SITE SOLUTIONS Blog

I recently returned from one of our client conferences and was so impressed with the opening general session that I must share the impact it had on me with you. If you were to ask anyone involved in planning a conference what they would want their opening general session to convey, most would say they want it to motivate people, to share information about what to expect from the rest of the conference. Some want to include an entertainment aspect to create a more memorable experience and provide an ice-breaker for the attendees leaving the general session. Others want to emotionally connect with attendees.

You never know when an idea is going to strike!  You could be driving, sleeping or running a marathon.  Once the idea is there, you question how crazy it might sound at first or if it will even go over well.  Could we get a troupe of stunt bike riders to perform for the opening session?  Can we transform this blank open space into a futuristic Moroccan oasis?  Yes!

I find that the more I travel, the more I try to refine the process. From TSA Pre-check, to finding that perfect carry-on bag and having the right necessities, here are some of the things that make traveling less painful for me.

Last year Event Coordinator was deemed one of the most stressful jobs you could have, and I touched upon how they affect the different generations. One of the best ways to not allow yourself to get completely stressed out is to have a little “you” time. Here are few suggestions on you can have some “you” time and help yourself de-stress. 

All inclusive resorts are located all over the world.  They specialize in the ultimate vacation experience.  Basically pay one price and you don’t have to worry about anything.  Everything is included; all meals, drinks (including alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages) guestroom (taxes, including mini-bar) and many activities.  But how do they fare for meetings? 

Long gone are the days when sitting in front of a PowerPoint presentation listening to the droning on of an “industry expert” were enough to satisfy attendees at educational events.   To be successful, today’s events need to uniquely balance the needs and expectations of a variety of generations.

Participation, whether before, during or after the event satisfies the needs of Generation Y who are looking for a “real experience”.   How are you engaging them in co-creation? How are you making their attendance worth their while?