Philip Smith - Meetings.Health

How Corporate Event Planners are Transitioning into Hybrid Meetings

by Philip Smith | Apr 22, 2021 | Hybrid Meetings

Restrictions on travel and in-person meetings are lifting, but uncertainty still exists for the event industry. For much of 2020, and even in 2021, corporate meeting planners had to quickly pivot to virtual meeting platforms, if not cancel long-planned events. Hybrid meetings will likely bring large gatherings back into the public space and may become the new normal for the corporate meetings industry.

Thankfully, this last year has helped shorten the learning curve, improve the technology, and built a foundation for best practices in the virtual and hybrid meeting arena. Virtual and hybrid events will continue to be elevated in their capabilities and acceptance.

Finding Solutions

Event planners will need to rely on their never-ending resourcefulness and creativity, just as always, just in the new meeting normal. This means that understanding live, virtual and hybrid events is more critical than ever. Understanding the benefits of each event type to best match client needs is vital. From there, using the right tools becomes the foundation of the event.

In live events, this could look like having the right team and venue. In virtual and hybrid events, it is critical to have an effective digital platform. For example, Zoom, one of many AMI partners, offers meetings for under 1,000 participants and webinars for up to 50,000. They also integrate with marketing softwares like Hubspot, payment portals like PayPal, and even transcription services.

Being Creative and Engaging

Don’t shy away from virtual tradeshows, keynotes, live entertainment, or town-hall-style panels. Technology and production teams are dedicated to hosting nearly anything virtually or through combined live and virtual hybrid presentations.

Regardless of the type of event, creativity and a focus on participant engagement help the event be successful. Understanding the target audience, using good pacing and/or layout, an engaging master of ceremonies, event swag, and opportunities to connect are all part of this engagement piece.

(Read this interview with AMI Partner Jason Alpert on why and how to hire a master of ceremonies for virtual events.)

Promoting Wider

One benefit of virtual and hybrid events is the ability to market and promote them outside a specific location while not requiring participant (or speaker) travel. Utilize QR codes to drive those engaging with tangible marketing materials online for information and registration.

Seamlessly connect registration and attendance for security and valuable data gathering, such as surveys, polls, and feedback forms.

Event planners, if you need support in building your hybrid production skills and teams to better prepare for virtual and hybrid events, AMI can help. Contact us today for more information.

American Meetings Network Prime Supplier Spotlight: Tempe Tourism Office

by Philip Smith | Apr 22, 2021 | The American Meetings Network

Toni Smith (Director of Communications) and James Tevault (Director of Sales) of the Tempe Tourism Office recently spoke with AMI about becoming Prime Supplier Members of The American Meetings Network.

AMI: What are some of the challenges you are facing in the “New Normal”?

James: For us, it’s not so much a challenge but rather our choice to be forward-thinking and proactive. We want to help others in the meeting industries and build strong relationships. We know that business is going to look different going forward, and we want and need partners. Joining The American Meetings Network creates an opportunity for us to develop relationships we can build on.

Toni: The Prime Supplier Membership also provided us with an opportunity to educate more meeting and event planners on the value of Tempe – especially when they are already looking at the Greater Phoenix area. We often hear, “We had no idea” when we tell planners about Tempe, and we are looking to change that.

Toni: The Prime Supplier Membership also provided us with an opportunity to educate more meeting and event planners on the value of Tempe – especially when they are already looking at the Greater Phoenix area. We often hear, “We had no idea” when I tell planners about Tempe, and we are looking to change that.

“You can try to be everywhere – to have your name everywhere – but if you don’t have time to follow up and build those quality relationships, you are just wasting money.”

– James Tevault, Director of Sales, Tempe Tourism Office

AMI: What’s the one main thing Tempe Tourism Office is looking to gain from joining The American Meetings Network?

James: We are really interested in reaching more of the group market. Our sweet spot is corporate, association, and sports-related meetings in the small to mid-size. This network will give our sales team more opportunities to build prospects and relationships.

AMI is committed to helping our Network of trusted Prime Supplier Members to help drive revenue, especially as the face of the events industry continues to change in these times. To learn how your company fits into AMI’s innovative MICE Supplier Procurement strategy, please join Paul Steinmetz, Director of The American Meetings Network, Wednesdays at 10:00 AM ET, for a live webinar.

The American Meetings Network combines a robust meeting planner directory, strategic 1:1 matchmaker conference(s), and early RFP access to successfully drive revenue for your business. Join us to discover how American Meetings Network is uniquely positioned to be your partner on the road to recovery by signing up using the link below.

