Just thought I would let you know my observation of the Meetings Market Academy + Exhibition held in Vancouver, Wash. [May 30].
Despite my return from a couple more weeks as a Katrina rebuilding volunteer the night before from New Orleans, and being a little tired, to say the least, I thought the whole program was very well done and I would recommend it for any and all planners. Suppliers would benefit as well, based on the programs offered.
If I had any concern at all it would be that the time constraints were a little tight. I say this because the presenters had so much worthwhile material and it seemed the question and answer time was a little short.
I am very interested in the “ethics” area, and Joan [Eisenstodt] did a nice job [addressing ethics issues].
Do keep up the great work. It is inspiring to see a company such as yours stepping up with great educational programming within the meetings industry!
Please feel free to pass along my comments to all of your staff and presenters, not to mention the Hilton Vancouver Washington, which also did themselves proud!
Ken Hennrich, CMM, CMP
Independent planner
Portland, OR
Take Your Seats
I would like to share with you a general session seating tip that has been proven successful for the Boston Scientific Endoscopy National Sales Meeting.
The meeting planners at Boston Scientific have come up with a general session set-up that provides an intimate setting and outstanding visualization to the speakers and stage.
For the past several National Sales Meetings, the Endoscopy Division of Boston Scientific sets their general session in multiple-level staging. With three levels of staging that serves over 300 attendees, we can set each level in either theater style or in rounds. All of our general session assemblies are set in theatre style, and on the night of the Awards Banquet, we transform the setting into banquet rounds.
The ability to view all of your colleagues’ faces during Q&A sessions or to see their expressions during the awards ceremony is priceless.
Ruth M. Bautz
Senior Exhibits & Events Specialist
Communications & Programs
Boston Scientific
Marlborough, MA
MeCo Musings
Sue Walton asked:
I am taking an informal survey for my own education.
What time do you start and end your welcome receptions, especially if they’re part of the registration? Does the time vary by region or country? Does the time vary by what is served?
I have a reception in three weeks on the East Coast that will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.; the keynote is at 7:45 p.m. The menu is an ice cream social with cookies and fruit, plus an open beer and wine bar. The venue can not legally do cash bars, therefore the unusual combination.
Sue Walton
Independent planner
Responses included:
I would suggest that you never schedule a speaker during or after a reception with alcohol. I have attended many such events where the crowd is feeling GOOD and pays no attention to the speaker and laughs and talks during the whole presentation. It is very rude to the speaker, but as the attendees are impaired by that time, they do not care and consider attempts to shush them as funny.
Patti J. Shock, CPCE
Professor and Chair
Tourism and Convention Administration Department
Harrah College of Hotel Administration
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
