Social Media Made Fun And Easy

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Trying to decide if social media is something you and your ministry need to get involved in? Trust me, you do. 93% of adult Internet users are on Facebook. This means chances are pretty good that your event attendees and potential attendees are too.

Social media is no longer something to leave to your intern, something you can set up and walk away from, and it’s definitely not anything you can ignore. Corporations, brands and organizations are embracing the pervasive media to be more than simply another outlet to reach audiences. It is a great way to engage attendees before, during and after meetings.

If you’re new to social media it can seem pretty overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus your immediate attention on the channel where the majority of your audience is. Chances are that will be Facebook. Dive in and start building connections. Experience has taught me the best way to learn social media is to just do it. I promise you won’t break it!

Whether you are brand new to social media, or have been doing it for awhile, it’s important you stay up on the latest trends and ideas. To help you do so, we want to make you aware of a free webinar that our friends at Collinson Media and Events are conducting on March 21 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST. Below is the info on speakers and a link to register:

Dynamic business speaker and author Karen McCullough joins digital media expert Chris Rash to break down the top platforms and explain how planners can use them to elevate engagement with attendees. Generational differences will be covered as well as how meeting planners (and marketers) need to tailor their efforts to specific audiences to achieve their targeted engagement levels. The presenters will answer questions from Collinson editors and attendees who submit questions through Facebook and Twitter.  Click HERE to register.

Hopefully you will find this webinar to be helpful. In the meantime, do have any social media questions or concerns we can help you with? If so, just leave us a comment below and we’ll respond!

Filed Under: Budget and Pricing, Cost Saving Ideas, Meeting Set-Up, Pre-Event Planning Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Tips For Relieving Meeting Planner Stress

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Recent studies have made the case for “meeting planner” to be one of the best careers in 2011, as well as being one of the top 10 most stressful jobs in 2012. Now some of you may be asking, how can this job be on both lists? But then again, if you have planned a view events you probably have a pretty good idea why this job can be on both lists!

Planning an event or retreat can be a fun, rewarding experience. You’re in the middle of everything and it’s easy to feed off the energy and excitement. However, being in the middle of everything can also be very stressful. Everyone is constantly looking to you for answers and direction.

Since stress is inevitable when you’re the planner, the key to handling it is to take a positive approach. Here are 5 tips that can help you deal with the stress associated with planning and running your event:

  • Be prepared – Nail down all the details before getting to the event. Don’t wait until the last minute. Trust me, procrastination is a great source of stress!
  • Have contingency plans – Contingency plans aren’t just for the military and businesses. You should have them too. Knowing that you have plans in place should something go wrong (and it will) goes a long way to helping keep stress at bay.
  • Get your sleep – I know, you’re thinking how can I sleep when I have so much to do? Studies have shown a strong link between stress and insomnia. To help prevent this and ensure you’re getting the rest you need, try going to bed at a regular time each night and shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep.
  • Stay active – Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and helps the brain to be more alert. Even if it’s only getting outside for a brisk walk each day, be sure to do something that gets your body up and moving around.
  • Pray – I simply can’t think of a better stress reliever than laying my problems and concerns at the throne of God. Don’t forget that He’s always there for you.

Hopefully your planning is setting the stage for life change. When you’re in the middle of the retreat and stuff’s coming at you right and left, don’t forget to slow down and watch the attendees. Are they connecting, learning something new, drawing closer to God? After all, isn’t that why you do what you do?

Filed Under: Budget and Pricing, Meeting Set-Up Tagged With: , , ,

Retreats Aren’t Just About The Venue!

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Mt. Mitchell, NC

Recently I wrote a post about how beneficial it can be for teams to engage in outdoor learning activities together (read here). While getting out and enjoying God’s beautiful creation can be a great thing for work/ministry teams, it’s also a wonderful thing for individuals and families to take advantage of.

When was the last time you attended a conference and took time to get outdoors to enjoy the local scenery? Too many times we’re all guilty of going somewhere really beautiful for a conference, but then spending all of our time in meetings. It doesn’t have to be that way…especially if you’re the one planning the conference!

At Ridgecrest we try to encourage our meeting planners to make time in their schedule for attendees to get outside our meeting rooms. Western North Carolina is so beautiful and we want people that come to Ridgecrest to be able to enjoy the area. With that in mind, here are 6 must see spots we recommend:

  • Mt Mitchell State Park – Known for being the highest point east of the Mississippi River, Mt Mitchell is only an hour away from Ridgecrest. The park entrance is located at mile marker #355 on the Blue Ridge Parkway so just getting there is part of the fun!
  • Crabtree Falls – Another beautiful site that is located only 15 miles further north of Mt Mitchell on the Blue Ridge Parkway (MM#339.5). A moderate, 2 mile loop trail takes you from parking lot to the falls and back.
  • Chimney Rock Park – The center piece of the new Chimney Rock State Park is located only 25 miles south of Black Mountain. Hiking, bird-watching and rock climbing are just a few of the many outdoor activity options available.
  • Pisgah National Forest – Numerous water falls and miles upon miles of hiking trails make this area a very popular destination.
  • Canopy Tours – No longer do you have to go to a rain forest to be able to zip through the tree tops. Multiple canopy tours are now available in western NC.
  • Ridgecrest Hiking Trails – A little short on time? Don’t worry! Ridgecrest has miles of easy to moderate hiking trails right on campus.

