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Name: Paulo Cardoso Tips_StrategiesPortugal is a Surprising and Magic Incentive Destination. With our assistance on-the-ground and working in all geographical areas of Portugal, including Madeira and Azores islands, get the experience of a lifetime!
Name: Bob Estrin Tips_StrategiesHOLIDAY EVENT SAFETY TIPS 1. REMEMBER TO LEAVE ENOUGH TIME TO RESET WHEN DOING MULTIPLE EVENTS IN THE SAME VENUE . NOT ENOUGH TIME LEADS TO RUSHED WORK. 2. TWINK LIGHTS GENERATE A LOT OF HEAT . BE CAREFUL HOW THEY ARE PLACED IN DECORATIONS. 3. DO NOT PLUG MORE TWINK STRINGS TOGETHER THAN IS SUGGESTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THEY HAVE INTERNAL FUSING . 4. USE ONLY OUTDOOR RATED TWINKS IN MOIST SITUATIONS. 5. WATCH OUT FOR DANCE FLOOR CREEP. THE MORE THE DANCE FLOOR IS USED THE MORE IT WILL MOVE . 6. SECURE SOUND AND LIGHTING STANDS SO THEY DO NOT IMPEDE GUESTS ,OR SIT AGAINST DANCE FLOORS. 7. GIVE PERFORMERS ENOUGH TIME TO SET UP AND CHECK EQUIPMENT BEFORE GUEST ENTER . 8. HAVE ADEQUATE POWER FOR COFFEE MAKERS AND DRINK BLENDERS. THESE TIPS ARE PROVIDED BY CREATIVE EVENT TECHNOLOGY AS A SERVICE TO THE EVENT AND MEETING INDUSTRY.
Name: Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D. Tips_StrategiesMentoring is NOT Therapy Have you ever had to deal with a team member’s emotional or personal problems? It’s normal for a Mentor/Manager to spend time dealing with their co-workers problems, but when those problems become emotional; you may feel (rightfully so) that you really don’t want to deal with these kinds of problems. You may also feel that you are “out of your league”. If a staff member’s problems made you feel uncomfortable, it’s a sign that you need to refer them to, or bring in, a professional counselor. Counseling is NOT in Your Job Description. It is not your job to be a therapist to your team members. Spending your time dealing with people problems has its limits. Although we have all had to deal with unexpected emotions like tears, silence or outright anger, it really should not be part of your duties. What is in the Mentors/Manager’s job description is having the ability and insight to know when to leave it to the pros. Because Mentoring is becoming a large part of our contemporary business culture, many consultants have added Executive Coaching to their repertoire. In addition, numerous psychotherapists (most with no business experience) have also become “Executive Coaches”. Where Mentoring and Coaching are similar to each other, counseling is a completely different line of work. It involves dealing with people’s emotions and helping to heal their neurosis. Just because someone calls himself or herself a coach, does not mean that they have the ability to counsel. Before you refer someone to counseling, make sure that the person they see has some training in psychology. A Mentors Job Being a Mentor means setting an example, listening to your team members, discussing their issues, and giving them leadership. Sometimes this means challenging them. A trained counselor understands that if you challenge someone who is emotionally vulnerable or unstable, they may breakdown right in front of you, and they are prepared and educated for that. In addition, they are cautious about challenging someone who is very angry or unable to articulate their thoughts. This is a possible sign of instability, and could lead to the person could acting out or even “going postal”. This is why it’s so important to understand the risks of counseling, and why a Mentor needs to stay within certain boundaries. If someone comes to their Mentor with a work related issue, which may involve communication problems with a co-worker, it falls under a Mentor/Manager’s job description to help them resolve the issue. If a staff member is asking for help with a domestic issue, a substance abuse problem, or controlling their anger, they should be referred to a counselor, or to your companies EAP (Employee Assistance Program), if you have one. If a Mentor or Manager tries to deal with highly charged emotional issues, they could be putting themselves and the company at risk. They could also give inappropriate advice to the staff member and cause them personal harm. Determining the Objectives When a team member comes to you with an issue that you think may cross the personal/professional line, you must first determine their goal in bringing the issue to you. Do they just want to unload to have someone listen to them? Do they need your help is dealing with a co-worker? Are they looking for advice or in need of counseling? Asking them directly what their objectives are can save both of you time and energy, not to mention grief. Once you (and they) understand their needs, you can decide if this is an issue you are comfortable dealing with. If you are not comfortable, you need to be honest and direct them to someone who can help them deal with the issue. Don’t just ignore it, it’s part of your responsibility as a Mentor to help them locate assistance. Responsibility and Benefits Be careful not to fall into the Father/Mother confessor trap. Sometimes it is tempting to want to be the all-knowing Mentor and take on problems that you don’t have the training to deal with. Mentors like to be helpful, it’s part of what motivates them to take on the role. Sometimes Mentors don’t want to admit that they may be in over their heads, and will continue to try to help a staff member without realizing they haven’t got the skills. This isn’t helpful to anyone, and it can result in actually making the problem worse and killing the Mentor/Mentee relationship. Mentors have a responsibility to the people who come to them for guidance. This responsibility is one of the benefits of being a mentor; it makes them better leaders. Understanding boundaries and limitations gives the Mentor a greater ability to help others. It also allows them to grow personally and professionally.
Name: Scott Obley Tips_StrategiesAloha! For planners who are interested in Maui and specifically the Grand Wailea Resort, please call us directly for more information on Hot Dates. We have some great deals available from September 1st through November 20 and in the first two weeks of December.
Name: Juergen Keller Tips_Strategies
Name: Karen England Tips_Strategies
Name: Gordon Lucas Tips_StrategiesWe are a small Inn in Southern Vermont that specialize in hosting retreats for religious and other groups. We have a unique setting allowing our guests a true escape as well as a perfect spot to gather for those type of events.
Name: Ted Tate Tips_Strategies"Keeping training meetings on target" This helpful free article is available for meeting planners at www.trainingexpert.com
Name: Carolyn Munson Tips_Strategies*** Please make note of changes in our contact details. *** Dubai Limousine -- DubaiLimo.com Email - bridal@emirates.net.ae
Name: John Mackenzie Tips_Strategies12 Meeting Master Memos (event planing grins, gripes & groans) can be found at: http://www.thewritingworks.com/memos.html
Name: b n newman Tips_StrategiesI operate a one-woman transcription and editing service. Some of my specialties include delivery of focus group transcriptions, earnings conferences, and high-tech gatherings. If I may be of service to you, please advise. Rates and turnaround time upon request. Best regards, B N Newman 956 943 4241 phone or fax 773 913 0599 alternate fax b n newman * your one-stop wordsmith shop
Name: Tips_StrategiesI operate a one-woman transcription and editing service. Some of my specialties include delivery of focus group transcriptions, earnings conferences, and high-tech gatherings. If I may be of service to you, please advise. Rates and turnaround time upon request. Best regards, B N Newman 956 943 4241 phone or fax 773 913 0599 alternate fax b n newman * your one-stop wordsmith shop
Name: Wu Kok Wai Tips_StrategiesIf you have clients who is looking for a budget meeting place, I found that a hotel which is Century Mahkota Hotel apartment in Malaysia offer a low budget meeting. It cost US$14.47 per person for a full day meeting. Aside from that, if your clients who are golfers can take the golf packages after the meeting. This hotel provide it. Do contact me by email :- wukw@pcd.lion.com.my , if you keen to have more information about this hotel.
