Event Agenda

Five Ways to Use the Cvent Supplier Network to Save on Meeting and Event Planning

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Katie Hollar
Thousands of planners have discovered that the Cvent Supplier Network is a fantastic resource to research meeting venues, whether they’re looking for a venue locally, nationwide, or even globally. But what many planners don’t know is that sending a Request for Proposal (RFP) through the network can equate to major savings for their clients or organization. Did I mention that this service is completely free of cost? Listed below are five cost-saving reasons to send an RFP through the Cvent Supplier Network:

1. Save Time

Save time on the Cvent Supplier NetworkYou may be thinking, “I already have a system in place to source venues for my events, and it works just fine for me.  Why should I invest time in learning a brand new process?” The answer to that question is quite simple—because it will save you much more time in the long run! Do you re-write an RFP for every meeting that you plan? Chances are, if you’re holding an event this year that you have held in previous years, your requirements for a venue probably aren’t going to change much. With the Cvent Supplier Network, you can replicate your previous RFPs and quickly update any changes to send it out year after year. Then, you’ll have a record of all the venues you’ve considered over the years and all of their quotes, easily accessible from your Cvent account.

Maybe your current system doesn’t involve writing RFPs at all, but rather, you research venues on the internet and call the properties directly.  But how long does it take you to Google all the potential venues in an area, confirm that they have the meeting space that you need, find their contact information, wait on hold while the front desk transfers you to the Sales office, relay all the information about your meeting, wait to get emailed back pricing…? You get the picture. Multiply that process by 8-10 properties to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and your days are easily consumed just sourcing your event—not to mention all the planning that comes after! Fortunately, Cvent has a team of representatives called the Supplier Response team who are entirely dedicated to getting your bids back from venues quickly when you send out an RFP. They make all the phone calls and explain your meeting details directly to the venues so you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting. The Supplier Response team also ensures that venues respond to your RFP through the Cvent system in a timely manner so that you can compare your bids side-by-side, all in one place.

2. Gain Negotiating Power

Another reason you might be skeptical of sending an RFP is because you already know the venue where you want to hold your event, or you’ve held it at that location before.  But are you sure that you’re getting the best rate at your stand-by property? What if another property could better suit your needs? On Monday, I wrote a post on how to negotiate better deals by sending an RFP on the Supplier Network. Knowing what else is out there is extremely important, even if you’re sourcing an event locally, because if you have bids from competing properties, you can better negotiate down the rates at your preferred venue. In this economy, several venues have had to significantly change their pricing, and sending an RFP is a quick way to check what the going rate is in an area. You might even find that a venue has an enticing promotion that you just can’t turn down!

3. Build on Existing Relationships

Perhaps you’ve already done your time on hold, waiting to be connected to the correct contact at a venue, and since then you have actually built a rapport with that person.  That’s great! In the meetings and events industry, relationships are extremely important (and they can even help you snag better rates).  With Cvent’s functionality, you can send your RFPs directly to your personal contacts at a venue to ensure that your RFP falls in the right hands. You get all the benefits of having your RFP details and meeting history stored in your Cvent account, plus you get the credit for sending business to your go-to supplier!

4. Leverage National or Global Sales Contacts

What if your contacts aren’t at an individual property but you rely on National or Global Sales contacts at major hotel chains? Cvent has you covered! On the Cvent Supplier Network, you can take advantage of our NSO/GSO forwarding functionality, which allows you to send your RFPs to a National or Global Sales rep.  Then, the NSO or GSO can forward your RFP out through Cvent to its properties that fit your needs. Using this feature, you get all the cost-savings of using the NSO or GSO, plus benefits #1-3 above. 

5. Use a CVB’s Expertise


If your job entails planning meetings in destinations that you’re unfamiliar with, a Convention and Visitors Bureau (also known as a Destination Marketing Organization) can help. A CVB is a non-profit organization that represents a specific metropolitan area or city. Since CVBs are the experts on their respective destinations, using a CVB helps you save time and money because they know which venues in their area are best suited to your RFP.  CVBs also know which properties can offer you the best rates and promotions because they’re always looking for ways to make their city more competitive than the next.  On the Cvent Supplier Network, you can send your RFP to a CVB (or a few), and they can forward your RFP to the best properties in their city.  It’s as simple as searching a major metro area on the Supplier Network and filtering the “Venue Type” on the left hand side of the results screen by clicking “CVB.” Add the CVB to your RFP and launch. Voila! Just wait for the bids to start rolling in.

