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New Concepts in Banquet Meals

In our profession, finding new ways to serve food that offers creativity, variety and all within budget is a challenge.

Check out these tips found on a “Successful Meetings” post.  We think you will enjoy some of the new concepts!

What to Print in Your Event or Conference Brochure

Getting the word out about your next business event is essential to increasing attendance and planning an effective meeting. There are many ways to notify employees about upcoming events, including social media, e-mail, and traditional printed brochures. No matter what medium you choose, there are some essential pieces of information that you should include. Below are some details that are a must in your brochure:

• Your event’s name: Naming your conference is important for people to understand what it’s all about. You want to make the name clear and put it on the front of your brochure as well as the name of the company.

• The logistics: This is the essential information that tells people where to go, when to arrive, and what the fees are. The location and time of your conference can make or break your event, so be sure to plan these details carefully.

• A detailed agenda: Lay out a clear schedule of every event included in your conference, even the non-business aspects like lunch. This will showcase the interesting activities that will draw out attendees and allow people to plan ahead of time.

• Overview of events: You should provide a brief explanation of the speakers and activities included in your conference as well as the goals of the event. Attendees can come better prepared if they know what to expect, which will help your activities start and end on time and stay on topic.

If you are planning your company’s next business event, then consult the experts at Meeting Services Unlimited. We can help you design effective brochures, plan exciting and goal-oriented events, pick a venue, and schedule speakers. Our unique, technological approach to meeting planning can make your next event a successful one. Learn more about us online or call (317) 841-7171.

Check Out These Resources For More Information About Using Social Media For Your Next Conference and Hiring a Hotel Negotiator

Our recent blog posts have included information on how to incorporate raffles and contests into your next event, how to use social media during a conference, the benefits of working with a hotel negotiator for an event, and using a housing company to book your hotel. If you are looking for more information on these subjects, here is a list of resources:

• Incorporate social media into your next meeting or conference using these 11 ideas that work.

• If you’re on a budget, these raffle ideas are all under $50.

• Want to know more about hotel negotiation? These are the ABCs of Hotel Negotiation.

• This article has information on how to create raffle tickets online for free.

• The Center for Social Media has a great page purely devoted to using social media during a conference. Check it out here.

For help in planning a spectacular event, call Meeting Services Unlimited. at (317) 841-7171.

An Overview of Using Social Media During Conferences

Social media can be instrumental while preparing for a large event or conference, but have you thought about the different ways social media can be used during a conference? Here are some innovative ways to incorporate social media into your next event.

Twitter

Real-time social media tool Twitter is quickly gaining popularity with use in business. At your next conference, invite attendees to join a Twitter feed using the hashtag to designate your event, for example, #tbex12. This feed will allow all online users to easily communicate with one another and contribute their thoughts to the discussion. During a conference, use Twitter innovatively by taking questions from the audience via Twitter, or, energize attendees by offering prizes through social media (ex: first attendee to Tweet a picture of their neighbor will win a gift!)

Facebook

Facebook pages are important tools that should not be overlooked. Use your Facebook page to get attendees excited before an event and work at growing your audience by posting interactive questions, taking a poll, sharing photos, or hosting contests. During an event, consider using your Facebook page during raffles. Make a list of your “likes” and in what order they are, and randomly select a number to give a prize away. You can also create a Facebook group made specifically for a conference, and allow participants to use the “chat” feature to discuss things with the group.

While Twitter and Facebook are heavy-hitters in the world of social media, try also to incorporate using other interactive websites, such as Foursquare, Google +, or MySpace.

For other creative ideas on how to incorporate social media into your next event or conference, call Meeting Services Unlimited at (317) 841-7171. Our friendly staff has years of experience in event planning and can help you make your next conference a huge success. Call today!

Engage Smartphone Users in Your Next Meeting

This article offers more ideas on ways to engage Smartphone users in our meetings. This is the kind of information planners need to help them generate ideas for their own conventions.

Meetings are Fun & Games

Meetings really are fun and games these days. This article will help give meeting planners ideas on how games can be incorporated into their meeting agenda.

Have you enjoyed reading our recent blog posts? Here are more great resources for you to check out!

Our recent blog posts have included information on using social media tools to plan an event, how to promote meetings online, and keeping attendees energized with the right food.  If you are looking for more information on these topics, here is a list of resources. For even more information, call (317) 841-7171.

• Engage365.com takes it a bit further by explaining QR codes and offering helpful tips on how to use them. 
• SocialMediaExaminer.com delves into QR codes and explains their origins and how they are being used creatively today. 
• FlavoredDelights.com has created this list of the top 10 foods that boost energy. 
• iVillage.com also has information on foods that energize and tips on serving the right foods at a party. 
• This About.com article gives great how-to tips on increasing attendance for business meetings and events.