Association Meetings

51 Tips For Saving Money On Technology

What am I reading today?

There are some great ideas in Anita Campbell's blog today  - check it out:

51 Tips For Saving Money On Technology

I will be reading and re-reading this list for sure.  Thanks Anita for putting this list together!

Weathering the Economic Storm as an Association Meeting Planner

When I travel I use the opportunity to catch up on my reading and my recent trip to Atlanta was no different.  As I left the office I grabbed several trade journals and magazines to read on the plane.  From the various articles I read, I was able to glean the following:

1) As an Association Planner it is more important now more than ever to understand WHO is attending your meetings and why.  This knowledge will assist you in planning an event that becomes an economic priority!

2) Use the knowledge from #1 to properly select your venue. 

3)  Understand that your members are facing budget issues.  How can you address those?  Reduction in registration or hold the fees from previous years? Allow for multiple payments over time?  Be creative.

4) Consider other delivery methods to include as many participants as possible.  Realize that some members may not be able to attend the meeting, how can they still be involved? Why not offer webcasts, videocasts, etc.?  While these technologies enhance the meeting - they will never replace face to face and will provide value! 

5) Pay close attention to air travel issues.  With airlines offering fewer flights at higher costs how can you find the "right" location for your attendees?  Monitor the situation and keep your attendees informed.

6) Use technology to become more efficient.

7) Network ... Network .... Network!  Turn to those who do it best.  How are your colleagues addressing these issues? What are the best ways to handle this situation?

8)  EVERYTHING is negotiable! ASK

9) Communication is key.  Keep the lines of communication open with everyone involved with your meeting - suppliers, hotels, attendees, etc.  Be open and honest with what is happening. 

10)  Stay positive.  Yes we are facing some of the most difficult economic times our Country has seen in decades, what is important now is what are you going to do about it?  Only positive actions will get us out of this mess!

What was I reading?

Association Convention & Facilities
Convene
Medical Meetings
Budget Travel
Money

152+ Ways to Stretch your Planning Dollars

Image by jkhewett via Flickr

From the folks at Plan Your Meetings ... this document is FILLED with great ideas/tips for stretching your dollars.  In today's economy we need all the ideas we can get!  Thanks to all those who contributed!

152waystosave.pdf

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