Here at Seasite.com, we’re always on the lookout for relevant, content-rich websites to share with our meeting and event planner audience. Here’s one I stumbled upon recently that is particularly useful for planners as well as business managers: DonaldCooper.com.

Professional speaker Donald Cooper’s website is chock-full of free management tools, sample video clips, and hundreds of informative articles that cover a range of topics including “Attract, Lead and Keep a Top-Performing Team” and “World Issues that Could Affect Your Business”. You’ll even find such light-hearted gems as “The Famous Cooper Chowder Recipe”. (All articles are available to download or republish – free of charge.)

This recent article “Create more cost-effective events…40 ways to save big money on your next conference” caught our attention – the title says it all! From Donald’s article:

To help you keep your next conference “on budget”, here are 40 cost-saving ideas that work. Some are from the good folks at Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine (www.meetingscanada.com)… and some are from my own experiences in speaking at over 1500 conferences around the world.

Click here to read the entire article, but we’ll get you started with:

1. Timing is everything: If you have some flexibility in the timing of your conference, there is big money to be saved by picking “off-peak” times. Ask your venue what their off peak or “hot” dates are to save on meals, accommodations, and meeting room rates.

How to Shrink the List

As we read over the list of cost-saving ideas, we couldn’t help but think that booking a cruise ship venue for your event could cut the list down to 25. For example, you can disregard Ideas #13, 14, & 15: Breakfast money-saving tips. Why? Meals are included. Oh, and the meeting room rates mentioned in #1? Included on a ship – as is A/V equipment,  decor, and entertainment.

Having just spoken at two corporate events held on cruise ships in November, Donald Cooper knows the value of meeting at sea. Here’s what he told us:

Whether it’s a reward trip, a Sales Meeting or Management Retreat, being on a ship creates an extra feeling of adventure, pampering and camaraderie that doesn’t exist on dry land. It’s wonderfully cost-effective, it generates significant good will, contributes to building a world-class business culture. The secret is in choosing a ship that will deliver all of that to the standard of your specific group.

Thanks, Donald, we couldn’t agree more! As far as choosing the right ship, it’s no “secret”. Seasite.com has all the resources you need to find the perfect “floating hotel” for your group event!

About Donald Cooper: Donald Cooper, MBA, has been in the corporate trenches as a world-class manufacturer and an award-winning retailer. These days, Donald helps businesses throughout the world create clear and compelling value, clarity of purpose and long-term profitability through his keynote speeches, interactive workshops, transformational management “Boot Camps” and management coaching.

Donald can be reached at donald@donaldcooper.com in Toronto, Canada.  To read more of his articles, go to www.donaldcooper.com and click on “Free Articles”.

Filed under: Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

After my husband was diagnosed with cancer in mid 2000, I left Landry & Kling for what I thought would be a few weeks. Instead, I was gone for about four years.

During that time, I missed important milestones in the evolution of the cruise industry. And it was only by virtue of taking a group of our strategic partners on a familiarization cruise in December that I was able to familiarize myself at the same time – and discover what  had been missing in my cruise repertoire!

I had never seen or sailed on any of the four jewels of Royal Caribbean’s “Radiance Class” sister-ships: Radiance of the Seas which debuted in 2001, Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004)—which I just experienced on a Caribbean cruise December 5-10.

I felt like a new cruiser entering a glamorous ship for the first time…and on the Jewel of the Seas, I was! This stunning “ship of glass” has a distinctive profile with stunning vertical glass walls that seem to create a hollowed-out indentation on the sides of the vessel. As I stepped on board, I was dazzled by a wide expanse of light pouring through tall walls of glass into the nine decks of the central atrium, which Royal Caribbean calls the “Centrum” because it’s like the town square. Nearby, glass elevators extended out over the waves, offering panoramic ocean scenes that mesmerized the Jewel’s guests.

The Jewel of the Seas debuted in 2004, and was the last of the Radiance Class ships. These sister-ships carry roughly 2,100 people (based on double occupancy); the Royal Caribbean vessels that followed were built to accommodate over 3,000 passengers.  The Jewel of the Seas provides a more intimate ambiance than the newer, larger vessels, and is a perfect choice for first time cruisers and smaller groups who want to stay together onboard – I frequently ran into my people throughout the ship.

