Are you measuring, communicating and leveraging the economic impact of your meetings and events? Economic impact offers a complete picture of the total revenue generated by your event, from lodging revenue to food and beverage expenditures to state and local tax revenue. Having comprehensive economic impact data is critical to communicate the value of your…
Meetings and events can be major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions can stem from transportation, energy use, food choices and materials. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce emissions and shrink your eventʼs carbon footprint. Follow this simple roadmap to get started: Step 1: Identify the likely emissions resulting from your event. The…
Have you ever traveled for work or to a conference and left the city not having seen beyond the meeting room walls? For your next event, consider organizing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity. Local volunteer activities are a great way to get attendees immersed in the meeting location, building relationships and making a positive…
Have you heard about the European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? Whether you are a buyer or supplier, you should immediately start asking within your organization how the new GDPR will impact your existing and future travel as well as meetings supplier agreements. The new regulations will affect almost every country in the…
From augmented reality to 3-D printing to wearable devices, new and innovative technologies will continue to have a transformational impact on the events of the near- and mid-future, which is why it’s more important than ever to find strategic ways to weave technology solutions into the fabric of our meetings. But with so many event-based…
Finding the ideal location for your meeting is more than half the battle. The right choice can ensure that the rest of the planning process is a breeze. Before you declare your search complete, check out these tips from our Alexandria team of destination experts. By the time you finish reading, you’ll not only understand…
Planning an LGBT-friendly meeting or event isn’t just good practice, it’s good business. The LGBT market has major spending power when it comes to meetings, events and travel. Due diligence and inclusive marketing can not only make your attendees feel happy and safe, but also bring an ROI to your meeting or event. Visit Alexandria…
If you’re not on LinkedIn, you should be. Who you know and people’s perceptions of you can make or break you in the meeting planning business. LinkedIn allows you to discover, connect and nurture relationships with the people that matter—prospective clients. Then, when it’s time for them to hire a meeting planner or book a…
As planners, we accept the privilege and responsibility to exceed our client’s or company’s expectations. To achieve the goal of an exceptional event experience there are many critical elements to consider even before the production phase begins. Follow the suggestions below from AJ Bownas, CMP, CGMP, CSI DMC director of event management, and Chana Brisset,…
Social media is everywhere, and the world’s heavy use of it could equal a major revenue source for your next conference or event. Here’s how to make social media work for you, according to Alex Plaxen, president and founder of Little Bird Told Media and host of a recent Visit Alexandria webinar entitled, “#Money: Sponsorship…
