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Are Event Planners Accepting Lower Customer Service Standards?

June 7, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

they're at a picnic table depicting bad customer service standards

photo by www.memecenter.com

With technology, event planners have become quite efficient at planning and executing events. But, are we starting to overlook customer service standards? This is a discussion that I plan to continue having with event planners over the several weeks/months.

Customer Service Standards Are Playing Second Fiddle to Technology

When I started out in the hospitality industry, I was fortunate enough to have worked with a maître d’ that put good customer service above everything else. It was the days where “the customer is always right” was front and center. Of course there were also established service standards that played a vital role in the overall operation as well.

But I can’t help notice whenever I’m at a networking event, or a food and beverage function, there seems to be a lack of service standards. It’s not that the service staff aren’t friendly enough. It’s a combination of several little things that add up. How many times have you seen the service staff put their fingers inside of the glasses to remove them from your table? Or, while being served, you’re not sure whether the server is coming from your right or your left and therefore you end up looking like you’re in a game of dodgeball. Yes there are standards that establish from which side you should be served for both food and beverage.

Now a lot of people that I relay this conversation too will say “well, that’s just the type of venue that you’re frequenting”. I wish that were true. However, some of these places have been the four and five star venues that are the talk of the town.

I’m finding that venues, restaurants, etc. are spending a considerable amount of time on the decor, the food, and really good-looking service staff. And I completely understand why that’s very important. But I also feel that some of these well-established venues are overlooking the very basic customer service standards.

And it’s not just the event planning industry. I think this is going to be and all around crisis very soon. The other day I was standing in line at a grocery store. I just happen to be paying attention to the cashier and the customer that was in front of me. What struck me funny (not in the funny ha ha way) was that the cashier never spoke one single word to the customer. When I approached the cashier I couldn’t help but comment. I said to the woman; “do you realize that you just did a complete transaction without speaking one word to that customer”. Well of course the cashier blushed and was completely embarrassed. Which was not the point I was trying to make. I was just simply astonished that this is what is accepted as customer service standards.

See also: Are Event Planning Standards Slipping?

The Disney Corporation Is an Example of an Organization With Excellent Customer Service Standards

I was fortunate enough to have been sent on a Disney management training course early on in my career. There were several takeaways that I learned during that course. One of the things that has stuck with me was how they operated their human resources department. We actually went through the selection and hiring process so we could get a good understanding of a potential employee’s experience with Disney.

Disney’s philosophy towards customer service standards was that you can teach people technology, but you cannot teach people personality. In other words, they would hire front-line employees that didn’t necessarily have the greatest technological skills for operating various equipment. But what they looked for in those front-line employees was whether or not their personality was a match for the image of what Walt Disney represents. And you see it in all of their employees. They do not wait for you to approach them to say hello.

I’ve made a point to employ that philosophy throughout my career whenever I was in a position of hiring front-line employees.

Event planners can be a tough bunch. After all, their very business depends on their own customers being happy with their experience. As we will begin to explore here, it’s vital that event planners, and the hospitality industry as a whole, get back to basics regarding establishing excellent customer service standards.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: customerservice, eventplanning, eventprofs, Walt Disney

US Business Travel on the Up Swing in 2013

June 6, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of Aviation Attorneys

Part of a meeting and event planner’s responsibilities can include the organization and booking of business travel and air transportation. Depending on the kind of meeting or event airline bookings can be arranged for attendees, VIP’s or just a large group of staff. It falls on the planner to secure air transportation and to be sure that whether it is an attendee or staff that everyone gets to the conference, meeting or event by the time they need to be there. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have been on the phone literally begging to get someone on a flight and fast. Some larger planning companies have an inside department that handles all things air, while others partner with an outside travel company responsible to manage all the travel components.

According to information from the Global Business Travel 2013 Forecast, this will be a decent year for booking air travel. With face-to-face meetings on the upswing, besides taxes and fees, prices are predicated to remain the same or only increase ever so slightly.

The Global Business Travel Association’s Outlook on Business Travel

In 2012 business travel spending in the US had become sluggish for various reasons including a questionable economy and politics. However the Global Business Travel Association’s outlook reports that 2013 business travel spending in the US should see a modest increase. Though organizations have been cautious when it comes to spending in the first half of 2013, the GBTA outlook predicts business travel in the US to climb 4.6% in 2013 to $266.7 billion, powered by an increase in international outbound travel and group travel for meetings and events.

