(10872,3,'2018-04-04 18:04:32','2018-04-04 18:04:32','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522864267969{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522843069834{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Negotiating How to Prepare and Execute Successful Contracts</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<strong>• Concessions and clauses</strong>\r\n<strong>• Emotionally intelligent negotiating</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10828\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/negotiating-how-to-prepare-and-execute-successful-contracts.jpg\" alt=\"An event may have literally dozens of contracts depending on how many outside venues and vendors you use. Contracts can range in size and complexity, but all require careful attention to detail and an open approach to the process. Negotiating: How to Prepare and Execute Successful Contracts\" width=\"398\" height=\"265\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>A quick recap of 2017 strategies:</strong>\r\n\r\nThe first thing an event strategist does when planning an event is to hold a discovery session. Knowing an event’s goal and getting key stakeholder’s buy-in, along with target audience input, is a critical element of an event’s foundation.\r\n\r\nBeing an integral part of, what I call, the ‘Holy Trio’ of an organization is also essential. Marketing, sales, and event strategy are three legs of a tripod. Without one, the other two cannot operate optimally. With that established and your discovery session held, it’s time to do a venue search, site inspection, and decide which venue will best allow you to achieve your established event goal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Now, it’s time to go to contract.</strong>\r\n\r\nAn event may have literally dozens of contracts depending on how many outside venues and vendors you use. Contracts can range in size and complexity, but all require careful attention to detail and an open approach to the process.\r\n\r\nGiven we handle contracts more frequently than just about any other event paperwork we process, why are so many of us ‘contract adverse?’ Why do we freeze up or get tense at the thought of reading, editing, and negotiating a contract? I’m sure there is a survey as to which task people would prefer less; public speaking or contract negotiating, but my money says it would be a close race. (We want to know what you would choose. Take the Planners’ Poll <a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/plannerspoll/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here</a>.)\r\n\r\nIf we break it down, there are two stages to the process: preparing for the negotiations and the negotiations themselves.\r\n\r\n<strong>Prep work:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Every event has its own personality, needs, and goals. It is necessary that your contract reflect them. Concessions, space used, and how money is spent represent some of the unique elements and needs of the program. For instance, you may require a lower F&amp;B minimum for a sales meeting than an awards event. A regional conference may entail free or discounted parking instead of discounted spa services. An event that has a large contingency of VIPs may require a higher ratio of suites to ‘run of house’ (ROH) rooms than other events you host.\r\n\r\n2. There is no rule you can’t insert your own clauses into an agreement. Develop a contract clause library you draw from. You can take clauses from other contracts, webinars, articles, asking other strategists, etc. A ‘no walk’ clause may be important for a high-volume venue or peak time of year, while a ‘no competitive groups’ clause may be essential for a high-level meeting or a product launch. If you are hosting a meeting during blizzard or hurricane season a ‘force majeure’ allowing you to cancel if a predetermined percentage of your group is unable to travel may be wise.\r\n\r\n3. Be mentally prepared: know what you want versus what you need, know the difference, and be ready to compromise. Highlight needs in one color and wants in another. This also means having a backup venue if mutually agreeable terms cannot be reached.\r\n\r\n<strong>Negotiating:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Emotional intelligence is critical. Emotions entering the negotiation process are not a challenge if they are positive emotions. Starting out anxious, angry, or tense is not helpful to the process. Eager, receptive, and creative are, conversely, positive emotions set a collaborative tone to the conversation. Emotion can either drown reason or buoy the creative process; it’s up to the parties involved to decide if they want to sink or rise to the occasion.\r\n\r\n2. Understanding and managing your role, motivation, actions, and feelings is another aspect of emotional intelligence. While the process is not about you and should not be taken personally, it is essential to acknowledge that decisions are being made by people whose emotions can potentially hinder the discussions, being self-aware and self-controlled are key.\r\n\r\n3. Realize both sides need to complete the process feeling good about it. If you take advantage of the other party, keep in mind that signing an agreement is the formal beginning of the relationship, not the end. If the other party is resentful, it is going to be a long road ahead.\r\n\r\nBonus tip: Leave at least 15 minutes before and after the discussion free in your calendar so you can prepare for and follow up on any discussion points. Put a ‘No interruptions’ sign on your door so you don’t get distracted. Don’t have a door? Book a room so you can work undisturbed.\r\n\r\nSomeone once told me that if both sides walk away from a settlement unhappy, a compromise was reached. I couldn’t agree less. While there is give and take in every negotiation, neither side should walk away feeling taken advantage of, much less both. You may not get everything you want, but if you prioritize, create a ‘must have’ versus ‘would like to have’ list, and keep the discussions friendly and professional, you’re off to a great start.\r\n\r\nIf the person on the other end of the phone isn’t approaching things in the same spirit of collaboration and good faith you are, give yourself permission to address it. We are often too quick to endure behavior which is not productive for either side. There are non-confrontational ways to approach the conversation, again, the key is managing your emotions and being aware of your motivation. (More to come about that in my next article.)\r\n\r\nThe bonus is that these skills transfer to all aspects of life. Put them to work when negotiating with your family on who is hosting the next holiday, when you are buying a car and haggling for the best price, or negotiating for a well-deserved promotion or raise. If you learn and utilize these skills and elevate your emotional intelligence both you and your events will come out winning.\r\n\r\nWant to continue the conversation? Find me on Twitter: <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@SMEChristy</a> or email me: <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@Strategic.Events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christy.Lamagna@Strategic.Events</a>.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Negotiating: How to Prepare and Execute Successful Contracts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10827-revision-v1','','','2018-04-04 18:04:32','2018-04-04 18:04:32','',10827,'https://strategic.events/10827-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10873,3,'2018-04-04 18:19:33','2018-04-04 18:19:33','<!-- OP_SEARCH_GENERATED --><div 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class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div class=\"video-plugin-new-syntax video-plugin-new\" style=\"width:560px; height:315px; max-width:100%;margin:0 auto; margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px solid #fff; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0;\"><div style=\"height:0; padding-bottom:56.25%; padding-top:0;\"></div></div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[video_player type=&quot;youtube&quot; youtube_remove_logo=&quot;Y&quot; style=&quot;1&quot; dimensions=&quot;560x315&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; margin_top=&quot;0&quot; margin_bottom=&quot;20&quot; ipad_color=&quot;black&quot;]aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9tWnpVTEVfX29BZw==[/video_player]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_3\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <h2 style=\'font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#000080;text-align:center;\'>Our Mission</h2> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;1&quot; font_size=&quot;40&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;%23000080&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h2&quot;]Our Mission[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_4\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> [text_block style=\"style_1.png\" align=\"left\"]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.</span></p>[/text_block] </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[text_block style=&quot;style_1.png&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;]&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;The Strategic Planning Movement&#039;s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;[/text_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#one-half\" class=\"split-column\"></a><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div><div class=\"one-half column cols\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2\"><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_1\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element 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style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Contribute your voice, ideas, and expertise</li><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Elevate your career and the event profession</li></ul> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[bullet_block upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png&quot; style=&quot;size-16&quot; small_icon=&quot;1.png&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; alignment=&quot;center&quot;]&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Receive free planning tools, guides, and resources &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Stay updated on latest strategic planning insights&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Learn about upcoming webinars and events&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Contribute your voice, 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Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div style=\"height:750px\"> -- SPACER -- </div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[vertical_spacing height=&quot;750&quot;]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div><div 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href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\">\n                        <table class=\"headline-style-16\" style=\'font-size:50px;font-family:\"Myriad Pro\", Myriad, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;margin-bottom:20px;\'>\n                            <tr>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    <div></div>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"headline\">\n                                    <h2><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"> It’s time for the event industry to<br />\n#GetStrategic<br />\n</span></h3><h2>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    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href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <ul class=\"feature-block feature-block-style-2 feature-block-three-col cf\">\n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>LinkedIn Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/strategic-event-planning-resources/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Strategic Planning Resources</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>View our strategic planning resources page to access articles, videos, podcasts, and more to learn how to become an Event Strategist.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Facebook Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 </ul> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[feature_block style=&quot;icon&quot;  overall_style=&quot;image&quot; columns=&quot;3&quot; icon_style=&quot;2&quot; font_size=&quot;31&quot; font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; font_spacing=&quot;1&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; content_font_size=&quot;18&quot; content_font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; content_font_style=&quot;normal&quot; content_font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; content_font_shadow=&quot;none&quot;][feature title=&quot;LinkedIn%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;359.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fgroups%2F8652469&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Strategic%20Planning%20Resources&quot; icon=&quot;398.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fstrategic.events%2Fstrategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management%2Fstrategic-event-planning-resources%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;View our strategic planning resources page to access articles, videos, podcasts, and more to learn how to become an Event Strategist.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Facebook%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;440.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F740077079531864%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [/feature_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div>','Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','8435-revision-v1','','','2018-04-04 18:19:33','2018-04-04 18:19:33','',8435,'https://strategic.events/8435-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10874,3,'2018-04-04 18:20:33','2018-04-04 18:20:33','<!-- OP_SEARCH_GENERATED --><div style=\'background-image:url(https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-planning-movement-cover-image.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;background-attachment:fixed;background-position:50% 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class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div class=\"video-plugin-new-syntax video-plugin-new\" style=\"width:560px; height:315px; max-width:100%;margin:0 auto; margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px solid #fff; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0;\"><div style=\"height:0; padding-bottom:56.25%; padding-top:0;\"></div></div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[video_player type=&quot;youtube&quot; youtube_remove_logo=&quot;Y&quot; style=&quot;1&quot; dimensions=&quot;560x315&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; margin_top=&quot;0&quot; margin_bottom=&quot;20&quot; ipad_color=&quot;black&quot;]aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9tWnpVTEVfX29BZw==[/video_player]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_3\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <h2 style=\'font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#000080;text-align:center;\'>Our Mission</h2> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;1&quot; font_size=&quot;40&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;%23000080&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h2&quot;]Our Mission[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_4\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> [text_block style=\"style_1.png\" align=\"left\"]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.</span></p>[/text_block] </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[text_block style=&quot;style_1.png&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;]&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;The Strategic Planning Movement&#039;s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;[/text_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#one-half\" class=\"split-column\"></a><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div><div class=\"one-half column cols\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2\"><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_1\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element 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text_shadow_vertical=&quot;2&quot; text_shadow_horizontal=&quot;0&quot; text_shadow_color=&quot;#000000&quot; text_shadow_blur=&quot;0&quot; styling_width=&quot;40&quot; styling_height=&quot;30&quot; styling_border_color=&quot;#132971&quot; styling_border_size=&quot;1&quot; styling_border_radius=&quot;6&quot; styling_border_opacity=&quot;100&quot; styling_gradient_start_color=&quot;#132971&quot; drop_shadow_panel=&quot;N&quot; inset_shadow_panel=&quot;N&quot; location=&quot;optin_box_style_24&quot; button_below=&quot;Y&quot;]Get Strategic[/optin_box_button] [/optin_box]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_3\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a 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ideas, and expertise&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Elevate your career and the event profession&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;[/bullet_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#one-half\" class=\"split-column\"></a><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div><div style=\'background-image:url(https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/get-strategic-spm.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;background-attachment:fixed;background-position:50% 0;padding-bottom:20px;border-top-width:px;border-top-style:solid;border-top-color:;border-bottom-width:px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:;\'  class=\"row one-column cf ui-sortable section  bg-parallax-5a297e5f1754d  bg-parallax-5a29b0e92eb9c  bg-parallax-5a2ea743d6447  bg-parallax-5a2ee9ddee7c2  bg-parallax-5a317f06e541f  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href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\">\n                        <table class=\"headline-style-16\" style=\'font-size:50px;font-family:\"Myriad Pro\", Myriad, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;margin-bottom:20px;\'>\n                            <tr>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    <div></div>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"headline\">\n                                    <h2><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"> It’s time for the event industry to<br />\n#GetStrategic<br />\n</span></h3><h2>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    <div></div>\n                                </td>\n                            </tr>\n                        </table>\n                    </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;17&quot; font_size=&quot;50&quot; font_font=&quot;Myriad%20Pro&quot; font_style=&quot;bold&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h3&quot; bottom_margin=&quot;20&quot;]&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #000080;&quot;&gt; It’s time for the event industry to\n#GetStrategic\n&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_4_col_1_el_2\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <ul class=\"feature-block feature-block-style-2 feature-block-three-col cf\">\n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>LinkedIn Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://strategic.events/category/resources/strategic-planning-movement/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Strategic Planning Resources</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>View our strategic planning resources and learn how to become an Event Strategist.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Facebook Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 </ul> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[feature_block style=&quot;icon&quot;  overall_style=&quot;image&quot; columns=&quot;3&quot; icon_style=&quot;2&quot; font_size=&quot;31&quot; font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; font_spacing=&quot;1&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; content_font_size=&quot;18&quot; content_font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; content_font_style=&quot;normal&quot; content_font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; content_font_shadow=&quot;none&quot;][feature title=&quot;LinkedIn%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;359.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fgroups%2F8652469&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Strategic%20Planning%20Resources&quot; icon=&quot;398.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fstrategic.events%2Fcategory%2Fresources%2Fstrategic-planning-movement%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;View our strategic planning resources and learn how to become an Event Strategist.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Facebook%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;440.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F740077079531864%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [/feature_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div>','Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','8435-revision-v1','','','2018-04-04 18:20:33','2018-04-04 18:20:33','',8435,'https://strategic.events/8435-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10875,3,'2018-04-04 18:57:29','2018-04-04 18:57:29','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518641214479{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"600\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10245\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518623662279{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Strategic Planning Movement\r\nSocial Media Groups</h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical role we play in their creation.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Add your voice to the Strategic Planning Movement groups on:</h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"20\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10157\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"http://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10156\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_raw_html][encoded data, 6536 characters][/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Join the Strategic Planning Movement Social Media Groups','','inherit','closed','closed','','10179-revision-v1','','','2018-04-04 18:57:29','2018-04-04 18:57:29','',10179,'https://strategic.events/10179-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10876,0,'2018-04-04 21:02:41','2018-04-04 21:02:41','','deborah-degrace-resume','','inherit','open','closed','','deborah-degrace-resume','','','2018-04-04 21:02:41','2018-04-04 21:02:41','',0,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/deborah-degrace-resume.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(10877,3,'2018-04-05 13:51:28','2018-04-05 13:51:28','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522936285501{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look busy, while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients use to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a></span>.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/19398253/?claim=nda2tp7ws64\">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 13:51:28','2018-04-05 13:51:28','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10878,3,'2018-04-05 14:01:38','2018-04-05 14:01:38','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522936892637{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/19398253/?claim=nda2tp7ws64\">Follow our blog with Bloglovin</a></span>\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look busy, while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients use to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a></span>.