Nov 29, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
BizBash Magazine conducts a yearly evaluation of the best and most creative uses of technology for the year. Below are some of the ideas they thought to be the best and will certainly be used by the event meeting services industry in 2011 and beyond.Wireless Handheld Devices Instead of paper bid sheets, attendees of the 2010 Leukemia Ball and the William & Mary D.C. Alumni Association Auction received an Apple iPod (which can be rented) pre-loaded with every auction item including descriptio...

Nov 26, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
So you have the responsibility to put together the company holiday or year-end party. Below are some things you may wish to consider as you go about planning this festive event.First, look at last year’s numbers. How many people came to the holiday event? How much money did you spend on food, beverage, entertainment, audio visual, and location? If it is all broken down, great! Plan accordingly and get the budget approved prior to planning the event.Second, what can be improved from last ye...

Nov 24, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
F r o m a l l t h e S t a f f a t & n b s p ; & n b s p ; & n b s p ; & n b s p ; W e w a n t t o T H A N K Y O U f o r y o u r b u s i n e s s a n d w i s h y o u a v e r y H a p p y a n d S a f e T h a n k s g i v i n g H o l i d a y !

Nov 22, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
The Tablet PC is finally taking off after many years being dormant within the event meeting services industry.    When Apple kicked off the portability craze in January by unveiling the iPad, it racked up a lot of buzz and event planners around the country are starting to utilize this technology.Which one should you use for your next event? A Tablet PC is a computer in form of a notebook except it allows the user to write on it through the use of a stylus or&...

Nov 19, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
iPad Technology: Will It Work For Events? The short answer is yes! But I can see you need to be convinced…so below are eight great reasons you may want to rent iPads for your next event:The iPad has a large screen allowing for bigger fonts which equates into easier readability for all types of attendees.  This means conference guide and exhibitor guides can be on the iPad, making the event paperless. Rent iPads and the Agendas, Calendars, and One-to-One Appointments are all in o...

Nov 17, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
Innovative digital signage solutions are available on touch screen computer kiosks, which incorporate a screen and computer. They make sense in locations where conference services attendees can benefit from self-service information such as event agendas, city guides, or venue services.These kiosks are versatile in that they can be added with many options which enable them to fulfill more them one role. Examples of optional extras are:·       &n...

Nov 15, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
Audience participation has come a long way in today’s high-tech environment. Attendees can now participate in sessions real-time from their seats, using an iPad, laptop, or wireless audience response system to provide feedback to an event meeting services organization and the presenter.During a session using wireless audience response systems, small or large groups gather for a presentation projected onto a large screen. Each attendee is given a wireless unit and the survey facilitator ask...

Nov 12, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
When considering interactive technology tool rentals, you need to think about how you might use them at your meeting or event. Lets explore four of these technologies: computer kiosk, wireless audience response system, iPad, and Tablet PC.Computer Kiosk Computer kiosks function just like a PC and feature an intuitive touchscreen interface. These units are extremely popular at trade shows, association meetings, and product launching events. Some of the applications they are used for are...

Nov 10, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
MISTAKE #1: Making the decision solely on priceThis is one of the biggest mistakes with renting audio visual equipment. There is nothing wrong with bidding out your suppliers and, considering the economy, it is certainly understandable to go for low price. AV companies will work hard to earn your business, but if you make it clear that the lowest price company will win, unfortunately many suppliers will do whatever they can to get you to sign on the dotted line. Once they have the contract, they...

Nov 08, 2010 by DeDe Mulligan
What is the difference between a business and personal event? Plenty! I will focus on three different type of events and how they differ from multiple prospectives including focus, planning time, and budgeting.Let's think about a wedding. Probably the largest segment of the event meeting services market and they are practically recession proof. People continue to get married even in tough times. However, the focus of the wedding are the BRIDE and GROOM, FOOD, and ENTERTAINMENT.Next, le...