Q: Randy, the district sales managers are coming to head office for a meeting. Last time this group got together it was chaos. Are there some ground rules I can set so things don’t go too far off the rails?
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Setting The Ground Rules For Your Next Meeting
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January 19 | meeting and event management | staff
Tagged operations, randy markus
The Last Minute Xmas Party
December 15 | meeting and event management | staff
Q: Randy, I’ve been asked to organize a last minute Xmas party for staff? What do I do?
A: The last thing anyone needs at this time of year is stress — even the stress of organizing something fun like a holiday staff party. So the best advice I can offer is KISS — keep it super simple. If you can’t get a good caterer in time, then think about serving something simple like a pot of chili — one with meat and one for the vegetarians on staff. You can serve wine and beer but a big pot of hot cider is an alternative — and it can be served non-alcoholic or with a shot of rum. Let your creativity make-up the difference for a lack of decor and other Xmas accoutrement. Here is a sharp idea that I stole from Live with Regis and Kelly — the plaid party. Pick up some plaid throw blankets and fabric to cover everything from the table in the meeting room to the office photocopier. Use the fabric to line platters and trays, or wrap it around your drinking glasses to add a little holiday flare.
Randy Markus is an operations specialist and partner at WTTC.com. Have an operations question you’d like answered? Leave it in the comments section below.
Tagged operations, randy markus
Randy’s Terrific Operations Point: The RFP
November 16 | meeting and event planning resources | staff
Q: Randy, what is an RFP and how does the process work?
A: An RFP or “Request for Proposal” is the starting point for contracting industry suppliers. Typically, the meeting planner will draw-up the RFP and then invite potential suppliers to respond. The RFP helps bring structure to the decision making process by allowing interested vendors to submit proposals based on the same criteria. Vendors benefit by learning what the planners expect and can respond in a way that meets or exceeds those expectations.
Vendors responding to a RFP should read it carefully and prepare their response as per any instructions outlined in the document. Also, most RFP deadlines are final so vendors submitting late proposals may not be considered.
Randy Markus is an operations specialist and partner at WTTC.com. Have an operations question you’d like answered? Leave it in the comments section below.
Tagged randy markus, randy's top
Site Inspections And The CVB
October 27 | meeting and event management | staff
Q: Randy, what are your thoughts on utilizing a CVB for an upcoming site inspection?
A: Convention & Visitors Bureaus (or CVBs) can be very helpful with site inspections, saving you both time and money. With a primary focus on marketing and selling a destination city, these not-for-profit organizations will do everything in their power to help you find the meeting and service companies, hotels, venues and attractions that best “fit” the needs and expectations of your client. After all, when you create an exceptional client experience in a city the CVB benefits by the enhanced exposure and positive industry “buzz” your event attendees take back home with them.
Do your homework by visiting the city’s website and talking with your CVB representative. In many cases the reps will contact hotels and meeting facilities and schedule a time for you to visit the properties you want to see. Some CVBs, such as Tourism Toronto, will even have a member of their corporate team meet you at the airport and personally escort you to every site inspection and around the city. Personal attention as only CVBs provide can save you from a lot of worry and allow you to focus on getting the best deal for your client — and your event.
Randy Markus is an operations specialist and partner at WTTC.com. Have an operations question you’d like answered? Leave it in the comments section below.
Tagged cvb, operations, randy markus