Name: Roger Holmes Tips_StrategiesNeed to hold a business seminar/mmeting ir convention and ewant to keep everyone occupied? Caribbean cruise Lines/golfahoy.com has been providing coproporate planners with golf and meeting facilities while at sea in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera and other fantastic locations. Make your next business meeting a combined golf and business cruise. We can accomodate groups of 4 to 144.
Name: Simson D'Silva Tips_StrategiesFOCUS- Mumbai, India based Recruitment Consultants and executive search agency for Software, Computer, IT & Telecom jobs globally
Name: Tips_Strategies
Name: Bill Wright Tips_Strategies
Name: Mike McCann Tips_StrategiesHow to order the right LCD Projector for your speaker: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT LCD RESOLUTION TO ORDER? A computer's resolution is one of the factors that determine which projector is right for you. To determine your computer's resolution: 1. Go to the Start button on your computer. 2. Then go to Settings/Control Panel. 3. Double-click on the Display icon. Then click on the Settings tab. 4. On the lower right-hand side of the box, it will list your screen area, or resolution. If it says 1024x768 pixels, you have XGA resolution. If it says 800x600 pixels you SVGA resolution. Always make sure that the native resolution of the projector matches the native resolution of your computer. For example, if your PC is XGA (1024 x 768), make sure that the projector is a native XGA projector.
Name: Joe Tips_StrategiesThe Nassau Inn is an historic, full service hotel centrally located at Palmer's Square in beautiful downtown Princeton, NJ. This is an ideal setting for conferences, as well as the casual or business traveler.
Name: Christa Obenaus Tips_Strategies1. Switzerland - organised a conference in a 5 star deluxe venue for 100 PAX in Lausanne last year and 100 PAX in Luzern this year. Happy to share my experience with others who are thinking of these destinations. 2. Could you make the contents of "viewtips" searchable?
Name: Edward Hahn Tips_Strategies
Name: Carolyn Munson Tips_StrategiesIf you are planning travel to Dubai or any destination within the United Arab Emirates and need any assistance, please feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to share information on this truly remarkable part of the world. A little insight into the city can make for a more enjoyable trip. I can be reached at (971) 4 343 1188 or on my personal mobile at (971) 50 647 7760.
Name: Joram Rampersad Tips_StrategiesA wonderful Meeting Destination is Trinidad & Tobago.....Lovely culture and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tobago. Enjoy a game of golf on the newly open PGA designed Golf Course at the Tobago Hilton. Try something different have your Conference in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago.
Name: Dolly Bhasin Tips_StrategiesAn excellent destination for conferencing - Corbett Hideaway, in the heart of corbett national park, just 300 kms from N.Delhi, the capital city of India
Name: Debbie WTSON Tips_StrategiesI am trying to locate a Safety Incentive program on line. Do you do that?, or does someone else. Thanks Debbie Watson
Name: Sam Jonas Tips_StrategiesNIAGARA, the hidden jem of North America but a diverse variety of FUN, LEISURE, EXCITEMENT & TRANQUILLITY, Plus VALUE to find out more about this UNIQUE DESTINATION and what it can offer your organization or company contact Sam Jonas, Ventures Niagara (905) 641-505 or sjcompus@cs.com today!!
Name: Michael Rose Tips_StrategiesFREE Listing for Meeting Industry related websites ! conworld.net - THE ONLINE - DIRECTORY of the worldwide Meeting Industry - Meeting Facilities, Convention Bureaus and Supporting Companies like DMC´s, PCO´s and many more around the world indexed by the Country/City they are operating in. List your website for FREE at http://www.conworld.net
Name: Andrea Sigler, Tips_StrategiesWILLIAMSBURG At the start of the new millennium, my family thought that we would do something different. We looked at different options- but decided on going to Williamsburg for the First Night celebrations. So - on December 31, twenty three adults and kids packed our cars and vans and headed south for the 2 1/2 drive and overnight stay in Colonial Williamsburg. It turned out to be absolutely wonderful - a really memorable family event. What a great concept: Non-alcoholic - so nobody was afraid the kids would encounter drunks or a drunken driver would bump us off. It was family-oriented - parents were able to spend the first night of the New Year with their children. It was a festival of cultural performances - 59 shows on 19 stages: a lot of great choices for every age group. Some of the performances were truly world-class. Even the modest fireworks combined with candlelight (the organizers gave candlelight to everyone in the viewing area) was very charming. It beats leaving the kids with babysitters to sip expensive champagne in one of the usual New Year's Eve parties. Best of all - the kids got to tour Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown - and make early American history come alive in their young minds.
Name: Andrea Sigler,PhD Tips_StrategiesI had the opportunity to join a CIMPA post conference tour to Malaysia after our annual conference in Bangkok recently. I did not really expect Kuala Lumpur to be a third world city - but neither did I expect an extremely modern, clean, well-developed city. The airport was one of the best I have gone through (and I have gone through a lot of them), roads were wide and attractively laid out, the 5-star hotels were world-class, food was delicious, people were friendly - and our tours were very well organized. It was very interesting how people of different races and religion lived so well together. The Chinese, Indians and Malays kept their own culture and practiced their own religion in the same country without really serious trouble. Best of all, Malaysia is great value as a meeting and incentive destination. 5-star hotels with perhaps better service can be had for at least 40% less than same quality hotels in the USA. Malaysia Airlines is a very comfortable airline with reasonable rates. We all enjoyed the fantastic shopping expeditions for 18 and 22 karat gold (price per ounce was cheaper than either Bahrain or Dubai), batik and handicraft. As usual, we ran out of time and money before we ran out of interest. I am planning on going back with one of my groups as soon as I can arrange it.
Name: Tom Antion Tips_StrategiesPRESENTATION PREPARATION CHECKLIST FOR SPEAKERS Questions to ask the Meeting Coordinator:
What does the organizer want to accomplish because of my appearance?
Why was I chosen?
How many people are expected to be in the audience?