Palm Beach: LPGA Golf Meets the Iconic History of The Breakers Resort

by Philip Smith | Apr 19, 2021 | Podcasts

Michelle McGann, professional golfer and Palm Beach local, shares her favorite golf courses and places to shop. Plus, we sit down with The Breakers’ Senior Vice President of Sales, Jim Mostad, who breaks down the hotel’s greatest offers and amenities, which led to Palm Beach becoming America’s first resort destination. As in all of our destination discoveries, we talk about local flare, popular sites to visit, and the unique activities to make your next meeting or event the best ever. As America’s first resort destination, Palm Beach is truly a sight to behold and a place full of exciting things to do with your meeting or travel partners.

Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings Inc. From sourcing hotels in Palm Beach to corporate event management in Palm Beach, their team sources corporate event venues and have a team of corporate meeting planners in Palm Beach for their clients. They provide ideas for convention themes and how to run global meetings and events in Palm Beach and around the world. For more information go to www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Watch the episode here:

Turning pro at the young age of 18, Michelle has played in almost 40 tournaments in her first year alone. Her career brought her around the world and allowed her to play with the most prominent people, from George W. Bush to Michael Jordan.

Palm Beach is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses out there. For Michelle, the course at Seminole is somewhat challenging, but The Bear’s Club offers the true challenge. She also frequents the Old Palm, a club that she represents, and the Jupiter Hills Club, which is one of her favorites situated on the side of a mountain.

Michelle was diagnosed with diabetes when she was young. Her challenging life fighting this disease inspired her to start the Michelle McGann Fund, which brings diabetic children to camp to educate them and help build their self-confidence.

Michelle’s Favorite Food Places

Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill
River House
The Barcelo Aruba
Limoncello Ristorante
Russo’s Submarine Sandwich Shop
C.R. Chicks

Rapid Fire Questions With Michelle

Have you ever completed anything on your bucket list? My entire life is a bucket list, and I’ve ticked so many boxes off.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Ireland, because of its greenery that you see in pictures, magazines, and books.
When packing for a trip what is something you bring that might surprise people? A soft pillow and several pillowcases so I can switch them out.
What is your most memorable experience in Palm Beach? As a local, I’m just grateful to live in such a great community and blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family.

Andy and Todd’s Top 10 Bucket List

Walking down Worth Avenue Drive
Chartering JFK’s Presidential Yacht
Visiting Peanut Island
Enjoying the five-day SunFest event
Immersing into the polo community in West Palm between January and April
Attending the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival every December
Seeing the annual Honda Classic PGA Tour
Taking part in the Spa Wellness Month during the whole month of October
Joining a baseball spring training
Going to the Whitehall at the Flagler Museum

Jim Mostad, Senior Vice President – Sales at The Breakers

Dubbed as the crown jewel of Palm Beach, The Breakers Hotel is an iconic place and an admirable resort destination in Florida. Founded in 1896 by Henry Flagler, it withstood the test of time and is still owned by his direct descendants. Its current Senior Vice President – Sales, Jim Mostad, has experienced working in conferences services before getting his current position.

The Breakers’ Most Desirable Amenities

A dozen of exciting restaurants
140-acre golf course
Tremendous tennis complex

Jim also highlights the hotel’s signature experience: bungalows. Unlike some destinations were renting one means only getting a pop-up tent, The Breakers ups the game by offering an entire facility. It includes restrooms, an air conditioning unit, and a television. Concierge services, dining options, and recreational activities are all available in the bungalow.

The Breakers is also not short of flavorful cuisine. Jim highly recommends dining at the Seafood Bar and Adam D. Tihany. To make the trip to Palm Beach a bit more memorable, he also recommends visiting when annual events are taking place, particularly the Concours d’Elegance and Cavallino Classic.

Jim’s Top 3 Favorite Things To Do In The Breakers

Riding a bicycle along the Palm Beach bike trail
Renting a bungalow for a day
Visiting the Flagler Museum

About Jim Mostad

Jim has spent 36 years at The Breakers in various Sales and Conference Services positions. Current responsibilities include overseeing group, social, event sales and conference services.

Nearly a long long resident of Florida, and hobbies include golf and fishing!

About Michelle McGann

DE 31 | Palm Beach Michelle first stepped on the golf course when she was only 7 years old, having special “alone” time with her dad and learning how powerful she could feel from the perfect swing. At age 13 she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but through diet, monitoring and proper medications, her diabetes has proved to be just another challenge in the game.

The sport has kept her traveling as a 3-time Florida State Junior Champion, the 1987 USGA Junior Girls Champion, AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year, 1987 Rolex Junior First-Team All-American, and the 1988 Doherty Cup Championship. She was also recognized by GOLF Magazine and GOLF Digest as Amateur of the Year in 1987. At age 18, Michelle decided to skip college and give the LPGA tour a go, making it on her first attempt!

Since joining the LPGA Tour, she has won 8 professional tournaments and participated in two (2) Solheim Cups. She has been fortunate to play golf with Presidents, captains of industry, and some of the greatest sportsmen and women in history.