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 14:01:38','2018-04-05 14:01:38','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10879,3,'2018-04-05 14:02:29','2018-04-05 14:02:29','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522936946835{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look busy, while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients use to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a></span>.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 14:02:29','2018-04-05 14:02:29','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10880,3,'2018-04-05 15:57:50','2018-04-05 15:57:50','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522943093529{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By JT Long</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10814 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/helping-out-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"382\" />\r\n\r\nThe news on Friday that Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/106974/hilton-marriott-cutting-commissions/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">would follow Marriott International</a> in cutting commissions to third-party planners from 10 percent to 7 percent—a move that according to one recent study will eliminate $10,000 on average from independent planner annual incomes—was met with a combination of groans, sobs and not a little bit of anger from some quarters. That was quickly followed by announcements from new and established groups offering to help with the transition to what many have resigned themselves to acknowledging is the new reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>How did we get here?</strong>\r\n\r\nTracey Smith, executive director of Senior Planners Industry Network, <a href=\"http://www.spinplanners.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPIN</a>, has seen the impact of decades of economic cycles on events and the people who manage them. “Just in this century, we saw the downturn of 2000 and the additional hit from 9/11 when a lot of people were laid off and gave up on full time work in favor of going into business for themselves,” she says, recalling the establishment of the independent planner role in the industry. “That was when it was a relationship business and you were valued for your Rolodex and your ability to deliver on negotiations.” The industry grew as the economy improved and even thrived during a short buyer’s market in 2008, according to Smith.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flash forward to 2018</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10819\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chart.jpg\" alt=\"Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts\" width=\"740\" height=\"429\" />\r\n\r\nIn a world of decentralized and ever-changing hotel staff, digital RFPs and transparent pricing, Smith laments that event planning it has become much more transactional—a commodity.\r\n\r\nJan D. Freitag, senior vice president of lodging insights at hospitality research company STR, echoed that 2017 was both a seller’s market and a transient-oriented one. His research shows that by all measures—occupancy, RevPar and ADR (average daily rate)—hotels had their best year ever. However, since the Great Recession of 2008, transient demand has increased more than twice as fast as group demand and the brands are responding by building less meeting space, making that segment a smaller percentage of their business. “Demand is coming disproportionately from transients,” he said. Moreover, supply coming online in the next few years reflects that changing market, with more than 70 percent of rooms under construction part of limited-service properties with equally limited meeting space. “Very few ballrooms are being built,” he said. And that impacts the need to recruit new group business.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is affected?</strong>\r\n\r\nSPIN conducted a survey of members in the weeks before Marriott’s April 1 commission change went into effect for planners not part of the major site selection companies HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, ConferenceDirect and Maritz Global Events (Experient) and calculated the above figure that the cuts will result in an average loss of $10,000 per planner in 2018. It also found that the average number of years these planners had been running their companies was 14 years. Very few reported working on a commission-only basis with a mixture of flat fee, project-based and a combination of commission and fee models in place.\r\n\r\nThe SPIN study showed that 88 percent of respondents were women, and 49 percent own their own business. Many of them are very successful, earning six-figure incomes.\r\n\r\nSuzanne Spaner, founder of one of those <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/meeting-planning/106779/behind-2018-smart-women-cover-story/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">women-owned businesses,</a> Meeting Matchmakers in Atlanta, Georgia, bemoaned the prospects for many of those companies and what it means for the industry and families. She spent the beginning of her hospitality career at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company working long hours. After giving birth to her first child, she pursued her dream of opening her own business. “I am passionate about this industry and love hospitality and my clients,” she said. She also enjoyed the ability to work from home, something she is worried will not be an option for others now that it will be more difficult to work independently and make a living. “This is going to hurt stay-at-home mothers trying to provide for their families,” she said.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s next?</strong>\r\n\r\n“The commission cut was a slap in the face, telling us that we need to go back to those relationships,” Smith said. “Eventually the industry will turn again and we need to be prepared,” Smith predicted.\r\n\r\nThe change in business model may also require some small business owners to improve their focus on basics, such as marketing, legal and financial issues, things that may not have been their core competency. SPIN is positioning itself as a resource for those people by producing recorded webinars that can help fill in the missing skill pieces at a critical time.\r\n\r\nA new industry group, Meeting Planners Unite, where Spaner is on the board, is looking for ways to develop new revenue streams for independents. This could include finder’s fees from nonhotel suppliers—audiovisual companies, exhibit and transportation companies, possibly destinations.\r\n\r\nDallas-based Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which has long included entrepreneurship courses as part of its web-based education, recently launched MyMPI Online Discussion Group as a resource for independent and small business owners and offers discounts to independent planners on MPI Academy certificate courses. In January, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer issued a statement that said “As an association, MPI’s focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it.”\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder and master strategist at New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called the decision a wake-up call to all event planners as the industry is fragmented and doesn’t have enough cache or respect. She suggested coming together on Global Meetings Industry Day to share the message that what planners do is not only important for the bottom line of companies, hotel properties and the economy as a whole, it requires a trained professional with the experience required to manage business goals. “A successful event is not something an executive assistant with a ton of other things on her plate can do in her spare time,” she said. “We need to come together and establish minimum standards for what we do.”\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Lamagna is going to continue doing the best she can for her clients. “I am not going to let someone else’s bad behavior impact my good behavior,” she said.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]\r\n\r\n<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10813-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-05 15:57:50','2018-04-05 15:57:50','',10813,'https://strategic.events/10813-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10881,3,'2018-04-05 15:32:21','2018-04-05 15:32:21','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522855107920{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By JT Long</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10814 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/helping-out-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"382\" />\r\n\r\nThe news on Friday that Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/106974/hilton-marriott-cutting-commissions/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">would follow Marriott International</a> in cutting commissions to third-party planners from 10 percent to 7 percent—a move that according to one recent study will eliminate $10,000 on average from independent planner annual incomes—was met with a combination of groans, sobs and not a little bit of anger from some quarters. That was quickly followed by announcements from new and established groups offering to help with the transition to what many have resigned themselves to acknowledging is the new reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>How did we get here?</strong>\r\n\r\nTracey Smith, executive director of Senior Planners Industry Network, <a href=\"http://www.spinplanners.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPIN</a>, has seen the impact of decades of economic cycles on events and the people who manage them. “Just in this century, we saw the downturn of 2000 and the additional hit from 9/11 when a lot of people were laid off and gave up on full time work in favor of going into business for themselves,” she says, recalling the establishment of the independent planner role in the industry. “That was when it was a relationship business and you were valued for your Rolodex and your ability to deliver on negotiations.” The industry grew as the economy improved and even thrived during a short buyer’s market in 2008, according to Smith.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flash forward to 2018</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10819 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chart.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"429\" />\r\n\r\nIn a world of decentralized and ever-changing hotel staff, digital RFPs and transparent pricing, Smith laments that event planning it has become much more transactional—a commodity.\r\n\r\nJan D. Freitag, senior vice president of lodging insights at hospitality research company STR, echoed that 2017 was both a seller’s market and a transient-oriented one. His research shows that by all measures—occupancy, RevPar and ADR (average daily rate)—hotels had their best year ever. However, since the Great Recession of 2008, transient demand has increased more than twice as fast as group demand and the brands are responding by building less meeting space, making that segment a smaller percentage of their business. “Demand is coming disproportionately from transients,” he said. Moreover, supply coming online in the next few years reflects that changing market, with more than 70 percent of rooms under construction part of limited-service properties with equally limited meeting space. “Very few ballrooms are being built,” he said. And that impacts the need to recruit new group business.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is affected?</strong>\r\n\r\nSPIN conducted a survey of members in the weeks before Marriott’s April 1 commission change went into effect for planners not part of the major site selection companies HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, ConferenceDirect and Maritz Global Events (Experient) and calculated the above figure that the cuts will result in an average loss of $10,000 per planner in 2018. It also found that the average number of years these planners had been running their companies was 14 years. Very few reported working on a commission-only basis with a mixture of flat fee, project-based and a combination of commission and fee models in place.\r\n\r\nThe SPIN study showed that 88 percent of respondents were women, and 49 percent own their own business. Many of them are very successful, earning six-figure incomes.\r\n\r\nSuzanne Spaner, founder of one of those <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/meeting-planning/106779/behind-2018-smart-women-cover-story/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">women-owned businesses,</a> Meeting Matchmakers in Atlanta, Georgia, bemoaned the prospects for many of those companies and what it means for the industry and families. She spent the beginning of her hospitality career at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company working long hours. After giving birth to her first child, she pursued her dream of opening her own business. “I am passionate about this industry and love hospitality and my clients,” she said. She also enjoyed the ability to work from home, something she is worried will not be an option for others now that it will be more difficult to work independently and make a living. “This is going to hurt stay-at-home mothers trying to provide for their families,” she said.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s next?</strong>\r\n\r\n“The commission cut was a slap in the face, telling us that we need to go back to those relationships,” Smith said. “Eventually the industry will turn again and we need to be prepared,” Smith predicted.\r\n\r\nThe change in business model may also require some small business owners to improve their focus on basics, such as marketing, legal and financial issues, things that may not have been their core competency. SPIN is positioning itself as a resource for those people by producing recorded webinars that can help fill in the missing skill pieces at a critical time.\r\n\r\nA new industry group, Meeting Planners Unite, where Spaner is on the board, is looking for ways to develop new revenue streams for independents. This could include finder’s fees from nonhotel suppliers—audiovisual companies, exhibit and transportation companies, possibly destinations.\r\n\r\nDallas-based Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which has long included entrepreneurship courses as part of its web-based education, recently launched MyMPI Online Discussion Group as a resource for independent and small business owners and offers discounts to independent planners on MPI Academy certificate courses. In January, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer issued a statement that said “As an association, MPI’s focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it.”\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder and master strategist at New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called the decision a wake-up call to all event planners as the industry is fragmented and doesn’t have enough cache or respect. She suggested coming together on Global Meetings Industry Day to share the message that what planners do is not only important for the bottom line of companies, hotel properties and the economy as a whole, it requires a trained professional with the experience required to manage business goals. “A successful event is not something an executive assistant with a ton of other things on her plate can do in her spare time,” she said. “We need to come together and establish minimum standards for what we do.”\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Lamagna is going to continue doing the best she can for her clients. “I am not going to let someone else’s bad behavior impact my good behavior,” she said.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10813-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 15:32:21','2018-04-05 15:32:21','',10813,'https://strategic.events/10813-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10882,3,'2018-04-05 15:33:16','2018-04-05 15:33:16','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522855107920{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By JT Long</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10814 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/helping-out-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"382\" />\r\n\r\nThe news on Friday that Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/106974/hilton-marriott-cutting-commissions/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">would follow Marriott International</a> in cutting commissions to third-party planners from 10 percent to 7 percent—a move that according to one recent study will eliminate $10,000 on average from independent planner annual incomes—was met with a combination of groans, sobs and not a little bit of anger from some quarters. That was quickly followed by announcements from new and established groups offering to help with the transition to what many have resigned themselves to acknowledging is the new reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>How did we get here?</strong>\r\n\r\nTracey Smith, executive director of Senior Planners Industry Network, <a href=\"http://www.spinplanners.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPIN</a>, has seen the impact of decades of economic cycles on events and the people who manage them. “Just in this century, we saw the downturn of 2000 and the additional hit from 9/11 when a lot of people were laid off and gave up on full time work in favor of going into business for themselves,” she says, recalling the establishment of the independent planner role in the industry. “That was when it was a relationship business and you were valued for your Rolodex and your ability to deliver on negotiations.” The industry grew as the economy improved and even thrived during a short buyer’s market in 2008, according to Smith.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flash forward to 2018</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10819 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chart.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"429\" />\r\n\r\nIn a world of decentralized and ever-changing hotel staff, digital RFPs and transparent pricing, Smith laments that event planning it has become much more transactional—a commodity.\r\n\r\nJan D. Freitag, senior vice president of lodging insights at hospitality research company STR, echoed that 2017 was both a seller’s market and a transient-oriented one. His research shows that by all measures—occupancy, RevPar and ADR (average daily rate)—hotels had their best year ever. However, since the Great Recession of 2008, transient demand has increased more than twice as fast as group demand and the brands are responding by building less meeting space, making that segment a smaller percentage of their business. “Demand is coming disproportionately from transients,” he said. Moreover, supply coming online in the next few years reflects that changing market, with more than 70 percent of rooms under construction part of limited-service properties with equally limited meeting space. “Very few ballrooms are being built,” he said. And that impacts the need to recruit new group business.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is affected?</strong>\r\n\r\nSPIN conducted a survey of members in the weeks before Marriott’s April 1 commission change went into effect for planners not part of the major site selection companies HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, ConferenceDirect and Maritz Global Events (Experient) and calculated the above figure that the cuts will result in an average loss of $10,000 per planner in 2018. It also found that the average number of years these planners had been running their companies was 14 years. Very few reported working on a commission-only basis with a mixture of flat fee, project-based and a combination of commission and fee models in place.\r\n\r\nThe SPIN study showed that 88 percent of respondents were women, and 49 percent own their own business. Many of them are very successful, earning six-figure incomes.\r\n\r\nSuzanne Spaner, founder of one of those <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/meeting-planning/106779/behind-2018-smart-women-cover-story/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">women-owned businesses,</a> Meeting Matchmakers in Atlanta, Georgia, bemoaned the prospects for many of those companies and what it means for the industry and families. She spent the beginning of her hospitality career at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company working long hours. After giving birth to her first child, she pursued her dream of opening her own business. “I am passionate about this industry and love hospitality and my clients,” she said. She also enjoyed the ability to work from home, something she is worried will not be an option for others now that it will be more difficult to work independently and make a living. “This is going to hurt stay-at-home mothers trying to provide for their families,” she said.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s next?</strong>\r\n\r\n“The commission cut was a slap in the face, telling us that we need to go back to those relationships,” Smith said. “Eventually the industry will turn again and we need to be prepared,” Smith predicted.\r\n\r\nThe change in business model may also require some small business owners to improve their focus on basics, such as marketing, legal and financial issues, things that may not have been their core competency. SPIN is positioning itself as a resource for those people by producing recorded webinars that can help fill in the missing skill pieces at a critical time.\r\n\r\nA new industry group, Meeting Planners Unite, where Spaner is on the board, is looking for ways to develop new revenue streams for independents. This could include finder’s fees from nonhotel suppliers—audiovisual companies, exhibit and transportation companies, possibly destinations.\r\n\r\nDallas-based Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which has long included entrepreneurship courses as part of its web-based education, recently launched MyMPI Online Discussion Group as a resource for independent and small business owners and offers discounts to independent planners on MPI Academy certificate courses. In January, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer issued a statement that said “As an association, MPI’s focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it.”\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder and master strategist at New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called the decision a wake-up call to all event planners as the industry is fragmented and doesn’t have enough cache or respect. She suggested coming together on Global Meetings Industry Day to share the message that what planners do is not only important for the bottom line of companies, hotel properties and the economy as a whole, it requires a trained professional with the experience required to manage business goals. “A successful event is not something an executive assistant with a ton of other things on her plate can do in her spare time,” she said. “We need to come together and establish minimum standards for what we do.”\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Lamagna is going to continue doing the best she can for her clients. “I am not going to let someone else’s bad behavior impact my good behavior,” she said.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]\r\n\r\n<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10813-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 15:33:16','2018-04-05 15:33:16','',10813,'https://strategic.events/10813-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10883,3,'2018-04-05 15:44:57','2018-04-05 15:44:57','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522943093529{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By JT Long</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10814 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/helping-out-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"382\" />\r\n\r\nThe news on Friday that Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/106974/hilton-marriott-cutting-commissions/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">would follow Marriott International</a> in cutting commissions to third-party planners from 10 percent to 7 percent—a move that according to one recent study will eliminate $10,000 on average from independent planner annual incomes—was met with a combination of groans, sobs and not a little bit of anger from some quarters. That was quickly followed by announcements from new and established groups offering to help with the transition to what many have resigned themselves to acknowledging is the new reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>How did we get here?