What are their job responsibilities?
What is the male/female ratio?
What time am I supposed to speak?
What is on the program just before I speak?
What is on the program just after I speak?
What is the conference title and theme?
Who will introduce me?
Who are the other speakers on the program?
What kind of seating is being used?
What kind of microphone and A/V equipment is available?
May I have a list of expected attendees so that I may interview some of them for a few minutes by phone in advance of the program? (this is probably the most powerful technique I know of to really connect with the audience when you speak. I always interview at least 15 audience members.)
Questions to ask the interviewees
With regard to the topic I am presenting on, what are the three biggest challenges you face in completing your daily duties? (then let them talk)
Do you have any interesting stories about things that have happened to you while you were working?
Questions to ask yourself
Considering all the answers I got from the phone interviews, what are the three (or five depending on how much time you have) greatest areas of concern for the attendees.
What material do I have that can specifically address those concerns?
What stories do I have that will help them remember my points?
What visuals will I use?
What props will I use?
What should I include in the written introduction that I prepare for my introducer that will be appropriate for this audience.
How will I open the presentation?
How long will I go before I have a break?
What forms of audience interaction will I use?
In what form, and how much humor will I use?
Will I provide a handout, and if so, what should it include?
What will I do and say in case of an emergency (running out of the room screaming is not an option here)?
Should I have a Question & Answer session, or should I entertain questions as they come up?
How will I close the presentation?
How much and when will I practice this presentation?
How will I stay calm before the presentation?
Practice Points
Practice small sections of the talk in "throwaway time" . . . showering, fixing hair, shaving, cooking, etc. (DO NOT PRACTICE WORD FOR WORD)
Practice out loud so difficult word combinations are discovered.
Practice handling visuals and microphone (if handheld).
Triple practice opening and closing so they are highly polished. ================================
Use Humor to Increase Your Bottom Line
How many times have you agonized at meetings over absenteeism, turnover, employee lawsuits and low morale? How many times have you or your colleagues suggested increasing salaries, benefit packages and perks to solve these problems?
Companies all over the world are discovering what those in the humor field have known all along: You can hand out money and benefits until you turn green and it won't compare to the results you'll get from creating a positive work climate --a climate where employees enjoy coming to work. Imagine that!
You don't have to be a joker. Business consultants, Bob Basso, Ph.D. and Judi Klosek, J.D., surveyed 192 CEOs, 2,700 middle managers and 11,000 front line employees on the subject of fun at work. Here's the bottom line of what they found:
Fun means many different things to many different people, but successful companies have more of it.
A new, independent, "Don't Tread On Me" worker has emerged, one who has a dominating urge to enjoy his/her job and who sees fun as the logical expression of that joy.
The sun has set on Dinosaur (autocratic) Managers. They don't know how to motivate the New Breed Worker.
A happy worker produces more. While very few people don't need fun on the job to be happy, the vast majority do.
There are many "unfunny" bosses out there who achieve amazing results by "lightening up" their work environment.
Lightening up does not mean turning your company into a circus. It means setting up simple policies and events that will make your company a more pleasant place for your employees. Employee performance contests, interdepartment victory celebrations, fun-enhanced meeting agendas, and humor bulletin boards are just a few of the hundreds of techniques you can use to create an atmosphere that makes your employees look forward to coming to work.
How much is a fun atmosphere going to cost?
That's the best part. Most of what is needed is virtually cost free. Let me ask you, how much does it cost to replace skilled and effective employees who quit because they don't like working for your organization? How much does it cost in lost productivity when employees take every opportunity to be absent because they don't enjoy being there? How much does it cost when employees jump at every chance to sue the company? Any money, time and effort spent on a humor program to help solve these problems could reap large rewards.
Other bottom line benefits of humor Humor can help reduce rising health care costs and killer stress levels in your organization when you are forced to downsize and make people do more with less (more likely do everything with nothing). Humor can improve customer service, increase sales, open lines of communication, create team spirit and improve quality. So, if you want your business to make more money, add some humor. You'll be glad you did. -------------------------------------------------------- Tom Antion, is president of Antion & Associates, a company that helps businesses and individuals realize the great bottom line benefits paying attention to people in the workplace. He is the author of Make 'em Laugh: How to Use Humor In Business Presentations, a video training program for executives and speakers, Wake em Up Business Presentations by Anchor Publishing, along with numerous books, audio tapes and articles.
Name: Tom Antion Tips_Strategies20 Ways to Plan For Fun and Excitement at Your Next Meeting The following is a quick list and mini explanation of twenty different ways to plan for fun at your next meeting:
1. Engage an entertaining speaker/humorist--Speakers and humorists provide more than just entertainment. By definition a speaker/humorist provides some percentage of meaningful message that is delivered with humor.
2. Engage a comedian--Comedians normally provide 100 percent entertainment with little or no message.
3. Announce a mystery guest--a mystery guest could be a real celebrity, a top industry figure or a celebrity impersonator. Keep your eyes open for celebrities who may be in the area at the time of your meeting. These people may be willing to stop by for some extra publicity.
4. Plant shills in the crowd--Hire an actor or enlist a boisterous friend to heckle the speaker. Of course, this should be coordinated with the speaker. Funny lines and responses could be written for both the speaker and heckler.
5. Plan audience gags--Solicit fun audience members to participate in funny situations. For instance, audience members could be recruited to jump up and run out of the room when it is announced that IRS investigators have just entered the building.
6. Plan icebreakers--Icebreakers are activities designed to get members of the audience interacting and meeting one another. A simple one would be to hand out several decks of cards (depending on the size of the audience). Each person takes a card. Then each audience member goes around introducing themselves. At the same time they are seeking out four other people to make the best poker hand. Give out prizes to the winning hand(s). A great resource for icebreakers is the four volume set of Games Trainers Play.
7. Convention updates--Things happening at the convention are highlighted (usually by a comedian using a newscaster format). These updates are a few minutes each and done at each general session. This is done every year at the National Speakers Association Convention and brings down the house.
8. Pass out beach balls-- Audience members will toss the balls around in large general sessions before the program starts--You see this being done all the time at large sporting events. Don't do this in rooms where tables are set because things will get knocked over.
9. Hold a "safe" murder mystery--"Safe" means that no one commits a murder which scares the crowd to death. You simply announce that one of the staff, association members, employees etc. is missing and the audience will all become detectives during the time of the conference. Give prizes to the best detectives.
10. Stuff helium balloons with special prizes--Everyone loves balloons, especially if they can pop them and get a prize. They also make a festive atmosphere in the room.
11. Build large balloon sculptures--The sculptures could be your company logo or some other pertinent symbol. (This will require a team of balloon experts).
