The Top Ten Meeting Trends of 2011 Go to Sea

We’ve been watching meeting industry trends, and based on our own observations as well as published reports, it’s clear that the darkest days are behind us. Business travel and face-to-face meetings are making a cautious comeback in 2011, and 2012 looks even stronger. Recently, we took a fresh look at Benchmark Hospitality International’s “Top Ten Meeting [...]

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Glorious meeting venue sailing soon from Boston

Carnival Cruise Line has just announced new four and five-night voyages from Boston – and that’s great news for meeting planners looking for a fresh, value-packed east coast venue for their meeting, group event, or incentive. When the 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory moves to Boston in June 2012 for a series of four and five-night voyages [...]

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Mobile Meeting Apps 101: What You Need to Know

Smart phones are changing the way we plan meetings. If you plan conferences and special events, ignoring the mobile app revolution is no longer an option. According to MPI Foundation’s trend-spotting FutureWatch 2011 survey, more than 80 percent of meeting and event professionals are using smart phones and other mobile devices like tablet PC’s at [...]

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Two words that kill innovation, and the scary word solution

The two words that hold us back: Comfort Zone. Most of us would like to hang out there. Sounds cozy and safe, right? Actually, it’s blocking your professional trajectory and holding you hostage to stale ideas. You are not alone. It’s natural to avoid the unfamiliar and put off what scares us – from an [...]

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Amazing Rates on 3-day Meetings at Sea

Royal Caribbean Loves Meeting Planners! There’s no better time to book your meeting or corporate event on a Royal Caribbean “floating hotel”. The cruise line is offering unbelievable group rates on 3-night Bahamas cruises, sailing from Miami or Port Canaveral, Florida – starting at just $80 per person, per night, based on double occupancy (plus [...]

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Your Dream Event at Sea: 10 Ways It’s Not Cruising

Imagine sailing on your own private mega-yacht to intimate harbors with a select group of friends and colleagues; being spoiled by attentive crew; enjoying gourmet cuisine artfully prepared with the freshest ingredients. It sounds like a dream, and it is: it’s SeaDreamYacht Club, and it’s the perfect venue for your group event. Whether you’re planning [...]

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Hot tools for high-tech meetings

Business technology news website ZDNet recently posted a must-read article for meeting and event planners. In “High-tech meetings: Hot tools for planning corporate events”, Landry & Kling and Seasite.com COO Mark Phillips discusses the best technology solutions for smart meetings. For instance, companies may cut travel costs by hosting a hybrid meeting with some individuals [...]

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Creative Planning Tips for Business Trips and Meetings

Want to break away from that run-of-the-mill hotel during your next business trip? How about planning a meeting in a floating venue that carries your attendees to multiple destinations? In her recent Investor’s Business Daily article, “Maximize Travel Plans”, Sonja Carberry examines a few unconventional options for business travelers and meeting planners. Two unique ways to source accommodations: For Travelers:  [...]

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Meeting & Incentive Travel News You Can Use

If you plan corporate meetings or incentive programs, you won’t want to miss the March/April issue of Insurance & Financial Meetings Management. If you haven’t subscribed to the magazine, go to the website to read the digital version. While you’re there, catch up on breaking news and the latest industry research, including: Top 11 Incentive [...]

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Five sure ways to give your meeting the “X Factor”

The “X Factor” –  Does Your Meeting Have It? It’s indescribable, but you know it when you see it. The “X Factor” is what gives your meeting or incentive substance and sizzle, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the convergence of motivation, inspiration and innovation. Add value plus bottom line results and -“ voila [...]

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