If you’re not even sure yet which cities to consider for your next meeting, check out the Cvent Destination Guide, which has information specifically geared towards meeting planners about destinations around the world. You can also see which destinations are most economical for your meetings by comparing average stats for each city on our Event Planning Comparison Chart.

The Divine Miss M is Leaving Las Vegas

Friday, November 20, 2009 by Lisa Valentine
Colisseum at Caesars Palace Bette Midler announced that the critically acclaimed Las Vegas show, The Showgirl Must Go On, will have its last performance on Sunday, January 31, 2010. The show will have several more performances before wrapping its stint as a pillar attraction in Las Vegas. This Vegas event spent two successful years at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Midler stated that her run has been fabulous and she thanks both Caesars Palace and AEG Live for "the best partnership a showgirl could imagine."

"Like every one of her performances, the approaching finale of Bette's two-year engagement leaves us applauding for more," said Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace. "Bette always will have a home at Caesars Palace."

The Divine Miss M was chosen as Best Singer (Reader's Pick) and Best All-Around Performer (Staff Pick) by Las Vegas Review Journal's Best of Las Vegas 2009. With an act that is poignant, tacky, and altogether fabulous, Bette was an honorary Las Vegan and she will be missed.  

Before the curtain falls on this Las Vegas event, why add an evening performance to your meeting agenda? Groups of 20 or more can arrange for group tickets through the Colosseum group sales office at 702-731-7208. Planners can also take advantage of the Dinner and Show packages, which include a three-course meal at one of Caesars' gourmet Las Vegas restaurants: Bradley Ogden, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Mesa Grill, Neros or Raos.

Good luck Bette! We wish you "Big Business" in all your future endeavors.

Find Meeting Planning News, Tools and More at MeetingsNet for Free!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Cvent Staff
Need information about implementing a Strategic Meetings Management Program? Are you looking for tips on negotiating contracts? Or maybe you just need to check out the latest food & beverage trends for events? MeetingsNet is the perfect resource!

MeetingsNet’s websites and magazines are conducting their annual subscription drive and invite all professionals with meeting planning responsibility to sign up for free subscriptions to Corporate Meetings & Incentives (now including Financial & Insurance Meetings), Association Meetings, and Medical Meetings. Religious meeting planners can get more information about obtaining a subscription to Religious Conference Manager.

MeetingsNet also publishes the popular MeetingsNet Extra, delivered every Tuesday to your inbox with newsbreaking stories, and MeetingsNet Tech Extra, a monthly newsletter that takes the mystery out of meeting technologies. It just takes a few minutes, and planners have the option of signing up for digital or mail delivery.

Visit MeetingsNet to subscribe today!

Seeing is Believing: Why to Hire A Photographer for Your Next Event!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
Event PhotographerPictures hold two key benefits for third-party planners. First, photos are an opportunity to prove that they can create successful events. Whether they are posed or candid, photos can be the deciding factor in whether or not you book your next event. Second, often times attendees who forget their camera will still want memories of how the event transpired - and they'll expect you to provide them.

Selecting an event photographer is a challenging task. Without proper knowledge of photographic elements, lighting or even the basic skills of your photographer, you run the risk of having a great event with mediocre pictures.

Be sure your photographers have everything they will need for excellent pictures. Check out their online portfolios, inquire about their photography equipment, and confirm their guest count (some photographers bring assistants). Have an area for guests to take posed photos that is clear of wires, AV equipment and, most of all, people.

Atlanta photographers Atlpics and Sandra Rose have made a name for themselves in the Atlanta event sector by posting event photos online. This is a benefit to both your guests and your brand recognition. It will only guests to see everyone that attended as well as preserve memories of the event. For your benefit, the photos will create a buzz about your event planning talents and possibly gain potential clients that may have never thought about hiring you.

All in all, remember that seeing is believing. You want your prospective clients to believe that you can create eye-catching events!

Find more information about Atlanta photographers on the Cvent Supplier Network.