12. Hold contests--Kareoke and lip sync teams are lots of fun and very popular. Other examples could be indoor miniature golf, bowling, first person seated at sessions etc..
13. Do the opposite--Hold an indoor picnic when it's freezing outside or hold a Holiday party in July.
14. Set up carnival games--Many companies make complete indoor carnival set-ups available for conventions and meetings.
15. Set-up weird attractions--Human bowling, Velcro jumping, and cash cubes are all goofy, but fun attractions for your participants.
16. Hire costumed theme characters--Ben Franklin is perfect for Philadelphia, George Washington for D.C. etc.
17. Hire other characters--Strolling mimes, jugglers, stilt walkers and clowns always draw lots of attention.
18. Plan for fun foods--Caterers can make special candies, cakes or other foods that match the theme of your conference. I stayed at The Peabody hotel recently. This hotel has a duck for it's mascot. Everything in the hotel including the butter is shaped like a duck. Of all the hotels I've ever stayed in, this is the only hotel that I can really remember.
19. Give everyone lightsticks--This would be fun in a large general session or if the attendees are going to a night time attraction.
20. Print T-shirts--Each division could be issued a different color etc. Put some fun design or company specific saying on each shirt.
21. (I'm sneaking in an extra one because It's my policy to always give you more than expected) Distribute a convention or meeting newsletter--Always include funny items that are happening during the convention. For more ideas and details contact Professional Speaker/Entertainer, Tom Antion Box 2630, Landover Hills, MD 20784. (301) 459-0738 Outside Maryland (800) 448-6280, Fax (301) 552- 0225, tomantion@AOL.com
Name: Lynda Gilroy Tips_StrategiesWhistler is a four season award-winning destination. Rated #1 Ski Resort in North America for 10 years and as one of the top 100 golf destinations in North America. 5,200 guest rooms, over 100,000 square feet of meeting space are available to corporate, incentive and association groups. The ideal size of group for Whistler Resort is 500 - 1,200 delegates. Call Tourism Whistler for a one-stop-shop or visit our web-site at www.tourismwhistler.com.
Name: Kanara F. Woodford Tips_Strategies
Name: Ms. UMA VERMA Tips_StrategiesNew Delhi has emerged as the most preferred Conference Destination of India due to excellent infrastructure and fascinating Pre/Post Conference Tours to Taj Mahal/Rajasthan/Kerala/Goa. It provides a much needed alternative to other saturated Conference Destinations.
Name: Debbie Cook Tips_StrategiesKeep your life organized by planning ahead. You will always encounter delays and cancellations so always have a plan or errands to attend to that can fit between these inconvieniences.
Name: Karen Johnson Tips_Strategies
Name: John K. Mackenzie Tips_StrategiesUnderstanding the difference between innovation and renovation can make the difference when it comes to getting that next job. More info at: www.thewritingworks.com/sept_memo.html
Name: Bob Bartolo Tips_StrategiesPlan your next meeting, conference or sales incentive vacation in Kauai, Hawaii.
Name: John K. Mackenzie Tips_StrategiesMEETING MASTERS MEMO Vol. I No. 8 August, 2000 John K. Mackenzie, Editor www.thewritingworks.com ------ THE AGENDA JUGGLE ------ Stuck in the Vertical Stack: Those planning presentations are often locked in isolated pre-occupation. "My script." "My video." "My speech." "My product." And each invest their lectern lust with such overwhelming significance that the impact of meeting elements, as a whole, is lost. Play with the Meeting Mosaic: Here's a simple trick that can improve flow and unify structure (assuming you've got some decision clout). Take each element on your meeting agenda and write it down on an index card. Now, line them up and scan the connections. (I put mine on the floor.) - Are strong presentations lumped together, when they might be spread around? - Do several weak speakers follow each other? - Does meeting interest and impact build? (Have you unloaded all your big punches up front?) - Do you need transition material to buffer subject changes, cushion bad news, or introduce a VIP? - Are there useless redundancies? (Not all repetition is bad.) - What about time allocations? Is that 20 minute pitch only worth ten or 12? - Can some elements be shifted from morning to afternoon? Main tent to breakout? First day to second day? - Should some elements just be chopped? (Pull a card or two out and see what happens.) The End Game: Now, play a little presentation chess. Move your pieces around. Experiment. Revise. Reconfigure. You may be amazed how 50 cents worth of index cards can improve your agenda, your meeting, and your reputation. (Trying this on your computer will turn your brain to stone!) ======================================== Sign up for your FREE Meeting Master memos at: http://www.thewritingworks.com/memos.html ========================================
Name: Madelyn Miller Tips_StrategiesDOES DALLAS REALLY NEED ANOTHER CHINESE RESTAURANT? by Madelyn Miller July 27, 2000
Yes, if it is JIMMY LU'S Everyone has their favorite Chinese restaurant. So when a friend invited me to get some Chinese takeout at a new nearby restaurant, I was game. But when we got to Jimmy Lu's, a new Asian fusion restaurant, we did not want to leave. We loved the place. The decor is sleek and sophisticated and has a great bar and an outdoor patio. Their house specialty, BANG BANG CHOP CHICKEN SALAD ($9) with shredded chicken, lettuce, Napa cabbage, carrots, fried wonton strips, and mandarin oranges with honey ginger and lime dressing was enough for two very hungry people. I thought I was hungry, but needed THREE takeout boxes to get all my leftovers home. But that was maybe because I wanted to save room for dessert. And that is where Jimmy Lu's really shines. I loved the Coconut Almond Volcano, a wonderful blend of coconut ice cream, topped with hot fudge, toasted coconut and almonds. ($5) Next time I will try the cheesecake spring rolls--warm and crispy phyllo filled with cool and creamy cheesecake with strawberry dipping sauce ($6). Or I could be tempted by the Chocolate Firecrackers --wonton wrappers filled with chocolate ganache, served with raspberry coulis dipping sauce $(6) At the end of the meal you are presented with fortune cookies. Even that is special. Each one is frosted. Because Jimmy Lu just doesn't seem to be able to do anything plain.
17727 Dallas Parkway The NW corner of the tollway and Trinity Mills 972-852-8888 972-852-2223 fax
this might not be the right place to submit, but in any case, there is just about no mention of conference centers here. Just hotels. Is there a reason for that? We would otherwise be interested in participating in your network.
