tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18645743052437596172024-03-13T17:32:10.931-07:00Planners PointersPlanners Pointers is a blog to help beginning event planners with their event planning. Give them ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover.Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-34555116191354259082013-05-16T12:13:00.000-07:002013-05-16T12:13:12.456-07:00Seven Topics to Consider When Planning An Outdoor Event<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Seven Topics to Consider when
Planning an Outdoor Event<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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So you’re planning an outdoor event? After you've decided on
the event and where it will be held, you need to acquire the appropriate
permits. That’s the easy part, once that is completed there is so much more! So
here is a list of seven things to consider when planning an outdoor event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nothing is better than
knowing every inch of your venue. One great trick is to get a map and pencil in
where everything will be, as well as taking pictures! Once everything is mapped
out, you’re going to want to start making a schedule of when supplies and
vendors will be coming in and out, as to not create a traffic jam. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re also going to want to consider timing of the event.
When does the sun rise and set? If your event is going to run long enough for
the sun to set, you’re going to want place lights on the walk ways and in the
parking lots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Engineering<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y3nlS5t2p50rMqnF7OAvy84Q3VcPwMD_xq8nMv9MstdWhRxXXddmtjTfv3ioZzOF_KoqqHgqpnEiaZ_sUHsYyRC227PUMGbErAH-o8_FzzXOgag121X_DsZrkek5DPSOPT2oTsqObMA/s1600/Blog_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y3nlS5t2p50rMqnF7OAvy84Q3VcPwMD_xq8nMv9MstdWhRxXXddmtjTfv3ioZzOF_KoqqHgqpnEiaZ_sUHsYyRC227PUMGbErAH-o8_FzzXOgag121X_DsZrkek5DPSOPT2oTsqObMA/s1600/Blog_2.jpg" /></a>Does your outdoor event
need power? Are you going to have food stations or vendors there, a stage with a
sound system or even a DJ? If so, then the power sources need mapped out. It
doesn’t hurt to see if the vendors have their own power supply to offer, or at
the least can bring their own extension cords. You’re also going to want to
make sure you don’t exceed the maximum power to each supply source. Having at
least one backup generator is also a good decision. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Public Needs<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYGk3MYoqjqgVwhdZSg7ZxQPhyrPMnh-hp_cBtC9Sv7AnjMTq4ZQn_y0nklBeg-uh_AQlrTROYa9HnDyYk5e5xuFbDzMOMGcNZi3UHczMbq2WL9fm9kOb600URMuM7W5-muwdBSrLNnw/s1600/blog_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYGk3MYoqjqgVwhdZSg7ZxQPhyrPMnh-hp_cBtC9Sv7AnjMTq4ZQn_y0nklBeg-uh_AQlrTROYa9HnDyYk5e5xuFbDzMOMGcNZi3UHczMbq2WL9fm9kOb600URMuM7W5-muwdBSrLNnw/s1600/blog_3.jpg" /></a>You want to make sure there are plenty of water fountains or
drink vendors, as well as public restrooms; not only for the guests, but the
workers and volunteers as well. You might also want to check and see if your
city or county has a requirement on public bathrooms compared to estimated
number of guests. (A safe number is 1 port-a-potty to every 150 people)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another thing to check on is what are your cities
requirements on public safety? Does there need to be law enforcement and
medical staff there, or are volunteers and a first aid kit sufficient? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Unwanted Guests<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjq0PfXmHswkOdhwsfCC2zwtv8eTrWSB2i5ywxzSVWgn5EUvAahfSzbASFTMqeh1i5pKY-29X3D68Iyv2M91u0FCTH8s0chDIIywltK1v3wKxJqR97NlRPR6lViH_LW0cwhz1v-A2SIk/s1600/blog_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjq0PfXmHswkOdhwsfCC2zwtv8eTrWSB2i5ywxzSVWgn5EUvAahfSzbASFTMqeh1i5pKY-29X3D68Iyv2M91u0FCTH8s0chDIIywltK1v3wKxJqR97NlRPR6lViH_LW0cwhz1v-A2SIk/s1600/blog_4.jpg" /></a>Depending on the time of
year, the climate, and the space, you might have some unwanted pests. There’s
several different ways to handle pest control, one being to have an
exterminator spray the area. However, make sure to be aware of how long after
the chemicals are sprayed till the food can be safely prepared. Another is to add
citronella candles and other repellents into the decorative mix. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>If you've forgotten it, you know the hassle<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Wb9ClI3OUBkiSVD1KwoZo7EuPHyI2i5xFqi75sH5yAu_J2Tbv7pBDVY0dHe9smKLMJF8c272Lirrd5zwwgJDCSZ63YfWBkSXsIBP6TiRzxzndvyUqQ-zsOvB2Nx-k5YgemqXqMZMog/s1600/blog_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Wb9ClI3OUBkiSVD1KwoZo7EuPHyI2i5xFqi75sH5yAu_J2Tbv7pBDVY0dHe9smKLMJF8c272Lirrd5zwwgJDCSZ63YfWBkSXsIBP6TiRzxzndvyUqQ-zsOvB2Nx-k5YgemqXqMZMog/s1600/blog_5.jpg" /></a>Make sure to have extra supplies at the ready, whether they
are complimentary or through a vendor. Supplies such as sunblock, bug spray,
hand wipes, and anything else you think someone might need. If you’ve ever gone
out and forgot something you know the pain and hassle of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Make arrangements<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61KEUT2Liojp_48XxFsVsf7uOGvg6NI7Ky_O8hYlTeiYsf_LPL8PvUiIAsQjlVnYKf65h90uJgMcSWi2UBPjvHwicdTTRxU_MdJRLFpLxpfBxRcWug7ae_71NKInIGcaJRbiBO-8kRDc/s1600/blog_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61KEUT2Liojp_48XxFsVsf7uOGvg6NI7Ky_O8hYlTeiYsf_LPL8PvUiIAsQjlVnYKf65h90uJgMcSWi2UBPjvHwicdTTRxU_MdJRLFpLxpfBxRcWug7ae_71NKInIGcaJRbiBO-8kRDc/s1600/blog_6.jpg" /></a> The biggest problem with outdoor events is the
weather. Will you’re event be held rain or shine, or will it be postponed? From
the day you think of the event to the day of, you want to monitor the weather.
You also need a backup plan in case it does rain. Can you’re event be moved
indoors and if so where, can it be put under tents and pavilions, or does it
need to be rescheduled? Each of those choices needs to be further looked into.
If its moved indoors is it close by, or does your guests need to relocate as
well? If it can be put under a pavilion will it hold up against the weather,
and will it be large enough for the event? Then there’s rescheduling, you can
plan ahead and already have the day marked down for all guests attending, or
you can play it by ear. You can reschedule to a new location, or a future date
in time. Rescheduling is something you need to have preplanned and something
that you need to be prepared for. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Finally: Clean Up<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPJjyxW0XCMlj4-8xt3eu-atALLUfohUoDhCwz760xbH-eHSWz70jdAQZAsaYjLT8yGunA89O7Y6QaWAsDt1V_dt7UvvXXxKIQJv4etjBEdOjcIj6O_Yh7PG6oRkJo5x4MBboZj0KMtY/s1600/blog_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPJjyxW0XCMlj4-8xt3eu-atALLUfohUoDhCwz760xbH-eHSWz70jdAQZAsaYjLT8yGunA89O7Y6QaWAsDt1V_dt7UvvXXxKIQJv4etjBEdOjcIj6O_Yh7PG6oRkJo5x4MBboZj0KMtY/s1600/blog_7.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just as important as setting up, is cleaning up. Will you
need dumpsters, or will the local waste management pick it up? It’s always good
to have a plan for trash pickup. If it’s a multiple day event, can you get the
local trash collectors to pick up daily, or will they only pick up on routine?