This sense of intimacy is most apparent in the Centrum, with the Lobby bar on deck 4, the Internet Cafe on deck 5, and the Champagne Bar on deck 6. The Library, Business Services, and other charming small spaces are found on ascending decks, and provide comfortable seating for whatever activities are scheduled in the Centrum each day and evening during the cruise.

Emails from my Jewel of the Seas group members are recapping favorite memories. Here are some of them …

Our Liberty of the Seas fam group

Sailing under the remarkable Sunshine Skyway Bridge across TampaBay.”

Being surprised by all the sports and games: the rock climbing wall, the pool tables (wow-self-leveling!), tranquil solarium for adults only, water park with kids’ slide, golf simulator and mini-golf, basketball and volleyball… .

Learning why we throw streamers on a ship and how to throw or blow them with the best technique at the welcome reception.

Making an entrance into Jewel’s main dining room by descending the elegant stairs between the upper and lower level to our specially-reserved tables, and having 3 desserts each night.

Fun day at Playa Mia Beach in Cozumel, the silence of the parasailing experience, having endless guacamole and Coronas, swimming out to the raft and barely making it there!

Dining in Chops steak restaurant one evening with the wine poured through that aerator bulb thing making it even more delicious.

Closing down Vortex Disco on night 4 after we all had such a ball with the glow in the dark beer glasses.

Celebrating the birthday of Clem Galindo, our Royal Caribbean Account Manager who hosted our program, with a special cake at dinner on the last night of the cruise.

Laughing uproariously at “The Quest” and being relieved we didn’t get there in time to have our own team out there.

Feeling the truth of my favorite toast: “Friendships made at sea are said to last a lifetime”.

These memories are all “jewels” I will treasure from this catching-up experience aboard the Jewel of the Seas.

PS  Jewel of the Seas operates 4 and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Tampa. To access the ship’s Planner Guide and to search itineraries, click here.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

For most of us, the holiday season brings much joy, along with a dash of stress. It means last-minute gift shopping, road trips, visits with family, celebrating with friends. But what if you were 14 and all you wanted for Christmas was a roof over your head, a hot meal, and someone to care?

There should be a moment in childhood when a door opens and a brighter tomorrow comes rushing in.

For many troubled youths in Miami facing a life on the streets, Miami Bridge is that door.

Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services

For 20 years, Miami Bridge’s two facilities in Dade County have sheltered up to 700 abandoned, abused, or runaway children who have no where else to go. The Bridge provides 24/7 refuge, offering these at-risk adolescents a stable, nurturing environment; schooling and activities; and just as importantly – counseling for the youngsters and their families.

All of us at Landry & Kling and Seasite.com are honored to support Miami Bridge. When we first visited the facility in 2004, we were humbled and inspired by the dedicated staff, the services they provide, and of course – the “Bridge Kids”. Since that time, our company has made an annual donation to this not-for-profit organization on behalf of our partners, friends, and clients during the holiday season.

Jo Kling, Karyn Altman, Joyce Landry, Maureen McKeon ready to serve lunch

The Landry & Kling and Seasite.com staff continue to collect Miami Bridge “wish list” items for Christmas; we know that these donations will bring smiles to Miami Bridge kids throughout the year. And once again, we delivered the goodies and served lunch to the youths and staff during the Miami Bridge Holiday Lunch Event.

All of us who participated agreed: this simple act of service represents the true spirit of the holidays. What inspires you to make a difference this year?

To learn more about Miami Bridge, visit their website: www.miamibridge.org.

Filed under: Landry and Kling News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Celebrity Cruises continues to redefine the concept of “connecting at sea” with fully wireless capabilities and integrated guest technology onboard each ship in the fleet. Whether surfing the web in the Celebrity iLounge, checking emails while relaxing by the pool, exploring fine art on an iPad tour, or scrolling through an animated iPad menu in Qsine Restaurant, your meeting-at-sea attendees will appreciate Celebrity’s up-to-the-minute technology.

Check out this two-minute video to learn more about Celebrity’s shipboard technology.

