Meetings Blog

A few months ago, I posed a question to my social media contacts. I took a risk, because the answer to this question was very important to me. The response was a real thrill.

Recently the CVB sales staff attended the Convention Sales and Service Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana and came away with some really powerful take-aways. One session in particular really spoke to our team and will certainly have an impact on our approach to sales as we get further into 2019.

Set Yourself Up for a Gratifying 2019 NOW We all think about New Year’s Resolutions in January but why not start implementing a few rewarding concepts right now? A colleague told me about something she does every week that I can’t wait to implement (starting this week)!

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program was launched in 1985 to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession, and advance uniform standards of practice. The Event Industry Council proudly reports on their website that the CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam.

As a professional event planner, you've certainly led your share of teams working to get an important job done. When everyone is on the same page, leading people isn't too tough, but what about when your team of helpers is full of very different personality types?

Social media has had an incredibly huge impact in its relatively limited time as a communication tool. People that used to keep in touch every now and then on email can now chat and share photos instantly, anywhere, anytime. How has this phenomenon effected the meetings and events industry? In just about every way imaginable.

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is excited to join the rest of the community in welcoming the latest Gillespie Group development to downtown Lansing. The massive 150 thousand square foot development will occupy a 4.15-acre portion of land on the 600 block of Michigan avenue, kitty corner from Cooley Law School Stadium.

In 2017 FORBES Magazine named Event Professionals and Event Planning in the top 10 most stressful jobs. I think it’s important to support each other and be able to laugh or relate to each others experiences so we don’t all go crazy from stress. If you're a meeting planner and reading these makes you want to tell your story, share it with me and I'll send you a special gift to help relieve your event planning stress! Here are a few event "uh-oh moments" from Greater Lansing event planners - who asked to remain nameless - you may either relate to,  or think, “wow, I really hope I never experience that …” Enjoy!

While it’s hard to turn over a new leaf and embrace a healthier lifestyle it becomes easier to do when it feels like more of a social norm. Studies show that a growing number of conference attendees don't just enjoy healthy options at an event - they're demanding them.

Are you a Community Champion? What is a Community Champion? Ask yourself - Do I live or work in Greater Lansing? Do I travel to attend club, team, or organizational events that could host an event in our area? If so, you may be the next Community Champion!