You can also contact the local waste management company and see if they will
donate any trash receptacles as well as any products to help clean. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Written By</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brandon Mitchell<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m a current intern at Kilgore Events and Meetings, as well
as full time student at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute. When I graduate in
July of 2013 I will have an Associate’s Degree in Business Management, to then
continue on with Robert Morris’s Bachelor’s Degree program for Business
Administration. <o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-48322783176895882502013-02-17T06:31:00.001-08:002013-02-17T06:34:20.366-08:00Salad Spinners<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x21NjSsdVgAM28_wW4V_XPZ9NxOD_pFSojmQJJMr5c0x5XD9zOnkWXngqaZ5Hb-1OGixO7jA7YgHnhMGDCH5Yt8izLfY7rw3OkKFfyW9Bgwwu5wHLDKGmsTcCI8mlu9oQ_kz7I4qTUg/s1600/11+11+salad+at+DLCC+MPI+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x21NjSsdVgAM28_wW4V_XPZ9NxOD_pFSojmQJJMr5c0x5XD9zOnkWXngqaZ5Hb-1OGixO7jA7YgHnhMGDCH5Yt8izLfY7rw3OkKFfyW9Bgwwu5wHLDKGmsTcCI8mlu9oQ_kz7I4qTUg/s320/11+11+salad+at+DLCC+MPI+lunch.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<b>Welcome to Planner's
Pointers! Here's a little tip about how
to add a little zest to your next function.
Budgets are tight these days so doing extravagant meals can be off the menu . But what if you take one thing and do it
differently?<br />
<br />
Let's take a look at the humble salad.
How many times have we seen it as mixed greens with tasteless tomato
slices. On a good day sometimes you get
feta cheese or blue cheese crumbles.
Usually you get with two choices
of dressing. While mixed greens are a little better than iceberg lettuce, it's
still not particularly memorable. <br />
<br />
Let's talk about salad that is pictured.
This salad came from a fall luncheon I attended. The pears were in season which made them less
expensive than other times. See how
interesting it makes the plate by wrapping the
leaf lettuce in a thin slice of cucumber? Add some cheese and candied walnuts. One amazing presentation! People are still talk about it.
<br />
<br />
Talk with your catering manager and the chef for your next function. Ask them what they can do for you to make
your next banquet one to remember.</b></div>
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<b>Thought for the week: "It is one of
the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to
help another without helping himself."</b></div>
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<b>-Ralph Waldo Emerson</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Planner's Pointers is written by, Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP of Kilgore Events and Meetings. You may reach me through my website www.kilgoreeventsandmeetings.com You can find my blog at http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/ You can reach me by phone at 412-260-4178. Follow me on Twitter @marypam.</b></span></span></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-86165413121536791852013-02-17T06:17:00.000-08:002013-02-17T06:22:15.083-08:00Answering the Call for Papers!<br />
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Welcome to Planners
Pointers! </div>
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Each month I like to
share words commonly used by professionals. The words along with their meaning
will be from the APEX Industry Glossary.</div>
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The<a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/" target="_blank"> ConventionIndustry Council</a> is the organization of 33 associations coming together to
exchange information among the meetings, convention and exhibitions industry.
One of the initiatives is APEX, Accepted Practices Exchange to develop
practices that reach industry wide. One of the practices is a glossary of terms
used in the industry. The goal of the glossary is to standardize the
definitions of words used by the meetings industry. </div>
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<br />
When you attend a conference do you even wonder how panels are determined? Sometimes management companies who represent
speakers send information. Sometimes
program committee members will suggest speakers that they heard at other
conferences. Often times though many
organization issue a "Call for Papers." The definition of a "Call for
Papers" is 1) An invitation to
submit topic ideas for the conference program. 2) Document containing detailed
instructions for submission of papers for assessment and selection by a review
committee; often referred to as “Abstract Forms.” Also known as "Call for
Presentations".<br />
<br />
When a potential speakers responds what is usually included in the response is a"
Curriculum Vitae" (Also known as a CV meaning a short account of one's
career and qualifications) or resume.
They will also include an
"Abstract" of their presentation. An "Abstract" means written
summaries of speeches or papers, generally between 200 - 500 words or a brief
statement of content.</div>
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At a conference
along with scheduled sessions maybe a "Poster Session." A "Poster Session" is : 1) Display of reports and papers, usually
scientific, accompanied by authors or researchers. 2) A session dedicated to
the discussion of the posters shown inside the meeting area. When this
discussion is not held in a special session, it can take place directly between
the person presenting the poster and interested delegate(s).</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The posters are often mounted on "Abstract Board."
An Abstract Board is usually rolling corkboards used for attaching
copies of research papers for authors to discuss with participants. Sometimes people use foam core for their poster and then use easels like the picture.</span></div>
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Planner's Pointers
is written by, Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP of Kilgore Events and Meetings. You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgoreeventsandmeetings.com/">www.kilgoreeventsandmeetings.com</a>
You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a> You can reach me by phone at
412-260-4178. Follow me on Twitter
@marypam. </div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-79520095798687932172013-02-05T09:03:00.000-08:002013-02-05T09:19:03.691-08:002013 Food Trends -- Survey says!<br />
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Survey Says -- 2013 Food Trends</div>
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Each year the <a href="http://restaurant.org/" target="_blank">National Restaurant Association</a>, the world's largest foodservice trade surveys
the more than 1,800 professional chefs, members of the American Culinary
Federation and members of the United States Bartenders Guild asks "What's
Hot?" The results forecast the menu trends for the coming year. </div>
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What were the
results? In a word -- Local. Locally grown. Locally sourced. Locally produced.
And even a term called Hyper-local sourcing.
Locally grown refers to fruits and vegetables. Locally sourced refers to
meat. Locally produced refers to beer, wine and spirits. Hyper-local sourcing
refers to the roof top gardens on top of restaurants. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
How does Pittsburgh
stack up with the trends? A quick web search shows many choices for all
including local farms, markets, bistros and brew pubs. Even roof top gardens
can be found in places like the David Lawrence Convention Center and Six Penn
Kitchen.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-0fQTV4nKwGXwFDy2DffeTdYWmJLU-PtDeW-N6kkqp5mQEwFaBFJ1xf_G2W5rHdX3WxduWoi6Ry0IbmcNmLndZD4P31DiZdNRyntnKI7R-4oRRl3G4UpicfroZEz9ShN96JKZ7c30EY/s1600/seat_belt_required_sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-0fQTV4nKwGXwFDy2DffeTdYWmJLU-PtDeW-N6kkqp5mQEwFaBFJ1xf_G2W5rHdX3WxduWoi6Ry0IbmcNmLndZD4P31DiZdNRyntnKI7R-4oRRl3G4UpicfroZEz9ShN96JKZ7c30EY/s1600/seat_belt_required_sign.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Seat Belts -- A
trend that saves lives!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Seat belt use
climbed to an all time high in 2012.
