendance at online events is up, but event producers aren’t promoting online content. Plus, standards for sustainable meetings are now complete.

Cook Acquisition Doubles Vision 2000’s Meetings Volume

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With its purchase of Sunquest Meetings + Incentives from Thomas Cook North America, Vision 2000 expects to double its clout in the meetings and incentive market. Vision 2000 is changing the name of its new division to Strategic Meetings + Incentives.

Hoteliers Defend Internet Charges, Countering Planner Objections

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Hotel Internet charges sparked lively debate during a recent MPI chapter meeting panel discussion. Hoteliers defended the charges, claiming that today’s sophisticated meetings often require extensive bandwidth. Planners and suppliers also addressed the increasingly global nature of meetings.

Planners Lose Negotiating Clout, as Meetings Recovery Takes Hold

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While meetings have lagged behind other forms of travel, their recovery is finally under way, says a new study. For planners, this makes it more challenging to negotiate favorable rates. As a result, they are advised to look for concessions on amenities such as Internet access and meeting space rental.

For Events With Lasting Impact, Create a Community

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Keeping attendees engaged before, during and after the meeting is done by creating a community, say digital media experts. They share tips on how meeting planners can become “community concierge managers” and the goals that should be set for each stage of the meeting.

To Engage Meeting Attendees, Make it Personal

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Even the largest meetings can engage attendees on a personal level, according to an association planner. Giving attendees choices and recognizing them on an individual level is essential. “We have to shift gears if we are to generate loyalty,” he says. He shares a few ways of accomplishing this.

For More Engaging Meetings, Get Your Game On

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While incorporating games into meetings is not new, mobile technology has greatly widened the possibilities beyond trivia contests. Games can play an important role in education and networking. An expert shares tips on how planners can use games to add value to meetings and events.

Meetings Outlook: Rising Costs Will Put Planners to the Test

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While meetings budgets will increase this year, so will hotel rates and other costs, industry experts say. More flexibility will be required and the short-term booking trend may be sent into reverse. Also: social media and sustainability trends will have a greater impact on meetings than ever before.

Meetings 2012: A Year of Scandal and Renewed Vigor

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

While 2012 was the year the GSA scandal cast a pall over meetings, it was also the year the industry got proactive in promoting meetings’ value. Other milestones include the resignation of MPI’s CEO and a major step forward on standards for sustainable meetings.

Made to Order: Meetings Meal Trend Takes Root

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Imagine a meetings banquet where attendees can have meals prepared to order. This is already part of a Dolce Hotels initiative to bring healthy and appealing dining options into the food & beverage experience. Hyatt Hotels is also among hotel companies embracing this trend.

Hyatt Launches Streamlined Group Billing Process

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hyatt’s new Group Bill process enables meeting planners to track and reconcile hotel costs daily from their computers. The streamlined process is designed to save time and avoid errors. It has already found favor with a travel arranger for the Atlanta Falcons football team.

Lousy Hotel Service Causing Big Headaches for Planners

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Meeting planners are forced to grapple with serious problems at hotels hosting their gatherings, especially at franchised properties of major companies. High staff turnover, poor maintenance and outdated technology can create nightmare scenarios. “I see a lot of slippage,” one planner says.

For Meetings that Work, Get Them Talking

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

While meetings should foster networking and communication, all too often they don’t, according to facilitator Misha Glouberman. Traditional formats with rows of attendees facing a speaker are not enough, he says. He shares tips on how to design meetings that get attendees talking.

Canadian Meeting Planner Shares Advocacy Lessons From Up North

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. meetings industry could learn a lot from its Canadian counterparts about effective advocacy, says an MPI chapter president. For instance, every April Canada celebrates National Meetings Industry Day. For its part, MPI could learn a lot from its international members, she says.

Cruise Industry Sails Onto Meeting Planners’ Radar

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The cruise industry is making a big push to attract more meeting and incentive business. CLIA has new initiatives promoting the advantages of shipboard meetings. Many new ships have dedicated meeting space and provide a cost-effective alternative to land venues, a consultant says.

Ignoring Perception, Financial Firm Says Viva Las Vegas

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A financial firm’s decision to hold its annual conference in Las Vegas in 2009, a year when corporate meetings came under close scrutiny, flew in the face of concern over public perception. The firm was so pleased with the outcome that it has gathered in Vegas every year since. It credits its own team and key players in the destination.

A Hats-On Approach for Creative Meetings

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Brainstorming, ‘mind mapping,’ and even having attendees wear different colored hats are ways that one association planner uses to add creativity and value to meetings. She shares tips on providing alternative formats that will keep attendees engaged.

Meeting Planning Ethics: Don’t Be a ‘Fam Scammer’

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In an industry filled with freebies and discounts, the line is often blurry on what a planner should or should not accept. When does a site inspection become a “vacation?” A veteran planner tackles the important issues surrounding planners and ethics, a subject she says is rarely discussed.

Assn. Execs Hail Online Platform for B-to-B Event Content

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new platform called Bobtv will aggregate and deliver content online from association trade shows and conferences. Bobtv will allow B2B events to reach wider audiences online, while driving in-person attendance, say industry leaders. The platform was announced this week at ASAE’s annual conference.

New App Puts Venue Specs at Planners’ Fingertips

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TechSpec is a new mobile app enabling planners to instantly gather technical and other data about venues. It was developed by meetings tech experts Corbin Ball and James Spellos and underwritten by QuickMobile. The app is available to planners free of charge.

MPI Confronts Member Discontent

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At a town hall style meeting during MPI-WEC, members aired complaints about poor communication with headquarters staff. Throughout the congress, MPI leadership seemed intent on redressing discontent in the ranks during a transitional time for the organization.

MPI Keynote Speaker Mired in Plagiarism Scandal

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A day after delivering a keynote address at MPI-WEC, author Jonah Lehrer was embroiled in a scandal over fabricated quotes and sources in his new book. He resigned from his job at The New Yorker. MPI execs say his speech on creativity and the value of meetings was well-received.