A growing frustration for meeting planners, when managing their conference budgets, are excessive or undisclosed fees imposed by providers of essential services. Conference facilities are such a provider. Many facilities impose fees in an effort to block outside suppliers from servicing conferences, in turn forcing the use of in-house suppliers. These exclusionary practices and policies are becoming prevalent with audio visual services. Most conference facilities have an official audio visual supplier who pays a commission to them for the services…
A/V & Special Effects
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Why the right music systems can make or break your next event
By Bryan Osuszek Music exists all around us and, whether we know it or not, it influences the way we feel and, at times, the decisions we make. It helps shape the way we think, defines our personal tastes and draws us to those who share these same tastes. By recognizing this power, music becomes as equally important to an event as the venue choice, the catering, the keynote speaker and the decorations. When done right, harnessing music’s potential to…
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Planner shift: Keeping up with change to create more meaningful meetings
In a recent article, I looked at six shifts I have noticed in the past few years of planning meetings and events. This week I will look at what we can do to keep up in practical ways with these shifts and create even more meaningful meetings. Food and beverage becoming healthier and more responsive to the many allergens and dietary concerns is one shift that should be quite easy to keep up with, as convention centres and hotels throughout…
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Rethink 2014: Six shifts occurring in the world of corporate events
My how things have changed in the past two decades. We have slowly shifted to keep pace with these changes in the corporate events industry and the expectations of the guest. As our world shifts around us so quickly we can barely keep pace, we’re learning to become more agile and adjust to the landscape. Some of the changes which have struck me as significant I share below, and I welcome comments from those you have experienced. Shifts in food…
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Screen evolution: What’s an aspect ratio anyway?
By Noah Baird One of the cornerstones of the corporate conference industry is the ability to share presentations and a speaker’s message to a large audience. Over the years, the format of this medium has gone through numerous technological changes: slide projectors, overhead transparencies, VHS/DVD video playback. We have now reached the point at which the majority of all presentations given are executed via laptop or desktop computer, delivered to a digital projector, and then projected onto one or multiple…
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What’s on the horizon for event technology?
By Andrew De La Cour and Derek Anderson It is safe to assume that the technologies most in demand by meeting planners this year foreshadow what’s to come. Most notably, there were three standout event technology solutions last year that created a buzz among meeting professionals. Of the three, only a couple were embraced by your peers – the other, not so much. Here’s a recap. Video dominated information consumption methods at events. Whether it was shaky camera phone images…
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Supplier viewpoint: The rewards and challenges of meetings industry suppliers
Penni Holdham, CSEP, Creative Director, The Display Connection Inc. Heidi Welker, Vice President, Marketing, AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions What are some of the challenges of working in the meetings industry and how can these challenges be addressed? Penni Holdham: The current do-it-yourself trend among event and meeting planners can offer up some awkward moments that can be easily averted with full disclosure and proper communication. There is no question that with tighter end-user budgets, the planner is looking to make…
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Emerging display technologies
The big picture of video innovation As visual communications technology continues to further define itself, the meetings and events industry is reaping the benefits of a diverse range of interactive display solutions. Practically impossible to ignore, these cutting-edge technologies create striking visuals and powerful presentations that leave a lasting impression. Picture-perfect puzzle pieces Looking to give your next meeting a maximum-impact, high-tech visual edge? Think outside of the rectangle with a customized video wall. A video wall consists of multiple…
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Neuroscience and your meetings
The understanding of neuroscience behind meeting planning has had more attention in the past year than at any time in the history of meetings. With so much on our plates already, why is it important to understand how this research impacts us? Each of our attendees comes to the meeting with expectations including the needs for education and connection that have to be met, and a hosting organization that is seeking to be the thought leader is to provide these…
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Hybrid meetings: Bringing technology and live audiences together
Years ago, if someone mentioned the word “hybrid,” it could easily have been your grandmother talking about her prize-winning orchids. Today, not only has the term hybrid become synonymous with fuel-efficient cars and trucks, but it has also made its way into the world of corporate meeting and event planning. In fact, the hybrid meeting is something that is becoming more and more common as we continue to blur the lines between live events and online communication. For anyone still…