</strong>\r\n\r\nTracey Smith, executive director of Senior Planners Industry Network, <a href=\"http://www.spinplanners.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPIN</a>, has seen the impact of decades of economic cycles on events and the people who manage them. “Just in this century, we saw the downturn of 2000 and the additional hit from 9/11 when a lot of people were laid off and gave up on full time work in favor of going into business for themselves,” she says, recalling the establishment of the independent planner role in the industry. “That was when it was a relationship business and you were valued for your Rolodex and your ability to deliver on negotiations.” The industry grew as the economy improved and even thrived during a short buyer’s market in 2008, according to Smith.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flash forward to 2018</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10819\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chart.jpg\" alt=\"Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts\" width=\"740\" height=\"429\" />\r\n\r\nIn a world of decentralized and ever-changing hotel staff, digital RFPs and transparent pricing, Smith laments that event planning it has become much more transactional—a commodity.\r\n\r\nJan D. Freitag, senior vice president of lodging insights at hospitality research company STR, echoed that 2017 was both a seller’s market and a transient-oriented one. His research shows that by all measures—occupancy, RevPar and ADR (average daily rate)—hotels had their best year ever. However, since the Great Recession of 2008, transient demand has increased more than twice as fast as group demand and the brands are responding by building less meeting space, making that segment a smaller percentage of their business. “Demand is coming disproportionately from transients,” he said. Moreover, supply coming online in the next few years reflects that changing market, with more than 70 percent of rooms under construction part of limited-service properties with equally limited meeting space. “Very few ballrooms are being built,” he said. And that impacts the need to recruit new group business.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is affected?</strong>\r\n\r\nSPIN conducted a survey of members in the weeks before Marriott’s April 1 commission change went into effect for planners not part of the major site selection companies HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, ConferenceDirect and Maritz Global Events (Experient) and calculated the above figure that the cuts will result in an average loss of $10,000 per planner in 2018. It also found that the average number of years these planners had been running their companies was 14 years. Very few reported working on a commission-only basis with a mixture of flat fee, project-based and a combination of commission and fee models in place.\r\n\r\nThe SPIN study showed that 88 percent of respondents were women, and 49 percent own their own business. Many of them are very successful, earning six-figure incomes.\r\n\r\nSuzanne Spaner, founder of one of those <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/meeting-planning/106779/behind-2018-smart-women-cover-story/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">women-owned businesses,</a> Meeting Matchmakers in Atlanta, Georgia, bemoaned the prospects for many of those companies and what it means for the industry and families. She spent the beginning of her hospitality career at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company working long hours. After giving birth to her first child, she pursued her dream of opening her own business. “I am passionate about this industry and love hospitality and my clients,” she said. She also enjoyed the ability to work from home, something she is worried will not be an option for others now that it will be more difficult to work independently and make a living. “This is going to hurt stay-at-home mothers trying to provide for their families,” she said.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s next?</strong>\r\n\r\n“The commission cut was a slap in the face, telling us that we need to go back to those relationships,” Smith said. “Eventually the industry will turn again and we need to be prepared,” Smith predicted.\r\n\r\nThe change in business model may also require some small business owners to improve their focus on basics, such as marketing, legal and financial issues, things that may not have been their core competency. SPIN is positioning itself as a resource for those people by producing recorded webinars that can help fill in the missing skill pieces at a critical time.\r\n\r\nA new industry group, Meeting Planners Unite, where Spaner is on the board, is looking for ways to develop new revenue streams for independents. This could include finder’s fees from nonhotel suppliers—audiovisual companies, exhibit and transportation companies, possibly destinations.\r\n\r\nDallas-based Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which has long included entrepreneurship courses as part of its web-based education, recently launched MyMPI Online Discussion Group as a resource for independent and small business owners and offers discounts to independent planners on MPI Academy certificate courses. In January, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer issued a statement that said “As an association, MPI’s focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it.”\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder and master strategist at New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called the decision a wake-up call to all event planners as the industry is fragmented and doesn’t have enough cache or respect. She suggested coming together on Global Meetings Industry Day to share the message that what planners do is not only important for the bottom line of companies, hotel properties and the economy as a whole, it requires a trained professional with the experience required to manage business goals. “A successful event is not something an executive assistant with a ton of other things on her plate can do in her spare time,” she said. “We need to come together and establish minimum standards for what we do.”\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Lamagna is going to continue doing the best she can for her clients. “I am not going to let someone else’s bad behavior impact my good behavior,” she said.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]\r\n\r\n<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10813-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 15:44:57','2018-04-05 15:44:57','',10813,'https://strategic.events/10813-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10884,3,'2018-04-05 16:01:10','2018-04-05 16:01:10','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522943093529{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By JT Long</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10814 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/helping-out-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"382\" />\r\n\r\nThe news on Friday that Hilton Hotels &amp; Resorts <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/news/106974/hilton-marriott-cutting-commissions/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">would follow Marriott International</a> in cutting commissions to third-party planners from 10 percent to 7 percent—a move that according to one recent study will eliminate $10,000 on average from independent planner annual incomes—was met with a combination of groans, sobs and not a little bit of anger from some quarters. That was quickly followed by announcements from new and established groups offering to help with the transition to what many have resigned themselves to acknowledging is the new reality.\r\n\r\n<strong>How did we get here?</strong>\r\n\r\nTracey Smith, executive director of Senior Planners Industry Network, <a href=\"http://www.spinplanners.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPIN</a>, has seen the impact of decades of economic cycles on events and the people who manage them. “Just in this century, we saw the downturn of 2000 and the additional hit from 9/11 when a lot of people were laid off and gave up on full time work in favor of going into business for themselves,” she says, recalling the establishment of the independent planner role in the industry. “That was when it was a relationship business and you were valued for your Rolodex and your ability to deliver on negotiations.” The industry grew as the economy improved and even thrived during a short buyer’s market in 2008, according to Smith.\r\n\r\n<strong>Flash forward to 2018</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10819\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/chart.jpg\" alt=\"Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts\" width=\"740\" height=\"429\" />\r\n\r\nIn a world of decentralized and ever-changing hotel staff, digital RFPs and transparent pricing, Smith laments that event planning it has become much more transactional—a commodity.\r\n\r\nJan D. Freitag, senior vice president of lodging insights at hospitality research company STR, echoed that 2017 was both a seller’s market and a transient-oriented one. His research shows that by all measures—occupancy, RevPar and ADR (average daily rate)—hotels had their best year ever. However, since the Great Recession of 2008, transient demand has increased more than twice as fast as group demand and the brands are responding by building less meeting space, making that segment a smaller percentage of their business. “Demand is coming disproportionately from transients,” he said. Moreover, supply coming online in the next few years reflects that changing market, with more than 70 percent of rooms under construction part of limited-service properties with equally limited meeting space. “Very few ballrooms are being built,” he said. And that impacts the need to recruit new group business.\r\n\r\n<strong>Who is affected?</strong>\r\n\r\nSPIN conducted a survey of members in the weeks before Marriott’s April 1 commission change went into effect for planners not part of the major site selection companies HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, ConferenceDirect and Maritz Global Events (Experient) and calculated the above figure that the cuts will result in an average loss of $10,000 per planner in 2018. It also found that the average number of years these planners had been running their companies was 14 years. Very few reported working on a commission-only basis with a mixture of flat fee, project-based and a combination of commission and fee models in place.\r\n\r\nThe SPIN study showed that 88 percent of respondents were women, and 49 percent own their own business. Many of them are very successful, earning six-figure incomes.\r\n\r\nSuzanne Spaner, founder of one of those <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/meeting-planning/106779/behind-2018-smart-women-cover-story/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\">women-owned businesses,</a> Meeting Matchmakers in Atlanta, Georgia, bemoaned the prospects for many of those companies and what it means for the industry and families. She spent the beginning of her hospitality career at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company working long hours. After giving birth to her first child, she pursued her dream of opening her own business. “I am passionate about this industry and love hospitality and my clients,” she said. She also enjoyed the ability to work from home, something she is worried will not be an option for others now that it will be more difficult to work independently and make a living. “This is going to hurt stay-at-home mothers trying to provide for their families,” she said.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s next?</strong>\r\n\r\n“The commission cut was a slap in the face, telling us that we need to go back to those relationships,” Smith said. “Eventually the industry will turn again and we need to be prepared,” Smith predicted.\r\n\r\nThe change in business model may also require some small business owners to improve their focus on basics, such as marketing, legal and financial issues, things that may not have been their core competency. SPIN is positioning itself as a resource for those people by producing recorded webinars that can help fill in the missing skill pieces at a critical time.\r\n\r\nA new industry group, Meeting Planners Unite, where Spaner is on the board, is looking for ways to develop new revenue streams for independents. This could include finder’s fees from nonhotel suppliers—audiovisual companies, exhibit and transportation companies, possibly destinations.\r\n\r\nDallas-based Meeting Professionals International (MPI), which has long included entrepreneurship courses as part of its web-based education, recently launched MyMPI Online Discussion Group as a resource for independent and small business owners and offers discounts to independent planners on MPI Academy certificate courses. In January, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer issued a statement that said “As an association, MPI’s focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it.”\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder and master strategist at New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called the decision a wake-up call to all event planners as the industry is fragmented and doesn’t have enough cache or respect. She suggested coming together on Global Meetings Industry Day to share the message that what planners do is not only important for the bottom line of companies, hotel properties and the economy as a whole, it requires a trained professional with the experience required to manage business goals. “A successful event is not something an executive assistant with a ton of other things on her plate can do in her spare time,” she said. “We need to come together and establish minimum standards for what we do.”\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Lamagna is going to continue doing the best she can for her clients. “I am not going to let someone else’s bad behavior impact my good behavior,” she said.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]\r\n\r\n<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/mk_mini_callout]','Industry Groups Offer Support for Independent Planners after Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10813-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 16:01:10','2018-04-05 16:01:10','',10813,'https://strategic.events/10813-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10885,3,'2018-01-11 10:31:47','2018-01-11 10:31:47','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522953241932{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10886\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its center, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\r\n\r\n<strong>Stand out in a busy world</strong>\r\n\r\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\r\n\r\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\r\n\r\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\r\n\r\n<strong>Objectives in focus</strong>\r\n\r\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\r\n\r\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\r\n\r\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\r\n\r\n<strong>Technology creates a connection</strong>\r\n\r\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\r\n\r\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\r\n\r\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s it all about?</strong>\r\n\r\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/fmav-logo-header-menu/\" data-src=\"https://fmav.ca/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','publish','open','closed','','the-importance-of-creating-an-event-with-an-impactful-message','','','2018-04-05 18:40:12','2018-04-05 18:40:12','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10885',0,'post','',0),(10886,3,'2018-04-05 18:09:56','2018-04-05 18:09:56','','new-blog-pic','','inherit','open','closed','','new-blog-pic','','','2018-04-05 18:09:56','2018-04-05 18:09:56','',10885,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10887,3,'2018-04-05 18:18:58','2018-04-05 18:18:58','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522952335400{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10886 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its centre, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\r\n<h3>Stand out in a busy world</h3>\r\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\r\n\r\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\r\n\r\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\r\n<h3>Objectives in focus</h3>\r\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\r\n\r\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\r\n\r\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\r\n<h3>Technology creates a connection</h3>\r\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\r\n\r\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\r\n\r\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\r\n<h3>What’s it all about?</h3>\r\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','inherit','closed','closed','','10885-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 18:18:58','2018-04-05 18:18:58','',10885,'https://strategic.events/10885-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10890,3,'2018-04-05 18:22:38','2018-04-05 18:22:38','','fmav-logo-header-menu','','inherit','open','closed','','fmav-logo-header-menu','','','2018-04-05 18:22:38','2018-04-05 18:22:38','',0,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10891,3,'2018-04-05 18:32:02','2018-04-05 18:32:02','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522953047184{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10886 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its center, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\r\n<h3>Stand out in a busy world</h3>\r\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\r\n\r\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\r\n\r\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\r\n<h3>Objectives in focus</h3>\r\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\r\n\r\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\r\n\r\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\r\n<h3>Technology creates a connection</h3>\r\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\r\n\r\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\r\n\r\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\r\n<h3>What’s it all about?</h3>\r\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/fmav-logo-header-menu/\" data-src=\"https://fmav.ca/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','inherit','closed','closed','','10885-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 18:32:02','2018-04-05 18:32:02','',10885,'https://strategic.events/10885-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10892,3,'2018-04-05 18:34:04','2018-04-05 18:34:04','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522953241932{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10886\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its center, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\r\n\r\n<strong>Stand out in a busy world</strong>\r\n\r\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\r\n\r\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\r\n\r\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\r\n\r\n<strong>Objectives in focus</strong>\r\n\r\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\r\n\r\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\r\n\r\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\r\n\r\n<strong>Technology creates a connection</strong>\r\n\r\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\r\n\r\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\r\n\r\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s it all about?</strong>\r\n\r\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/fmav-logo-header-menu/\" data-src=\"https://fmav.ca/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','inherit','closed','closed','','10885-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 18:34:04','2018-04-05 18:34:04','',10885,'https://strategic.events/10885-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10893,3,'2018-04-05 18:40:12','2018-04-05 18:40:12','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522953241932{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10886\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\r\n\r\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its center, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\r\n\r\n<strong>Stand out in a busy world</strong>\r\n\r\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\r\n\r\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\r\n\r\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\r\n\r\n<strong>Objectives in focus</strong>\r\n\r\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\r\n\r\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\r\n\r\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\r\n\r\n<strong>Technology creates a connection</strong>\r\n\r\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\r\n\r\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\r\n\r\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\r\n\r\n<strong>What’s it all about?</strong>\r\n\r\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/fmav-logo-header-menu/\" data-src=\"https://fmav.ca/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','inherit','closed','closed','','10885-revision-v1','','','2018-04-05 18:40:12','2018-04-05 18:40:12','',10885,'https://strategic.events/10885-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10894,3,'2018-04-05 18:40:17','2018-04-05 18:40:17','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522953241932{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\n<h2>The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message</h2>\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10886\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/new-blog-pic.jpg\" alt=\"The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message\" width=\"569\" height=\"320\" />\n\nIs your corporate event truly “not to be missed”? Does it have a strong message at its center, or is it just another blip on an attendee’s busy calendar? You could have the most innovative technology, thoughtful layout, and stunning venue, but at the end of the day, what is your event really about? The presence of an impactful message could help bring an event together and stoke attendee interest. The idea behind a corporate gathering is its guiding principle and can help with every step from planning through execution.\n\nPerhaps the simplest argument in favor of developing an impactful central message involves thinking about how you would feel about an event without such a backbone, either as an organizer or an attendee. How would a marketer convince people to pay for tickets and airfare to a vaguely defined convention? How could a potential guest speaker sell his or her attendance to the managers who will have to sign off on the travel?\n\n<strong>Stand out in a busy world</strong>\n\nToday’s event industry is saturated with events across sectors, and an impactful message can rise above the din. While having a central theme to organize the content of a conference around and guide marketing is certainly a positive factor, the value of a central event theme can make its presence felt long before that.