Learn Holiday Planning Tips from the Experts at Christopher Todd Design

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Lisa Valentine
Thanksgiving isn't even here yet, but it's quite apparent that Christmas is right around the corner, and there is so much to do! Let design pro Christopher Todd Hall of Christopher Todd Design put all your holiday party planning worries to rest!

CT has you covered, from food and event decor to invitations and entertainment. He even does Las Vegas corporate event planning. 

If you are looking for more of a do-it-yourself route, CT is hosting a class at Whole Foods Market Las Vegas Boulevard in Town Square on December 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM. This class will prepare you to host whatever type of holiday party you have in mind. He is fun, engaging, and has quite the sense of humor!

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a seasoned design expert, who has been featured in the November issue of Luxury magazine. Specializing in artistic design for floral and table settings, he continues to impress me with his artistic talent and eye for detail.

Thanksgiving Day Events at Orlando's Dandelion Cafe

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 by Alexandra Courson
The air is filled with the sound of the Christmas holiday season. It seems as if Halloween just passed, and already Christmas is right around the corner. Didn't we forget a valuable, yet less emphasized, holiday?

Thanksgiving is a great time to attend an event in Orlando; after all, we have a lot to be thankful for in our backyard. All around Orlando, there are special events designed to bring people in the the city together.

One of the area restaurants that fosters Orlando camaraderie is Dandelion Communitea Cafe. Dandelion is a largely organic-based Orlando restaurant that infuses free thinking and bohemian style in every aspect of the quaint house-turned-restaurant. From the vegan-inspired 'meat" dish of the day to the belly dancers that are invited in for special occasions, this eatery has inspired many great talks and salons; it even hosts monthly drum circles that come with the full moon.

Enjoying a Thanksgiving week event here seems to be a natural choice for gatherings of family or friends. On Thanksgiving Eve, Orlando guests can attend the Listen to: Front Porch on WPRK 91.5 Special Family Talk event, held from noon to 1 PM. This weekly Orlando event features different guest making a difference locally. On the Turkey Day event agenda are Astrology, Palm, Tarot and Angel Card Readings, held from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Chicago Holiday Party Promotions!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Suppliers and vendors all around the city of Chicago have been releasing promotions for event planners as an incentive to book their services for this year's holiday gatherings. Take a look at some of the best meeting promotions in the Chicago area for the holiday season:

Fulton Lounge

Fulton lounge is located in the West Loop. This relaxed but intimate Chicago party venue is a perfect place to host a holiday event. With space for up to 300 guests, the lounge serves as an ideal Chicago banquet hall and offers several packaged options to make the event planning process proceed with ease. This year, Fulton Lounge has a new menu crafted by OTOM Restaurant. If you book your event by November 30, you will receive 20 percent off the beverage minimum for parties of 25 or more guests!

theWit


theWit Hotel is located in the Downtown Loop. This relatively new Chicago boutique hotel has many event spaces available for private events. From their three amazing restaurants to their high definition theater, theWit is sure to please any guest. If you book a holiday party in one of this Chicago hotel's unique spaces, you will receive a $150 gift certificate to one of its three in-house Chicago restaurants.

Ditka'sDitka's Steaks, Seafood & Chops

Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, this traditional steakhouse is one of Chicago's prime restaurants. Named after Mike Ditka, former coach of the NFL Chicago Bears, this Chicago banquet facility is filled with Chicago sports memorabilia to give it a local touch. When booking with Ditka's, you will receive 10 percent off your food or beverage package of your choice, an autographed Mike Ditka football, as well as entry into their holiday raffle, which includes a chance to win prizes ranging a winery trip for two to a dinner for six prepared by the restaurant's executive chef in your home!

Spiaggia

Spiaggia is located at the end of the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. This highly-rated Italian restaurant offers space overlooking Lake Michigan. The fact that it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary over this holiday season makes it an even more special option for your Chicago events. If you book an event in one of their private dining rooms, Spiaggia will over 25 percent off selected menus.

Happy Cvent Client Raves about Recent Success!

Friday, November 13, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
We're pleased to report that one of Cvent's clients, the Business Development Institute (BDI), held a successful event yesterday in NYC: The Social Consumer B2C Case Studies & Roundtables.

Maria Feola, Director of Events, explains how Cvent has turned around their organization's whole operation: "Registration and website updates used to be a nightmare because we had to send all website changes through our vendor. Registrations were constantly rejected, and we would have to process any refunds through a separate system."

