THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER

AN EXPERT IN MEETINGS

BUILDING thought-leadership

The National Conference Center, one of the largest training facilities in the country, wanted to become a thought leader in the meetings and training industry. I developed and executed a robust content strategy. I was the founder and publisher of Meeting Discoveries, a quarterly white paper series distributed to trade press, with more than 300,000 downloads annually.

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The Science of food for thought

Meeting planners everywhere are always looking for the answer to this question: how can I help my attendees gain and retain the most from their meeting experience? A food scientist shares how food and timing both play a role.

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES

For the first time ever, Chief Learning Officers are faced with the challenge of meeting the needs of four generations in the workplace. Understanding these differences is the key to a happy workplace.  

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THE FUTURE OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY

With the amount of content available online and the ability to watch a speaker virtually, the incentives for a participant to travel to a conference have changed. As a result, innovative conference organizers are thinking outside the box. 

WHAT DO MEETING PLANNERS WANT IN THEIR SERVICE EXPERIENCE?

During the venue site-selection process, meeting planners have different expectations and goals for their meeting. They need to carefully consider everything from the physical requirements they have of a venue to the more intangible issues, such as how well a venue’s goals align with their group’s goals. Yet beyond this, from initial planning to the closing of the billing statement, there’s a key element you need every step of the way: high-quality service standards and hospitality. But exactly what con- stitutes this great level of service? 

INVEST IN TRAINING AND I'LL STAY: WHY TRAINING IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

"Would anyone put a thoroughbred horse into the Kentucky Derby if the horse hadn’t been trained to perform?” That’s the analogy Fred Lang, former Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for the U.S. Department of Commerce, shared when we asked his opinion of corporations and federal agencies cutting back on employee training. You most likely answered “no.” Read why it's non-negotiable to compete and retain talent.

WHY CONFERENCE CENTERS ARE MORE CONDUCIVE FOR LEARNING

Minimized training budgets, down-sized meetings and the recurring ROI question continue to challenge planners. To make the budget case, productivity must be a top priority for site selection. By slashing through typical concerns about functionality, planners can begin to think beyond comfortable chairs. Yes, ergonomics are important. But consider the larger picture—and how the entire meeting environment can drive productivity for your meeting.