\n\nSkift explained that the meeting and conference industry is booming today. More companies are hosting events, and prices for related services such as venue rentals are going up. Companies, however, may fail to increase their event budgets in line with these increases.\n\nWhen a conference appears to be just a matter of logistics, a simple blip on a corporate calendar, it can be hard for planners to get the funds they need to host a successful gathering. If you’ve encountered this level of resistance from higher-ups, it may be because there isn’t a strong central idea guiding your plans.\n\nChristy Lamagna, founder of Strategic Meetings and Events, told Skift that meeting professionals need to state the strategic value of their conferences. When a meeting is a strategic investment on behalf of a company, it’s much easier to justify giving that event the budget it needs and deserves.\n\n<strong>Objectives in focus</strong>\n\nEngaging with attendees and getting them focused on a central syllabus has become a defining trend in recent years, according to respondents to American Express’s industry survey with projections for 2018. Meetings, conferences and other gatherings are becoming more focused on spreading their central messages, and that may mean booking venues for shorter spans of time and keeping programs more focused.\n\nIf conferences are being cut down to their central points, that means those events have to have strong pillars to support their relevance. Creating a meaningful and positive experience for your attendees is how you’ll get them back for the next conference, and if you have a shorter, more focused program to work with, the strength, relevance and impact of that message becomes more important than ever.\n\nWhat will the takeaway be when guests head home from the conference? When there’s a strong central message informing everything from presentation topics to design decisions, it’s easier to control this variable than in a wide-ranging or disorganized event. Follow-up marketing and attempts to create a continuing connection with attendees can excel more when an event stayed on topic.\n\n<strong>Technology creates a connection</strong>\n\nAs technology tools have become more central to successful event hosting in recent years, they have found their way into the planning process. When you embrace event technology integration and have a strong message to convey, it’s possible to create an efficient way to reinforce the core concepts and send attendees home with the right takeaways.\n\nTrade Show News Network contributor Rebecca May explained that while some organizers see technology as a distancing factor, something that may distract attendees from the central message of an event, it’s actually a great way to personalize the experience and bring the key concepts down to a manageable level.\n\nMay stated that the right technology for a given event will involve systems that reflect the company’s story and branding. The goals of the event, the central idea, comes across clearly when attendees have access to products they like to interact with. May added that sometimes the best way to forge a bond with guests is to go straight to advanced and cutting-edge solutions. Holograms, virtual reality and more can give users strong memories of an event.\n\n<strong>What’s it all about?</strong>\n\nEvents that have a strong, memorable idea at their heart are easier to plan, as organizers can make decisions based on whether they suit the theme. These conferences also stand a better chance of catching the attention of attendees who are inundated with conference options today. After the events, those guests will take a strong impression home with them. For all these reasons, it’s important to pick a message early on and stick with it.\n\n[mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/fmav-logo-header-menu/\" data-src=\"https://fmav.ca/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fmav-logo-header-menu.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','The Importance Of Creating An Event With An Impactful Message','','inherit','closed','closed','','10885-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-05 18:40:17','2018-04-05 18:40:17','',10885,'https://strategic.events/10885-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10895,3,'2018-04-06 16:12:25','2018-04-06 16:12:25','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]APRIL RAIN[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/april-rain.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523031138208{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The April Rain is a simple and refreshing version of a Vodka Martini with a splash of lime juice which adds a delicate but uplifting note. We suggest using only fresh lime. You can use the peel for a garnish. </span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522332388081{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">April Rain</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">2 Ounces of the very best vodka</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">½ Ounces fresh lime juice </span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">½ Ounces dry vermouth </span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Garnish: lime peel</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522332412612{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shake well.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Garnish with the lime peel.</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','April Rain','','inherit','closed','closed','','10771-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 16:12:25','2018-04-06 16:12:25','',10771,'https://strategic.events/10771-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10896,1,'2018-04-06 18:07:52','2018-04-06 18:07:52','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"439\" side_thumb_cat=\"446\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','draft','open','closed','','a-glimpse-into-the-magic-of-production','','','2018-04-20 17:23:39','2018-04-20 17:23:39','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10896',0,'post','',0),(10897,3,'2018-04-06 17:11:26','2018-04-06 17:11:26','','','','inherit','open','closed','','csp-1','','','2018-04-06 17:18:01','2018-04-06 17:18:01','',10896,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/csp-1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10898,3,'2018-04-06 17:12:19','2018-04-06 17:12:19','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523034735009{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\"><b>Closing:</b> Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:12:19','2018-04-06 17:12:19','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10899,3,'2018-04-06 17:12:34','2018-04-06 17:12:34','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523034750528{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:12:34','2018-04-06 17:12:34','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10900,3,'2018-04-06 17:13:07','2018-04-06 17:13:07','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523034784037{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:13:07','2018-04-06 17:13:07','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10901,3,'2018-04-06 17:16:13','2018-04-06 17:16:13','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523034784037{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:16:13','2018-04-06 17:16:13','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10902,3,'2018-04-06 17:19:12','2018-04-06 17:19:12','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_showcase excerpt_length=\"0\" cat=\"439\" posts=\"537, 613, 591\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:19:12','2018-04-06 17:19:12','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10903,3,'2018-04-06 17:20:14','2018-04-06 17:20:14','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"439\" side_thumb_cat=\"446\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:20:14','2018-04-06 17:20:14','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10904,1,'2018-04-06 18:24:59','2018-04-06 18:24:59','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524238064207{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Maximizing Event Space - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nIn a tight spot? A strategic tip for when the footprint of your event exceeds the limited space available.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"11008\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"407\" side_thumb_cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Maximizing Event Space - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','draft','open','closed','','maximizing-event-space-30-second-strategic-tip','','','2018-04-20 17:23:14','2018-04-20 17:23:14','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10904',0,'post','',0),(10906,3,'2018-04-06 17:29:09','2018-04-06 17:29:09','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035692974{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10905\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"407\" side_thumb_cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space','','inherit','closed','closed','','10904-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:29:09','2018-04-06 17:29:09','',10904,'https://strategic.events/10904-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10907,1,'2018-04-23 06:25:40','2018-04-23 06:25:40','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282249392{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Ballroom Setup Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nThe Greatest Show on Earth! A strategic tip for creating an environment that delivers.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"11003\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Download your free ballroom checklist <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-event-ballroom-checklist-run-efficient-general-sessions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n[mk_fancy_title size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"]','Ballroom Setup Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','publish','open','closed','','30-second-strategic-tip-ballroom-success','','','2018-04-26 16:39:40','2018-04-26 16:39:40','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10907',0,'post','',0),(10909,3,'2018-04-06 17:40:48','2018-04-06 17:40:48','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523036219073{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Ballroom Success</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10908\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Ballroom Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10907-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:40:48','2018-04-06 17:40:48','',10907,'https://strategic.events/10907-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10910,3,'2018-04-06 17:41:49','2018-04-06 17:41:49','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1522936946835{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look busy, while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients use to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a></span>.</span>','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:41:49','2018-04-06 17:41:49','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10911,1,'2018-04-06 19:31:26','2018-04-06 19:31:26','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524238456998{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Pre-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nStarting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"11010\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Pre-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','draft','open','closed','','pre-con-success-30-second-strategic-tip','','','2018-04-20 17:23:05','2018-04-20 17:23:05','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10911',0,'post','',0),(10913,3,'2018-04-06 17:50:12','2018-04-06 17:50:12','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523036943168{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_carousel count=\"2\" posts=\"10904, 10907\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:50:12','2018-04-06 17:50:12','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10914,1,'2018-04-06 17:57:00','2018-04-06 17:57:00','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524237262213{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nLooking for a Win-Win? A strategic tip for collecting and sharing lucrative post-event information.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"11005\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','draft','open','closed','','post-con-success-30-second-strategic-tip','','','2018-04-20 17:23:50','2018-04-20 17:23:50','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10914',0,'post','',0),(10916,3,'2018-04-06 17:53:06','2018-04-06 17:53:06','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523037150033{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Post-Con Success</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10915\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Post-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10914-revision-v1','','','2018-04-06 17:53:06','2018-04-06 17:53:06','',10914,'https://strategic.events/10914-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10917,3,'2018-04-09 12:59:07','2018-04-09 12:59:07','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523278617746{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\n<h3>Starting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.</h3>\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel count=\"2\" posts=\"10904, 10907\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-09 12:59:07','2018-04-09 12:59:07','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10918,3,'2018-04-09 13:00:41','2018-04-09 13:00:41','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523278834364{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\nStarting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel count=\"2\" cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:00:41','2018-04-09 13:00:41','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10919,3,'2018-04-09 13:01:53','2018-04-09 13:01:53','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523278834364{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\nStarting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel count=\"2\" cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:01:53','2018-04-09 13:01:53','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10920,3,'2018-04-09 13:55:43','2018-04-09 13:55:43','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523278834364{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\nStarting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:55:43','2018-04-09 13:55:43','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10922,3,'2018-04-09 13:57:32','2018-04-09 13:57:32','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282249392{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Ballroom Success</h2>\r\nThe Greatest Show on Earth! A strategic tip for creating an environment that delivers.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10908\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Ballroom Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10907-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:57:32','2018-04-09 13:57:32','',10907,'https://strategic.events/10907-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10923,3,'2018-04-09 13:58:35','2018-04-09 13:58:35','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282273640{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space</h2>\r\nIn a tight spot? A strategic tip for when the footprint of your event exceeds the limited space available.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10905\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"407\" side_thumb_cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space','','inherit','closed','closed','','10904-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:58:35','2018-04-09 13:58:35','',10904,'https://strategic.events/10904-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10924,3,'2018-04-09 13:58:39','2018-04-09 13:58:39','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282273640{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space</h2>\r\nIn a tight spot? A strategic tip for when the footprint of your event exceeds the limited space available.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10905\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"407\" side_thumb_cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space','','inherit','closed','closed','','10904-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 13:58:39','2018-04-09 13:58:39','',10904,'https://strategic.events/10904-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10925,3,'2018-04-09 14:10:14','2018-04-09 14:10:14','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"439\" side_thumb_cat=\"446\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-09 14:10:14','2018-04-09 14:10:14','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10926,3,'2018-04-09 14:10:15','2018-04-09 14:10:15','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"439\" side_thumb_cat=\"446\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 14:10:15','2018-04-09 14:10:15','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10927,3,'2018-04-09 14:11:04','2018-04-09 14:11:04','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523283061374{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Post-Con Success</h2>\r\nLooking for a Win-Win? A strategic tip for collecting and sharing lucrative post event information.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10915\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','30 Second Strategic Tip: Post-Con Success','','inherit','closed','closed','','10914-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 14:11:04','2018-04-09 14:11:04','',10914,'https://strategic.events/10914-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10928,3,'2018-04-09 14:11:47','2018-04-09 14:11:47','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523035081737{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production</h2>\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Some planners focus only on what goes on outside the ballroom; if it plugs in or lights up, we don’t want to know about it. True, planners have plenty of details to tend to without worrying about the intricacies of what goes into producing a general session, but it’s important to have basic knowledge for great events of what your production team is doing on the other side of the ballroom doors and how you can be a partner to them.  Here’s a glimpse into the magic of production.</p>\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10897\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Want more? Check out this thirty second strategic tip on production success and these articles to help with other onsite procedures.</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"439\" side_thumb_cat=\"446\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','A Glimpse Into The Magic of Production','','inherit','closed','closed','','10896-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 14:11:47','2018-04-09 14:11:47','',10896,'https://strategic.events/10896-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10929,3,'2018-04-10 13:17:01','2018-04-10 13:17:01','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here for your room advance checklist free download!</strong></a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-10 13:17:01','2018-04-10 13:17:01','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10930,3,'2018-04-09 15:31:24','2018-04-09 15:31:24','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 15:31:24','2018-04-09 15:31:24','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10931,3,'2018-04-09 16:13:37','2018-04-09 16:13:37','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:13:37','2018-04-09 16:13:37','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10932,3,'2018-04-09 16:23:03','2018-04-09 16:23:03','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523290977337{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nLooking for a Win-Win? A strategic tip for collecting and sharing lucrative post event information.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10915\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','inherit','closed','closed','','10914-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:23:03','2018-04-09 16:23:03','',10914,'https://strategic.events/10914-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10933,3,'2018-04-09 16:25:56','2018-04-09 16:25:56','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282273640{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Maximizing Space</h2>\r\nIn a tight spot? A strategic tip for when the footprint of your event exceeds the limited space available.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10905\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_teaser slideshow_cat=\"407\" side_thumb_cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Maximizing Event Space - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','inherit','closed','closed','','10904-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:25:56','2018-04-09 16:25:56','',10904,'https://strategic.events/10904-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10934,3,'2018-04-09 16:28:17','2018-04-09 16:28:17','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523291265324{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip</h2>\r\nLooking for a Win-Win? A strategic tip for collecting and sharing lucrative post-event information.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10915\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Post-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','inherit','closed','closed','','10914-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:28:17','2018-04-09 16:28:17','',10914,'https://strategic.events/10914-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10935,3,'2018-04-09 16:29:41','2018-04-09 16:29:41','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523282249392{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Ballroom Success</h2>\r\nThe Greatest Show on Earth! A strategic tip for creating an environment that delivers.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10908\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Ballroom Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','inherit','closed','closed','','10907-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:29:41','2018-04-09 16:29:41','',10907,'https://strategic.events/10907-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10936,3,'2018-04-09 16:33:07','2018-04-09 16:33:07','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523278834364{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>30 Second Strategic Tip: Pre-Con Success</h2>\r\nStarting off on the right foot. A strategic tip for planning your next Pre-Con.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10912\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" size=\"30\" margin_top=\"20\" font_family=\"none\"]Want more?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Pre-Con Success - 30 Second Strategic Tip','','inherit','closed','closed','','10911-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 16:33:07','2018-04-09 16:33:07','',10911,'https://strategic.events/10911-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10937,3,'2018-04-09 20:58:50','2018-04-09 20:58:50','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"> SME\'s Video Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523307527492{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" mobx_spacing=\"4\" mobx_row_height=\"200\" size=\"medium\" ids=\"10245,10034,10035,10036,3271,10037,10041,10044,10045,10046,10047,10048,3510,10832\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Videos','','inherit','closed','closed','','3089-revision-v1','','','2018-04-09 20:58:50','2018-04-09 20:58:50','',3089,'https://strategic.events/3089-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10938,3,'2018-04-10 13:16:36','2018-04-10 13:16:36','','room-advance-','','inherit','open','closed','','room-advance','','','2018-04-10 13:16:36','2018-04-10 13:16:36','',0,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(10939,3,'2018-04-10 13:17:22','2018-04-10 13:17:22','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here for your room advance checklist free download!