Filed under: Cruise News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Beginning this week, West Coast meeting and event planners have one more reason to celebrate – a new close-to-home “floating venue” option. And The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration is now offering three and four-night cruises from Long Beach, California to Baja Mexico.

Why is this great news for planners like you? Here are the top three reasons:

1. Less Time, More Value

Planning a cruise ship event can save you up to 30% or more when compared to a land-based resort. Meals, entertainment, meeting space, AV equipment – all included. The three and four-night Carnival Inspiration cruises are perfect for shorter incentives, group events or meetings. Now add in the excitement of traveling to several destinations, discovering new ports of call and bonding with colleagues over shared experiences – priceless!

2. Drive-to Convenience

Now you don’t have to fly east to find shorter cruises. Convenient departures from Long Beach, California means your west coast attendees can drive to their meeting venue! Three night itineraries depart Fridays to Ensenada and return on Monday; four night cruises depart Mondays to Ensenada and Catalina Island and return to Long Beach Friday morning.

3. “Evolutions of Fun” Enhancements 

As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” enhancement program, Carnival Inspiration boasts an adults-only Serenity retreat area, a 12,000-square foot spa, WaterWorks aqua park, 9-hole miniature golf course, and a stunning new tropical-themed pool area.

Planners and attendees alike will also appreciate Carnival Inspiration’s dedicated conference facilities; as well as 12 lounges and bars, including a multi-level theater featuring lavish production shows. Complimentary dining options include two full-service dining rooms and a 725-seat casual poolside eatery featuring culinary choices such as a Mongolian wok venue, New York-style deli, and 24-hour pizzeria.

Not Just for West Coast Planners

Carnival is the West Coast cruise leader, and the only cruise line to operate two ships from California on a year-round basis. Along with Carnival Inspiration sailing three and four nights to Baja, Carnival Splendor offers seven-night voyages to the Mexican Riviera.

Not a West Coast planner but looking for an exciting venue for your next meeting or event? Either of these two Carnival ships would be a great, cost-effective option if you’ve already sailed to the Bahamas or Caribbean with your group.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

We all know that cruise lines are in the business of building amazing ships and creating memorable experiences for their guests – including corporate groups. But did you know that cruise lines are also committed to supporting our communities?

As global corporate citizens, cruise lines are giving back in a big way and proving that Corporate Social Responsibility is not just a trend. Here are just a few of the ways our partner cruise lines are making positive waves around the globe and spreading joy and hope year-round.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL): Making Wishes Come True

Wishes At Sea on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships make wishes come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses. By donating cruises through a partnership with the Make a Wish Foundation, RCCL has helped thousands of families enjoy a special time together. In fact, since 2000, Royal Caribbean has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise and has contributed more than $2.8 in in-kind services.

The cruise company works with local Wish chapters to help create the perfect wish for each child whose desire is to have an unforgettable dream-come-true vacation with his or her family. While onboard, the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity staff treat them like royal celebrities.

To read about Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. global Community Relations program and find out how this cruise company is positively impacting our world, go to www.royalcaribbean.community.

Carnival Cruise Lines and St. Jude: Committed to Kids

The people at Carnival Cruise Lines know a thing or two about how to create fun experiences, and what better way to use this than for a good cause? That’s why Carnival is proud to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and has committed to raising 3 million dollars.

Their “Care to Play” campaign, which gets Carnival guests involved in fun, games and surprises, supports a really great cause – helping St. Jude continue its work for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. And with things on board like Groove for St. Jude, the children’s Beary Cuddly Workshop and Towel Creations sales, Carnival hopes to not just reach their goal – but surpass it.

To learn  more about how Carnival is helping St. Jude make a difference in kids’ lives, click here. Go to www.carnivalfoundation to find out more about Carnival’s myriad of philanthropic efforts.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Building Hope for the Homeless

Miami’s Camillus House provides humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade Country, and they’re now one step closer to their goal of ending chronic homelessness, thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line. Earlier this year, Norwegian pledged $5 million to support ongoing construction of Camillus House’s new three-acre Campus. In recognition of this gift (the largest corporate contribution to Camillus House’s capital campaign), the new home of the prominent not-for-profit organization was named the Norwegian Cruise Line Campus of Camillus House.