So, whether it’s planning your next retreat, or a weekend getaway for you and your family, be sure to consider scheduling some time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Quick question. What’s your favorite outdoor spot in western North Carolina?

Filed Under: Activities/Recreation, Budget and Pricing, Cost Saving Ideas, Meeting Set-Up, Post-Event Follow-up, Pre-Event Planning Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Think Before You Critique

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Recently my wife emailed me a devotional she had come across. Not because she was trying to tell me something, but because it had a sports reference (guess she figured that might get me to read it). For those of you who know my wife, you know this was a bit unusual. First, she’s not big into technology (although she now wants an iPad) and secondly, she’s definitely not a sports fan.

The sports reference was a quote by Ron “Jaws” Jaworski. Recently, on ESPN Radio, Jaworski made this statement, “We have too many historians and not enough pioneers”. His point was  there are way too many people who relish the opportunity to arm-chair quarterback and critique past events, but not too many folks out there willing to try and make a positive difference.

I definitely agree on this. Too often I’m in meetings and people will focus all their attention on what didn’t work. Or instead of looking at what could be, they focus on all the reasons why something won’t work. I don’t know about you, but this drives me crazy!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have a critical eye when analyzing the past, but we must do so in a way that moves us forward. Instead of just taking the critical shots, we need to be investing time and energy into coming up with solutions to the problems we’ve identified. This is how an organization improves and moves forward.

Here’s a thought. The next time you start to voice a criticism, stop and think. Think about what solutions you could offer instead of only critiquing. Imagine how much more could be accomplished when we focus on solutions rather than criticism and blame.

Filed Under: Budget and Pricing, Leadership Helps, Meeting Set-Up Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Resources – February Update

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Here is what we’ve added in February by category:

Marketing/Promotion

The Latest In Handheld Meeting Technology – “Please turn on your cell phones.” It might sound strange now, but it’s an announcement that more…

Site Selection

20 Tips For Finding an Affordable Meeting Site – Downtown meetings can be expensive, but there are ways for budget-conscious planners to save money…

Retreats/Meetings

The Ripple Effect – Conferences have different agendas. Some are filled with keynote presentations, some with breakouts and round-table discussions. A few have service days…

Meeting Planners

What Inspires You To Do Your Job? – Meeting Planners respond to this question at Rejuvenate…

It’s Not About You – As a frequent traveler, I’ve always appreciated good customer service, but…

Meeting Planner Survival Guide – Whether you’re a novice planner or a veteran, this compilation of must-read articles is your…

I hope you find these helpful and remember we have many more than might interest you  in the Meeting Planner Resources section of the blog.

Filed Under: Cost Saving Ideas, Post-Event Follow-up, Pre-Event Planning Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Don’t Get Stuck In A Classroom!

February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

One of the numerous advantages Christian conference centers have over hotels is the natural setting that surrounds them. Not only does the natural setting provide your group the opportunity to get away from the distractions of the world, but it also provides your group with the opportunity to get out of the traditional meeting room setting.

Recently I read a blog post entitled “What I Learned About Leadership From A Low Ropes Course”. It was written by Michael Hyatt and in the post Hyatt talks about how beneficial he found going through an adventure learning experience to be. Here’s a quote: “I love reading books on leadership and attending seminars. But as helpful as these are, they are not the same as doing something together with a team. There are some things in life that are best learned by doing.” (Read full post)

I loved reading this post! See, I’m a big believer in adventure or experiential learning. As Hyatt points out, it’s one thing to read about a subject or sit in a classroom listening to a lecture, but it’s another thing all together to actually get out and learn by doing.

I think this is especially true in dealing with leadership and team-building. Getting a group out into an adventure setting helps to break down barriers and level playing fields. If facilitated well, this type of learning can have a huge positive influence on growing leaders and building teams.

When was the last time you incorporated adventure learning into one of your retreats? How did it work for your group? If you haven’t done this yet, why not? As you think about these questions, I’ll leave you with one last quote from Hyatt’s post…“Find a retreat center with a low (or even high) ropes course. It is well-worth the investment.”

Interested in learning more about adventure learning? If so, here’s a link to the Ridgecrest website where you can get more information (click here). Also, feel free to call 828-669-4844 and speak to one of adventure learning professionals.

Filed Under: Activities/Recreation, Budget and Pricing, Christian Retreat Ideas, Cost Saving Ideas, Meeting Set-Up, Post-Event Follow-up, Pre-Event Planning Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
«Older Posts