</strong></a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-10 13:17:22','2018-04-10 13:17:22','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10940,3,'2018-04-10 13:18:01','2018-04-10 13:18:01','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Click here for a room advance checklist free download!</strong></a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-10 13:18:01','2018-04-10 13:18:01','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10941,3,'2018-04-10 13:21:12','2018-04-10 13:21:12','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us now.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Download your free room advance checklist now!</strong></a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-10 13:21:12','2018-04-10 13:21:12','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10942,3,'2018-04-10 13:23:06','2018-04-10 13:23:06','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523287882164{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nSome of the best war stories from events come from room advances gone wrong, or gone right depending on your perspective. Random socks and miscellaneous receipts are commonplace and forgettable. It’s the underwear behind the headboard, leftovers in the mini bar and cash in the safe that raise eyebrows.\r\n\r\nJust as important but often overlooked are the ‘little things’ that make a hotel room a welcoming place after a long day of work. Remote controls and light bulbs that work, clean surfaces, crisp bedding and a carpet free of stains and crumbs may sound obvious but if you’re not advancing rooms with a careful eye, you can’t be sure your VIP rooms are ready for guests.\r\n\r\nClick on the video below for some tips and reminders on how to ensure your VIP’s hotel room is good to go when your attendees walk through the door.\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"900\" ids=\"10832\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe host venue is only partially responsible for your attendee’s onsite experience. Strategic planners build time into their schedules to advance VIP rooms after the hotel has signed off on them. It’s the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference, so make sure this important step is given the attention it deserves every time you have guests arriving.\r\n\r\nWhat’s your favorite room advance story or tip? We want to know. <a href=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect with us today.</a>\r\n\r\nFor additional information on how to successfully advance your attendee’s’ room, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/room-advances-look-whats-left-behind/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/room-advance-.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Download your free room advance checklist now!</strong></a>','Room Advances 101 – How to successfully advance your VIP’s hotel room','','inherit','closed','closed','','10830-revision-v1','','','2018-04-10 13:23:06','2018-04-10 13:23:06','',10830,'https://strategic.events/10830-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10943,3,'2018-04-11 15:16:40','2018-04-11 15:16:40','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523459798811{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]We are always looking for exceptional talent! If you want to apply, <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/careers-strategic-meetings/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here</a>. Be prepared to explain how SME will benefit from hiring you. When you interview, the best way to make an impression is to explain what you have to offer, not what you want as there are hundreds of people looking for jobs. Tell us what makes you stand out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Are you hiring?','','inherit','closed','closed','','10705-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 15:16:40','2018-04-11 15:16:40','',10705,'https://strategic.events/10705-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10944,1,'2018-04-11 22:25:13','2018-04-11 22:25:13','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523484598363{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10949 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"Happy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue. Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','publish','open','closed','','be-the-author-of-your-strategic-vision-and-story','','','2018-04-12 12:11:16','2018-04-12 12:11:16','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10944',0,'post','',0),(10945,3,'2018-04-11 16:57:51','2018-04-11 16:57:51','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523465867897{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\nBy Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" />\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaning in for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The Master Strategist’s Story</h3>\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n<h3>Time to Commit</h3>\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 16:57:51','2018-04-11 16:57:51','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10946,3,'2018-04-11 18:39:08','2018-04-11 18:39:08','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466215599{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<script id=\"asp-embed-script\" data-zindex=\"1000000\" type=\"text/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page-embed.js\"></script><a class=\"asp-embed-link\" href=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/embed.jpg?buster=1523466174325\" alt=\"Adobe Spark Page\" border=\"0\" /></a>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','spark test','','trash','open','closed','','__trashed','','','2018-04-11 18:39:08','2018-04-11 18:39:08','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10946',0,'post','',0),(10947,3,'2018-04-11 17:03:39','2018-04-11 17:03:39','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466215599{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<script id=\"asp-embed-script\" data-zindex=\"1000000\" type=\"text/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page-embed.js\"></script><a class=\"asp-embed-link\" href=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/embed.jpg?buster=1523466174325\" alt=\"Adobe Spark Page\" border=\"0\" /></a>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','','','inherit','closed','closed','','10946-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 17:03:39','2018-04-11 17:03:39','',10946,'https://strategic.events/10946-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10948,3,'2018-04-11 17:04:33','2018-04-11 17:04:33','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466215599{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<script id=\"asp-embed-script\" data-zindex=\"1000000\" type=\"text/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page-embed.js\"></script><a class=\"asp-embed-link\" href=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img style=\"width: 100%;\" src=\"https://spark.adobe.com/page/BAFDJqnrD48AT/embed.jpg?buster=1523466174325\" alt=\"Adobe Spark Page\" border=\"0\" /></a>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','spark test','','inherit','closed','closed','','10946-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 17:04:33','2018-04-11 17:04:33','',10946,'https://strategic.events/10946-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10949,3,'2018-04-11 17:08:18','2018-04-11 17:08:18','','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','open','closed','','author-1-768x348','','','2018-04-11 18:24:18','2018-04-11 18:24:18','',10944,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10950,3,'2018-04-11 17:10:03','2018-04-11 17:10:03','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466599608{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10949 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" />\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaning in for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The Master Strategist’s Story</h3>\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n<h3>Time to Commit</h3>\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 17:10:03','2018-04-11 17:10:03','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10951,3,'2018-04-11 18:21:15','2018-04-11 18:21:15','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466599608{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10949 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaning in for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The Master Strategist’s Story</h3>\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n<h3>Time to Commit</h3>\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 18:21:15','2018-04-11 18:21:15','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10952,3,'2018-04-11 20:20:59','2018-04-11 20:20:59','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523466599608{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10949 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" />\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaning in for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>The Master Strategist’s Story</h3>\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n<h3>Time to Commit</h3>\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 20:20:59','2018-04-11 20:20:59','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10953,3,'2018-04-11 20:56:13','2018-04-11 20:56:13','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523480170605{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10949 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" />\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 20:56:13','2018-04-11 20:56:13','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10954,3,'2018-04-11 21:14:47','2018-04-11 21:14:47','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523480170605{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10949 alignnone\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:14:47','2018-04-11 21:14:47','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10955,3,'2018-04-11 21:20:14','2018-04-11 21:20:14','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518641214479{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"600\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10245\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523481583234{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Path to a Brighter Future</h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical role we play in their creation.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Add your voice to the Strategic Planning Movement groups on:</h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"20\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10157\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"http://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10156\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_raw_html][encoded data, 6536 characters][/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Join the Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','10179-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:20:14','2018-04-11 21:20:14','',10179,'https://strategic.events/10179-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10956,3,'2018-04-11 21:22:12','2018-04-11 21:22:12','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\" css=\".vc_custom_1523481712183{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518641214479{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"600\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10245\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523481697821{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Path to a Brighter Future</h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical role we play in their creation.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Add your voice to the Strategic Planning Movement groups on:</h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"20\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10157\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"http://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10156\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_raw_html][encoded data, 6536 characters][/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Join the Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','10179-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:22:12','2018-04-11 21:22:12','',10179,'https://strategic.events/10179-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10957,3,'2018-04-11 21:37:06','2018-04-11 21:37:06','<!-- OP_SEARCH_GENERATED --><div style=\'background-image:url(https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-planning-movement-cover-image.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;background-attachment:fixed;background-position:50% 0;padding-bottom:20px;border-top-width:px;border-top-style:solid;border-top-color:;border-bottom-width:px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:;\'  class=\"row one-column cf ui-sortable section  bg-parallax-5a297e5f1570f  bg-parallax-5a29b0e92d44f  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class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div style=\"height:750px\"> -- SPACER -- </div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[vertical_spacing height=&quot;750&quot;]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            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class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div style=\"height:60px\"> -- SPACER -- </div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[vertical_spacing height=&quot;60&quot;]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_2\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div class=\"video-plugin-new-syntax video-plugin-new\" style=\"width:560px; height:315px; max-width:100%;margin:0 auto; margin-bottom: 20px; border: 0px solid #fff; padding-top:0; padding-bottom:0;\"><div style=\"height:0; padding-bottom:56.25%; padding-top:0;\"></div></div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[video_player type=&quot;youtube&quot; youtube_remove_logo=&quot;Y&quot; style=&quot;1&quot; dimensions=&quot;560x315&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; margin_top=&quot;0&quot; margin_bottom=&quot;20&quot; ipad_color=&quot;black&quot;]aHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9tWnpVTEVfX29BZw==[/video_player]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_3\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <h2 style=\'font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#000080;text-align:center;\'>Our Mission</h2> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;1&quot; font_size=&quot;40&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;%23000080&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h2&quot;]Our Mission[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_1_el_4\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> [text_block style=\"style_1.png\" align=\"left\"]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. </span></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #1d1848;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.</span></p>[/text_block] </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[text_block style=&quot;style_1.png&quot; align=&quot;left&quot;]&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;The Strategic Planning Movement&#039;s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical\nrole we play in their creation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;[/text_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#one-half\" class=\"split-column\"></a><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div><div class=\"one-half column cols\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2\"><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_1\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <h1 style=\'font-size:16px;color:#000080;text-align:center;margin-bottom:20px;\'><h2><span style=\"color: #000080;\">Sign up now to help drive the Strategic Planning Movement</span></h2></h1> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;1&quot; font_size=&quot;16&quot; font_color=&quot;%23000080&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h1&quot; bottom_margin=&quot;20&quot;]&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #000080;&quot;&gt;Sign up now to help drive the Strategic Planning Movement&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" 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text_shadow_vertical=&quot;2&quot; text_shadow_horizontal=&quot;0&quot; text_shadow_color=&quot;#000000&quot; text_shadow_blur=&quot;0&quot; styling_width=&quot;40&quot; styling_height=&quot;30&quot; styling_border_color=&quot;#132971&quot; styling_border_size=&quot;1&quot; styling_border_radius=&quot;6&quot; styling_border_opacity=&quot;100&quot; styling_gradient_start_color=&quot;#132971&quot; drop_shadow_panel=&quot;N&quot; inset_shadow_panel=&quot;N&quot; location=&quot;optin_box_style_24&quot; button_below=&quot;Y&quot;]Get Strategic[/optin_box_button] [/optin_box]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_3\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div style=\"height:20px\"> -- SPACER -- </div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[vertical_spacing height=&quot;20&quot;]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_2_col_2_el_4\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <ul class=\"bullet-list size-16\"  style=\"width:400px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;\"><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Receive free planning tools, guides, and resources </li><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Stay updated on latest strategic planning insights</li><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Learn about upcoming webinars and events</li><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Contribute your voice, ideas, and expertise</li><li style=\'background-image:url(\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png\");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:16px 16px;\'>Elevate your career and the event profession</li></ul> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[bullet_block upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-3-150x150.png&quot; style=&quot;size-16&quot; small_icon=&quot;1.png&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; alignment=&quot;center&quot;]&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Receive free planning tools, guides, and resources &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Stay updated on latest strategic planning insights&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Learn about upcoming webinars and events&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Contribute your voice, ideas, and expertise&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Elevate your career and the event profession&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;[/bullet_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#one-half\" class=\"split-column\"></a><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div><div style=\'background-image:url(https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/get-strategic-spm.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;background-attachment:fixed;background-position:50% 0;padding-bottom:20px;border-top-width:px;border-top-style:solid;border-top-color:;border-bottom-width:px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:;\'  class=\"row one-column cf ui-sortable section  bg-parallax-5a297e5f1754d  bg-parallax-5a29b0e92eb9c  bg-parallax-5a2ea743d6447  bg-parallax-5a2ee9ddee7c2  bg-parallax-5a317f06e541f  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Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <div style=\"height:750px\"> -- SPACER -- </div> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[vertical_spacing height=&quot;750&quot;]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div><div style=\'border-top-width:px;border-top-style:solid;border-top-color:;border-bottom-width:px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:;\'  class=\"row one-column cf ui-sortable   \" id=\"le_body_row_4\" data-style=\"eyJlbGVtZW50SWQiOiJsZV9ib2R5X3Jvd180IiwiYm9yZGVyVG9wV2lkdGgiOiIiLCJib3JkZXJUb3BDb2xvciI6IiIsImJvcmRlckJvdHRvbVdpZHRoIjoiIiwiYm9yZGVyQm90dG9tQ29sb3IiOiIiLCJzZWN0aW9uU2VwYXJhdG9yVHlwZSI6Im5vbmUiLCJzZWN0aW9uU2VwYXJhdG9yU3R5bGUiOiIiLCJleHRyYXMiOnsiYW5pbWF0aW9uRWZmZWN0IjoiIiwiYW5pbWF0aW9uRGVsYXkiOiIifSwicm93U2Nyb2xsRml4ZWRQb3NpdGlvbiI6Im5vbmUiLCJyb3dTY3JvbGxGaXhlZE1vYmlsZSI6ZmFsc2UsImFkZG9uIjp7fX0=\"><div class=\"fixed-width\"><div class=\"op-row-links\">\n                        <div class=\"op-row-links-content\">\n                            <a title=\"Copy Row\" href=\"#copy-row\" class=\"copy-row\"></a>\n                            <a title=\"Edit Row Options\" href=\"#options\" class=\"edit-row\" id=\"row_options\"></a>\n                            <a title=\"Clone Row\" href=\"#clone-row\" class=\"clone-row\"></a>\n                            <a href=\"#add-new-row\" class=\"add-new-row\"><span>Add New Row</span></a>\n                            <a title=\"Move Row\" href=\"#move\" class=\"move-row\"></a>\n                            <a title=\"Paste Row\" href=\"#paste-row\" class=\"paste-row\"></a>\n                            <a title=\"Delete Row\" href=\"#delete-row\" class=\"delete-row\"></a>\n                        </div>\n                    </div><div class=\"one-column column cols\" id=\"le_body_row_4_col_1\"><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"e30=\" id=\"le_body_row_4_col_1_el_1\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\">\n                        <table class=\"headline-style-16\" style=\'font-size:50px;font-family:\"Myriad Pro\", Myriad, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;margin-bottom:20px;\'>\n                            <tr>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    <div></div>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"headline\">\n                                    <h2><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"> It’s time for the event industry to<br />\n#GetStrategic<br />\n</span></h3><h2>\n                                </td>\n                                <td class=\"stroke\">\n                                    <div></div>\n                                </td>\n                            </tr>\n                        </table>\n                    </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[headline style=&quot;17&quot; font_size=&quot;50&quot; font_font=&quot;Myriad%20Pro&quot; font_style=&quot;bold&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; headline_tag=&quot;h3&quot; bottom_margin=&quot;20&quot;]&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #000080;&quot;&gt; It’s time for the event industry to\n#GetStrategic\n&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;[/headline]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container cf\" data-style=\"\" id=\"le_body_row_4_col_1_el_2\"><div class=\"op-element-links\"><a class=\"element-settings\" href=\"#settings\">Edit Element</a><a class=\"element-clone\" href=\"#clone-element\">Clone Element</a><a class=\"element-advanced\" href=\"#op-le-advanced\">Advanced Element Options</a><a class=\"element-move\" href=\"#move\">Move</a><a class=\"element-delete\" href=\"#delete\">Remove Element</a></div>\n                <div class=\"op-hidden op-waiting\">\n                    <img class=\"op-bsw-waiting op-show-waiting\" alt=\"\" src=\"images/wpspin_light.gif\" />\n                </div><div class=\"element\"> <ul class=\"feature-block feature-block-style-2 feature-block-three-col cf\">\n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>LinkedIn Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://strategic.events/category/resources/strategic-planning-movement/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Strategic Planning Resources</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>View our strategic planning resources and learn how to become an Event Strategist.