Nine out of 10 people are choosing to buckle up according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration climbing from 15% in 1984 to 86%
in 2012. AAA states that even in today's era of active safety systems and
crumple zones seat belts remain the single most effective safety device for
preventing death and injury. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickmsVRlTt2mlvgJ5_xIBKZI37E_nMDthLPeFs0IRHo_Mpm_OsU6EErnWnk2IMexYZQ6XIdl-UnTJsdqUwYbzhUS0XWJP9j6B7jeIvppNmlTQzWa-fcpiaPkUOeWt5wQDdAVuZuv_OHaI/s1600/brownielocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickmsVRlTt2mlvgJ5_xIBKZI37E_nMDthLPeFs0IRHo_Mpm_OsU6EErnWnk2IMexYZQ6XIdl-UnTJsdqUwYbzhUS0XWJP9j6B7jeIvppNmlTQzWa-fcpiaPkUOeWt5wQDdAVuZuv_OHaI/s1600/brownielocks.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Websites to discover
--</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Brownielocks and the
Three Bears (<a href="http://www.brownielocks.com/" target="_blank">www.brownielocks.com)</a> is
a website that has been around for more than 10 years but I only bookmarked it
a little more than year ago or so when my friend, Becky, talked about it at a
meeting. If you are an event planner, school teacher or anyone looking for a
theme for an event or school project then Brownielocks is the place to go. Pick
a month -- any month -- and there are listings for holidays, weeks of or month
of celebrations and awareness. For example: Did you know there was a National
Hot Dog Day? (July 17th) or that May is Go Fetch! Food Drive for Homeless
Animals Month.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The creator of Brownielocks said she did it as a fun way for
older children to learn. Which means to
me that listings on the site are actual days, that the illustrations are cute
without being silly and the content is "G" rated. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For people like me
who like to plan ahead, the listings are for all months and not just one at a
time. While the current month is the centerpiece, you can still access previous
months or go click to choose future months. If a day or month has a link, they
are also posted. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
A great website to
discover.</div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-18113752725518362122012-12-30T05:03:00.001-08:002012-12-30T05:03:12.354-08:00Timelines<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
A
goal is a dream with a timeline -- Weston Lyon</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
Welcome
to Planner's Pointers! Today I am going
to talk about what is a timeline and why it is important in meeting and event planning (and lots of
other places). According to one
dictionary I read a timeline is .. a sequence of related events arranged in
chronological order and displayed along a line (usually drawn left to right or
top to bottom). Another described as a
management tool that described when items are to be completed and by whom. Both of these entries are really good
explanations of what a timeline is.
<br />
<br />
Here are six ideas why a timeline is
important</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A timeline is one of the best
ways to keep track of what needs to happen when. That is what organization is all about.
Never think that just because you have done something many times you can
keep things in your head. You will
absolutely miss something if you don't have a written timeline. </span></li>
</ol>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="2"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A timeline gives you peace of
mind. You have an action plan and
you know when tasks need to happen. </span></li>
</ol>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="3"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> A timeline is one way to help keep you
within budget. You can order items
well in advance so you are not paying for things as 24 hour shipping, or
on site printing.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="4"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do you eat an
elephant? One bite at a time. A good timeline is the one bite at a
time because it carries the event
forward.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="5"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> I believe
committees work best with clear direction. Timelines are one form of clear
direction. When you have multiple
committees doing 50 or so items a piece, a timeline is the only way you
will keep moving and everyone on track.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Timelines also keep you
accountable to your clients by keeping them informed about your progress.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
New
to using a timeline? Develop one by
making a list of all tasks that need to be done in an Excel spread sheet. A good idea would be to do it with your team that way you won't forget
anything. Add dates when you will start
the task and complete the task. An
example of this is:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9Pa8z6tG_8MBN1LulSaWLN9sH_SwakevrLAstwKc01ezNB8gehFoa8S6mvQC2PtO9N9Lc6ISZSjx1LDHuiJjwmVWR5ckXu3rEKmLP5p3CNiZUJJX2ngn8HqLAxsNfz3vgxfiu3s7mEQ/s1600/timeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9Pa8z6tG_8MBN1LulSaWLN9sH_SwakevrLAstwKc01ezNB8gehFoa8S6mvQC2PtO9N9Lc6ISZSjx1LDHuiJjwmVWR5ckXu3rEKmLP5p3CNiZUJJX2ngn8HqLAxsNfz3vgxfiu3s7mEQ/s1600/timeline.jpg" height="28" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
It gets easier after you have created one a
few times. One idea is to develop a
generic timeline and customize it as needed.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm8kkr-pj5sRCDQEMtbD9xNlucYG7CCtDqNPFU-_wys9Wg_h2fVB0qNZDJZ3DRU5PNP8n08DLijwezT61B5RWIUAmxkJfzFP_Yxh8FF5rEZLwcln_8f1Saaehje-eS4XcD7mxpzznAPM/s1600/toasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm8kkr-pj5sRCDQEMtbD9xNlucYG7CCtDqNPFU-_wys9Wg_h2fVB0qNZDJZ3DRU5PNP8n08DLijwezT61B5RWIUAmxkJfzFP_Yxh8FF5rEZLwcln_8f1Saaehje-eS4XcD7mxpzznAPM/s1600/toasting.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
How did the word
"toast" become an expression?
As many sites on the Internet describes it: A toast is a ritual in which a drink is
taken as an expression of honor or goodwill.
In the 17th century, the custom was to put small piece of spiced toast
in the bottom of the glass. Since you
drink to a person or to an occasion, you drain the glass so you drink the bit
of toast. Let's toast to 2013! </div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Planners Pointers is
a blog and talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning
share ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover. </div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Planner's Pointers
is written by Mary Pam Kilgore,
CMP, of Kilgore Events and
Meetings. You may reach me through my
website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> or
you may call me at 412-260-4178 You can find podcasts of Planner's Pointers at <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-32269218160296296422012-11-03T16:33:00.000-07:002012-11-03T16:33:26.103-07:00How to beat the winter blues --<br />
<div style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
Welcome to
Planner's Pointer's <span style="color: #29303b;">Planners Pointers is a blog and
talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning. Give them
ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover. </span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
This
Sunday morning at 2:00 am, we will "fall back" as Daylight Savings
Time comes to a close. </div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
I
have often wondered how Daylight Savings Time came to be and this is what I
learned. Daylight Savings Time was
started during World War I in order to save energy for the war production. It was mandatory during that time and again
during World War II. Between the wars
and after World War II it was up to the states to determined if they wanted to
go by Daylight Savings Time. In 1966
Daylight Savings Time became the law of the land with the passage of Uniform
Time Act. In 2007. in order to save more
energy four weeks were added to the time period that ranges from the second
Sunday of March to the first week of November.</div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
What
I notice the most about when we go back to "regular time" in November
is not only does the day seem so much shorter is that people's moods seem to
change. While, seasonal affective
disorder, a form of depression as a result of lack of light, effects only 4-6 %
of the population, many of us still seem to feel "a little blue"
during the winter months. Here a couple
of things that I do during the winter to keep me going.</div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
1.