Coming Back to Our Senses to Create More Memorable Meetings What makes a meeting truly stand out from others? It's not necessarily how much money was spent but how many positively memorable experiences the attendee recalls. Many conferences involve a theme, reinforced through a logo, theme, events, and speakers to create an overall "feel" and value throughout the convention. Why not further reinforce your meeting content and mood by enveloping attendees in planned sequences of memorable moments that involve sensory combinations of smells, tastes, sounds, sights, and even ìtouchableî experiences? Few meetings can or should be able to compete with the sizzle of a modern amusement park or an action movie, but meeting planners and hotel and other site managers can multiple the number of positive exposures attendees experience and thus increase the possibility that those attendees will rave about their meeting. Conduct a Sensory Exposures Audit To make the most of the event, conduct a "Sensory Exposures Audit" of all the images to which your attendees will be exposed, from the pre-meeting mailings and other contacts, through the meeting itself and post-meeting reinforcements. Just as political campaigns have "advance agents" who walk through every step of an event ahead of time to consider all that might go right or wrong (from slippery steps to photo-opportunity backdrops), you can mentally visualize each "vignette" attendees might experience. Ask hotel and convention center staff for photos of the actual colors and patterns most frequently used in their sleeping, eating, meeting, and gathering spaces, and take notes on the combinations during your site visit, so your theme colors and images are compatible and even complementary. Ask the staff where you're going to find the most conflicting and comforting background sounds from piped-in music, other meetings, mechanical operations, catering procedures, or beyond-the-facility noises. Where do the smells go from the cooking and catering areas? Are the walkways carpeted? Is the carpet plush or thin? Is the facility signage large and easy to understand? What do the chairs feel like? Are there many comfortable places to relax and converse between organized activities? Is there much access to natural light (to elevate attendees' moods) during some of the daytime activities? Consider the impact attendees might experience on all the senses. Drive and walk through the major and minor "paths" your attendees will use ñ from the time they leave an airport (if they use one) to the time they arrive back at the airport ñ and observe what sensory delights they might receive before they go or upon their return. Storyboard the Meeting Experience Borrow a storyboarding trick from TV advertisement creators. Write out the meeting "story" as a three-part series of sequences or "exposures" attendees will experience: pre-meeting, meeting, and post-meeting. For each "exposure" you identify: 1. Write a brief description of the exposure in chronological sequence, as the attendee is most likely to experience it, down pages of paper in one of three columns: positive, negative, and neutral (exposures). Describe how the exposure is most likely to be: * positive: Candid photos taken as they enter the opening-night mixer, placed in pressed-board white frames inscribed with the meeting theme and hung on fishline strings in the buffet breakfast room the next day for their take-away souvenir. * negative: Inevitably long treks between certain meeting rooms * mostly neutral: Conventionally decorated hotel rooms 2. Then write out what the potential attendee will see, hear, smell, taste, and/or touch. How many of the senses can you include in each exposure to make it more positively memorable? Try creating more "low-tech" sensory experiences, such as more human touch. Increase the number of times an attendee is greeted by name or a handshake. Two studies were done in 1996 and 1997 in which two groups experienced the same public event, with the only difference that people in one group were safely touched (for example, shaking hands, touch on the top of the hand) just twice in a three-hour period. The so-called "touched group" described the people sponsoring the event as more intelligent, caring, and good looking than did the other group. Try higher-tech sensory moments, such as scenting a general session in keeping with the speaker and convention theme, gradually changing the scent three times, from lemon to lime to suntan lotion during the course of the 40-minute, midwinter, pre-lunch keynote speech. Lightly scent the handouts to match. Technology does now make it possible to scent to refresh, relax, or renew ñ without allergic reactions. You'll begin to see your meeting as a theatrical production, considering the attendees' every waking moment. The possible payoffs? You'll find ways to move more of the exposures to the positive side, often not through more costs but through changes in planning. Inflame Their Imaginations For a "negative" exposure such as a long, boring walk between meeting rooms, you could "Burma Shave" the build-up of interest and excitement in the trek with a sequence of messages on stands or on the walls, like the old highway signs of rhyming phrases car passengers passed on long stretches of road. The messages could build suspense toward the identity of award recipients, an entertainment event with a surprise guest, a contest they can win with the right answer for a vendor, or a trivia contest that encourages attendees and exhibitors to talk. Messages could also be placed in sequence around corners and on the way into meeting rooms, some with cryptic instructions to look under their chairs for more.
Related messages can also appear on the backs of meeting leaders at the podium, who turn for attendees to read them, followed by some of the waiters who appear to serve each other "back" messages. Other messages and clues and teasers might appear under attendeesí hotel room doors while they sleep, next to their plates at lunch, or on the seminar handout on their seats. Prior to the meeting you might send a "Burma Shave" series of postcards (sending them with increasing frequency as the event approaches) offering more reasons to attend and to sign up early. For example, the first postcards for a midwinter meeting in a sunny locale might be a series with images of blue water and yellow sun, messages to come prepared for warm sun and sizzling topics, and scented with coconut suntan lotion. Send companion messages via e-mail, directing attendees to your web site for a convention preview and contest. Use the Tricks of Blockbuster Movies As in a blockbuster movie, the most important exposures are the "opening scene,ì the handling of potentially slow times, the climax, and the ending. Many meetings have a slow beginning (hotel check-in, meeting registration, dead time before the first meeting). Make Attendees Feel Coddled and Cared For from the First Moments of Their Arrival Consider having a team of people greet arrivals at the hotel door(s), perhaps in costume and certainly giving them a welcome gift. Make the gift fun to see, touch, and taste. Have a second gift waiting for them in their room, perhaps a contest announcement. The more cared for attendees feel up front, the more they will perceive subsequent meeting experiences in a positive light, want to participate, and forgive later mishaps. Move to Emotion and Playtime In all waiting times, from registration to coffee areas, plan amusements that catch the eye or that people can hold or play with or hear. For example, have modern clowns or ventriloquists or magicians roam the gathering areas around registration areas to build movement, excitement, and involvement. Or mimes might follow and imitate attendees in gentle fun, perhaps giving mementos provided by exhibitors that make them eligible for a drawing if they visit the booths. Let Them Literally "Picture" Themselves Having Fun Create ways to get attendees involved and interested soon after they arrive. The best ways are to get them in motion and to let them see motion around them, because motion literally increases the emotion people feel. Here are some examples: 1. A videographer can capture attendees' responses to the interactions for later use in a continuous-feed loop shown on TV monitors at eye-level in gathering places between meeting rooms. 2. The videographer can interview people for their opinion on a meeting topic and/or comments on a favorite co-attendee. Let the resultant video run as a continuous-feed loop on eye-level TV monitors for future waiting times. 