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 \n                    <li><a class=\"feature-block-link\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\" style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'><div>\n                                <span class=\"feature-block-2-img-container\"><img class=\"feature-block-2\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png\"  /></span><h2 style=\'font-size:31px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;letter-spacing:1px;\'>Facebook Group</h2><p style=\'font-size:18px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;color:#1d1848;\'>Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.</p>\n\n                            </div></a></li>\n                 </ul> </div><div class=\"op-hidden\"><textarea class=\"op-le-shortcode\" name=\"shortcode[]\">[feature_block style=&quot;icon&quot;  overall_style=&quot;image&quot; columns=&quot;3&quot; icon_style=&quot;2&quot; font_size=&quot;31&quot; font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; font_style=&quot;normal&quot; font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; font_spacing=&quot;1&quot; font_shadow=&quot;none&quot; content_font_size=&quot;18&quot; content_font_font=&quot;Georgia&quot; content_font_style=&quot;normal&quot; content_font_color=&quot;#1d1848&quot; content_font_shadow=&quot;none&quot;][feature title=&quot;LinkedIn%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;359.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/linkedin-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fgroups%2F8652469&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on LinkedIn.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Strategic%20Planning%20Resources&quot; icon=&quot;398.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sme-Symbol-4-300x300.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fstrategic.events%2Fcategory%2Fresources%2Fstrategic-planning-movement%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;View our strategic planning resources and learn how to become an Event Strategist.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [feature title=&quot;Facebook%20Group&quot; icon=&quot;440.png&quot; upload_icon=&quot;https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/facebook-256-1.png&quot; bg_color=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F740077079531864%2F&quot;]&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #1d1848;&quot;&gt;Join the Strategic Planning Movement group on Facebook.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;[/feature] [/feature_block]</textarea></div></div><div class=\"element-container sort-disabled\"></div>\n                            <div class=\"add-element-container\"><a href=\"#add_element\" class=\"add-new-element\"><span>Add Element</span></a>\n                            </div></div></div></div>','Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','8435-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:37:06','2018-04-11 21:37:06','',8435,'https://strategic.events/8435-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10958,3,'2018-04-11 21:38:53','2018-04-11 21:38:53','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#ffffff\" border_color=\"#ffffff\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column border_color=\"#ffffff\" css=\".vc_custom_1473177697729{margin: 10px !important;}\"][mk_layerslider id=\"7\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"30\" line_height=\"97\" font_weight=\"bold\" txt_transform=\"none\" margin_top=\"30\" margin_bottom=\"6\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\"]MAKE YOUR VISION A REALITY[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1516503168238{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces goal driven, corporate events that integrate your company\'s sales and marketing message into every aspect of the program. We create experiences that leave your target audience thinking, feeling and remembering the information that is most important to you. With a worldwide scope and an infinite amount of talent, creativity and energy, SME is a global corporate event management company that redefines excellence in everything we do.\r\n\r\nSupporting your sales goals with corporate events is so much more than executing logistics or hosting the same sales meeting or incentive trip year after year. Our strategic planning experts will take your vision and build a comprehensive plan to achieve your goals, drive your sales cycle and make your programs more cost efficient. And we’re told that we are delightful to work with. How great is that?[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"10\"][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#211551\" size=\"25\" font_weight=\"bold\" margin_top=\"30\" margin_bottom=\"6\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2>Discover Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517941052491{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"600\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10100\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#211551\" size=\"25\" font_weight=\"bold\" margin_top=\"30\" margin_bottom=\"6\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2>Comprehensive Corporate Event Management</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]Strategic Meetings &amp; Events professional planning experts become your extended team. Our sole focus is your success, specifically as you define it. The process is often filled with long hours, a myriad of changes and tons of pressure. Why not work with a team who thinks of everything, tracks the details, manages your spend and keeps you smiling even when you’re exhausted?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text align=\"center\" animation=\"fade-in\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://strategic.events/category/news-flash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">News Flash</a></h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"1\" image_size=\"full\" post_count=\"2\" disable_meta=\"false\" pagination=\"false\" cat=\"493\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/3\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"30\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_wp_search][vc_separator][mk_padding_divider size=\"15\"][vc_single_image image=\"1125\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/tastebuzz/\"][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"1\" image_size=\"medium\" post_count=\"1\" excerpt_length=\"0\" pagination=\"false\" cat=\"40\"][vc_single_image image=\"10091\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://strategic.events/sme-social-media-connect/\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518218071438{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"400\" ids=\"10130\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"60\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=\".vc_custom_1518027141126{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][mk_fancy_title color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"28\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"none\" align=\"center\"]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Planning</a></span>\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/join-the-strategic-planning-movement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Movement</span></a></p>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=\"center\" css=\".vc_custom_1523482712231{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;}\"]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://strategic.events/join-the-strategic-planning-movement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners.</span></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://strategic.events/join-the-strategic-planning-movement/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Without this change, we will continue\r\nto exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical role\r\nwe play in their creation.</span></a></p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\" css=\".vc_custom_1518027164805{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_single_image image=\"10157\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\" css=\".vc_custom_1518027173263{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_single_image image=\"10156\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113826042{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\" action=\"``mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events``\" type=\"``submit``\" value=\"``Send\"]Contact us to discover the perfect fit for your company’s event goals.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Strategic Meetings & Events | Global Corporate Event Management','','inherit','closed','closed','','7-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:38:53','2018-04-11 21:38:53','',7,'https://strategic.events/7-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10959,3,'2018-04-11 21:44:16','2018-04-11 21:44:16','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\" css=\".vc_custom_1523481712183{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518641214479{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"full\" mobx_row_height=\"600\" link=\"file\" ids=\"10245\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523483051155{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Path to a Brighter Future</h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Strategic Planning Movement\'s goal is to help the event industry and its dedicated professionals to evolve into a more sophisticated form of planner; specifically, strategic planners.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Without this change, we will continue to exist in the darkness of the misconceptions around what we do, why events are held and our perceived value. By banding together and becoming strategic in our professional vision, brand and goals, we create the pathway to a brighter future, elevating the way we are perceived, illuminating the power of strategic events and the critical role we play in their creation.</h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Add your voice to the Strategic Planning Movement on:</h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=\"20\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10157\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"http://www.facebook.com/groups/740077079531864/\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/2\"][vc_single_image image=\"10156\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" onclick=\"custom_link\" img_link_target=\"_blank\" link=\"https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8652469\"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_raw_html][encoded data, 6536 characters][/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_blog_carousel cat=\"407\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Join the Strategic Planning Movement','','inherit','closed','closed','','10179-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 21:44:16','2018-04-11 21:44:16','',10179,'https://strategic.events/10179-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10960,3,'2018-04-11 22:10:02','2018-04-11 22:10:02','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523484598363{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10949 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"Happy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue. Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" />\r\n<figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 22:10:02','2018-04-11 22:10:02','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10961,3,'2018-04-11 22:12:26','2018-04-11 22:12:26','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523484598363{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10949 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"Happy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue. Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-11 22:12:26','2018-04-11 22:12:26','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10962,3,'2018-04-12 12:00:28','2018-04-12 12:00:28','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523484598363{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-10949 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/author-1-768x348.jpg\" alt=\"Happy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue. Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story\" width=\"768\" height=\"348\" />\r\n\r\nHappy GMID! This year’s celebration finds the industry and its members at a critical crossroads. GMID is the perfect springboard for planners worldwide to raise our industry to a caliber of professionalism, effectiveness and respect that is long overdue.\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_107461\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-107461\" src=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12.jpg 300w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-150x150.jpg 150w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-256x255.jpg 256w, https://s21406.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Head-Shot-HR-Oneonta_12-240x240.jpg 240w\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-featherlight=\"image\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christy Lamagna</figcaption></figure>\r\nThe movement to step up and lean in is here. Taking charge of one’s destiny is empowering and creates an uncontainable energy. Imagine the momentum and power that would be created by an entire industry leaningin for a common goal.\r\n\r\nThat’s the challenge I’m putting out to the meetings industry. Let’s put an end to the misconception of who we are and what we do and raise awareness of the power of meetings. To do this, we must evolve in the way we think, plan and present ourselves by evolving from event planners to event strategists. If we unite around a shared goal, vision, vocabulary and plan, the magnitude of our efforts will be unstoppable.\r\n\r\nIt starts with perception—how we view and conduct ourselves as professionals. Then comes our story—how we convey our value and <a href=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/tips-tools/107333/plan-truly-inspired-experiences\">meetings’ significance</a>. Our story shapes how others perceive and treat us. Many of our professional stories are told from the perspective of event planners. If we shift that to reflect our work to become event strategists, everything changes. By learning to plan strategically and telling that story, we pave the way for a future where what we do is valued. Here is an example of a script that can take our industry to the next level.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Master Strategist’s Story</strong>\r\n\r\nI create goal-driven, strategic experiences. Companies that want to drive sales, accelerate growth and turn their event spend into an investment rather than an expenditure need me. By understanding the intrinsic value and power of meetings, I influence what target audiences think, say and do, creating a desired behavior change and the resulting outcome.\r\n\r\nThe first step in planning a strategic event is working with key stakeholders to identify and define the event’s goals, the attainment of which shapes the organizations’ go-forward plan. Our target audience is most often the people who move the needle. Determining what that audience needs to hear to effect change is an integral component of my job. Strategic events answer the critical question, “What’s in it for me?”\r\n\r\nStrategic events accelerate sales cycles and are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company’s marketing message. They bring sales and marketing efforts to life and enhance an organization’s bottom line.\r\n\r\nAs a strategist, I am an integral part of the entire process. The sales, marketing and events departments have interwoven goals, with events being the vehicle that accelerates growth. I am an essential part of my organization and my work is recognized as a meaningful driver of success.\r\n\r\n<strong>Time to Commit</strong>\r\n\r\nDoes that sound like your story? If not, commit to evolving from an event planner into an event strategist and making it your story. Learn more about how to produce strategic events and how to share your talents, voice and ideas with those committed to the strategic movement. Together we are unstoppable!\r\n\r\nLet’s celebrate our impact on Global Meetings Industry Day and every day.\r\n\r\nChristy Lamagna is founder and CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planning-movement-social-media-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>. You can continue the conversation at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@strategic.events\">christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a>.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/smart-meetings-logo/\" data-src=\"https://www.smartmeetings.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4800\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/smart-meetings-logo.png\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Be the Author of Your Strategic Vision and Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','10944-revision-v1','','','2018-04-12 12:00:28','2018-04-12 12:00:28','',10944,'https://strategic.events/10944-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10964,3,'2018-04-16 13:49:29','2018-04-16 13:49:29','','column1-christylamagna-860x418','','inherit','open','closed','','column1-christylamagna-860x418','','','2018-04-16 13:49:56','2018-04-16 13:49:56','',10511,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10965,3,'2018-04-16 13:50:07','2018-04-16 13:50:07','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523886605323{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964  alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"494\" height=\"240\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 13:50:07','2018-04-16 13:50:07','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10967,3,'2018-04-16 13:54:03','2018-04-16 13:54:03','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523886839030{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"494\" height=\"240\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout][/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 13:54:03','2018-04-16 13:54:03','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10968,3,'2018-04-16 14:07:45','2018-04-16 14:07:45','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/art-small-meeting/corporate-incentive-travel/\" data-src=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/corporate-incentive-travel/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 14:07:45','2018-04-16 14:07:45','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10969,3,'2018-04-16 14:08:41','2018-04-16 14:08:41','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/art-small-meeting/corporate-incentive-travel/\" data-src=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/corporate-incentive-travel/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 14:08:41','2018-04-16 14:08:41','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10970,3,'2018-04-16 14:09:39','2018-04-16 14:09:39','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout]\r\n\r\n<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"https://strategic.events/art-small-meeting/corporate-incentive-travel/\" data-src=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>\r\n\r\n[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 14:09:39','2018-04-16 14:09:39','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10971,3,'2018-04-16 14:51:14','2018-04-16 14:51:14','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout]<a class=\"mobx\" href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\" data-src=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-10607\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"199\" height=\"66\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 14:51:14','2018-04-16 14:51:14','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10972,3,'2018-04-16 14:57:22','2018-04-16 14:57:22','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 14:57:22','2018-04-16 14:57:22','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10973,3,'2018-04-16 15:09:25','2018-04-16 15:09:25','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.\r\n\r\n[mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button]\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 15:09:25','2018-04-16 15:09:25','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10974,3,'2018-04-16 15:10:28','2018-04-16 15:10:28','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.\r\n\r\n[mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button]\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-04-16 15:10:28','2018-04-16 15:10:28','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10977,3,'2018-04-16 20:47:38','2018-04-16 20:47:38','','Strategic Meetings & Events RSS Feed','','publish','closed','closed','','strategic-meetings-events-rss-feed','','','2018-04-16 20:47:38','2018-04-16 20:47:38','',0,'https://strategic.events/?post_type=wprss_feed&#038;p=10977',0,'wprss_feed','',0),(10979,3,'2018-04-17 19:29:01','2018-04-17 19:29:01','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523992825766{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<strong>[category_specific_rss_menu]</strong>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','RSS Feeds','','trash','open','closed','','__trashed-2','','','2018-04-17 19:29:01','2018-04-17 19:29:01','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10979',0,'post','',0),(10980,3,'2018-04-17 19:20:29','2018-04-17 19:20:29','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523992825766{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<strong>[category_specific_rss_menu]</strong>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','RSS Feeds','','inherit','closed','closed','','10979-revision-v1','','','2018-04-17 19:20:29','2018-04-17 19:20:29','',10979,'https://strategic.events/10979-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10981,3,'2018-04-17 20:36:49','2018-04-17 20:36:49','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]BLOG[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; BLOG[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Event Strategist Blog</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"classic\" grid_image_height=\"450\" post_count=\"6\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"350\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Strategist Blog','','inherit','closed','closed','','4377-revision-v1','','','2018-04-17 20:36:49','2018-04-17 20:36:49','',4377,'https://strategic.events/4377-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10982,3,'2018-04-17 20:39:47','2018-04-17 20:39:47','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Podcasts Featuring SME\'s Event Strategists</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" grid_image_height=\"200\" disable_meta=\"false\" cat=\"447\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 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Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Strategic Planning Free Tools &amp; Guides</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"2\" image_size=\"full\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"470\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 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dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Free Tools & Guides','','inherit','closed','closed','','5137-revision-v1','','','2018-04-17 21:01:02','2018-04-17 21:01:02','',5137,'https://strategic.events/5137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10985,3,'2018-04-17 21:41:05','2018-04-17 21:41:05','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]ARTICLES - LATEST PRESS COVERAGE[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; ARTICLES[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Latest Press Coverage</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" post_count=\"9\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"351\" exclude_post_format=\"\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 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dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Articles - Latest Press Coverage','','inherit','closed','closed','','5970-revision-v1','','','2018-04-17 21:41:05','2018-04-17 21:41:05','',5970,'https://strategic.events/5970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10987,1,'2018-04-18 20:18:13','2018-04-18 20:18:13','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Are You on the Right Side of Ethics?