Go outside for a short walk. Even in
colder weather a walk around the block can
lift the spirits.</div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
2.
Watch your diet. I know that a bag of
chips and onion dip are great additions to an evening of TV watching, but they
will cause you problems in the long run.</div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
3.
Keep in contact with your family and friends.
No, not with Facebook, but face to face.
Yes, snow happens, but not every snow flake is a blizzard in the making. Play cards, share a meal, go to a movie, take
in a museum all these things make for a great time together. </div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
Before
you know it, or just in time, depending on how you look at it. Spring arrives. Keep the faith.</div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
Planner's
Pointers is written by me, Mary Pam Kilgore, of Kilgore Business Services,
LLC You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-4502136121834778532012-10-22T07:46:00.000-07:002012-10-22T15:01:41.845-07:00Ideas for Stress Reduced Holidays<br />
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to Planners'
Pointers! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"The Holidays
Are Coming! The Holidays are
Coming!" is the thought among many of us starting in October. From Halloween to New Years Eve, the time
will fly by potentially causing a great deal of stress. Here are
ideas to help you avoid the holiday stress.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvTuxHch9FJVRPo79IbrHbXDz5ru8jiB01YK5LE72rrjVOW0l9Sa6XU05DZH6gxQXO5320naNVZJWSn2uwSwJ1Ofe-iBbsmX0BB679LyvCy-LqmbkBeDpHdSsgZtfMDbP103vx4nFJAY/s1600/man+in+christmas+hatl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvTuxHch9FJVRPo79IbrHbXDz5ru8jiB01YK5LE72rrjVOW0l9Sa6XU05DZH6gxQXO5320naNVZJWSn2uwSwJ1Ofe-iBbsmX0BB679LyvCy-LqmbkBeDpHdSsgZtfMDbP103vx4nFJAY/s200/man+in+christmas+hatl.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Holiday Cards. Start working on the list Now! If you are like me and like not only a
great holiday message, but good art, boxed cards can get expensive. </span></span></li>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="a">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One of my first
stops is <a href="http://www.tuesdaymorning.com/" target="_blank">Tuesday Morning.</a> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I know that I will have to do some
searching through the boxes, but I have been successful in finding exactly
what I want . </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do you have a Hallmark Card
Gold Rewards Card? If you do, then
head on over to your local <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/" target="_blank">Hallmark Store</a> (</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">www.hallmark.com</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">) for their Buy One Get One boxed card
sale. Don't forget the wrapping
paper! It's on sale to! </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Want to design a card
yourself? Add a picture? Send cards to your list without cramping your
hand? <a href="http://www.sendoutcards.com/" target="_blank">Send Out Cards</a> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> is a
wonderful website that allows you to both choose among their thousands of cards or design your own
by adding pictures, designs and your own words. You can choose or design your own
holiday card and send it to your card list in the same time as it takes
to make a batch of cookies!
Becoming a card sender is easy and there are several levels of
membership. </span></span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="2"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Decorations -- When the first
flameless tea lights came out a few years ago I was not a fan, after
all they didn't even look like
candles. With the introduction of wax flameless
candles, I have changed my mind.
The flickering is more natural and they have timers that allow up
to 5 or 6 hours of continuous flame.
I think they work well in center pieces or anywhere you want to set
and forget. Leave it to <a href="http://www.energizer.com/" target="_blank">Energizer,</a>
the battery people, to have a line
of wax flameless candles that work really well. Check it out at their website </span><a href="http://www.energizer.com/"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">http://www.energizer.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Shopping. For me shopping early helps me avoid
the crowds. According to<a href="http://www.dealnews.com/" target="_blank"> www.dealnews.com</a> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the best time to get the
lowest prices on all your
electronics is from mid November
till Black Friday. Toy prices are
better after December 1st, but you have to realize that what your children
want may be out of stock by then.
The good news is that on-line prices for all goods will be the same
as what is in the store. A fact
that wasn't true a couple of years ago.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="4"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Holiday Party. The Holiday Party was hit by the
recession recently, but is coming back.
It may not be as lavish as it once was but businesses have learned
that parties have a positive effect on the company morale.</span></span></li>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="a">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Make it less
about the booze. Instead of an
open bar use drink tickets and limit the number you give to
everyone. Purchasing your open bar
by the drink instead of by the person is sometimes cheaper. Having only beer and wine available is
another way to control costs without eliminating alcohol all
together. Add a soft drink service
for around $100.00.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="a">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="2"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add
Activities Give people something
to do beside sit around. Photo
booths are hanging on but one of the hot trends is making flipbooks. How about having indoor 9 hole mini golf and having an
indoor golf tournament? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the cost conscience out
there have a holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. Several restaurants are offering
rewards if you book before October 31st.
</span></span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Stress Free
Holidays!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFvfy7sn9hVe2PvDzwsJ5Ve37T8tPpyGG6YnQuvYv9NrF2f9hes8Y4X0vDj_4Uks2kR4Amg_i4sAxzO3vOe1SxkYAGQCHtWXhlrPPTVN2IhL6fH6sfsQg2n5yE9pYu5f2wI3nDCz6k94/s1600/holiday+yoga+womanl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFvfy7sn9hVe2PvDzwsJ5Ve37T8tPpyGG6YnQuvYv9NrF2f9hes8Y4X0vDj_4Uks2kR4Amg_i4sAxzO3vOe1SxkYAGQCHtWXhlrPPTVN2IhL6fH6sfsQg2n5yE9pYu5f2wI3nDCz6k94/s320/holiday+yoga+womanl.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Planners Pointers is
a blog and talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning
share ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Planner's Pointers
is written by Mary Pam Kilgore,
CMP, of Kilgore Business Services. You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> or you may
call me at 412-260-4178 You can find podcasts of Planner's Pointers at <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></span></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-14147329326954094652012-10-09T11:43:00.000-07:002012-10-17T08:31:58.759-07:00What Goes Into A Meeting -- On Site Registration and Check In<br />
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to
Planners' Pointers! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the
considerations in planning your event is at door registration and check in. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> At door registration is also called on site
registration and is defined as the
process of signing up for an event on the day of, or at the site of, the
event <a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/" target="_blank">(Convention Industry Council)</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check in
sort of defines itself as if you have pre-registered, giving your name to the
registration people and picking up your materials, name badge. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How do you
plan for attendees registering at the door? The guideline is one person for 50
attendees at the busiest time. If you have done this event before, then post event evaluations will tell you that
long registration lines were a problem.
