Increasing the Value of Meetings
You have probably already read about how companies now want more value than ever before from their conference plans. While this can make more work on your part, there are some things you can do to work out the kinks long before they happen.
Think Replacement
If you need to help the company save some serious bucks, replace these meeting parts:
• Replace the reception with a working lunch–this will let people meet and network, as well as enjoy a meal together
• Replace the open bar idea with team building exercises or mind storming training–these programs are usually find and have a much better chance of improving the ROI than a bunch of drunk employees blowing off steam
• Replace entertainment with a spa wellness trip. You will be eliminating more drunk people making fools of themselves and replacing them with refreshed folks ready to work.
Think Reduction
What if the client says, “Okay, that’s great, let’s get rid of the reception, evening entertainment, and and open bar meet-and-greet! So what do we do on the last day, then?”
Get rid of it. Tell your client that not only will she not need to make the usual expenditures that don’t improve ROI on the cost of the meeting, she can eliminate the last night’s hotel bill as well.
Just by replacing the non-ROI generating activities, you have already increased the value of the meeting. Your client will be grateful for that for a long time.