</h2>\r\n<h3>Let These Meetings Industry Pros — and Your Conscience — Be Your Guide</h3>\r\n<strong>By Derek Reveron</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10988 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cit-2018-04apr-ethics-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"401\" height=\"195\" />\r\n\r\nEvery industry faces ethics challenges, and meeting planning certainly is no exception. Something that looks like an incentive can be intended as a bribe. Planners are offered so many things so often that the right thing to do can be confusing, especially for novices.\r\n\r\nExperts say several factors contribute to ethical lapses and quandaries including: not enough ethics education opportunities; industry guidelines are unclear about specific, ethically ambiguous situations; some planners, particularly those who are independent, have tighter budgets and may count on FAM trips, frequent flyer miles, hotel-stay points and other perks to defray expenses.\r\n\r\nNo wonder planners face ethics challenges as a routine part of their jobs.\r\n\r\nAccording to Joan Eisenstodt, founder of Washington, DC-based Eisenstodt Associates LLC, a meetings consulting and training firm focusing on ethics issues, “I think our industry is far less ethical than it ever was because of high turnover, the complicity of vendors, younger and newer people who aren’t members of industry organizations, and because many people believe they are underpaid and overworked and are ‘due’ the perks offered.”\r\n\r\nSometimes the right ethical choice is clear, and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes the decision is ethically correct but gives the appearance of being unethical or at least inappropriate.\r\n<h2>Ethics Education</h2>\r\nEisenstodt believes that more ethics education is needed to make planners aware of potential issues, especially those that fall into gray areas. “We need far more education now than ever,” she says. “I think ethics needs to be on the agenda of every industry organization at every national, international and chapter meeting. If a national organization or chapter does one ethics program every few years, they believe it is okay.”\r\n\r\nKaren Kotowski, CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC), offers a different assessment. “I think we do a fairly good job, particularly for the CMP community,” she says. “Our Events Industry Council Manual 9th Edition is the primary study resource (for the EIC’s CMP certification) and covers professionalism, ethical behavior, best practices, and how to develop and implement a code of ethics for your own organization.”\r\n\r\nThe EIC has an enforceable CMP Code of Ethics, which says that planners shouldn’t use their “position for undue personal gain and to promptly disclose to appropriate parties all potential and actual conflicts of interest.” In addition, the code says planners should “actively model and encourage the integration of ethics into all aspects of the performance of my duties.”\r\n\r\nQuestions about the EIC standards are included on the organization’s CMP exam. According to Kotowski, “CMPs are required to read and agree to abide by the CMP Standards of Ethical Conduct on their initial certification application, as well as every time they recertify.”\r\n\r\nThe EIC can remove certification from planners who violate the standards. “The process ensures a CMP receives due process and the procedures are consistently enforced if a complaint is made,” says Kotowski.\r\n<h2>Ethics Violations</h2>\r\nKotowski adds that the most frequent violations involve people who use the CMP designation after they fail to recertify. “A more infrequent, but equally serious occurrence, has been occasions where someone uses the credential who never earned it,” says Kotowski. “We can’t ensure ethical behavior. We can encourage, educate and enforce it if need be.”\r\n\r\nThe Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has its Principles of Professional and Ethical Conduct, which asks members to “avoid any and all conflicts of interest and advise all parties, including my organization, of any situations where a conflict of interest exists.”\r\n\r\nThe PCMA principles also ask professionals to “refuse inappropriate gifts, incentives and/or services in any business dealings that may be offered as a result of my position and could be perceived as personal gain.”\r\n\r\nSome industry ethics experts say that industry standards provide general guidelines but aren’t uniform, are infrequently enforced and don’t cover many specific ethics challenges that planners commonly face.\r\n\r\nAccording to Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM, CEO and master strategist at Bernardsville, New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, “If the industry were more strategic in how we planned and came together to form unilateral goals, standards and practices, we would be seen differently, treated differently, and better behavior on all sides would result.”\r\n<h2>Knowing Ethics Codes</h2>\r\nBut many planners aren’t familiar with industry standards. According to Eisenstodt, “I think if you asked members of the various industry organizations when they last read the code for the organization for which they are a member or hold a certification, you’d find that few have.”\r\n\r\nUnfamiliarity with ethics standards is especially common among numerous people who plan meetings but aren’t trained planners. “I think that the gap in awareness, if any exists, may be with those non-professional/part-time planners who are asked to plan a meeting, but it is not their day-to-day job,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nKotowski believes that untrained, part-time planners are even less aware than professional planners of potential ethical pitfalls. “I would urge those non-full-time planners to use our EIC manual as a desk reference for these practices and to become more professional in performing these activities that may not be their full-time job,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nLamagna agrees: “Those who plan meetings aside from their full-time responsibilities often make the wrong decisions as they are not exposed to guidelines and ethics codes. The bigger problem is that the industry is too segmented. If we had a universal platform to stand on or required a licensing procedure for this role, then we’d eliminate enormous amounts of unethical behavior.”\r\n\r\nIt’s also difficult to curb unethical behavior because suppliers and vendors may have inadequate ethics standards or none at all. Suppliers may not be clear to planners up front about the intention of their perks and gifts.\r\n\r\nAccording to Eisenstodt, “The piece of this that is not addressed is whether the vendor or supplier is complicit in any unethical behavior and, if so, how should it be addressed. Having seen clients fire planners who violated ethics codes with the complicity of vendors, and seeing the vendors continue working for their companies, means we have no real standards across the industry.”\r\n<h2>FAM Trips</h2>\r\nKnotty ethics issues can result from FAM trips — expense-paid trips that hotels, venues and CVBs offer planners to acquaint them with properties and destinations.\r\n\r\nSome planners accept FAM trips with no intention of ever considering the destination for a meeting. That’s not ethical, says Lamagna. “If you know your client base will never go to a destination, don’t accept the invite. These trips cost money and are investments in future business. Be respectful of that. If you don’t have business to share at that moment, but believe you may in the future, then consider going,” says Lamagna.\r\n\r\nHow can planners who want to do the right thing ensure that personal biases don’t influence their recommendations?\r\n\r\nLamagna offers the following advice: “I always repeat the mantra, ‘it’s not about me’ with every component of a program from menus to gifts, flowers or wine selection. I remind myself that I am not the audience. I base my recommendations on the group’s goals for the meeting, personality of executives and guests, budget, tolerance for travel, etc.”\r\n\r\nWhile FAM trips are a problem, some experts believe that other ethical problems are more common.\r\n<h2>Perks and Gifts</h2>\r\nSays Eisenstodt: “I think FAM trips are the least of our concerns. They happen less frequently. I think the issue of prizes at trade shows/hosted buyer events and even the hosted buyer events themselves are of far greater concern as are the gifts given, the undisclosed commissions, the hidden fees and so much more.”\r\n\r\nIndeed, many ethical issues stem from perks, rewards, points and gifts offered to planners or that they rarely request. Suppliers such as hotels and venues as well as CVBs bombard planners with perks such as hotel nights, airfare points, spa treatments, five-star dinners, limo rides, tickets to sporting events and concerts, and trips for family and friends.\r\n\r\nIt can be difficult for planners, especially novices, to decide when it’s ethical to accept freebies. A perk may also be a bribe, or at least give the appearance of one.\r\n\r\nOrganizations, corporations and event stakeholders know that planners are offered perks. Still, not revealing the acceptance of the gifts could be unethical if the offerings favorably impact a planner’s recommendation or decision about a property or destination. Even if a reward doesn’t influence the decision, non-disclosure could give the appearance of being unethical if the perk is revealed later.\r\n\r\nLamagna offers the following advice for dealing with perks, points, rewards and gifts. “We give any gifts we receive to the client,” she says. “For instance, a property awarded us a watch after the event. We had them send it to our client’s CEO. If you are upfront with the client and they are okay with you accepting points, use them as a perk for employees.”\r\n<h2>Gray Areas</h2>\r\nMany planners perceive some perks as gray areas. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n<strong>A hotel, vendor or other supplier offers an expensive dinner at a swanky restaurant:</strong> “Five-star dinners should not be the norm,” says Lamagna. “That said, if a relationship has developed with a vendor who takes you out to celebrate or as a thank you, and you can separate that from ‘owing’ them something in the form of business in the future, then that may be okay. Nothing should ever be expected, done in excess or abused.”\r\n\r\n<strong>A hotel offers a room upgrade:</strong> “Accepting upgrades while on a site visit is not unethical but it is inappropriate,” says Lamagna. “Upgrades offered onsite during a program should also be declined because the meeting is not about you. You are staff, not a guest. We put into our preshow notes that no one from our team is ever to be upgraded so there is a clear path for everyone to follow.”\r\n\r\nShould a planner who has accepted points and perks not recommend the hotel even if it is a good match for the meeting? Why? “When you have to start asking yourself these questions you are blurring a line,” says Lamagna. “Focus on the client’s goals and best interests, and be transparent in your behavior. That eliminates most challenges.”\r\n\r\nEisenstodt agrees that transparency is the best course. “Destination, venue and vendor salespeople have quotas to make, and we all have been begged to get contracts signed,” says Eisenstodt. “We have an obligation to know and disclose the criteria on which we base decisions. Discussing with an internal or external stakeholder the selection criteria means that one can be more objective, and show the objectivity in the decision-making.”\r\n\r\nThe need for ethical behavior among meeting planners grows as more join the events industry. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of meeting and convention planners will continue to grow 16 percent through 2018 — faster than the average for all occupations.\r\n<h2>Expert Advice</h2>\r\nPlanners can take the following steps to increase awareness about ethics:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Experienced planners should serve as ethics mentors to new planners, and newcomers should seek advice from experienced peers.</li>\r\n 	<li>Talk to a boss or coworker about a situation when the course of action isn’t clear.</li>\r\n 	<li>Put the best interests of stakeholders and clients first.</li>\r\n 	<li>Be aware of how actions might be perceived and interpreted even if they are technically ethical.</li>\r\n 	<li>Planners facing an ethical dilemma should ask themselves how they would feel if their actions were posted on social media.</li>\r\n 	<li>Corporations that lack their own codes of ethics should create such standards.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Corporate Ethics Codes</h2>\r\nAccording to Eisenstodt, “Most corporations, if not all, have codes of conduct/ethics.  Of the corporate planners I know, all have said they are asked once a year to do an online evaluation of ethics issues. I have helped clients write specifics, using their overall codes, for their meetings departments so that individuals knew, for example, the value of gifts or meals or entertainment they could accept.”\r\n\r\nKotowski offers advice on what the corporate codes should cover. “It would include their own specific practices and standards regarding how they interact with their clients and conduct their business,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nThe codes also would cover company-specific “financial practices, how they report their activities to the client, transparency in billing practices and expectation of employee interactions with vendors and suppliers,” says Kotowski.\r\n<h2>Hold Peers Accountable</h2>\r\nPlanners should know and abide by ethics codes and hold their peers accountable for doing the same. Suppose a corporate planner finds out that a peer within the same company has acted unethically. What steps should the planner take?\r\n\r\nEisenstodt offers the following advice: “It is generally thought that one should approach (not report) the person thought to have acted unethically based on the company’s code and say something like, ‘I think you did X and it seems like it might be in opposition to the company’s code of conduct in section Y,” says Eisenstodt. “Please tell me a bit more so I can understand how to apply the code to my own work.”\r\n\r\nEisenstodt advises that planners talk to human resources when in doubt about what to do, or use the company’s anonymous reporting system. “Use what works best and most comfortably for you. If the person believed to have acted unethically holds a certification, determine what you need to do and how to report the information to (the certifying organization). Do that only when certain of the information.”\r\n\r\nAccording to Lamagna, corporate planners have a duty to report ethics violations. “There is no middle ground with ethics,” says Lamagna. “Once you know something is happening that is unethical, it is incumbent on you to share the information. If you are unsure and it is not your responsibility to follow up, share the concern, not an accusation, with the appropriate person and then step aside.”\r\n\r\nThe right ethical decision isn’t always clear, and planners may see the same situations differently. However, it’s crucial that planners approach issues with a knowledge of ethics standards and a willingness to make the best efforts to apply them.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Are You on the Right Side of Ethics?','','draft','open','open','','are-you-on-the-right-side-of-ethics','','','2018-04-19 19:34:13','2018-04-19 19:34:13','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10987',0,'post','',0),(10988,3,'2018-04-18 20:13:28','2018-04-18 20:13:28','','326_3960599','','inherit','open','closed','','326_3960599','','','2018-04-18 20:13:28','2018-04-18 20:13:28','',10987,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cit-2018-04apr-ethics-860x418.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10989,3,'2018-04-18 20:15:56','2018-04-18 20:15:56','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Are You on the Right Side of Ethics?</h2>\r\n<h3>Let These Meetings Industry Pros — and Your Conscience — Be Your Guide</h3>\r\n<strong>By Derek Reveron</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10988  alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cit-2018-04apr-ethics-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"401\" height=\"195\" />\r\n\r\nEvery industry faces ethics challenges, and meeting planning certainly is no exception. Something that looks like an incentive can be intended as a bribe. Planners are offered so many things so often that the right thing to do can be confusing, especially for novices.\r\n\r\nExperts say several factors contribute to ethical lapses and quandaries including: not enough ethics education opportunities; industry guidelines are unclear about specific, ethically ambiguous situations; some planners, particularly those who are independent, have tighter budgets and may count on FAM trips, frequent flyer miles, hotel-stay points and other perks to defray expenses.\r\n\r\nNo wonder planners face ethics challenges as a routine part of their jobs.\r\n\r\nAccording to Joan Eisenstodt, founder of Washington, DC-based Eisenstodt Associates LLC, a meetings consulting and training firm focusing on ethics issues, “I think our industry is far less ethical than it ever was because of high turnover, the complicity of vendors, younger and newer people who aren’t members of industry organizations, and because many people believe they are underpaid and overworked and are ‘due’ the perks offered.”\r\n\r\nSometimes the right ethical choice is clear, and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes the decision is ethically correct but gives the appearance of being unethical or at least inappropriate.\r\n<h2>Ethics Education</h2>\r\nEisenstodt believes that more ethics education is needed to make planners aware of potential issues, especially those that fall into gray areas. “We need far more education now than ever,” she says. “I think ethics needs to be on the agenda of every industry organization at every national, international and chapter meeting. If a national organization or chapter does one ethics program every few years, they believe it is okay.”\r\n\r\nKaren Kotowski, CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC), offers a different assessment. “I think we do a fairly good job, particularly for the CMP community,” she says. “Our Events Industry Council Manual 9th Edition is the primary study resource (for the EIC’s CMP certification) and covers professionalism, ethical behavior, best practices, and how to develop and implement a code of ethics for your own organization.”\r\n\r\nThe EIC has an enforceable CMP Code of Ethics, which says that planners shouldn’t use their “position for undue personal gain and to promptly disclose to appropriate parties all potential and actual conflicts of interest.” In addition, the code says planners should “actively model and encourage the integration of ethics into all aspects of the performance of my duties.”\r\n\r\nQuestions about the EIC standards are included on the organization’s CMP exam. According to Kotowski, “CMPs are required to read and agree to abide by the CMP Standards of Ethical Conduct on their initial certification application, as well as every time they recertify.”\r\n\r\nThe EIC can remove certification from planners who violate the standards. “The process ensures a CMP receives due process and the procedures are consistently enforced if a complaint is made,” says Kotowski.\r\n<h2>Ethics Violations</h2>\r\nKotowski adds that the most frequent violations involve people who use the CMP designation after they fail to recertify. “A more infrequent, but equally serious occurrence, has been occasions where someone uses the credential who never earned it,” says Kotowski. “We can’t ensure ethical behavior. We can encourage, educate and enforce it if need be.”\r\n\r\nThe Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has its Principles of Professional and Ethical Conduct, which asks members to “avoid any and all conflicts of interest and advise all parties, including my organization, of any situations where a conflict of interest exists.”\r\n\r\nThe PCMA principles also ask professionals to “refuse inappropriate gifts, incentives and/or services in any business dealings that may be offered as a result of my position and could be perceived as personal gain.”\r\n\r\nSome industry ethics experts say that industry standards provide general guidelines but aren’t uniform, are infrequently enforced and don’t cover many specific ethics challenges that planners commonly face.\r\n\r\nAccording to Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM, CEO and master strategist at Bernardsville, New Jersey-based Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, “If the industry were more strategic in how we planned and came together to form unilateral goals, standards and practices, we would be seen differently, treated differently, and better behavior on all sides would result.”\r\n<h2>Knowing Ethics Codes</h2>\r\nBut many planners aren’t familiar with industry standards. According to Eisenstodt, “I think if you asked members of the various industry organizations when they last read the code for the organization for which they are a member or hold a certification, you’d find that few have.”\r\n\r\nUnfamiliarity with ethics standards is especially common among numerous people who plan meetings but aren’t trained planners. “I think that the gap in awareness, if any exists, may be with those non-professional/part-time planners who are asked to plan a meeting, but it is not their day-to-day job,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nKotowski believes that untrained, part-time planners are even less aware than professional planners of potential ethical pitfalls. “I would urge those non-full-time planners to use our EIC manual as a desk reference for these practices and to become more professional in performing these activities that may not be their full-time job,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nLamagna agrees: “Those who plan meetings aside from their full-time responsibilities often make the wrong decisions as they are not exposed to guidelines and ethics codes. The bigger problem is that the industry is too segmented. If we had a universal platform to stand on or required a licensing procedure for this role, then we’d eliminate enormous amounts of unethical behavior.”\r\n\r\nIt’s also difficult to curb unethical behavior because suppliers and vendors may have inadequate ethics standards or none at all. Suppliers may not be clear to planners up front about the intention of their perks and gifts.\r\n\r\nAccording to Eisenstodt, “The piece of this that is not addressed is whether the vendor or supplier is complicit in any unethical behavior and, if so, how should it be addressed. Having seen clients fire planners who violated ethics codes with the complicity of vendors, and seeing the vendors continue working for their companies, means we have no real standards across the industry.”\r\n<h2>FAM Trips</h2>\r\nKnotty ethics issues can result from FAM trips — expense-paid trips that hotels, venues and CVBs offer planners to acquaint them with properties and destinations.\r\n\r\nSome planners accept FAM trips with no intention of ever considering the destination for a meeting. That’s not ethical, says Lamagna. “If you know your client base will never go to a destination, don’t accept the invite. These trips cost money and are investments in future business. Be respectful of that. If you don’t have business to share at that moment, but believe you may in the future, then consider going,” says Lamagna.\r\n\r\nHow can planners who want to do the right thing ensure that personal biases don’t influence their recommendations?