The new eco-friendly Campus will feature seven buildings surrounding two open courtyards. Once fully operational, the Campus will provide services to more than 3,000 people in need each year with a variety of employment, social service and clinical treatment programs, including an expansion of emergency housing and a residential treatment center for women. There will even be a kennel for pets.

Norwegian Cruise Line is proud of its corporate giving programs and honored to support organizations that have touched thousands of lives. You can find out more about Norwegian’s community efforts at www.ncl.corporategiving.

Silversea: From Cure to Care – A Mission Of Love

Silversea Cruises is owned and operated by one family — the Lefebvres of Rome. Their independent, family-run charity, Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation, was established by Antonio and Eugenia Lefebvre D’Ovidio following the loss of their daughter Maruzza in1989. Antonio and Eugenia passionately took up the vocation to aid people suffering the same fate as their daughter.

Today, a major part of the Maruzza Foundation’ is dedicated to providing palliative care for children, babies and adolescents affected by incurable illness. For these young patients, it is essential that they spend their days in familiar surroundings where all their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs can be properly addressed, able to live their lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering.

Silversea is proud to support the dedicated efforts of this non-profit organization and to honour the memory of Maruzza, the beloved sister of Silversea’s Deputy Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio. The cruise line and the Maruzza Foundation have established “One for Life” to promote awareness of this important cause and allow Silversea guests to become actively involved.

For more information, please visit www.maruzza.org  or email foundation@silversea.com.

Lindblad Expeditions: Supporting Local People 

Lindblad Expeditions has long believed in the importance of supporting the local communities they visit. One way the company has chosen to give back to the regions in which they travel is through the support of local micro-enterprise initiatives.

One of the community development projects currently underway is Galapagos Reflections. Lindlbad Expeditions founded Reflections, a local gallery in Galapagos, to promote traditional craft production in the region and generate economic growth at the local level. Another initiative, The Glass Recycling Project, is based inSanta Cruz, Galapagos. This project seeks to reuse glass waste by transforming it into jewelry and art objects (sold to the local tourist market); and glassware (to be sold to local restaurants and hotels).

Click on the links to learn more about Lindblad Expedition’s community development projects and travel philanthropy.

Cruise Lines Giving Back on Land and at Sea

Other ways cruise lines give back is through monetary funding and grants to non-profit organizations, and cruise donations for charity auctions. During an event at sea, your attendees can participate in cruise line “walks for a cause” or book optional “voluntour” excursions.

Filed under: Cruise News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

The Planner’s Challenge

Do any of these scenarios resonate with you?

• You’re planning a small, high-profile event and security is a must.
• You want to reward your top achievers with a unique, luxury experience – without breaking the bank.
• Your incentive must create memorable experiences, foster stronger relationships, and ensure a positive return on investment.

 The Solution

A corporate event at sea is a creative, cost-effective option, but now you’re faced with tough choices: Do you:

A) Charter a yacht or small ship to guarantee exclusivity. (Chartering an upscale boutique vessel might be cost-prohibitive, and you’re sacrificing big-ship amenities, like world-class entertainment and variety of dining venues.)

Why settle for either option A or B when you can have the best of both? The answer is:

C) The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Haven is hidden away on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships, including Norwegian Epic and the cruise line’s two new ships launching in 2013 and 2014. This unique complex of deluxe suites offers a world of affordable luxury, contemporary elegance, personalized service, and complete privacy at sea.

Imagine a “Boutique Hotel Within a Ship”

When you buy out The Haven for your VIP participants, they’ll enjoy the security and prestige of their own private-access sanctuary at sea. After unpacking once (with the assistance of their dedicated Butler), they’ll travel to multiple ports in the utmost style and comfort. It’s like having your own private “boutique hotel within a ship”!

But your group also has the entire ship to explore, with priority access to the first-class spa and fitness center. Plus, they’ll be free to experience Norwegian’s big-ship amenities like stellar entertainment, exciting nightlife, outdoor sports decks and multiple dining venues.

