Shana Carter, MBA, CMP, Project Director, Corporate Services, YPO-WPO , Kyle, Texas.
What does your job entail?
I plan events around the globe for our members, who are company presidents and CEOs. Events range from personal development to executive education to excursions.
Describe your recent meeting in Silicon Valley?
We partnered with Stanford Graduate School of Business for a one-week executive education program on innovation. We had 60 attendees, 25 from within the U.S. and 35 international. During the program we learned from Stanford professors and had off-site visits, including to Levi's Stadium.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
We had an icebreaker the first day where Andy Papathanassiou from Hendrick Motorsports brought in a simulation NASCAR vehicle and attendees worked in teams to determine the best strategy for changing a tire on the vehicle like they do at pit stops during an actual race. The exercise was timed and the teams were ranked based on how quickly they could change the tire. This activity was a great way to get attendees talking to each other and forming bonds.
Did you use a unique off-site venue for a gathering?
We used the club level at Levi's Stadium for a dinner one night. We started with a cocktail hour that included a photo op with two San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders and then we split the group up for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. During dinner, Rob Alberino, VP/executive producer at 49ers Studios, spoke to our participants about jumbotron production and about the technology Levi's Stadium was built with to make it the most innovative stadium in the U.S.
Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in Silicon Valley?
A visit to Google is an interesting experience. We didn't visit campus this year, but we did for our program in 2014. The site visit was the highlight experience of many of our attendees. We met with a top engineer about Google Glass and then our attendees had the opportunity to try Google Glass for themselves.
How does Silicon Valley compare to other places where you have hosted meetings?
The scenery in Silicon Valley is beautiful and the weather is consistently nice.
Would you return/recommend Silicon Valley to other planners?
Yes, we already have three additional events planned in Silicon Valley in the next year.