3. Several photographers with Polaroid cameras can photograph groups and individuals. These can quickly be taken to a local copy center and produced as enlargements for an ever-enlarging "Meeting Montage" on a central wall attendees see frequently. Consider adding "localized sound" along the "paths" attendees will walk. At strategic times and in excitement-starved places, place portable audiotape and CD machines. Obviously the security of needed equipment is a consideration, so you'll want to place equipment where staff or volunteers can see it. Consider the registration area or inside the doors people enter for banquets. The "sounds" can be music, related to the meeting theme, or sound bites of attendees who have been interviewed about their advice or praise for their peers, or an "Eavesdrop": lively conversation between meeting leaders about the meeting high points. Change the tapes sometimes so attendees can look forward to new experiences. Sweet Smell of Success At an association conference designed to strengthen member unity and celebrate success, our theme was "Success is Sweet." Hereís how it goes: When participants enter the opening evening "Five Heavenly Chocolates" mixer in a ballroom, they are enveloped in the enticing, wafting scent of chocolate from the AromaSys-designed scent machines. As they arrive, they are given scented "player cards" with the name and "stats" of a person's accomplishments, printed in brown ink in the format of a baseball card, and invited to find the person who matches the accomplishments. Huge enlargements of the cards are projected on the walls and constantly changing. When attendees find their person, they can return to get a new card for a different person. The ten people who find the most matches win chocolate player-card prizes and chocolate "MVP" statues later in the evening. People can use roving mikes to ask for help in finding their person. As attendees mingle, a singer's song list naturally features chocolate and athletic themes. Continue the Story Through the Meeting At breakfast the next day, all attendees receive two forms: one to fill out their own MVP player accomplishments and another to fill out for a colleague they admire, who is attending the convention. All attendees who fill out forms are eligible to have their photo taken for their own two-sided MVP Player card, enlarged to poster size. The poster of the attendee who is most written up by his or her colleagues is blown up to wall size and mounted on a wall the last day of the convention, when the person's name is announced with game music in the background and a rally squad dancing to celebrate. Make Memories Palpable in a ìHigh Touch and High Techî Way Before the convention even starts, lay out a post-meeting newsletter filled with comments the speakers will offer, awards announcements, and news of important dates. Include actions such as signing up for the next meeting or volunteering for a committee. Leave places for photos and attendee comments you gather during the convention. Place them in the holes left in the newsletter, and then quick-copy and label the newsletter on the last day of the convention so attendees receive this unexpected "Meeting Memento" very soon after returning home. Send an e-mail version of the newsletter, too, with a "Thank you for participating" message. Further Reinforce Meeting Memories in Their Minds A week later, send a gift pack of gifts provided by some exhibitors, along with their product offers, and your message, again thanking attendees and reminding them of the calls for action on their part. Few meetings include immediate follow-up to attendees. Fewer still follow up more than once, soon after a meeting. Stand out in their senses and their minds, so they'll step forward for your next meeting ~~ Kare Anderson is an Emmy-winning former tv commentator, national columnist, speaker and nine-time author (Resolving conflict Sooner: A Powerfully Simple 4-Step Plan to Reach Better Daily Agreements is most recent book, available on Amazon.com) and a free online newsletter, "Say It Better" to which you can subscribe at http://www.sayitbetter.
“How Exhibitors Can Move More Attendees Closer to a Sale” by Kare Anderson • What's the Biggest Single Change Some Exhibitors Could Make to Move More Prospects Closer to a Sale? Exhibitors could make their "main differentiating benefit" the most prominent message in all they display or discuss. Are exhibitors giving their prospects what they most need to know to close a sale? How can they help attendees make an informed choice and act sooner?. How many steps do even "warm" buyers have take to complete the sale, from signing to delivery through possible training on the use of the product? Can exhibitors not only take steps to make buyers happy with their decisions, but also to be heroes among their colleagues so they will tell others and buy again? After walking through 68 trade and exhibit shows prior to speaking to exhibitors, I've been surprised to see that less than 10 percent of the exhibitors make their top message the one prospective buyers need most to know: the main differentiating benefit between their product or service and that of the top two or three alternative vendors, as the prospect most probably views their options. Instead, exhibits and promotional materials usually give more prominence to the product and or the company name. Attendees rarely see or hear about an exhibitor's main benefit first. Benefits rarely "jump out" at attendees from the booth or collateral messages or the staff's explanation. Thus, exhibitors inadvertently hide their biggest benefit. In most cases, features (how a product is constructed or its "capacity" or how it is operated) are still promoted more heavily than the benefits (what it does for the customer). This is not customer-centered, thoughtful marketing. The prospect has to do more work to make a fair comparison. Exhibitors can offer succinct, specific, and easy-to-follow comparison sheets that do not insult the competition. One comparison sheet might "headline" the major benefits. Other back-up sheets can provide more detailed comparisons. Put a "human face" on the facts by providing customers' situational examples to illustrate the benefits. Plus, staff often attempt to build traffic to their booth with contests, drawings, or giveaway gadgets that don't relate to their main, differentiating benefit or even their product, so they don't get closer to their hottest prospects. Further, staff's icebreaker comments are often general and not relevant to the reason to buy ("Having a good time?" "Want a free . . .?") Unfortunately, exhibitor staff often do not get the opportunity to be involved in the design of their exhibit or promotional materials. They must accept the setting in which they sell, attempting to engage prospects as they pass with involving comments that state the main benefits verbally to attendees in a brief, involving way to pull them in rather than turn them off. When companies don't make their main benefit easy to see and hear quickly, attendees must be deeply motivated to look and ask for the essential information they want. Credible benefit statements increase the chances for a sale. A credible brand name then reinforces the reason to buy, not the other way around. Good benefit statements are vivid and specific examples, facts, comparisons. Passersby are in one of three buying modes: 1. Seeking information to buy a certain kind of product for the first time and trying to select the best product 2. Considering changing vendors if they find a better product 3. "Trolling": * not buying now but seeing what is new for future reference * or without the budget or need and will never buy Serious buyers most want to see and hear information regarding: * the main reason to buy at all and, if they do buy, * the main reason they should buy from you over your closest competitors, as they see them. 22 Ways to Attract Serious Buyers to Your Exhibit and to a Sale 1. Draft and memorize a one-to-two sentence top "differentiating benefit" statement, relative to your two closest competitors and without denigrating the competition. 2. Start with the specific benefit, rather than building up to it with general background, so the listener will listen sooner and longer. The specific detail ("Product with the fewest parts that need replacement") proves the general benefit. The general statement ("We are the people who care") is less credible and less memorable. 3. Multiply attendees' positive exposures to your benefit in everything you say, display, point at, stand near, or offer. 