The Haven Courtyard – Your Private Sanctuary

As residents of The Haven, your group will have exclusive access to The Courtyard – a relaxing enclave of privacy, situated just steps from their suites. This unique complex features a private pool deck, complete with hot tub, pool and exercise area (not to mention a poolside valet to cater to their every need).

Personalized Service

The VIP treatment begins the moment you and your attendees arrive on board, and continues around-the-clock. After personally escorting each guest to their suite, professional butlers are available to offer the highest level of personalized service – from helping them unpack their luggage to serving champagne on their balcony.

Your dedicated concierge will help attendees plan their leisure time – whether it’s hosting a party in the privacy of the Courtyard, scheduling a rejuvenating treatment at the Spa, or dinner at one of the specialty restaurants.

VIP Amenities

When you reserve this exclusive complex for your group, they’ll enjoy enhanced services and amenities, including special theater seating, priority embarkation and disembarkation, gourmet treats delivered each evening, and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. (The Haven on Norwegian Epic also features a private restaurant and club.)

Complimentary amenities include:

• A shoreside concierge desk that can pre-arrange on-board services before the cruise begins. Services include making dining and entertainment reservations; booking shore excursions; spa and salon appointments.
• 24-hour Butler Service – Although butler service is offered in all suites, guests of The Haven will have a butler standing by day and night.
• Certified butlers – All of The Haven’s butlers receive formal training by the International Institutes of Modern Butlers.
• Poolside Valet- Your private pool will have a dedicated Valet to provide personalized service, whether it’s taking drink orders or providing an extra towel.
• Special Platinum-colored Keycards – To provide enhanced recognition throughout the ship, your guests in The Haven receive distinctive keycards.
• White Tablecloth In-suite Dining – Your Haven attendees can have their Butler serve a delicious meal in their suite for an upscale, fine-dining experience, complete with white tablecloth.
• Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area.
• Priority reservations in the ship’s specialty restaurants, spa, and entertainment venues; exclusive invitations to private events.

Dining – A World of Choices

Norwegian Cruise Line is all about choice. After all, this innovative cruise line introduced the concept of “Freestyle Cruising” and flexible dining that revolutionized the industry. When you book The Haven, your group will have additional private dining options beyond the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants on board. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in your private restaurant, or in-suite dining with white tablecloth service – the ultimate in privacy.

You might choose to plan a memorable night “on the town” with preferred reservations at one of the ship’s award-winning specialty restaurants, or plan a group dine-around. For something more casual, your attendees can enjoy complimentary dining in the main dining rooms, grills and cafés.

Entertainment Built In

From preferred seating at one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s sizzling production shows on board to hot action at the casino to hip DJ house music at one of the ship’s nightclubs, your group will quickly discover that when the stars come out, the shipboard excitement begins – without the costly ticket prices.

If they simply want to unwind with friends and colleagues and enjoy a cocktail under the stars, they can do so within the privacy and exclusivity of The Haven – the choice is theirs.

Meeting Facilities

When it’s time for your business sessions, Norwegian Cruise Line has you covered. Their ships feature a variety of spaces that can be used for meetings and group events, including dedicated conference rooms, unique lounges and a main theater – all with WiFi capabilities. These adaptable venues also boast state-of-the art audio visual equipment. Meeting space, use of A/V, afternoon snacks and coffee are all complimentary.

Where to Find The Haven by Norwegian

You’ll find The Haven complex on Jewel-class ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem). These ships have up to 18 suites that surround The Haven Courtyard, which includes a pool, sun deck, hot tub and fitness room.

For groups of up to 150, the Norwegian Epic features the largest Haven complex, with 60 suites on two private decks at the top of the ship and an additional 15 suites. All 75 suites have exclusive access to The Haven and its Courtyard pool, two whirlpools, gym, saunas, sun deck, restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining, bar and concierge lounge.

The newest ships in the fleet – Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway – will also feature private access suites when they set sail in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Breakaway Haven complex will include a private restaurant, a cocktail bar and a concierge desk where your group can relax, have a drink and make dining, entertainment and spa reservations.

The Haven Itineraries:

Your ocean-going sanctuary-at-sea is sailing to these exciting destinations:

Norwegian Gem is sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from New York City.