It is anticipated that some of the more significant reasons for growth in the business travel arena for 2013 will include an increase in group travel spending expected to advance 5.2%, international travel spending is anticipated to climb 5.9% and a slight increase due to inflation foresees organizations will be spending more actual dollars on business travel.

A Positive Slant on Business Travel

With a better economy and increased buyer confidence it is not surprising that business travel spending is on the rise. And with millions and millions airborne for meetings and conferences it is an understatement to say meeting planners and professionals as well as business travelers will be an important part in the area of business travel growth. And with face-to face meetings and summits, events and experiences and conferences and conventions on the upswing and with business travel continuing to grow in 2013 through to 2021, the value of meetings and business travel will definitely drive spending in a positive way and generate solutions.

Often times business travel spending is a sure sign of positive things to come and is used as a gauge to forecast the economy and its future progress. And with the anticipated growth in meetings and business travel in 2013 all indications show a more positive economy in 2013.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: businesstravel, eventplanning, eventprofs, GBTA, planning, travel

Does Modernizing Matter When it comes to an Event Planning Career?

June 4, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of GTalan

When first starting out with an event planning career, didn’t it seem like there was a mountain of information to learn? I for one remember thinking I will never first be able to learn it all and second remember it all. But as timed passed and luck would have it, I was and did. And now sometimes, just sometimes I feel like I could do my job with my eyes closed and one armed tied behind my back. Recently I decided it’s been a while and it was time to reawaken and update my knowledge and expertise while at the same time try to stay ahead of the industry matters and trends. So I signed myself up for an event planning workshop followed up by a weekend course. And was I surprised at all the information available to update my skills and know-how.

Yes or No to an Event Planning Career Update?

Now don’t get me wrong I of course feel like I know what I’m doing and have all the info in my tool box needed to execute great events. But whether already entrenched in a career or just starting out, one of the most frequent questions I am asked when it comes to an event planning career is “Do I really need to update my event planning education or get more training?” Some do figure why not skip the schooling and get some knowledge and experience by just jumping right into a volunteer, part time or non-paying position or by finding some kind of industry freelance work. Some prefer to jump on board and get the ball rolling right away rather than invest in training and the future.

Whenever asked I am hesitant to encourage event planning courses or training one way or another, and unless I have direct knowledge and experience specifically recommend which one(s) to take. And when it comes to an event planning career and learning and training, it really does depend on the person and the situation. And as I am deep-rooted and established in my career the thought of taking a course never really entered my mind. So instead of offering my opinion one more time, I figured I would actually not just talk the talk but walk the walk and register for an event planning refresher workshop. And while there is not a definite answer, at the same time I was determined to find out the answer to the burning event planner career question “what is more beneficial experience or learning?”

Objectives, Ambitions and Expectations, An Event Planning Career, Oh My!

It really makes no difference whether we’re talking about an event planning career or not, we all come from different paths, jobs and circumstances; from high school to college graduate from intern to experienced, from newbie to well established, and if asking all deserve the best advice possible. Having said that I am definitely a proponent of updating one’s experience and resume but really the answer to that question has everything to do with individual objectives, ambitions and expectations.

If you do think by taking some courses and training workshops and then slapping it on the resume is a sure-fire way to get a job or promotion you will definitely find yourself unhappy and frustrated. But if you do, in fact, look at it as an opportunity to build the nuts and bolts of a career on, are looking to gain experience hoping to take part in an internship, are taking the steps to further expand your education in hopes of advancing a career, are using this as a chance to network and get hands on practice or want to revitalize your skills and abilities; then in my opinion, you are more likely to be a success.

Say YES to an Event Planning Career and Education!

So say yes to furthering your event planning career by injecting it with some education, training and updates. It’s an amazing and hands on opportunity to learn from expert industry professionals. And it provides the chance to enhance our knowledge and experience and re-energize as the event planning marketplace and arena move forward.

Comments from students and experienced event planners alike at a recent event planning workshop confirmed that they were not only satisfied with the actual workshop but were glad they attended. The majority felt it was the perfect opportunity to to meet and network with other industry contacts as well as advance their understanding of the industry, skills and practices. Every industry changes, to stay on top of it all and to be successful, we all have to do whatever it takes.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventplanning, eventprofs, events, meetingprofs, planning

Do Event Management Programs Prepare You for an Event Planning Career?