If you haven't done the event before, have more registration people
available. Better you not need them then to have long lines of people waiting
to check in or register. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How do you
control the registration area? The
easiest way seem to be to have one area for those who have pre-registered and
those who will do at door or on site registration. Those who have pre-registered will probably
spend less than half the time checking in as those who did pre-register so you
will need fewer people to work in the pre-reg area. Having several people working in the on site
area to take registration information and money will decrease wait time. Technology is making on-site registration
more efficient and easier. <a href="http://www.cvent.com/" target="_blank">Cvent</a>, among
other on-line registration companies, has a program that says that all you need
is a computer and you can set up a registration kiosk that will handle both
those who have pre-registered and those who do on-site registration. The program will even print name badges with
bar codes. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Making sure that registration is pleasant and
quick will be the best first impression an attendee will have and may set the
tone for the rest of the event.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #29303b; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">Planners Pointers is a blog and talk cast to
help beginning event planners with their event planning share ideas on planning
better events, books to read and websites to discover. </span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">Planner's Pointers is written by</span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP,</span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">of Kilgore Business Services.</span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">You may reach me through my website </span><a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/" target="_blank">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/" target="_blank"> </a> </span><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">You can find podcasts of Planner's Pointers
at </span><a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></span></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-86696578667462106852012-08-13T09:38:00.000-07:002012-10-17T08:32:24.870-07:005 Tips to Keeping Event Costs Manageable<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to
Planners' Pointers!</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Doing an
event, any event from a first birthday party to a lavish wedding have
costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key is keeping the costs as
contained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are 5 tips to keeping
costs as manageable as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Photo
booths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Photo booths rental costs
range from $500.00 to $800.00 depending on the number of hours and the
number of pictures. Here is a tip for you DIYers out there. All you need
is a blank wall and large piece of foam core cut into the shape of a
frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hang the foam core frame
from the ceiling and there you are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Add old hats, scarfs, and items found at the dollar store and you
have a wonderful and fun place to have people take pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family and friends can take their own
photos and then post them to their Facebook pages or email them to you to
post. Allow your friends to tag themselves. If you want to use a
photographer if you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or have a
friend or family member to take pictures. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="2"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Catering<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is an idea a friend of mine did in
the spring to celebrate the 5th anniversary of her business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She used a venue that let her bring in
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend then called several
restaurants and offered them a sponsorship of the event and in return they
brought in food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The restaurants
brought in sample size portions and marketing information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attendees enjoyed the food and the
restaurants reached a new audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Flowers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some believe that silk flowers are
cheaper, but I don't agree especially when you consider your time spent
creating the centerpieces, bouquets, head pieces and other arrangements
you may use for your events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
it comes to florists, shop around to see where you can get the best value
for your dollar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at their
websites and Facebook pages for testimonials. Remember seasonal flowers
are very apt to be cheaper for arrangements and bouquets. Or see if your
venue has flowers or candles that you can use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most will let you use them for
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="4"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Dates
One of the most difficult items to check off an event check list is
determining when the event is going to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you have a specific reason for the date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birthdays or anniversaries are examples
of needing a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>specific date. When
booking an event be as flexible as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does a wedding need to be on a Saturday
or Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about a Friday or
even a Thursday evening wedding. A great day for a fundraiser may be a
Tuesday evening instead of Thursday. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;" value="5"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Alcohol<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An interesting fact that I learn in my
reading is one third of the population doesn't drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider that when you are thinking
about alcohol for your next event and order less than you would have even
five years ago. Don't forget to have soft drinks and water for your
non-drinking friends. This is especially true for corporate events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember this: Just like some employers
are looking at your search history on the internet, they may also be
monitoring your habits at corporate events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is especially true where clients
will be in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>One more thought about weddings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At weddings, you can save on the cake and
even the food, but where some over spend is in alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, an open bar gets expensive, but so does purchasing
alcohol without a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about what
your guests drink at other events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or
what they may have at their homes. If they seem to be a wine or beer crowd then
you don't need to have a whole lot of other liquor for your event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember to make sure you can return unopened
alcohol.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You can
have a wonderful event without spending lots of money. Being creative and
thinking out of the box may lead to budget savings without sacrificing the
quality of the event.</span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Planners Pointers is a blog and talk cast to
help beginning event planners with their event planning share ideas on planning
better events, books to read and websites to discover. </span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Planner's Pointers is written by Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services. You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> You can find podcasts of Planner's Pointers
at <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></span></div>
Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-89770754080233665782012-01-17T06:58:00.000-08:002012-01-17T06:58:34.105-08:00Getting the Most Out of Participating in Vendor Shows Part 1 Choosing the Show.<div style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Welcome to Planner's Pointer's </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Things to consider when planning to do a trade or vendor show</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's the beginning of a new year and bridal shows and charity vendor shows will soon be in full swing. If you offer a service or sell a product you are no doubt being mailed and emailed information about upcoming shows. Trade shows are tempting marketing opportunities because they offer everyone a chance to reach hundreds and potentially thousands of people over a rather short period of time. Before you send your check and sign the contract here are a few tips to consider when choosing the correct show for you. </div><div style="font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">1. Is doing a vendor show the best way to reach your target market? The best way to find out the answer to that question is to ask the show promoter what the demographics are for their show and use this information to determine if it applies to your business.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">2. How much does the show cost? And the follow up question is -- How much will you have to sell to recoup your costs of this show. If you believe that you can't recoup those costs in the first couple of hours of the show, then you might want to reconsider if this is the best use of your marketing funds. </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">3. What do you get with the show package? Do you get an ad or just a listing in the show program. If you pay a little more, will you get a better spot on the show floor? Can you share a booth? Some show promoters allow you to share a booth if you are selling the same product, several Mary Kay reps sharing a booth at a wedding show for example.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"> </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">4. What other vendors will be there? Ask the show promoter what other vendors are attending. Are these other vendors compatible with what you sell or are they your direct competitors? Is the show promoter limiting in any way the number of vendors selling similar items? Do you have a good relationship with any of the other vendors attending the show? At a wedding show for example it would be helpful for a florist to have a good relationship with a limousine company. </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">5. Does the show location also serve your target market? If most of your target is south of the city, then a show north of the city not give you the best results. </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These are but a few considerations in choosing a vendor show.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Next week: Pre show Marketing</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Planners Pointers is a blog and talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning share ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover. </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.375in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services. You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> You can find podcasts of Planner's Pointers at <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-67849965515810411362011-08-12T13:05:00.000-07:002011-08-12T13:05:58.607-07:00What Goes Into a Meeting -- Vision and Goals<br />
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to Planners Pointers! </span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meetings, conventions, weddings, fund raisers and birthday parties all have one thing in common.<span> </span>They all share the same planning process.<span> </span>This planning process has several pieces and over the next several weeks I am going to write about the many aspects of the planning process.<span> </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week aspect is Goal.<span> </span>Goal as defined by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1636197128">Merrian Webster is "the end toward which effort is directed."</a><span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Chttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goal"> </a> </span>I believe that determining what your goal will be for any event must be the first thing you accomplish in any planning.<span> </span>Without a goal or goals, the everything will flounder.<span> </span>Goals determine budget, dates, location, marketing and all of the rest of the processes.<span> </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let's try a word similar to goal -- <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1636197133">vision. Defined as </a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.75pt;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vision">a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination</a>.<span> </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 8pt;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Vision is often a word people when describing what they want their event to be.<span> </span>What people see in their mind's eye.<span> </span>What their dream is.<span> </span>Most of the time vision is what happens before goals are set.<span> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What does this all mean for the event and meeting planner? I believe that it is the planner's job to take the vision and turn it into a goal. How you do that will be discussed next time on Planners Pointers.