\r\n\r\nLamagna offers the following advice: “I always repeat the mantra, ‘it’s not about me’ with every component of a program from menus to gifts, flowers or wine selection. I remind myself that I am not the audience. I base my recommendations on the group’s goals for the meeting, personality of executives and guests, budget, tolerance for travel, etc.”\r\n\r\nWhile FAM trips are a problem, some experts believe that other ethical problems are more common.\r\n<h2>Perks and Gifts</h2>\r\nSays Eisenstodt: “I think FAM trips are the least of our concerns. They happen less frequently. I think the issue of prizes at trade shows/hosted buyer events and even the hosted buyer events themselves are of far greater concern as are the gifts given, the undisclosed commissions, the hidden fees and so much more.”\r\n\r\nIndeed, many ethical issues stem from perks, rewards, points and gifts offered to planners or that they rarely request. Suppliers such as hotels and venues as well as CVBs bombard planners with perks such as hotel nights, airfare points, spa treatments, five-star dinners, limo rides, tickets to sporting events and concerts, and trips for family and friends.\r\n\r\nIt can be difficult for planners, especially novices, to decide when it’s ethical to accept freebies. A perk may also be a bribe, or at least give the appearance of one.\r\n\r\nOrganizations, corporations and event stakeholders know that planners are offered perks. Still, not revealing the acceptance of the gifts could be unethical if the offerings favorably impact a planner’s recommendation or decision about a property or destination. Even if a reward doesn’t influence the decision, non-disclosure could give the appearance of being unethical if the perk is revealed later.\r\n\r\nLamagna offers the following advice for dealing with perks, points, rewards and gifts. “We give any gifts we receive to the client,” she says. “For instance, a property awarded us a watch after the event. We had them send it to our client’s CEO. If you are upfront with the client and they are okay with you accepting points, use them as a perk for employees.”\r\n<h2>Gray Areas</h2>\r\nMany planners perceive some perks as gray areas. Here are two examples:\r\n\r\n<strong>A hotel, vendor or other supplier offers an expensive dinner at a swanky restaurant:</strong> “Five-star dinners should not be the norm,” says Lamagna. “That said, if a relationship has developed with a vendor who takes you out to celebrate or as a thank you, and you can separate that from ‘owing’ them something in the form of business in the future, then that may be okay. Nothing should ever be expected, done in excess or abused.”\r\n\r\n<strong>A hotel offers a room upgrade:</strong> “Accepting upgrades while on a site visit is not unethical but it is inappropriate,” says Lamagna. “Upgrades offered onsite during a program should also be declined because the meeting is not about you. You are staff, not a guest. We put into our preshow notes that no one from our team is ever to be upgraded so there is a clear path for everyone to follow.”\r\n\r\nShould a planner who has accepted points and perks not recommend the hotel even if it is a good match for the meeting? Why? “When you have to start asking yourself these questions you are blurring a line,” says Lamagna. “Focus on the client’s goals and best interests, and be transparent in your behavior. That eliminates most challenges.”\r\n\r\nEisenstodt agrees that transparency is the best course. “Destination, venue and vendor salespeople have quotas to make, and we all have been begged to get contracts signed,” says Eisenstodt. “We have an obligation to know and disclose the criteria on which we base decisions. Discussing with an internal or external stakeholder the selection criteria means that one can be more objective, and show the objectivity in the decision-making.”\r\n\r\nThe need for ethical behavior among meeting planners grows as more join the events industry. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of meeting and convention planners will continue to grow 16 percent through 2018 — faster than the average for all occupations.\r\n<h2>Expert Advice</h2>\r\nPlanners can take the following steps to increase awareness about ethics:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Experienced planners should serve as ethics mentors to new planners, and newcomers should seek advice from experienced peers.</li>\r\n 	<li>Talk to a boss or coworker about a situation when the course of action isn’t clear.</li>\r\n 	<li>Put the best interests of stakeholders and clients first.</li>\r\n 	<li>Be aware of how actions might be perceived and interpreted even if they are technically ethical.</li>\r\n 	<li>Planners facing an ethical dilemma should ask themselves how they would feel if their actions were posted on social media.</li>\r\n 	<li>Corporations that lack their own codes of ethics should create such standards.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Corporate Ethics Codes</h2>\r\nAccording to Eisenstodt, “Most corporations, if not all, have codes of conduct/ethics.  Of the corporate planners I know, all have said they are asked once a year to do an online evaluation of ethics issues. I have helped clients write specifics, using their overall codes, for their meetings departments so that individuals knew, for example, the value of gifts or meals or entertainment they could accept.”\r\n\r\nKotowski offers advice on what the corporate codes should cover. “It would include their own specific practices and standards regarding how they interact with their clients and conduct their business,” says Kotowski.\r\n\r\nThe codes also would cover company-specific “financial practices, how they report their activities to the client, transparency in billing practices and expectation of employee interactions with vendors and suppliers,” says Kotowski.\r\n<h2>Hold Peers Accountable</h2>\r\nPlanners should know and abide by ethics codes and hold their peers accountable for doing the same. Suppose a corporate planner finds out that a peer within the same company has acted unethically. What steps should the planner take?\r\n\r\nEisenstodt offers the following advice: “It is generally thought that one should approach (not report) the person thought to have acted unethically based on the company’s code and say something like, ‘I think you did X and it seems like it might be in opposition to the company’s code of conduct in section Y,” says Eisenstodt. “Please tell me a bit more so I can understand how to apply the code to my own work.”\r\n\r\nEisenstodt advises that planners talk to human resources when in doubt about what to do, or use the company’s anonymous reporting system. “Use what works best and most comfortably for you. If the person believed to have acted unethically holds a certification, determine what you need to do and how to report the information to (the certifying organization). Do that only when certain of the information.”\r\n\r\nAccording to Lamagna, corporate planners have a duty to report ethics violations. “There is no middle ground with ethics,” says Lamagna. “Once you know something is happening that is unethical, it is incumbent on you to share the information. If you are unsure and it is not your responsibility to follow up, share the concern, not an accusation, with the appropriate person and then step aside.”\r\n\r\nThe right ethical decision isn’t always clear, and planners may see the same situations differently. However, it’s crucial that planners approach issues with a knowledge of ethics standards and a willingness to make the best efforts to apply them.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/cit/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Are You on the Right Side of Ethics?','','inherit','closed','closed','','10987-revision-v1','','','2018-04-18 20:15:56','2018-04-18 20:15:56','',10987,'https://strategic.events/10987-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10990,3,'2018-04-18 20:16:46','2018-04-18 20:16:46','','SME Social Media Channels','','inherit','open','closed','','duzd18wx4aa3gct','','','2018-04-18 20:17:04','2018-04-18 20:17:04','',8041,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/duzd18wx4aa3gct.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10991,1,'2018-04-18 20:29:29','2018-04-18 20:29:29','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524082954665{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Meeting Planners and Travel Agents Prepare for a Reinvention Amid Hotel Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By Robin Amster</h3>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Travel agents and meeting planners feel betrayed by Marriott’s – and now Hilton’s – move to cut commissions on group bookings. They’re grappling with ways to deal with the cuts, even as they fear more hotel companies may follow suit. It’s not personal, though; it’s strictly business.\r\n— Robin Amster</h4>\r\nTravel agents and meeting planners have remarkably similar views on recent moves by Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International to slash commissions for group bookings. It’s hard to feel positive about your business partners reducing your compensation, even if tension has been building in the ecosystem over a period of decades.\r\n\r\nThe commission cuts from 10 to 7 percent—initiated by Marriott and followed just two months later by Hilton—are an assault on the giant hotel chains’ “trusted partners,” those indispensable to the chains’ distribution channels, said agents and planners who spoke to Skift.\r\n\r\nThey also aren’t buying the companies’ stated reasons for the cuts, which planner Christy Lamagna, CEO of Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called “heavily shrouded in spin.”\r\n\r\nInterested in more stories like this? Subscribe to Skift\'s Meetings Innovation Report to stay up-to-date on the future of business events.\r\n\r\nEmail\r\nMarriott, whose cuts took effect on March 31, said it’s had concerns about funding technology expenses for an updated meetings booking platform, while Hilton’s decision is based on reducing costs for its owners and their need to reinvest in their properties. Hilton’s cuts are effective Oct. 1.\r\n\r\n“When looking at CEO compensation and stock prices, it’s clear that what is being said regarding the need for cuts conflicts with what shareholders are being told about record profits,” Lamagna said of Hilton’s move. “If you are going to make a decision, own it.”\r\n\r\nBoth planners and agents are grappling with ways to deal with the development at the same time that they fear other hotel companies may follow suit.\r\n\r\n“I might book away from Marriott or Hilton,” said Trish Gastineau, owner of Simply Customized Travel. “As a business owner whose goal is to be profitable, I need to make the wisest decision for both me and for my clients. If I can make my client happy while earning 30 percent more money, I’d be crazy not to consider it.”\r\n\r\nGastineau likened the hotel commission cuts to travel agents’ Battle of Waterloo: the infamous airline commission cuts that started in the 90s, which proved a disaster from which the agent community has clawed its way back. The elimination of commissions rocked the travel agent community in the U.S., causing half of the agencies in the country to close and forcing far-reaching consolidation among the survivors.\r\n\r\n“We have been through this exact same challenge back when the airlines began cutting commissions to agencies,” said Gastineau. “Smart agencies will start looking for ways to service their clients in a way that still keeps them profitable.\r\n\r\n“If this means adding new technology in order to be more efficient, or increasing or adding service fees, or out and out changing their business models, they need to be planning now.”\r\n\r\nTravel agencies, for instance, have pivoted to charging service fees based on the complexity of a booking. A similar move could be necessary as some meeting planners look to replace the revenue they are losing on commissions.\r\n\r\nR.G. Gavel of Travel Repertoire, a home-based travel agency, also placed the hotel commission cuts in a historical context.\r\n\r\n“I know there’s a lot of huffing and puffing about this, but there’s certainly historical precedence in this industry—and most others—for trying to cut out the middle man when business is strong,” she said. “No one likes it, but it should certainly not come as a surprise.”\r\n\r\nHotels used to have planners on staff, for instance, but that job has disappeared over the last 20 years as it became more cost-effective to outsource the time-intensive process of selling meeting space and coordinating actual events.\r\n\r\nSEARCHING FOR COMPENSATION\r\nFor their part, meeting planners will have to seek new ways to compensate for the cuts, according to Lamagna. The irony is that commissions are sent to planners from the money a group pays for a booking; in other words, the money isn’t exactly even coming out of a hotel owner’s pocket.\r\n\r\n“The financial shortfall will have to be absorbed and new revenue streams created,” she said. “Having to pass costs along to clients forces planners to have difficult conversations for a situation they did not create. The hotels not only took money from our pockets, they saddled the negative pushback from the decision onto planners. That’s unforgivable.”\r\n\r\nLamagna went even further: The money “saved” by Marriott and Hilton’s commission cuts will force some planners to go out of business and create shortfalls for others.\r\n\r\nNot all planners are created equal; a variety of intermediaries like sourcing groups has led to a glut of groups that take a commission on a sale while providing limited value to clients. There’s also the matter of the fees and marketing dollars individual hotels send to companies like Cvent to have their meeting spaces listed more prominently.\r\n\r\nGavel believes other hotel companies will sit back and see how things play out and follow Marriott and Hilton if those companies survive an agent backlash, “which they appear to be doing.”\r\n\r\nBut Lamagna thinks it’s a certainty that others will follow.\r\n\r\n“I have no doubt that other major chains will follow suit,” she said. “Those who don’t should be applauded.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Meeting Planners and Travel Agents Prepare for a Reinvention Amid Hotel Commission Cuts','','draft','open','closed','','','','','2018-04-19 19:33:49','2018-04-19 19:33:49','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10991',0,'post','',0),(10992,3,'2018-04-18 20:22:39','2018-04-18 20:22:39','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524082954665{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Meeting Planners and Travel Agents Prepare for a Reinvention Amid Hotel Commission Cuts</h2>\r\n<h3>By Robin Amster</h3>\r\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Travel agents and meeting planners feel betrayed by Marriott’s – and now Hilton’s – move to cut commissions on group bookings. They’re grappling with ways to deal with the cuts, even as they fear more hotel companies may follow suit. It’s not personal, though; it’s strictly business.\r\n— Robin Amster</h4>\r\nTravel agents and meeting planners have remarkably similar views on recent moves by Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International to slash commissions for group bookings. It’s hard to feel positive about your business partners reducing your compensation, even if tension has been building in the ecosystem over a period of decades.\r\n\r\nThe commission cuts from 10 to 7 percent—initiated by Marriott and followed just two months later by Hilton—are an assault on the giant hotel chains’ “trusted partners,” those indispensable to the chains’ distribution channels, said agents and planners who spoke to Skift.\r\n\r\nThey also aren’t buying the companies’ stated reasons for the cuts, which planner Christy Lamagna, CEO of Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, called “heavily shrouded in spin.”\r\n\r\nInterested in more stories like this? Subscribe to Skift\'s Meetings Innovation Report to stay up-to-date on the future of business events.\r\n\r\nEmail\r\nMarriott, whose cuts took effect on March 31, said it’s had concerns about funding technology expenses for an updated meetings booking platform, while Hilton’s decision is based on reducing costs for its owners and their need to reinvest in their properties. Hilton’s cuts are effective Oct. 1.\r\n\r\n“When looking at CEO compensation and stock prices, it’s clear that what is being said regarding the need for cuts conflicts with what shareholders are being told about record profits,” Lamagna said of Hilton’s move. “If you are going to make a decision, own it.”\r\n\r\nBoth planners and agents are grappling with ways to deal with the development at the same time that they fear other hotel companies may follow suit.\r\n\r\n“I might book away from Marriott or Hilton,” said Trish Gastineau, owner of Simply Customized Travel. “As a business owner whose goal is to be profitable, I need to make the wisest decision for both me and for my clients. If I can make my client happy while earning 30 percent more money, I’d be crazy not to consider it.”\r\n\r\nGastineau likened the hotel commission cuts to travel agents’ Battle of Waterloo: the infamous airline commission cuts that started in the 90s, which proved a disaster from which the agent community has clawed its way back. The elimination of commissions rocked the travel agent community in the U.S., causing half of the agencies in the country to close and forcing far-reaching consolidation among the survivors.\r\n\r\n“We have been through this exact same challenge back when the airlines began cutting commissions to agencies,” said Gastineau. “Smart agencies will start looking for ways to service their clients in a way that still keeps them profitable.\r\n\r\n“If this means adding new technology in order to be more efficient, or increasing or adding service fees, or out and out changing their business models, they need to be planning now.”\r\n\r\nTravel agencies, for instance, have pivoted to charging service fees based on the complexity of a booking. A similar move could be necessary as some meeting planners look to replace the revenue they are losing on commissions.\r\n\r\nR.G. Gavel of Travel Repertoire, a home-based travel agency, also placed the hotel commission cuts in a historical context.\r\n\r\n“I know there’s a lot of huffing and puffing about this, but there’s certainly historical precedence in this industry—and most others—for trying to cut out the middle man when business is strong,” she said. “No one likes it, but it should certainly not come as a surprise.”\r\n\r\nHotels used to have planners on staff, for instance, but that job has disappeared over the last 20 years as it became more cost-effective to outsource the time-intensive process of selling meeting space and coordinating actual events.\r\n\r\nSEARCHING FOR COMPENSATION\r\nFor their part, meeting planners will have to seek new ways to compensate for the cuts, according to Lamagna. The irony is that commissions are sent to planners from the money a group pays for a booking; in other words, the money isn’t exactly even coming out of a hotel owner’s pocket.\r\n\r\n“The financial shortfall will have to be absorbed and new revenue streams created,” she said. “Having to pass costs along to clients forces planners to have difficult conversations for a situation they did not create. The hotels not only took money from our pockets, they saddled the negative pushback from the decision onto planners. That’s unforgivable.”\r\n\r\nLamagna went even further: The money “saved” by Marriott and Hilton’s commission cuts will force some planners to go out of business and create shortfalls for others.\r\n\r\nNot all planners are created equal; a variety of intermediaries like sourcing groups has led to a glut of groups that take a commission on a sale while providing limited value to clients. There’s also the matter of the fees and marketing dollars individual hotels send to companies like Cvent to have their meeting spaces listed more prominently.\r\n\r\nGavel believes other hotel companies will sit back and see how things play out and follow Marriott and Hilton if those companies survive an agent backlash, “which they appear to be doing.”\r\n\r\nBut Lamagna thinks it’s a certainty that others will follow.\r\n\r\n“I have no doubt that other major chains will follow suit,” she said. “Those who don’t should be applauded.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Meeting Planners and Travel Agents Prepare for a Reinvention Amid Hotel Commission Cuts','','inherit','closed','closed','','10991-revision-v1','','','2018-04-18 20:22:39','2018-04-18 20:22:39','',10991,'https://strategic.events/10991-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10993,3,'2018-04-18 21:26:40','2018-04-18 21:26:40','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519228094955{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>SME\'s Social Media Channels</h1>\r\n<h2><strong>Check out the feeds below and connect with us!</strong></h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8063\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2475.new-instagram-text-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"104\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511994101680{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_instagram instagram_id=2012979101 pics_count=10 type=user width=100 height=1100px profile_wrap=yes popup=no profile_photo=no profile_stats=yes profile_name=yes profile_description=no super_gallery=yes columns=2 force_columns=no space_between_photos=1 icon_size=65px hide_date_likes_comments=no loadmore=autoscroll loadmore_count=5 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8065\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tech-facebook-1024x202.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"79\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"30\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511993345476{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_facebook type=page id=104662352967791 posts=4 title=yes title_align=left description=no show_media=bottom show_thumbnail=no show_date=no show_name=no words=100 popup=yes grid=yes posts_displayed=page_only image_stack_animation=no colmn_width=250px space_between_posts=5px show_follow_btn_where=below_title like_option_align=left like_box_width=500px hide_like_option=no hide_comments_popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8091\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/7194920_orig.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"85\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"5\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517847414872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_twitter twitter_name=SME_Events tweets_count=5 twitter_height=500px cover_photo=yes stats_bar=yes show_retweets=yes show_replies=no grid=yes popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_count=1 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px colmn_width=250 space_between_posts=5][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8093\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pinterest_logo_red.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"86\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517952534267{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_pinterest type=single_board_pins pinterest_name=strategicmeetingsevents board_id=event-planning-resources pins_count=14][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8098\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"89\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1515445885931{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_youtube vid_count=16 large_vid=yes large_vid_title=no large_vid_description=no thumbs_play_in_iframe=popup vids_in_row=2 omit_first_thumbnail=yes space_between_videos=0px force_columns=no maxres_thumbnail_images=yes thumbs_wrap_color=#1d1848 wrap=left video_wrap_display=2 comments_count=0 channel_id=UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','SME\'s Social Media Channels - Connect With Us!','','inherit','closed','closed','','8041-revision-v1','','','2018-04-18 21:26:40','2018-04-18 21:26:40','',8041,'https://strategic.events/8041-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),