May 31, 2013 By Plan An Event Guest Comments

We are very excited to have Aryanne Browne, President & CEO of Metamorph Events, guest blog today’s post. Aryanne’s article today is the third in a series of meeting and event planning industry standards.

event management overlaid onto lecture class chairs

photo by www.pharmaceutical-int.com

So you’ve graduated from an event management program with a wealth of knowledge….now what? Expectations of a middle management position with large salary and extensive vacation time? Then reality hits home! There are limited jobs available for entry level positions, with modest salaries and limited vacation time. When reality hits one tends to think back on your education and wonder “What did I get myself into?”

I’ve been there myself and reached out to other graduates to inquire if I was alone in this abysmal feeling.

Previous Related Event Planning Standards Articles:

Are Meeting and Event Planners Happy in Their Jobs?

Are Event Planning Standards Slipping?

Thankfully, I was not, and neither are you! Many graduates leave their studies and feel that they are prepared in theory but not in a practical sense. Is this the fault of our education system? I don’t believe it falls entirely on their shoulders. The system unfortunately is designed this way. Event planning is something that encompasses so many hands-on aspects that a purely theoretical education will never FULLY prepare you for your first, tenth or five hundredth day on the job.

What do I suggest is the solution to ensuring that you graduate with a firm grasp of both theory and practical knowledge of event management?

Give back: Join organizations and associations that are both within the industry and that encompass your personal passions. Make yourself available to volunteer in any capacity at the events held by these groups. Be engaging, interested and present in every role that you are given. You will be noticed and will get coveted networking opportunities.
Exceed expectations: If your program requires a six week internship try to negotiate a three month opportunity. While the grades are important spending more time at the organization will give you a greater chance of seeing projects through to fulfilment.
Speak up: Find someone in the industry whom you admire and reach out. Most individuals are excited to teach someone who is excited to learn about the industry. Ask if you can assist with tasks during the planning and execution of an event. Schedule monthly meetings to ask questions that you may have or to share concepts that you have learned.
Trust yourself: Every opportunity will not fit everyone so be sure to stay true to yourself and choose people, organizations and opportunities that you would be proud to have your name and character attached to.

Using these tips while also incorporating the wealth of knowledge that you received in class will allow you to step into the industry with confidence, the required knowledge and the applied ability.

Aryanne Browne CMP, President & CEO, Metamorph Events

Aryanne knows what makes a great event! Owner of Metamorph Events in Toronto, she brings over 8 years of event planning experience with her. Originally heralding from Trinidad and Tobago she has since lived on two continents and honed her appreciation of event styles and execution. Her attention to detail and organization skills allow her to effortlessly take a client’s wishes and make them a reality. Featured on Rogers TV’s “Genesis of Change” Aryanne lives her company’s motto “Transform your brand through breathtaking events” daily, always willing to accept new challenges her clients praise her ability to make every event a transformative one!

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: careers, Education, event management, eventplanning, eventprofs

Inspirational Quotes to Get You Going!

May 30, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Let’s be honest, every so often it can be extremely hard to just bounce out bed and start the day with the vim and vigor required to succeed. You know those times when we’re feeling out of sorts and lack the enthusiasm and motivation to get going and get it all done. Sometimes all it takes to get us back in the groove equipped to fight the good fight are some encouraging inspirational quotes. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not so naive to think that reading an inspirational quote or two is going to have me bouncing out of bed ready to take on the world. But having said that I have found in some of my craziest times I am able to pull out some gems that help to recharge my engine.

Why Inspirational Quotes Help to Motivate

There are so many different reasons why we read and find insight from inspirational quotes. It really does depend on the situation and person. Whether trying to accomplish a goal, inspire someone, make it through the day or just need that extra push, inspirational quotes are a good way to impart and receive vision, stimulate awareness and provide encouragement. You know those moments when you’re distracted and lack commitment and just need a bit of motivation to inch closer to whatever it is, are the times to grab some inspiration. Just like Charlie Brown says in one of my favorite inspirational quotes “All you need is confidence”.

