Archive for February, 2010
Silver Tsunami
I came across this article last week which discusses how businesses need to adjust to managing an aging workforce. I thought it would be interesting to pass along since a large focus of the Emerging Trends committee is the multi-generational workforce and the challenges that come with it.
So, read on about The Silver Tsunami and enjoy. The following are some discussion questions — post any thoughts and share at your conference center!
- Do you agree that many companies have “an antiquated model for dealing with aging, which assumes that people should get pay rises and promotions on the basis of age?” Is this the mindset of your conference center? Of the conference center/meetings industry in general?
- For the younger professionals — what difficulties have you faced while managing individuals that are older and more experienced than yourself?
- As businesses learn to manage an aging workforce, what must conference centers do to ensure that they accommodate the wide range of needs from different generational groups?
Complete Meeting Experiences and Memories
A couple weeks have passed since I traveled down south for the January BOD meeting. Though it was a quick trip, it was extremely valuable and really made me feel a part of the IACC family. All the board members were extremely welcoming from the moment I arrived to lunch, the board orientation session, and then the BOD meeting. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to see everyone again in March in Chicago at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa for the 2010 IACC Americas Summit!
The couple days spent in Palm Beach were a huge learning experience for me in many different ways. I learned a lot of information about IACC, what’s expected of me as the new Board Associate for the Emerging Trends committee, and yearly goals for the committee and association. One of the highlights was staying at and touring a fellow IACC property — the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Palm Beach Gardens. From the welcome cookie I received at the front desk to playing Guitar Hero after dinner with other board members, I recognized how important it is for conference center professionals to create complete meeting experiences for their clients.
Guitar Hero...just one creative way to enhance the meeting experience.
Creating a complete experience means creating memories in the minds of our clients. I will undoubtedly remember the material and discussions within the two-day board meeting, but those moments were enhanced through various other elements (such as food, entertainment options, etc.) that came during the “down time” outside of the meeting room. The memories I have are very positive and prove that IACC conference centers try to anticipate clients want and need from both the professional and leisure aspects of meetings.
Grouper ceviche enhanced the fresh, coastal atmosphere in Palm Beach.
Pre-dinner reception with Aryn Derryberry, 2009-2010 Emerging Trends Board Associate
Creating fond memories in your customers’ minds will not only lead to positive reviews of your property and staff, but may also generate repeat and new business as word spreads about your work. So I ask you — what new ideas can you implement at your property to enhance the meeting experience and make it more well-rounded? I am certain that every IACC conference center has room for improvement. Investing some time and creative thinking into this topic will pay off when your clients leave with positive and fulfilled memories of their meeting experience.
– MB
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