The holidays are over and the budgets are in!

As you plan for your first meeting in the calendar year, or early spring, you may be considering the who, what, where, and why of your next meeting or event. Keep in mind, this isn't 'party planning' . . it's meeting planning .. a vast difference.

Here is a quick list of a few important questions that you otherwise wouldn't normally think about that should be addressed when planning for your big corporate event;

WHY is it important to have this meeting? Team building, sales kick-off, new initiative or product launch, party/social gathering, retreat, reorganization of company, fundraiser, other. Is it the same yearly meeting or something new?

WHAT is your history? Have you planned the program before, if so; what are your findings? Can they be used for your advantage for new or current programs?

WHERE are you planning to host your program? City, resort, rural or airport property? This is good to know as it helps with your theme development and costs. If overseas, are there additional expenses to consider? Will the venue selected send the right message for your program and what you want to achieve?

WHAT other groups, if any, are "in-house" at your hotel/venue? You might be able to 'piggy back' on these other services for various needs. Hotel kitchens appreciate when they can make the same meals and provide a discount at times.So as not to experience feelings of unawkwardness, find out what groups are also on property - You might inquire if there's a honky-tonk convention next to you accounting firm!!

WHAT construction is going in and around the hotel/venue? This detail is often overlooked. Inquire about access, and possible limitations, to and from their property. Noise and construction can huge problem especially if it happens during your CEO's speech!

WHAT are your attendee's expectations? What do you want to achieve? Another question to ask as you want to exceed your goals and expectations of your guest's and your previous programs.

WHAT time are you contracted for meeting room/ballroom space? Hotel's would like to resell your ballroom space when unused, so you need to ensure you have the space confirmed for when you need it. You don't want to walk into your ballroom where you have been all day to look for something at 6 PM, and find a wedding party there!!

Back in June, PPG received a call to help plan an international retreat for a large law firm for the fall of 2005. Although we have assisted other law firms before, this firm needed assistance in planning something a little off the beaten path as they have had the "same old, same old" but still wanted to do something different as their attendee's were flying in worldwide and announcing a new merger.

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The Krisam Group:

Headquartered in Washington, DC, with nine regional offices, and also overseas, The Krisam Group offers personalized service for your event needs. Over the course of more than 30 years they've developed long lasting relationships with special hotels and resorts, and have become a trusted advocate for their customers, who've turned to them again and again for their meeting and event needs.

To learn more about Krisam, visit their website: www.krisam.com

Need Assistance Planning Your Upcoming Meeting, Conference or Event?

Sales Team Meeting? Corporate Retreat? Corporate Golf Outing?
(Medical/Corporate/Government/
Association/Legal)

To "Unleash Your Meeting's Potential. . . " please visit: www.professionalplannergroup.com
for more information.

NEXT ISSUE:

• Put some "spring" into your step in your next meeting!
• Company Retreats: Are they worth it
• Golf Outings
• And More!