Talk About Some Great Inspirational Quotes

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
Albert Einstein

“If you’re doing your best, you won’t have time to worry about failure.”
H. Jackson Brown Jr

“The number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep on trying.”
Tom Hopkins

“I think I can, I think I can.”
The Little Engine That Could

“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.”
Brian Tracy

“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.”
Oprah Winfrey

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Michael Jordan

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
T.S. Eliot

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Zig Ziglar

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
Nora Roberts

“Being defeated is only a temporary condition; giving up is what makes it permanent.”
Marilyn vos Savant

“The difference between the ‘impossible’ and the ‘possible’, lies within a man’s determination”
Tommy Lasorda

“Careers, like rockets, don’t always take off on schedule. The key is to keep working the engines.”
Gary Sinise

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”
Stephen King

“Nothing will work unless you do.”
John Wooden

So if you’re dwelling on the negative, trying to get back on track or you just need a little push; don’t under estimate the power of words. There really are a whole slew of amazing inspirational quotes, right at your fingertips whenever you need them. Now hit the comments and let me know what your favorite inspirational quote is.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventprofs, inspiration, inspirational quotes, meetingprofs, motivation, motivational quotes, quotes

Using an Executive Search Company to Find Event Planning Jobs

May 22, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

cartoon of a man holding a job wanted sign in reference to event planning jobs

photo by www.ecenglish.com

If you’ve been searching for those ideal hospitality or event planning jobs, then you probably know firsthand just how frustrating the whole process can be. Even at the best of times, job hunting can be extremely nerve-racking. You spend an awful lot of your time networking hoping that you’ll find that perfect contact.

But, more times than not, you find out that talk is cheap.

It’s Not That There Aren’t Good Hospitality and Event Planning Jobs out There

By now you’re getting pretty sick and tired of hearing how this economic downturn keeps dragging on and on. It almost feels like this is the new norm. But, with the right focus, your job hunting efforts may not be fruitless.

Executive search companies might be just the contact that you need. They can help lessen the stress of finding a new career.

Three Key Reasons to Use an Executive Search Company When Looking for Event Planning Jobs

Integrity. To them, reputation is everything. These companies need to set the highest standards possible as their very existence is dependent on it. No company will associate with a search company that does not, at the very least, match their service levels.

Client Research. An executive search company has done their homework. They’ve done the networking and they know what companies are looking for when they have job openings. On the other side, they also make sure that any individuals that they put forward to a potential employer is qualified.

Results. Who doesn’t love results. Executive search companies put their reputations on the line each and every day. They have to stand behind the candidates that they present. And that goes beyond the hire date. They stay involved in the process long after the position has been filled.

Global Hospitality Search Consultants Ltd. is a search firm that focuses exclusively in the placement of hospitality industry managers and executives worldwide. As a disclosure note, I’ve been made aware of this company by a colleague that teaches at a college in Toronto. But, the reason I’m singling out this particular company is to showcase their focus on the hospitality industry (it also helps that they have offices in both the United States and Canada).

Looking for Event Planning Jobs-Two Tips for Selecting the Right Executive Search Company

Always do your due diligence when considering working with a third-party. That holds true when considering an executive search company. Here are two tips to factor into your decision making process:

Industry Knowledge. Select a search company that specializes in your industry. You want one that knows the specifics of your job description.

References. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but always ask for references. Any reputable company will have no problem whatsoever in providing you with references. At networking events, ask your colleagues to provide you with a couple of companies that you can contact.

Working with an executive search company to find event planning jobs can help take the stress out of the process. It’s not to say that you won’t have to sell yourself. It’s just that search companies specialize in understanding their clients’ needs and matching that with potential candidates.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: event planning jobs, eventplanning, eventprofs, Hospitality

Where Do Event Planners Find Motivation?

May 21, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

In our ongoing series about motivation, today we are going to tackle a topic that I have been very curious about; where do event planners find motivation. Event planning is definitely a challenging career and takes hard work and great organizational skills. But what about those days where your get up and go has without a doubt got up and gone. At a recent industry event I happen on a group of meeting planners talking job motivation and the different methods they use to help. So I will be addressing the findings in this not so scientific inquiry.

Possibly the reason I am choosing to write about where to find motivation has everything to do with my recent lack of. I am pretty much deep in like with my job. I really do enjoy all the ins and outs involved in planning meetings and events. I’m the type that once I hit my desk it’s all about plowing through the piles of work. And when it does come time to execute I do love being on site and all that that involves. But like so many of us sometimes it’s just plain old hard to find the
motivation to get it all done.

Motivation Starts Here!

