Jul 31, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
Recently I followed a LinkedIn discussion where the following question was asked: "What's your favorite way to use iPads at events?" Three meeting professionals participated in this discussion sharing their real-life use of iPads in this environment. Here is a summary of their commentary as well as more information about each app and the overall benefits of iPad technology.   Jill Mendoza, Meeting Architect at Kinsley uses an iPad for the following:  Note t...

Jul 29, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
Today's meeting budgets often contain audio visual equipment as one of the top expense items. Yet, as I talk to most meeting planners about AV, it is still the least understood budget item. And the truth of the matter is, now more than ever, it is important to forge a long-term relationship with an AV partner as interactive technology tool rentals change and become more integral to a meeting's success.  Here are the four questions to focus on when choosing an AV partner. It isn&...

Jul 26, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
No one wants to talk about it, but sometimes it just cannot be avoided. A disaster strikes your meeting and you need to have a plan because whether you like it or not, you are the "go to" person meeting participants will look to when something goes wrong.  Here are 5 common crisis statements and the technological solutions that can help any meeting planner be better prepared.  I don't have a clue as to what to do if disaster hits my meeting.  The Federa...

Jul 24, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
If you believe that old adage, it takes 20% effort to keep an attendee and 80% to gain a new one, it is in your best interest to keep existing participants coming back. While most planners know this intuitively, many struggle to fill the room and keep attendees returning year-after-year. If you are wondering why attendees are not returning, ask yourself the following question: "Are my attendees challenged, engaged and valued?"  If they are, they will continue to come to y...

Jul 22, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
Recently, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released a study called "Attracting Attendees" where they surveyed 400 participants from 14 industries about their decision-making process for attending a trade show and what influenced them when they were on the floor. From this study, CEIR identified three major myths that most trade show managers and organizers believe to be true. Here is what they found:  Myth #1: Social Media is the major source of informatio...

Jul 19, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
If you are a typical meeting professional, you know how technology can improve your meeting's efficiency, attendees' experience and exhibitors' ROI. However, with all that being said, you are still receiving resistance from management, attendees and exhibitors to change. Perhaps there is a better way to convince them. Below are five innovative ideas to introduce and keep technology in your meeting.  Create a Future Lab.  Rather than force the "latest a...

Jul 17, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
Whether you rent iPads for attendees or rely on the use of their smartphones, most of your event's exposure to the virtual world will be within the social postings at your conference. In a recent blog post, Leo Widricha Co-Founder at Buffer, a social media aggregator company, provided great tips that can help any meeting gain better digital exposure when using Twitter, Facebook and a blogging platform. Here is a synopsis of what he wrote about and my own takeaways as they apply to the me...

Jul 15, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
The term "technology" can be a real misnomer because it represents everything from software to cloud-based computing and everything in between. As you wade through your technology choices, consider these interactive technology tool rentals into your budget and event flow. Here are six sizzling tools that are hot on the horizon:  1) Charging Stations These kiosks are all the rage at conferences and trade shows because 1) attendees are tied to their mobile devices and 2...

Jul 12, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
In Monday's post, I focused on the up and coming audio equipment trends to be on the look out for within the industry. While it is important to continue to look to the future for smaller, smarter and more budget-friendly audio equipment, it is key to make certain whatever equipment you use, it works properly. Recently in BizBash Magazine,  Midori Connolly, an AudioVisual Speaker, Writer and Consultant, shared some great tips and tricks that every meeting planner can use. Her...

Jul 10, 2013 by DeDe Mulligan
BizBash recently identified the top ten brands that are influencing the event industry. While most of these brands you will recognize, it might surprise you how many events they participate in and the need to constantly reinforce their brand name as they continue to find creative ways to engage their audience.    Here is the list: Target Coca-Cola Samsung X-Box Red Bull Dos Equis Nike Univision Ford Warby Parker Today, lets take a close...