</span></div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-24543180622170958832011-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:002011-07-05T11:07:39.616-07:00Glossary Term -- Agenda<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planner's Pointer's. <span style="color: #29303b;">Planners Pointers is a blog and talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning. Give them ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover. </span></div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Each month I would like to share words commonly used by professionals. The words along with their meaning will be from the APEX Industry Glossary.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">The <a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/">Convention Industry Council</a> is the organization of 33 associations coming together to exchange information among the meetings, convention and exhibitions industry. One of the initiatives is APEX, Accepted Practices Exchange to develop practices that reach industry wide. One of the practices is a glossary of terms used in the industry. The goal of the glossary is to standardize the definitions of words used by the meetings industry. </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">This week's word is Agenda:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A list or plan of items to consider, decided, undertaken or accomplished at a meeting or event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agendas are generally formal, structured lists and may include a time schedule.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">A simple agenda might look like this -- </div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="direction: ltr;"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; direction: ltr;" valign="top"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: .8243in;"> <div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Time</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7756in;"> <div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Event</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.35in;"> <div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Location</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: .8243in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">8:00 AM</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7756in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Continental Breakfast </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.35in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Junior Ballroom</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: .8243in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">8:30 AM</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7756in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">General Session </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.35in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Main Ballroom</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: .8243in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">8:45 AM</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7756in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">General Session -- Election of officers</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.35in;"> <div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Main Ballroom</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Other Agendas would add speakers, topics, and length of time </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Another term you hear used in place of agenda is schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Determining the agenda for any meeting or event should be done very early in the planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience it should be done right after you set the goals of the meeting. I believe one way to show how you are to carrying out the goals of a meeting is through the agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">That your Planners Pointer for today!</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-38971443125889925772011-07-01T13:45:00.000-07:002011-07-01T13:45:04.484-07:00Website -- Eventsburgh<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Attention all Pittsburgh event planners! Looking for new website to post your events for free? <a href="http://eventsburgh.com/"> Eventsburgh</a> is the new on-line place to be. </span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Want to post an event on Eventsburgh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First you have to become a member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's free and all you have to do is complete the form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can add a picture of yourself if you would like, otherwise you get an avatar.</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you have registered you can click on the big button that says "Post an Event"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and complete the form and post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 100,000 character description<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>block will cover even the most detailed event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't forget to use the preview button to make sure you have all your information.</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can also push it out to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn with a mouse click.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of us used to doing separate postings, it's a time saver.</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has a few bells and whistles that you can choose to add for a small fee. For example, an additional link to your on-line registration site, or additional social media listings but they are inexpensive and I think worth the cost.</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All events are posted to the calendar and emailed to those who register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You only receive emails for events in categories that interested you when you signed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also take a few minutes to wonder around the site to find listings or read forum postings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site has lots of potential.</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eventsburgh was started by University of Pittsburgh alum, Tony Hsieh (pronounced "Shea") as a way to show his friends that there are lots of things to do in the 'Burgh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah Tony!</span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember an on-line event site is only as good as those who post their listings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add Eventsburgh to your list of on-line calendar listings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's the Planners Pointer for today!</span></div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-31766303393638979502011-06-14T02:44:00.000-07:002011-06-14T02:44:20.746-07:00Invitation Tips for better mailing and response<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are planning a wonderful special event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a great speaker or are honoring community volunteers or this could be a special fund raiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it's </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">time to send the invitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are sending invitations for an event you have been doing for several years it's easy to recycle the same invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just slip in the new dates, new honorees and it's good to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But before you hit send to your printer's ftp site here are five idea you consider.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">1. Review last year's invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it still reflect the goal of the event?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has your logo changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Location?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Board members? Website?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mission statement?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have at least 3 pairs of eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add something new like a QR code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Design it so it will fit into a standard size envelope.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">2. Mailing list<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was the last time it was updated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you made the corrections that resulted the last mailing you sent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the invitations going to those you support your events or you interact with on a regular basis?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or are you doing a really broad mailing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you even know who has supported you in the past?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost of printing and mailing has increased greatly over the last couple of years and it would be prudent if you could see who has not been attending and perhaps remove them from printed mailings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not talking about removing them from emails that you send, just printed materials.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">3. Response cards<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know how your attendees RSVP?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they call?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they email?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they do it through on line registration?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the response cards are being thrown out in the trash, it might be the time to save a few trees and do away with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure though that phone numbers, emails and websites are clear on the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or what about adding a QR code to the piece?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invitees can scan the code with their smart phone and register.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">4. Mailing date<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes eight weeks is the traditional time so don't change that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you can do to make sure you hear from people is to make sure you also add emails to the mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days you are competing with several organizations and 200 cable channels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are responding later and later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More not less interaction is necessary to get the responses necessary to reach your attendance goals.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">5. Save the date mailings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They still have a very important place in your overall marketing plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mailing are a good way to keep in touch with everyone on you lists of contacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">In this world of 200 email messages a day, mailed invitations still are an important part in getting the word out about events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trick is keeping your list manageable to keep the costs manageable.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">That's the Planners Pointer for today</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-2416405354591469852011-06-14T02:35:00.001-07:002011-06-14T02:35:51.149-07:00AptwjjtdMary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-10579527569649016872011-03-22T07:00:00.000-07:002011-03-22T07:07:53.844-07:00Value of a Meeting<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Recently the <a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/">Convention Industry Council </a>released a study called The Economic Significance of Meetings on the U.S. Economy. It gave some amazing figures </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">1.8 Million corporate and business meetings, trade shows, conventions, congresses, </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">incentive events and other meetings take place in the U.S., resulting in: </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">$263 Billion in spending</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">1.7 M US Jobs</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">$106B contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">$14.3B federal tax revenue</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">$11.3B state and local tax revenue </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">$60B in U.S. labor income </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Astounding isn't it? If you want to see the full report go to<a href="http://www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com/"> www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com</a> </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">All those figures are wonderful news to meeting planners because it says that meetings have a value and contribute to the economic wellbeing of this nation. But the value of a meeting for most is not about the money spent. While hosting meetings is important, the most important value to attendee is what goes on at meeting/conference. The programming, exhibitors, and speakers that are what is of value to an attendee. It is what makes them want to come.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">But not always -- <a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/">Seth Godin</a> in a recent blog talked about why he attends conferences which is the conversations that happen outside the planned sessions or events and I couldn't agree more with his statement. I will not forget the <a href="http://www.mpiweb.org/">MPI</a> World Education Conference I attended several years ago. I got to meet some of the biggest guru in the meetings biz including <a href="http://www.corbinball.com/">Corbin Ball</a> and <a href="http://www.mpiweb.org/Archive?id=6469">Joan Eisenstodt</a> outside of their sessions. I learned from the exhibitors that I met because I got to ask questions about their products that ads or articles in magazines don't always address. </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">The value of a meeting is the face to face interaction. This is why face to face meetings will never go away. You can start relationships anywhere. But relationships get cemented by face to face encounters. Business is what happens after relationships are formed.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"> My Planners Pointers for today is when working on the elements of your next meeting allow for lots of one to one interaction. Create spaces where people can go to meet and mingle. Everyone will thank you for that.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