As individuals we are all unique and how a company motivates an individual can be entirely different then how a person motivate themselves. Stressed out or unhappy at your job? The key to turning it around is to understand what will help you to motivate you.

Set Goals – Who among us doesn’t like to be challenged? It helps to make us to feel like we’re part of something amazing, it provides job growth as well as helps to increase dedication and really so much more. The greater the challenge is, the greater the feeling of success and motivation becomes once it’s accomplished. When talking motivation, one of the best places to start is to understand ourselves and what actions will motivate us. It truly does depend on the person and scenario; different people succeed by making use of different goal motivators. Are you; a leader, a problem solver, an ideas creator or an office motivator? Remember realizing your strengths and establishing goals to help better yourself, others and your job will definitely help in the area of self-motivation.

Create a Happy Work Atmosphere – It’s key to set-up and work in an atmosphere that supports your objectives and goals. It can be hard not to get consumed with an organization’s issues and concerns, creating a negative work environment. As Heidie Golledge, CEO and cofounder of CareerBliss, an online career database says, “Being able to be truly happy at work is one of the keys to being happy in life”. When you work in an atmosphere with people that you like, you’re extra likely; to learn more and faster, be inspired and productive, think outside the box and have more energy. Aren’t we all more likely to find motivation working in a stimulating, fulfilling and yes happy work environment?

Say NO to Negativity – Sometimes it’s hard to not get immersed in all things negative. And it has been said and proven that happy people do in fact make successful people. It is easy for any of us to become consumed in negative thoughts and feelings. The best way to find motivation is to replace negative thoughts with positiveness. Access the qualities of a person you admire or if given the chance you would choose to work with; what are they like, how do others respond to them, how do they deal with others, for instance. And don’t forget a positive person radiates confidence, self-control, calmness and grace under pressure, to name a few, all qualities within our grasp. If we can identify what it takes, we can make the changes to become that positive person that won’t need to look far when seeking motivation.

It’s been said a time or two before applying the strategies to self-motivate, the best place to start is to understand motivation and discover what in fact does motivates you. Ask yourself; how does personal emotions and home life factor into my thoughts and what can I do to not only better motivate myself but support my reasons too.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventplanning, events, motivation, planning, Self-Help

Event Planners Need Good Communication Skills (Comedy Video)

May 17, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

two men comically using a bullhorn to demonstrate good communication skills

photo by peiliteracy. wordpress.com

It’s a funny thing, communication. You actually have to listen to what the other person is saying. How many times have you been talking to somebody when it became quite obvious that the person was really just waiting for you to finish so that they could start talking.

In other words they’ve completely zoned you out.

The Importance of Good Communication Skills

To be a great event planner means that you’re good at effective communication. Written communication skills, as well as verbal communication, are essential to an event planner as they work with many people in order to get their job done. Without expressing their expectations properly, a meeting or event could soon become a nightmare.

When I was writing this article, I was looking for a way to give an example of bad communication skills. I came across a comedy video, which is actually a commercial for Ameriquest Mortgage Company, that best illustrates what can go horribly wrong when there is a misunderstanding in communication.

While I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of the video, let’s hope its message hits home. Don’t forget to tell people what your expectations are, as I’m sure you’re aware that they “can’t read your mind”.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides, Videos Tagged With: comedy, Communication, eventplanning, eventprofs, video

Going Green with the Colorado Convention Center

May 14, 2013 By Randy Markus Comments

Blue bear looking into the window of the colorado convention center

Photo courtesy of the Colorado Convention Center

By making small adjustments and modifications, a convention center can make a substantial and impressive impact.

The green, eco-friendly crusade started small and developed into the sustainable infrastructure it has become today. Whether it is at home or at work the “green” passion has stretched across the globe. Phrases like eco-friendly and green have become popular and key words in our vocabulary when it comes to describing the planet and our environment. Everywhere you look and everything you read says green is the new black. Meaning it is in trend to be eco-friendly and green in your home life as well as in your business. There was a time when just the thought of being green and living an eco-friendly lifestyle was a turn off and automatically brought on thoughts of being a tree huger. But we have come a long way baby and now it is all about living the best possible life including the impact our actions have on the globe.

Being green and eco-friendly means respecting our planet and being aware and mindful of how we use our water, energy, products and sources in relation to the environment and our everyday world. It means respecting our environment and the ecosystem and amongst other things incorporating into daily life and work whenever possible; composting and the three R’s reduce, recycle, reuse. And these days being green and eco-friendly is definitely easier than you think.