Norwegian Pearl is currently cruising from Miami to the Caribbean, before moving to Seattle for seasonal voyages to Alaska. In the fall of 2012, the Pearl will move to New York City to begin a series of 7-night cruises to the Bahamas.

Norwegian Jewel is now sailing to the Bahamas from New York, and will move to Seattle for summer cruises to Alaska. The Jewel will then reposition to Miami for 7-night Caribbean cruises.

Norwegian Jade offers year-round cruises in the Mediterranean and Europe.

Norwegian Epic is offering 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami before moving to the Mediterranean for seasonal cruises.

Norwegian Breakaway, the newest ship in the fleet, will set sail in April 2013 from New York City to Bermuda.

For more detailed ship information, planner guides, and itineraries, check out the individual ship pages on Seasite.com.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News | 2 Comments »

ConventionSouth’s 2012 Meeting Trends in the South Report was published in the magazine’s November issue, and we’re happy to find solid evidence that meetings are on the upswing.

One Word: More!

The report boldly announces “More is the Word”. And indeed, the survey of more than 100 professional planners from across the country revealed several encouraging statistics:

More Meetings

• Nearly a quarter of those surveyed planned more meetings in 2011 compared to last year, and 55% said the number remained the same.
• 26% expect to increase the number of meetings in 2012, while 62% project the number will remain the same.

Greater Attendance 

Nearly 40% of planners expect attendance numbers to increase in 2012, with 43% expecting the number to remain the same.

Healthier Meeting Prognosis

34% of meeting planners expect the industry’s health to improve over the next 18 months, while 33% expect it to remain the same (stable).

Other Key Finding of the Report:

AIG-Effect Fading

The study also shows that the AIG-Effect is dissipating (it’s about time!), with 57% of planning professionals stating that they have not made any recent changes in types of destinations or venues they’ve selected for meetings because of negative perception issues.

However, value is still a key factor when it comes to site selection, with 35% of planners booking more affordable destinations and hotel venues.

Where You’re Cutting Costs

Planners are still working to reduce their meeting expenses, and it’s no surprise that the two biggest areas of cut-back are Food & Beverage (53%), and Off-Site Events or Parties (28%).

Attendees Choosing to Drive

When planners were asked what method of transportation their attendees used, 50% said they drive to meetings, with 33% traveling by air.

Meeting Planners Love their Jobs!

And finally, we’d like to share one more positive finding from the 2012 Meeting Trends in the South Report: 75% of meeting professionals said they have not considered a career change.

(Click here to download the entire report.)

One More Meeting Trend (Not Found in the MeetingsSouth Report)

Corporate meetings at sea are on the rise. Acording to PhoCus Wright research, 8% of companies surveyed said a cruise ship would be their first choice for a meeting venue – that’s a 2% increase from 2009. Why?

 “More is the Word” when it comes to cruise meetings:

• More Value (planners can save an average of 30% over land-based properties)
• More Inclusions (meals, entertainment, activities, décor, Audio/Visual & meeting space included)
• More Drive-to Cruise Ports (dozens of convenient U.S.departure ports, coast to coast)
• More Meeting Space (most modern ships built with dedicated conference facilities, adaptable lounges and theaters)
• More Networking Opportunties (self-contained environment – attendees are “captive audience” on a cruise ship)
• More Wows (multiple destinations, innovative ship facilities, world-class entertainment and dining)

Filed under: Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Event marketing has evolved – are you up to speed?

There are two key reasons people attend events: educational content and networking opportunities. They turn to social media for the same reasons – shouldn’t you?

Social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter provide a cost-effective way for planners to build buzz, promote their events, reach out to potential attendees, and keep in touch with past conference participants. You’d better get on board – social media marketing is here to stay.

If you’re uncertain how to effectively leverage social media for your events, take heart. There are some great online resources to help get you up to speed – and most of them are free! Here are our top 5 picks:

1) Video and booklet: “The Three Habits of Successful Social Meeting Planners”

One great place to start is with a short video by social selling expert Jeff Molander posted on PlanYourMeetings.com. In “The Three Habits of Successful Social Meeting Planners”, Jeff offers a surprisingly simple, step-by-step way to make social media “put butts in seats”. He shows you how to grow attendance with tools like Facebook, Twitter,  podcasts, YouTube, LinkedIn and blogs. Here’s a hint: Thinking about technology is the wrong place to start.

