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 22^nd and 23^rd 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. 

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.

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?

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.

 

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

The Rotary Club 7570 held their meeting at The Millennium Centre in Tennessee. This meeting honored the District Governor Elect- Richard Ray.

The Conference Center at Waltham Woods hosted the 17th Annual Educational Exchange. The key takeaways from the conference consisted of financial tips for retirement and investing. The day kicked off with the CEO giving a warm welcome followed by breakout sessions throughout the Conference Center. Thank you to Sentinel Benefits & Financial Group for hosting your event at a Sodexo Conferencing property.

Check out the event spotlight from this week at Chase Center on the Riverfront. The Conference Center was used for the Bisnow State of the Market event. The event consisted of panel discussions as well as networking opportunities for attendees.

How are you evaluating the meetings that you host? Create a short survey for attendees to complete that incorporate the following elements.

Ask open ended questions

Leave room for attendees to express their highs and lows of your event. Asking them their favorite take away from their favorite speaker not only allows you to know the content that they value, but also which speakers were worth the investment. If there are common answers among attendees, consider having a workshop that focuses just on the key take away that was given. This will help you identify learning objectives that attendees hope to gain while at your meeting.

Use a consistent scale

Have attendees rate items on a scale of 1-5. Limit the questions and categories so that the survey can be answered quickly before departing the meeting.

Offer online surveys

As a follow up after the conference, send the survey as an electronic link so that attendees can answer the survey when they return to their offices. You can also offer an incentive such as a chance to win a gift card, so that there is an increased likelihood of them filling out the survey.

Best of luck as you gather your survey results.

I booked my meeting- now what?

Congratulations on booking your meeting at a Sodexo Conferencing venue. The staff at each of our locations are meeting specialist and will work with you to ensure an easy process before, during, and after your event. You will be able to seek advice from our professional team to set up your Day Meeting Package which will include food, beverage, meeting space, technology, and ergonomic chairs. You can worry about the attendee list and schedule of events and we will take care of the rest. Haven't booked your venue or looking for the contact information for the meeting location near you? Check out the Properties page. Our highly qualified staff looks forward to working with your event team.