In the world of an event planning professional there are many negotiations to be made. Negotiating with event facilities for the best deal, negotiating with your board on the destination of your next event, negotiating with your boss about your event budget, and on and on and on. Yes, negotiating is part of doing business, but negotiating well is more – it’s an art. Being a good negotiator is critical to your success so here are some winning tips on negotiating like a pro. These tips work for anything, whether you're negotiating with a tough-minded colleague over a big deal or with your husband over getting ice cream after dinner.

There are a lot of different types of Dads. You've got your quiet Dads, your loud and crazy Dad, your "fix-it" Dad, the "pay-someone-else-to-fix-it" Dad, and on and on and on. While there are a bunch of different types of dads they are all one thing - very important.

You just can’t have a successful event without successful speakers. They can bring your agenda to life and engage your audience on a personal level that can’t be replaced by any other meeting element. From the keynote speeches in general session to the breakouts, improving the effectiveness and impact of the speakers at an event leads to real and meaningful results. This leads to an event with increased impact and value as well as one that generates a much greater ROI.

Often times the difference between feeling like a success and feeling like a failure is your frame

All eyes will be on Lansing as we host the 2016 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism April 17–19, 2016 at the Lansing Center! Help Greater Lansing put its best foot forward and say: WELCOME!

Residents of the Midwest work hard for spring. Other places around the country kind of don’t understand. It literally takes physical effort to remain positive, upbeat and productive when it’s really pretty cold from November into April. For that reason, when Spring break arrives, even if it’s not fantastic weather outside yet, we feel the drive to play. Get creative this Spring Break in Greater Lansing and plan a stay-cation that will have your whole family smiling.

Lights, camera – action. It’s finally time. After waiting and waiting for years one of the most highly anticipated movies in the wildly popular comic book genre is finally here. Batman versus Superman: Dawn of Justice. No more watching trailers or trolling for scraps on the internet. We get to actually go to the theater, get our popcorn and go see it. It’s real. To add excitement, and to make the whole thing feel more real, is that a notable landmark located right here in East Lansing makes a big splash in the film. An awesome backdrop for a key part of the film, the Eli & Edythe Broad art museum makes its Hollywood debut and comes through with flying colors.

I know playing favorites is usually a bad idea but when it comes to March Magic Hoopfest, I just can’t help myself. At the risk of hurting some feelings I’m going to come out and say March Magic Hoopfest is my favorite event of the year.

When you’re looking forward to something fun time seems to really drag. You’ve been there. Think about how Hoopie must feel waiting for March Magic Hoopfest to start up! All year long he waits for this hands-on basketball fan fest set for 8 short days away. When it starts getting close like this he’s really getting anxious and while he tries to help, he… well, let’s just say he he’s really best suited for Hoopfest… and that’s about it. You remember last week when he tried helping out around the office and ended up making so many mistakes he fouled out? Well, it was suggested Hoopie try and go help out with a few of this year’s generous Hoopfest Sponsors. Things started out okay because Hoopie brings plenty of enthusiasm but then.. well… see for yourself.

It’s NCAA Tournament time and of course, Michigan State is dancing once again. Of course they are!