Watch the short clip and then sign up for the free series of three, in-depth educational videos that follow. Jeff will walk you though, and even throw in a free booklet to complement the videos. To access the free videos and booklet, click here.

2) New eBook from CVent: “Event Marketing 2.0” How to Boost Event Attendance through Social Media”

Cvent, the world’s largest provider of online event management, has released a free eBook that offers practical tips to help event planners effectively market their events through social media. This eBook will help you identify where your target audience interacts online, assist you in developing a social media strategy to boost attendance, and give you practical advice on how to get started. To download your complimentary copy, click on Cvent’s social media eBook.

3) HubSpot Whitepapers and eBooks

HubSpot is another great resource for planners who want to learn more about web-based marketing. This software provider offers dozens of free social media marketing whitepapers and eBooks on their website. Visit HubSpot.com to access the materials. To learn the basics, download their “How to Use” eBooks, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for Business.

4) Mashable: ” 7 Ways to Improve Your Event Planning with Facebook”

Mashable is the largest independent online news site dedicated to covering digital culture, social media and technology. In the article, “7 Ways to Improve Your Event Planning with Facebook” a few experts share how they use the world’s largest social network for event planning. Read the article to find out how Facebook can give your next event a boost.

5) Social Media Examiner – “Your Guide to the Social Media Jungle”

Social Media Examiner, the world’s largest online social media magazine, is designed to help businesses discover how to best use tools like Facebook, Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn. The website has plenty of how-to’s, videos, reviews, expert interviews and case studies; presented in an easy-to-digest, fun format that meeting and event planners will find useful.  

Start with: “12 ways to market your event with social media”. The trick is to know which social media tools to use and when to use them – this article contains 12 useful tips. After you’ve mastered the 12 simple ways to market your event, it’s time to move on to: “15 ways to bring social media to events”. This article will reveal 15 ways you can infuse social media into your events.

Related articles you might enjoy:

Meeting Technology Update: 12 Trends to Watch in 2012

Mobile Meeting Apps 101

Filed under: Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | 2 Comments »

We’ve known it all along, but now even CNN is onboard and spreading the news: “Businesses cruise more to meetings — literally”. Today’s article by Kayleigh Kulp published on CNN.com reports that interest in holding corporate meetings on cruise ships is on the rise.

The research firm PhoCus Wright confirms that 8% of companies surveyed in 2010 listed cruise ships as their first choice for a meeting venue, up from 6% in 2009. And the number is growing steadily – for good reason. An apples-to-apples comparison proves a cruise event can save up to 30% when planners look at line item inclusions at a comparable land venue.

According to Jo Kling, co-founder and CEO of Landry & Kling and Seasite.com,

There have been a lot of organizations that deleted or deferred meetings and want to do something to get their momentum back up. Taking people to an environment they don’t go often or have never been shifts the perspective all together. They’re not in a (dark) hotel ballroom … thinking, ‘Here we go again.’”

To read the entire article, click here.

Jo reminds meeting planners that they’ll see many amenity items “disappear” from their budgets when they choose to cruise, including nightly entertainment, floral arrangements, A/V equipment, and meals served “a la carte”.

Still more reasons companies are taking a fresh look at cruise ship venues include the excitement of visiting multiple destinations (and unpacking only once), and the increased networking/relationship-building opportunities. The confluence of all these factors makes ships attractive and cost-effective alternatives for incentive trips, continuing education courses, product launches, and all types of meetings.

Close-to-home meetings at sea are also becoming increasingly popular with planners who are looking for venues that offer value and convenience. Jo Kling notes that with about 27 gateways in the U.S., nearly 70% of the population lives within a five-hour drive of a cruise ship port.

The cruise lines have also stepped up to meet the growing demands of corporate groups. For example, Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 22 ships were purposefully built with conference centers.

To find the perfect ship and itinerary for your group event, check out Seasite.com, the only online resource that allows you to send your RFP directly to up to five cruise lines at once.

Related article you might also like: A Meeting at Sea Success Story

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous | 1 Comment »