by levi_hb | Nov 9, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
People who plan meetings, such as the VP of Marketing or the VP of Sales, have to do a lot of research prior to securing a venue or adding a venue to their preferred vendor list. Probably one of the first steps in this decision is the site inspection.
The site inspection involves an actual visit to determine the level of service and expectation a venue will be able to provide and if it will be able to accommodate their conference. They will visit the sleeping rooms, the meeting rooms, the common areas and the food and beverage services available. In fact, so many aspects of investigation come into play that we have found a site inspection check list is the best way to conduct such an investigation.
We invite you to use the form below to walk you through the various steps of inspection to ensure you walk away with more than enough information to have on hand for later reference. Remember that several months may pass before you have the opportunity to utilize that particular venue, so keeping meticulous notes on file is essential for selecting the right venue when that time comes.
Click here to view and download the Site Inspection Checklist, courtesy of AMI.
by levi_hb | Nov 3, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
AMI successfully completed an Advisory Board meeting in the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain.
Our certified project managers coordinated 2 different core groups that came in over a period of 3 days to prompt discussions among the advisors and gather feedback regarding EU policies as they related to prescriptions. In addition, each advisor spoke on each of their individual countries policies.
The meetings format included 2 sets of attendees over a 3 days period, had on-site meals and provided multiple travel and transportation accommodations. The attendees came from throughout the EU, and Madrid provided ease of access for everyone travelling to the meeting.
The venue we selected was The Historic Hotel Ritz Madrid, which is located in the central part of the city, is close to parks, museums, shopping and restaurants and is a great place to host an event. If you see Madrid on your radar for future meetings and would like assistance in planning your event, contact American Meetings, Inc. at bd@americanmeetings.com or call toll free 866-337-7799.
by levi_hb | Nov 2, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
Free-standing banners are portable, affordable and effective signage for meetings and events.
Use banner stands for directionals, branding, agendas, announcements, and much more. There are multiple uses that allow you to recycle the hardware, slso making them an economical way to dress up your next tradeshow, conference or meeting.
Find banners and more at BrandIt
by levi_hb | Oct 28, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
New revisions to the Americans With Disabilities Act went into effect in March of 2011. Andy McNeill, Principle and CEO at American Meetings, Inc (AMI) reminds corporations and the meeting planning community that it is up to the planner to be aware of these changes in ADA regulation as well as confirm that your hotel or venue is in compliance.
It is also important to look beyond the obvious and expand the awarenes beyond service animals and wheelchair accessibility. It’s important to remember that the disability may not be limited to the physically impaired.
“… it’s up to the planner, prior to the program, to be aware of the changes in regulation as well. It’s not just compliance, it’s customer service.”
-Andy McNeill, CEO / American Meetings, Inc.
Follow this link to see the full article in Convene Magazine
Posted with permission of Convene, the magazine of the Professional Convention Management Association, (c) 2011, www.pcma.org.
by levi_hb | Oct 19, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
People who organize meetings & events must wear many hats and while some activities may become almost instinctual, it’s always smart to have a checklist and share this list with team members. Your meeting is only as successful as the preparation of your onsite team and the hotel staff.
Assurances such as suppressing room rates, procedure for hotel staff when gratuity is offered, accommodations for early arrivals and late check out, who are the VIPs …these are just a few things should be covered methodically. CLICK HERE
and use our pre-conference checklist to give you the confidence that all bases are covered from the Registration Desk to Banquets & Catering to Audio Visual.
This and other valuable meeting tools are available through AMI and MeetingSoft.
For more information visit www.meetingsoft.com or contact bd@americanmeetings.com.
by levi_hb | Oct 16, 2011 | Meeting content and planning
The IMEX Conference has come to America and took place at the Sands Expo Convention Center at the Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas from October 11 – 13 2011.
This conference caters to the many levels of worldwide incentive travel, meetings and events.
American Meetings, Inc (AMI) attended and met with over 10 national hotel chains, 6 cruise lines and multiple European Destination management companies to gather the latest and greatest in travel destinations and locations ideas for clients.
“IMEX was a great opportunity for AMI to find the latest offerings for our clients for 2012 meetings and destinations. We came out of there with some fantastic options for our clients. It’s a resourceful and recommended event in our industry.“said AMI President and Founder Andy McNeill.
The already established IMEX Frankfurt, going on its 10th year in 2012, also took place earlier this year hosting almost 4,000 buyers from over 60 countries as well as established European destination buyers.
The IMEX America in Las Vegas offers the same for the North American and international meetings markets that IMEX Frankfurt has delivered over the years, bringing related industries together and leveraging valuable partnerships.
With the success of these two events, it is great to see that the meetings, events and incentive travel industry is healthy and showing innovation and growth!
IMEX America offers complimentary entry for industry professionals in the meetings, incentive travel, conferences and events industry allowing you to network and conduct business with destinations & suppliers from the US and around the world. An excellent opportunity to deliver better incentive travel options to your clients.
For more information on incentive travel and meeting planning, contact AMI at bd@americanmeetings.com
