Successful Meetings - May 2008 - (Page 36)

Planner’s Workshop > On Site Give them the theme message over and over and over—in different slants, different hues, and different intensities—until there is no doubt why the meeting is occurring. For example, in a general session, a “Power of One” opening video could metaphorically set the stage using separate visual images coming together to create something new and wonderful (colonies forming the United States, a hospital emergency room team meshing together to save lives, a ballet company combining various routines into an all-out performances, and so on). Viewers are left in a mood that tells them good things come from working together (the “feel” goal). On video screens, a themed graphic depicting various “power” images morph together to display “Power of One” at various times in the agenda. All of the speakers, from CEO to vice president of marketing, from vice president of sales to CFO, speak with synchronicity of subjects while adding their particular spin—the mountain may be described in different ways, depending on which side you are standing, but it is still one mountain. During the speeches, information is passed on (“know” goal). other goals. Remember, there are four distinct levels to connect on. A meeting is a “persuasive” activity—we’re trying to influence behavior and attitude. The theme is used in all methods of connecting with the attendee. It appears in all pre-meeting communication: websites, on-site banners, registration materials, and throughout the program. Most of us do that already. But is it enough? Have we gone far enough? The subtle success of the theme is how well it permeates all content to which the attendees are exposed. Tools of the Trade TUBE SHOW BY VINCENT ALONZO Trade Show News Television targets trade show managers looking to enhance value at their show and the exhibitors themselves. Streaming video from Trade Show News Television lets exhibitors reach decision-makers who might not be able to attend the show, attendees who may not have heard the complete sales message, and customers who’ll use the online video to clarify their buying decisions. The service makes news-style videos of an entire show or specific exhibitors, with professional reporters who create enthusiasm. Trade Show News Television offers three streaming video packages: focus, reach, and custom; each is based on the need for content, distribution, and additional marketing support. For more information visit www.tradeshownews.tv, e-mail bob@tradeshownews.tv, or call (516) 829-0406. CARBON CONSCIOUS To help environmentally conscious group travelers, BeGreen has introduced a customizable, free-to-use, online carbon calculator specifically designed as a way to compute and offset the travel of small to large groups. BeGreen can create a custom Web page and send the link to your group’s customized online travel calculator; or you can integrate the BeGreen group travel calculator into an existing site, simply by cutting and pasting the html code. BeGreen can also assist with the installation. Using the group travel calculator, travelers can calculate the carbon emissions associated with their trip and purchase carbon offsets to counteract them. Those interested in setting up the customized group travel carbon calculator should call BeGreen at (512) 691-6325. 36 mimegasite.com MAY 2008 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS http://www.tradeshownews.tv http://mimegasite.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - May 2008

Successful Meetings - May 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry Trends
Destination News
Destination News
Suppliers
Destination News
Calendar
On the Record
Websites of the Month
Management Matters
Mouth for Sale
Meetings Law
Planner's Spotlight
Pre-Event
On Site
Tools of the Trade
Pre-Event
Counting Change
Giving Them the Business
The Magnificent Seven
All-American Gift Guide
Green Lights
Places & Spaces
Anaheim & Orange County
Upstate New York
Cincinnati
Detroit
San Diego
Phoenix
Gurus

Successful Meetings - May 2008