4. Be able to reduce that benefit to its essence in one vivid phrase or sentence. 5. Make your phrase sufficiently interesting and brief so they feel they're in charge. They'll be more likely to stay and ask you enough questions so you can recognize their main interests, level of knowledge, hot buttons, and decision-making process. 6. Offer "real life" situational examples. Cite relevant and diverse customers' experiences. Tell them what your customers actually said. 7. Give no more than three supportive benefits. 8. Express each supportive benefit like a headline, a "billboard message" of no more than five to eight words. 9. Use everyday, non-jargon, and non-industry-specific language, even if the attendees might know the jargon. 10. The most credible proof of your benefits are third-party endorsements of three diverse customers who have little else in common other than their adoration of your product and their similarity with your prospect. 11. Display a satisfied client's quotes under each benefit on the booth and in promotional material ñ preferably each in a different color and type face. When endorsements relate to a specific situation, change, vivid contrast, or improvement, their words are most credible and will be most memorable. 12. Yes! Remove all graphics and words in the booth and materials that do not relate to either the main benefit and (not more than three) supportive benefits, so attendees will be able to take in the information within 12-15 seconds, their average pause-to-scan time in such conditions. 13. Display your main point and supportive points on the booth above the tops of the heads of the booth staff and attendees, so views are not blocked. 14. Booth visuals and words should guide attendees' eyes down a "path" from one message to the next. 15. Avoid opening references to weather, "Having fun?", freebies, drawings, or other non-benefit-related topics. 16. Verbally and visually make a "Conference Offer": more information; a time-limited or bundled product order price; consultation; or other vivid benefit to move them closer to a sale. 17. An attendeeís attention span is shortened if you wear patterned or very detailed clothing or accessories (pin, necklace, tie, earrings) or other busy "body signage," especially on the upper half of your body. 18. For those who know your product (and you know that they are familiar with it): a. Hand the person a gift (preferably one that does not prominently display your company or product name), while asking them: "May I give you this small gift for taking the time to answer two questions for me?" b. Then ask, "What do you like best about our product or (service)?" Whatever is said aloud is then believed more deeply by the speaker. c. Be a complete and supportive listener as they explain. Give uninterrupted eye contact, nod, or offer other responsive gestures that are natural for you. d. When they have finished, ask, "Tell me more about that." As they elaborate, they move the topic closer to the top of their minds and they also become more: * articulate and vivid * deeply convinced about the reasons they've stated for liking your product The result? You've moved them closer to being fervent and articulate fans. They are more likely to talk themselves closer to a sale and voluntarily tell others why they like your product. 19. When you first meet a prospect, find the quality in them you can most like and admire and keep it uppermost in your mind as you talk with them. You are more likely to bring out that aspect of their personality when they are around you and less likely to react to their behaviors that irritate or otherwise bother you. 20. When you stand opposite someone, you are more likely to literally oppose them. Instead, "sidle" whenever possible. Men instinctively "sidle", when together, shaking hands and then standing more or less side by side. Women instinctively continue to face each other or a man. When standing side-by-side, people feel more comfortable with each other, themselves, and their surroundings. They listen sooner and longer and are more inclined to agree with each other. 21. Learn to get people to remember what you say, even if they are not trying to. Here are three successful ways to "lodge" your message in their minds: 1. People remember more and feel more intensely ñ for good and for bad ñ when they are in motion. Say your main points while turning, shaking hands, demonstrating a product, pointing to something, when a part of the booth is in motion, while the visitor is reaching for something. Here are two guides to what kind of motion is most memorable: a. Things are most memorable when you're both in motion, next most memorable when the other person is in motion even if you aren't, third most memorable when you are in motion, and fourth most memorable when you are both watching something or someone in motion. b. The more dimensions of motion involved (up, down, left, right, forward, and back), the more memorable the experience. Ways to involve motion to reinforce memory include exhibit demonstrations, staff gestures and walking, video vignettes, parts of the exhibit. 2. Relate your benefits to their three "core life experiences": family (theirs, yours, or a metaphorical family of services or products), where they work or have worked, or where they live or have lived. 3. a.) First refer to one of their currently pressing interests (not your product). b.) Then refer to how you two share a common interest in the topic. c.) And then to how it relates to you and your product's main benefit. This method is called "Triangling" to agreement: You-Us-Me approach: Example: 1. "I gather you are the expert in YOU 2. and that by discussing this with you US 3. I'll get more ideas about if and how our products can best serve people in your situation ME" 23. To maintain rapport, use specific, emotion-laden language when stating the positive, and report the negative neutrally, "just the facts." 24. Begin your comments with a direct response to their last comment instead of working up to your response with other background information they might not want to hear until they feel heard. Characterize your benefits in direct response to: a. a specific, negative "hot button" or problem they've expressed, which you can make better or solve, or b. some strong positive preference the prospect has just expressed. Closing Summary Tip: Continuously nurture your best prospects, seeding in their minds your main and vividly stated differentiating benefit and providing ideas and help at "non-sales" times. Make every aspect of your behavior, booth, and promotional material repeat, reflect, and reinforce that benefit before, during, and right after the conference and later, again to your hottest prospects. ~~~ by Kare Anderson who has presented a program for exhibitors at 84 conferences where she's also presented a program to the other participants. Kare is a gut instincts expert, former Wall Street Journal reporter, author of nine books (including Pocket Cross-Promotions, Make Yourself Memorable, Resolving Conflict Sooner), conference speaker, columnist and publisher of the free, online newsletter, "Say It Better", now reaching over 17,000 people in 32 countries to which you can subscribe by signing the guestbook at her site: www.sayitbetter.com.
After 22 years as a marketing and meeting planning professional, I am now providing a complimentary daily tip on how to transform your business into a powerful magnet for attracting only perfect customers, employees, vendors, speakers, etc. For a free subscription to the daily Strategic Attraction e-zine, please send an email to stacey.hall@perfectclient.com. I am committed to your greatest success.
SALES MEETINGS CONCEPT BANK Need a new idea for your next sales meeting or corporate event? Then mouse around www.thewritingworks.com for meeting themes, proposals, scripts, and outlines; all designed for easy search-and-replace customizing. Marketing, sales, and corporate communicators will find these field-tested templates a great way to amplify planning sessions, jump-start writers, or expedite outside production bids. According to John Mackenzie, website author, "The Writing Works goes beyond pools, palm trees, and plane fares to deal with what happens when room lights go off and projectors go on. Because holding bad meetings in beautiful rooms can be hazardous to corporate careers." The Writing Works 957 Park Avenue New York, NY 10028 (212) 737-8910
Jordan was very pleasent, Modern Roads and bulidings , the marvelous Petra, Jerash, and Mount Nebo will always fascinate, impress the mind and the soul. Jordan was one of my best experiences.