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How the Pandemic Changed Live Events for the Better

by Philip Smith | Apr 15, 2021 | Meetings Industry

As the Founder and CEO of American Meetings, Inc. (or AMI,) Andy McNeill was invited to speak on the Destination Marketing Podcast. Overall, this podcast supports tourism marketers in staying up to date on industry trends, technologies, and strategies to be the most effective they can be despite being typically understaffed and overworked.

Involved closely with the events and meetings industry for over 30 years, Andy has successfully navigated industry fluxes through the September 11th terrorist attacks, subsequent recession, and the recent 2020-2021 Covid-19 pandemic. His company, AMI, focuses on large corporate events across 60 countries worldwide and will be celebrating 20 years in business in January 2022.

In this Destination Marketing Podcast episode, Andy shares why hybrid events are so attractive in the face of recent pandemic and work-from-home challenges, and how we can leverage these changes to grow. There is nothing better than face-to-face meetings in beautiful destinations, but hybrid events make sense, and they aren’t going away.

“We just went through a global pandemic and some people are just not wanting to get on an airplane. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a great event; it just means we may want to plan on offering it virtually (as well).”

–Andy McNeill, AMI Founder

Check out the podcast for tips on how to incorporate virtual elements into live events and why. And hear how one corporation got creative to build value and connection with a multi-location event.

7 Most Popular Group Activities In Europe

by Philip Smith | Apr 12, 2021 | Podcasts

If you want to spice up your travels to Europe and go beyond the usual sight-seeing, joining group activities is something you should include in your list. Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth revisit their past trips to Europe and list down seven of the most popular and must-try activities within the major cities that any group will certainly find exciting and unique. They even talk about different things you may have never even heard before, from going on long walks deep in the catacombs and attending pasta-making lessons, to having dinner atop the Reichstag building.

Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings Inc. From sourcing hotels in Europe to corporate event management in Europe, their team sources corporate event venues and have a team of corporate meeting planners in Europe for their clients. They provide ideas for convention themes and how to run global meetings and events in Europe and around the world. For more information go to www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

Watch the episode here:

7 Most Popular Group Activities In Europe

Aiming to make team buildings even more memorable, meaningful, fun, and exciting, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth share seven of the most popular group activities in Europe today, because without these things, a deeper connection with one another cannot be achieved that easily. In fact, these things are not only suited for large group trips but also a family outing. First on the list is having an afternoon team in London, England. As one of the biggest parts of the British tradition, joining such an intimate gathering is truly life-changing. For those who want to make this a bit more exciting and veer away from the traditional style, afternoon tea can also be enjoyed a top of a double-decker bus. Other excellent activities to try in London, England:

Attending a British bake-off competition
Signing up for a group class at the city academy

Next on the list is an underground trip to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. Discovering the catacombs hidden beneath the beautiful city of Rome requires about half a day to be accomplished, and that’s why getting a private guided tour is important for you not to get lost. Sure, this may be a bit scary, but think of it as an empowering activity that will help energize your team. Other excellent activities to try in Rome, Italy:

Joining a pasta-making class
Full immersion to the Italian cuisine

Another exciting group activity is in Madrid, Spain – cooking classes. Here, you can learn how to cook Paella, a traditional rice dish in the country. Furthermore, you can also find out how to put your own spin on cooking Paella, which is useful if anyone in your group has certain dietary restrictions. Other excellent activities to try in Madrid, Spain:

A walk in the central park
Watching a Real Madrid game
Attending flamingo dancing workshops

In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, one of the must-try activities for any group is going on an evening canal tour. This focuses mainly on relaxation, deep connection, and sight-seeing. With their canal system recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, traveling on water is such a loving experience that will let you see the beauty of the city without having to deal with the crowded streets. Other excellent activities to try in Amsterdam, the Netherlands:

Going on a food trip to stay warm
Riding bikes around the city

When visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, take note of the historic Mariinsky Theater. Erected in 1860, it’s one of the most famous music theaters of the late 19th century in Russia. What makes the shows here even more special is this is where you can actually buy tickets for a ballet performance. Moving on to Berlin, Germany, one can find the Reichstag Building, which houses the country’s parliament and the seat of the Republic Government until its downfall in 1933 due to Nazi rule. A place rich in history indeed, but it holds one secret. On top of the building is a place reserved for those who want to dine in one of Germany’s most important buildings. But of course, private guided tours about various exhibitions and architecture are always available in the building. Finally, Andy and Todd’s recommendation for the best group activity in Europe today is visiting the kilometer-long quarry underneath the streets of Paris. Because of its sheer size, many people get lost within the catacombs. Though this activity may bit a bit bothering or shocking, getting deep into this activity and seeing the skeletal remains can be a form of self-awareness.

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