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<div style="color: #29303b; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by , Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a> You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a> You can reach me by phone at 412-260-4178. Follow me on Twitter @marypam</div></div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-90793708082826735472011-03-15T06:33:00.000-07:002011-03-15T06:33:10.292-07:00Email Hang Up -- When Sent Mail Doesn't Arrive<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Did you ever wonder how many emails are sent in a day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the <a href="http://www.radicati.com/">Radicati Group</a>, an organization that provides research to the IT community, in 2010 around 294 billion emails per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW! That's a lot of people trying to communicate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder that if people miss one or two of your emails, they don't even know it.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">A couple of weeks ago I was having email problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes we all get those and we all hate it when that happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would write a message using MS Outlook, click send but no one would get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn't getting any responses so I started calling people that's how I discovered it. When I really wanted to get a message out, I would have to use the email client provided by my ISP or Google.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">A couple of people wondered why I wasn't willing to give up using MS Outlook for other clients like the one provided by my ISP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the way Outlook works and I like only having to use one set of contacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how many emails addresses I have they all show up in Outlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't have to bounce around on websites to get my email.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">It took several long calls to my ISP including talking with their security department to find out the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess what it was?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My email signature was being read by the servers as spam so the email was being blocked by the servers. Spam?? I don't even forward joke emails! No one seemed to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to my ISP's customer service department, I was able to rearrange my signature and the mail is going through. But my question still remains on why one day email worked and the next day it didn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one could answer that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makes it sound like could happen again.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Something else I learned about all the email sent -- It's shouldn't come as surprise, but did you know that 90% of all email is spam or viruses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written Mary Pam Kilgore, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can reach me by phone at 412-260-4178.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@ marypam onTwitter.</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-25351367849092519702011-02-22T10:11:00.000-08:002011-02-22T10:11:53.866-08:00February 22 APEX Glossary Term: SMERF<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Each month I like to share words commonly used by professionals. The words along with their meaning will be from the APEX Industry Glossary.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">The <a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/">Convention Industry Council i</a>s the organization of 33 associations coming together to exchange information among the meetings, convention and exhibitions industry. One of the initiatives is APEX, Accepted Practices Exchange to develop practices that reach industry wide. One of the practices is a glossary of terms used in the industry. The goal of the glossary is to standardize the definitions of words used by the meetings industry. </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">This months definition is SMERF. No, not the blue cartoon people on television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SMERF is an </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">acronym for a category of event market segments including Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal groups.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I used to think that SMERF or SMERF market was a derogatory term until I realized that each one of the markets listed was worth millions of dollars spent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example the Social markets includes weddings, a billion dollar business. Military includes events like military reunions which are very valuable to cities because the people who attend them do things outside the planned events like visiting museums and shopping at local stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See what I mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Say it proudly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a planner who caters to the SMERFS!</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by me, Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1010080594">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/"> </a> </span>You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com</a>/<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me on Twitter @marypam</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-36757228352451016712011-02-15T06:24:00.000-08:002011-02-15T06:24:13.563-08:00When Was the Last Time You Read "Who Moved My Cheese?"<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was having lunch with a friend last week when the discussion changed from technology to the ability to change and with that came a discussion about the "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, the story of the mice and the maze said my friend. And the ability to change or react to the change around you I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which made me wonder...</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">What is your ability to change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you like "Sniff" and "Scurry?" Are you "Haw?" Or are you "Hem?"</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">When was the last time you read "Who Moved My Cheese?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven't read it in a while, read it again! To plan effective meetings and events does depend on you ability to anticipate the unexpected and to look for what lies ahead. </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">If you have never read the parable about change you can find it in most book stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking to purchase a copy for a friend? Try the Half Price Books in your area or go to <a href="http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/">www.whomovedmycheese.com</a></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by me, Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me on Twitter @marypam</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-33955839397480491092011-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:002011-02-08T05:38:39.945-08:00Is All in the Follow Up!<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">This<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is <a href="http://www.internationalnetworkingweek.com/sites/bni/business-networking-edit/default.asp">International Networking Week</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Started by <a href="http://www.bni.com/">BNI, Business Network International,</a> several years ago, <a href="http://www.internationalnetworkingweek.com/sites/bni/business-networking-edit/default.asp">International Networking Week</a> celebrates the importance that networking plays in our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Last week I was a part of a panel at a networking event and I was asked what my number one networking tip was and I said "Follow Up with the people you meet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless you follow up, all those business cards are just ink on paper."</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">It is a surprising statistic that 48%, almost half,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of all sales people never follow up with new contacts or prospects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That only 25% of Sales people make a second contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seems amazing since most sales don't happen until<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more than five contacts were made.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">There are several ways to follow up with the new people that you meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can email them, you can send a handwritten note, you can a note using <a href="http://www.sendoutcards.com/">Send Out Cards.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose one and use it consistently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the note about them, and not about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.burg.com/">Bob Burg </a>in his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Referrals-Third-Bob-Burg/dp/0071462074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297169575&sr=8-1">Endless Referrals</a> describes his process for follow up using handwritten notes and he does it every day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Like-Pro-Contacts-Connections/dp/1599183560/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1297171501&sr=1-9">Networking Like a Pro Turning Contacts Into Connections</a> by <a href="http://www.ivanmisner.com/">Dr. Ivan Misner</a>, David Alexander and Brian Hilliard has a great way of following up with people and helps you categorize your contacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book also has some great examples of notes you can send.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Being effective at networking is a trait that every meeting and event planner needs to have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you followed up today with you contacts?</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by me, Mary Pam Kilgore, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_325748732">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/"> </a> </span>You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me on Twitter at @marypam.</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-45369462812995942362011-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:002011-02-04T13:03:18.710-08:00Treat Your Computer to a Day at the Spa!! -- Computer Spa that is...<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day thousands of people take their cars in to get inspected or do 50,000 mile check ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People go to the doctor's to get all sorts of check ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go to dentists for our teeth, chiropractors for our backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">What about our computer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us meeting and event planners are one person shops linked to the outside world via our computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let something happen to it and our world crashes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Could our computers need a day the computer spa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day of deep temporary cleanses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good keyboard manicure,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hardware tune up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Here are six things to think about as you look at your computer. </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">1. When was the last time you did a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>complete back up of your files?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend who almost lost all of her client files because her computer got corrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in tears!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several ways to do this including backing up to an external hard drive or using storage with such web based products as Carbonite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the cost of a couple of latte's you can have peace of mind for a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend who has both an external hard drive and has a subscription to Carbonite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are your virus checkers up to date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often do you virus scans? Do you have more than one virus checker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes they don't work well together and you can have problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">3. Same goes for your malware detectors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a friend who let her teenage grandson use her computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he did was perfectly innocent, but it cost her more than $200 to fix the problem that the malware created.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is your computer running slow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many programs are you running in the background?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you need all of them to be running in the background?