MALTA What if you knighted your VIPs in the old medieval city of Mdina? Think how Sir or Dame Chairman of the Board might look in that Knights of Malta cape and sword. Great photo for the annual report, huh? I am putting mine in the CIMPA Annual Report (although the sword was longer than me). What if you brought your attendees to dine on the freshest and most delicious seafood in the real fishing village of Marsaxlokk? What if you had your awards ceremony in a stunning palace? Don’t you think your boss will think you're the greatest? Malta was a surprise for me. I did not know you can do so many unique things and stay in world-class hotels on an island not frequently encountered by meeting planners. I must confess I had not previously thought of Malta as a meeting destination - but now I will. Gozo, its sister island, will make a wonderful pre or post-conference tour site. And of course, Sicily is only 20 minutes away by air. These 2 destinations can easily be combined. I recommend the Corinthia Palace, near the Mdina and the Westin Hotel on the waterfront. There are also several deluxe hotels including the Sheraton and a sister hotel of the Corinthia that would be great for meetings. Air Malta does not fly from the USA at this time - but it code-shares with Virgin Atlantic Airways. It has an excellent on-time record. I doubt your attendees will miss a connection. THAILAND Think about VIP entrance into the country, personal butlers, feasts fit for kings, night markets - surprises without end. We arrived at around 1:00 AM . Met by our own military escorts and speedily whisked past customs and immigration into a Welcome area where we were leid with leis of fragrant flowers by beautiful Thai ladies. In the hotel at 1:30 AM, we were met by a parade of personal butlers (one butler was assigned to each of us for the duration of our stay) in tuxedoes. They presented us with our room keys and drinks and led us to our rooms. They unpacked our suitcases, hang our clothes and took whatever needed to be pressed. We found formerly wilted clothes dry cleaned and hung neatly in our closets the next day. Was that service or what? Of course they came running to make fresh tea/coffee in our rooms as soon as they saw our motorcoaches arrive. Every meal was a themed special event. One international event had waiters changing costumes for each of the 9 dinner courses. Their clothes, the music that accompanied their entry into the elegantly decorated dining room and the dish being served all matched perfectly. A huge ice carving said "Sawadee" - Welcome! There were scented cold towels in the bus, elephant rides and a surprise lunch at the Rose Garden. Native food baskets balanced by waiters in Thai peasant costumes on their shoulders revealed - guess what? Hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs - All-American junk food. Our thoughtful hostess correctly surmised that after days of noodles, rice and other healthy, delicious Thai food, we were ready for McDonalds fare. On to the beach resort of Pattaya- Here again, I bet we are the only organization whose members received their membership cards on the seashore of Pattaya. Our gold cards glimmered and took on an orange hue against a backdrop of a magnificent tropical sun slowly sinking into the blue Pacific ocean. Keep your card. It is your passport to a wonderful life . Our free afternoon was spent on the water, shopping for the most gorgeous jewelry and bargain merchandise. And yes, of course - massage - ohhh- the most glorious Thai massage. We took the time to bring a little bit of joy into the lives of some little kids at an orphanage. That was a most heartwarming experience. I only wish we had more time and more toys, books and candies. But we will do it again. Among the places we visited, Bangkok is the most techno-savvy. The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel has a 24-hour internet cafe; the Peninsula hotel has a 21-inch TV set on every bathtub, a fax machine and 6 telephone lines in every room. All our partners here are acccessible by email and the web. Thai International Airways is an excellent airline. Your attendees will experience the Thai brand of hospitality as soon as they step into their airplanes. Working closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and other suppliers, its sales office in Los Angeles provides prompt and friendly one-stop shopping service. This is a great help to overworked planners. I recommend the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, Grand Plaza Hotel, Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok; the Royal Cliff Hotel, Dusit Thani and the Amari in Pattaya. Our personal butlers were available 24 hours a day, wake up call came with coffee, tropical fruits and the local paper. Goodnight chocolates came in small beautiful flowered baskets neatly laid on our pillows. Gifts galore - everywhere we went. The beautiful bathrobes we used were drycleaned, gift-wrapped, and presented with a bouquet of orchids upon our departure. I can go on and on - but I won't make you too envious. You can experience Thailand yourself during our annual meeting there in November 2000. DON'T MISS IT! Until then, I hope you will join us in Marrakech, Morocco. Plan on departing on November 9 and returning on November 16 - unless you are planning to take the pre and post conference tours to Egypt, Spain, or the imperial cities of Morocco.
ABSOLUTELY GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE The lady was going by plane from Tucson, Ariz., to Minneapolis, and she carried with her a little dog in a travel case for pets. When she was about to board the plane, the airline hostess informed her that she could not take a dog inside the plane, but the hostess said the carrier would transport the pet in the hold and, upon arrival at the airport in Minneapolis, she would get her dog back. The woman gave in and handed the dog in the carry-on case to the hostess. When the plane landed, the airline hostess found to her dismay that the dog was dead. To get herself out of a terrible situation, she lifted the dead dog to check the weight, measured his length and clipped some fur from his body. Then, she rushed to a pet shop near the airport. Lo and behold, she found a small dog looking almost like the dead one: same size, same weight, same color, andshe bought it, brought it backto the airport, discarded the dead pet, put the replacement inside the case, rushed to little old lady and said, "Here, madam, is your dog." Instantly, the woman replied, "'That's not my dog." "Yes, ma"am it is," said the airline hostess. "No, that's not my dog," re peated the little old lady. "My dog was dead, and I was taking him to Minneapolis tobury him."
When you are driving or in the midst of a group of people and you have to sneeze, eyes close and the unknown can happen!!!!!!! Solution: push your tongue to the roof of your mouth and spread your nostrils. That will stop the sneeze and thus eyes will remain open and dangers and embarrasment prevented. Get a drink of water as soon as possible, this is your bosy talaking to you and saying:"you are dehydrated and need a drink of water or juice or tea."
Morocco was a pleasant surprise. As soon as your plane lands in Casablanca, you know you are in an exotic destination. Colorful julabas, olive trees lining well-paved roads, colorful display of oriental rugs. But it was the extraordinary friendliness and hospitality of the people that impressed me most. The food? Abundant, tasty and "non-fattening" <G> I am too tired to input excerpts from my diary right now. But I will do that when I get over my jet lag. Andrea
I havejust returned from the ASAE annual meeting in Nashville. The convention was held in Opryland but we had an opportunity to see what the other facilities in Nashville are like. For large meetings, the huge Opryland complex makes sense. It is really a complete destination by itself. But for smaller meetings, I would choose one of the hotels in downtown Nashville. I am considering Doubletree hotel for a 3-night, 120 room meeting. Service is prompt, friendly and caring. Rates are reasonable. Proximity to Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Arena, restaurants and other attractions - a plus. Fresh, warm cookies at check-in is a nice touch.
Just testing this page - but here's a tip: Use mailbots to provide often-requested information quickly and easily. I use the filters function of Eudora to do this. "James","","","","","","","test" |
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