Why is it important to work with an Eco-Friendly Green Convention Center?

Within the meetings and conventions industry, there has been a rise in the understanding and appreciation of what it means to be eco-friendly and green. While at the same time venues and convention centers are implementing ways to help the planet by saving energy and water, employing recycling practices, buying locally, donating excess, reducing pollution, using eco-friendlier transportation substitutes and utilizing natural and ecologically aware products.

Meeting planners have embraced and supported the standards and principals required to guide the industry and those determined to produce more environmentally balanced business settings that inspire the on-going development of greener convention centers and venues. And whenever possible implement and uphold eco-friendly procedures to ensure future greener meetings and events.

What Makes the Colorado Convention Center Eco-Friendly and Green?

The $64,000 question; what does make the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly?

“Denver is a natural fit for green meetings and events”. That is one of the more important things you’ll hear when in the city of Denver and talking about the Colorado Convention Center. Denver, yes the city, is committed to the sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices that help to develop a green Denver as well as green meetings. And when Governor John Hickenlooper was mayor, he realized how important sustainability was so he developed a program called Greenprint Denver. The program provides leadership and solutions to ensure a prosperous community where people and nature thrive.

The ultimate in goals is to make all events held at the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly, removing that imaginary line between a standard event and a green event. Always searching and striving for new procedures, practices and guidelines while retaining the ones that work operationally and adapting the ones that don’t. Due to the efforts to become eco-friendly and green the Colorado Convention Center has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the EMS 14001 Certification as part of CCC City and County of Denver Overall Certification as well as being recognized by the Colorado Meeting and Events magazine as the Best Green Meeting Facility in 2009.

What is the Eco-Friendly Focus of the Colorado Convention Center?

The Colorado Convention Center has focused their sustainable efforts in the following areas:

• Energy Reduction and Alternative Sources
• Waste Reduction and Diversion
• Water Consumption and Quality
• Air quality and alternative transportation
• Community

And as the first venue to receive certification as a venue which meets the ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences (E2774-11), the Colorado Convention Center continually aspires to lead the industry in terms of sustainable practices. Their robust commitment to sustainability also includes a 300-kilowatt solar power system and they take their commitment to being eco-friendly very seriously by having a program manager available on site ready to answer questions about anything relating to sustainability.

Simply said, eco-friendly means earth friendly. How a convention center is built is of the utmost of importance but is only part of the picture. The structure, how it is operated as well as how it is reducing its impact on the environment are equally significant. We all have to do our part, whether at home or in business by implementing the best green practises whenever possible.

Filed Under: Tools & Guides Tagged With: eventprofs, Green, meetingprofs, meetings, planning, sustainable

Luxury Hotels That Cater to the Rich and Famous

May 10, 2013 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

photo by www.news.com.au

Have you ever wondered where the rich and ultra rich stay when they travel? Or if you’re an event manager then perhaps you’ve been fortunate enough to have worked and stayed in some of these luxury hotel chains. The Robb Report has published their list of the top 100 luxury hotels in Canada and the US.

The Robb Report has been around for over 30 years. They described themselves as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for the ultra-affluent consumers. The Robb Report provides insights, for their target audience, on subjects including; luxury automobiles, yachts, real estate, private aircraft, fashion, fine jewelry, art and of course all things travel.

Event Managers Love It When They Have an Opportunity to Work with the Leading Hotels of the World

Event organizers that have worked with luxury hotel chains understand how fortunate they are. First of all, they are working with a client that has a budget. That’s not to say that the event manager is free to spend wherever they please. But it does provide an opportunity to put together a top notch travel itinerary. Event planning for these clients can be quite rewarding. If you’ve ever been in a luxury hotel property then you may have noticed the number of staff. As a matter of fact luxury hotels typically employee several employees for every one hotel guest. It’s the attention to details, on top of the physical appearance of the hotel, that really sets luxury hotels apart from the others.

The Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the US and Canada

Robb Report, a luxury travel magazine, has published their list of the top 100 luxury hotels in the US and Canada. The list was published earlier this month. The Robb Report 100 hotels: United States and Canada provides a review (including price range) of the luxury hotels that were fortunate enough to make the list. It also provides a link to the hotel’s website.