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">5. Slow to boot up in the morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check what is in your Start Programs Do you really<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>need to have the small programs to start automatically?</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">6. Speaking of programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you storing programs you are no longer using?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you install a new version of a program are you making sure to uninstall the old program first?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you do automatic updates of your programs?</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Next time you schedule a tune up for your car,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make one for your computer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending the day at the spa?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Send your computer for its own spa treatment with your favor computer technician<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will both be refreshed!</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-3795408072357505832011-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:002011-02-01T12:13:44.487-08:00Setting the Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWEHX4IXKCftzgLEIH7f8wvNtIFJMIY-LllrcR6qg5YfpJDEaTJ5YXFS5l-teTdEIyLhngY1VcFjRVSdiLth2s64CUEP8ZKLwJ08pGkSUUP-a88Laq5pWfrcHc9iOgfCrdzYRiuWMeZI/s1600/table+setting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWEHX4IXKCftzgLEIH7f8wvNtIFJMIY-LllrcR6qg5YfpJDEaTJ5YXFS5l-teTdEIyLhngY1VcFjRVSdiLth2s64CUEP8ZKLwJ08pGkSUUP-a88Laq5pWfrcHc9iOgfCrdzYRiuWMeZI/s320/table+setting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ah, one of my favorite places to host an elegant event, the Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh, PA.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">From time to time I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like to share words commonly used by professionals. The words along with their meaning will be from the APEX Industry Glossary maintained by the <a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/">Convention Industry Council</a></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">The<a href="http://www.conventionindustry.org/"> Convention Industry Council</a> is the organization of 33 associations coming together to exchange information among the meetings, convention and exhibitions industry. One of the initiatives is APEX, Accepted Practices Exchange to develop practices that reach industry wide. One of the practices is a glossary of terms used in the industry. The goal of the glossary is to standardize the definitions of words used by the meetings industry</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">While you are looking at the picture, here are a few terms for describing different items on the table.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Napery</span> is another name for table linen</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Place Setting or Cover:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A combination of flatware, glassware and china.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #29303b; font-weight: bold;">Double Cloth:</span><span style="color: #29303b;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">Use of two tablecloths on a banquet table for decorative purposes, to muffle sound, or to attach to skirting. Usually two different colors are used. </span></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overlay:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second smaller tablecloth used for decorative purposes at banquets</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Banquet Round:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Round table used for meal service; depending on the diameter, can comfortably seat up to 12 persons. A round for 8 is usually 60-inches in diameter, and a round for 10 is usually 72-inches in diameter. Rounds that are 66 inches in diameter may also be found in use for tables of 8-10. </div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Just add people and you have a beautiful event.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by, Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may Mary Pam through her website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find my blog at <a href="http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/">http://plannerspointers.blogspot.com/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can reach me by phone at 412-260-4178.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me on Twitter @marypam.</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-86701879840785529732011-01-28T13:06:00.000-08:002011-01-28T13:06:42.428-08:00Friday Web Tip -- Google Voice<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planners Pointers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">One of the recent additions to the many faces of Google is the addition of voice mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Called Google Voice, this latest product is something for you to add to your list of settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like other things Google, it's free!</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Here are some benefits.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">1. Phone number rings on multiple lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the Pittsburgh NAWBO Chapter has added Google Voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rings the phones of three different people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If no one is available, the Gmail account gets an email that says that there is a message waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">2. Along the same lines as the first suggestion,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ff you are using your home phone and your cell phone for business but don't want to advertise the fact to the rest of the world, Google Voice will give you a phone number, in your area code, to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use that number on your business cards and website. </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">3. You can email the voice mail message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get a message and want someone else to hear it, you can forward the voice mail via email quickly.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">4. Google transcribes the message so you can read your voice mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One drawback:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the person leaving the message isn't clear enough, the words maybe wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered who Jenny was until I heard the message and my sister-in-laws name, Joanie.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">The best suggestion is to go to <a href="http://www.google.com/voice">www.google.com/voice</a> and check it out for yourself.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">That's this week's Planners Pointers web tip.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planners Pointers is written by Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, Kilgore Business Services, LLC. contact me at <a href="mailto:mpkilgore@comcast.net">mpkilgore@comcast.net</a> </div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-75803595962499475892011-01-25T10:46:00.000-08:002011-01-25T10:46:00.372-08:00Home Office Kryptonite<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planner's Pointer's! </div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Today we are going to talk about home office Kryptonite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember Superman?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leaps over tall buildings in a single bound?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could stop a bullet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as we learned in the first Superman movie that came out in the 70s, Superman can turn back time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he had one weakness:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kryptonite, a mineral from his own planet that would zap his powers and if exposed to it long enough would eventually kill him.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">We aren't talking about issues that could hurt us physically, but what about those distractions that happen every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that grab our attention, and because we don't let them, won't let us go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time grabbers, home office Kryptonite in other words.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">1. Daydreaming -- that's what our teachers called it when we were kids. Thinking about other things when you are working on a project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are working on a client's project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are getting paid to do this but sometimes your mind wanders and you think you should be doing something else. Another project, perhaps or taking the dog for a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like timers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you start working on project, set the timer for 45 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See where you are with the project at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still moving ahead, or stuck and thinking about laundry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are moving ahead, set the time for another 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, take a break, 5 minutes and get up and move around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a list maker. When I start thinking of other things I I add it to the list, then I don't have to remember it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's on the list of things I am going to do later.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">2. Email<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Email is a trap if you let it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been several articles about email organization like schedule reading times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morning, and later in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless you are expecting an email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same could be and should be said about Facebook and Twitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A word here about phone calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Answering services, Answering machines, caller ID and voice mail have been around in some cases 30 or more years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn your ringer off if you want, put on headphones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Screening doesn't have the negative connation that it has had in the past.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Oh look Shinny!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are on the Internet doing some researching when one link leads to another and before you know it you have spent two hours on an entirely different topic then when you started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or you are at a really large website let's say something like istockphoto.com and Internet Movie Data Base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">5. Television<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my personal Kryptonite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My computer has a TV tuner in it and if I turn it on it is hard for me to turn it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I can put what I am working on in front of me and still hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">How do I handle life's interruptions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make lists and have a plan for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some things like Internet searches I will set a timer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I screen calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have days that are office only.</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Planner's Pointers is written by Mary Pam Kilgore, of Kilgore Business Services, LLC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may reach me through my website <a href="http://www.kilgorebusiness.com/">www.kilgorebusiness.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> or marypamkilgore@gmail.com </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can reach me by phone at 412-260-4178.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow me on Twitter @marypam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Copyright 2010</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864574305243759617.post-42843120051835034362011-01-21T12:19:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:19:40.856-08:00Looking for work? Interview with Dawn Penfold, Meetingjobs.com<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">Welcome to Planner's Pointer's <span style="color: #29303b;">Planners Pointers is a blog and talk cast to help beginning event planners with their event planning. Give them ideas on planning better events, books to read and websites to discover.</span></div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #29303b; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">I teach a class at Allegheny County Community College called "Event Planning as a Career. One of the most often asked questions I get from my students is are there jobs out there… I took this question to Dawn Penfold, CMP and president of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.meetingjobs.com/">http://www.meetingjobs.com/ </a> </span>I interviewed her on my Talkshoe radio channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I would share the link with you so you could hear her comments and tips about finding a job as a planner in today's economy. Here is the link to the Planners Pointers Radio Show:</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353">http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73353</a></span>Mary Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316991938752398990noreply@blogger.com0