The NAV CENTRE will be at the IncentiveWorks Tradeshow in August. This show is Canada’s Meeting and Events Show. Meeting planners who will be at the show in Toronto on August 22nd and 23rd should stop by booth #2032 to discover more about the largest hotel and conference centre in Eastern Ontario. To take a virtual tour, check out this video.
Sodexo Conferencing Blog
Sustainability at San Ramon Valley
We believe that meetings should be a combination of first-class facilities with a focus on sustainability. The way we accomplish this mission is with a focus on being environmentally friendly at our Sodexo Conferencing properties. For instance, San Ramon Valley Conference Center in California focuses on implementing measures to reduce the carbon footprint of meeting attendees. Here are a few ways they accomplish this goal:
- Vendors who focus on sustainable and organic food and beverage options are utilized for meals.
- Recycling containers are located throughout the property.
- Energy efficient lighting is featured throughout the conference center to reduce wasted energy.
- Reusable dining ware is used within the dining room and catered events.
These are just a few ways that San Ramon Valley meets the Sodexo Conferencing goal of focusing on sustainability. For more information on the sustainable practices of a Sodexo Conferencing property near you, visit the Properties page.
4 Podcasts for Meeting Planners
If you are an event planner or looking to gain knowledge on the meeting planner industry, consider listening to relevant podcasts. Podcasts are a great way to expand your expertise and skill set. Here are a few podcasts that you may enjoy listening to on the subject matter:
#EventIcons
Ever wonder how industry experts are successful in meeting planning? #EventIcons is a great podcast to hear from industry experts and learn their best how-to tips. From diversity to social engagement, this podcast will stretch your knowledge of the industry.
PlannersPod
If you are an international event planner, this is the podcast for you. The information covered in this podcast ranges from corporate parties to sporting events.
Meetings Podcast
Meetings Podcast by Mike McAllen is a great podcast to stay on top of trends and news of the industry. The podcast includes interviews and conversations regarding the state of the industry.
Strategic Meeting Tech Podcast
This is considered a “must listen to” podcast if you are looking to stay up-to-date on technology for meetings. The podcast covers meeting design, AV and other technical needs for events.
Do you have any other podcasts that you would include in this list as a “must listen to” for event planners?
Relaxation Meeting Tips
While meetings should be filled with productive content and
discussions, consider sprinkling in time for relaxation. This will break up the
meetings formality and foster team building. To infuse relaxation into your
event, choose a location that has built-in amenities for moments of zen and
connectivity.
For example: San Ramon Valley has basketball courts and hiking trails on
property to encourage physical activity. Pickwick Gardens is attached to an
indoor ice skating rink and a bowling alley which can be used for team building
activities.
Check out our properties page to find a venue near you that offers onsite
amenities for relaxation during your meeting agenda.
Planning for Fall Meetings
We are half way through the summer months and our venues are in the midst of booking Fall meetings. Here are a few tips to consider when planning your meeting for September through December.
Consider Dates
Pull out physical calendar to discover what dates will result in low
attendance. Important dates to consider include Labor Day, Columbus Day,
Thanksgiving, local voting dates, and December holidays. These dates need to be
avoided as people take vacation dates and observe holidays frequently during
the fall months. Also pull out your local calendar for school holidays, fall
breaks, or early release dates that will result in parents needing additional
time off.
Technology for Check In
Make the ease of check in for your events flawless with the addition of
electronic tablets. You can check people in as well as take payment for walk
ups of your meeting. Our Sodexo properties feature wifi so make sure you grab
the login code to stay connected.
Stay on track
For round table discussions, help facilitate keeping the meeting on track.
Ensure the discussion points accomplish the events agenda and do not stray too
far from the subject at hand. Staying on topic will ensure attendees remain
engaged with the content and ultimately