That does sound scary. But now with Cvent, Maria has everything she needs in one easy-to-use program. "I can access [the system] from anywhere with an Internet connection. I don’t need HTML knowledge for the website and everything is customizable so I don’t feel trapped in another person’s idea of what MY business needs."

"Cvent is also constantly updating features to make things easier for clients and the dedicated staff is always there to answer my questions and take my suggestions. I have not had the chance to fully take advantage of all its offerings, but we plan to be fully integrated within the next year. There is no need for multiple systems for websites, registration, webinars, surveys, event email communications, etc. when Cvent has it all!"


Founded in 2001, BDI is a small corporate event planning company and a leading conference and webinar producer for communicators.

Don't Be Late Rabbit, Hollywood's Back in Wonderland...

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Charity Hill
Mondrian HotelOne of the most enchanting hotel renovations Los Angeles has ever seen has built upon its world of wonder. The Mondrian, already among the finest of 5 star hotels in Los Angeles, now features hotel rooms that are as whimsical as the famed Skybar lounge they overlook.

Finally trading in their cool tones of gray carpets for warmer hues and sleek honey wood floors, the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Los Angeles meeting hotel is complete! With Los Angeles accommodations fit for the queen of hearts, the hotel showcases Los Angeles corporate event planning at it's best. State-of-the-art boardrooms, fairytale ballrooms, an award-winning Los Angeles restaurant, and a nightclub almost as famous as the city itself are sure to persuade your next client to attend your next LA meeting.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Early bookings are a must, so don't be late for your very important date! You won't find an LA meeting space like this unless you fall asleep under a tree and dream it up.

View more information about the Mondrian Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network

Start Mixing It Up in your Social Meeting Space

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
We've recently touched upon Twitter and the benefits that social networking tools give planners. Now let's take it one step further and connect your audience as tightly as possible while planning events through Cvent!

Gone are the days when you can bombard attendees with e-mails, newsletters and web sites and call it a day. Sure, these are necessary in the event planning process, but they're tools where the events talk to them. As a planner, you need to provide ways for attendees to have real conversations and build communities around your events.

When clients give us feedback, it's evident that sometimes they find the greatest interaction with attendees through Twitter, while in other instances, LinkedIn or Facebook works better. So what's the take-home message? There probably isn't one right answer as to which tool is ultimately the best

Don't view this as a complication, but rather as an opportunity. There is a plethora of social networking tools at your fingertips - don't be afraid to experiment with all of them! It may be trial and error, but the reality is that with each unique event, it's hard to predict which is the right tool to get the job done right.

While working with Cvent, start implementing these options - either one at a time or in combinations - it's up to you. But no matter how you choose to go about it, your attendees will surely appreciate resources that display important content in a more relatable way!

3 Online Resources to Help Decorate Your Events

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
BalloonsFor your next destination event in Atlanta, remember that, although you may not know the city, you can order supplies online and have them shipped to your location. The city can be difficult to navigate through, so starting your supplier search online is a great idea for event planners unfamiliar with the area and local event suppliers.

These resources can help keep your headaches away and promote smooth transitions from event to event. Remember your time is money, so why not use available resources to assist in the event planning process?

Smartyhadaparty.com has a wonderful idea for planners who need disposable and reusable items for a deal. Want the quality of silverware at the price of plastic, the appeal of cotton chair covers at the cost of paper, or even the appeal of glassware without the washing time? Then check out this company's website. The quality is exceptional and allows you to save your event budget for more important areas such as food and drinks.

• Want to get your items and be on your way? Check out Shindigz.com. They offer theme boxes in which you pay one set price and your party comes to you. The theme boxes include backdrops, props and other decorations depending on what your event theme may be.

• The Cvent Supplier Network features tens of thousands of event venues and suppliers, including over 200 in the metropolitan area of Atlanta. Find local and national providers of Atlanta catering services, audio-visual technology, floral decorations and more.

Many meeting planners prefer to see the items before coordinating their next event, however time is not always on our sides. The Internet has become a  wonderful resource to have in your event planning toolbox, so why not make the most of it?

Weave Twitter into your Event Planning Process to Communicate and Create Buzz

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
With all the buzz around Twitter, you may be asking yourself, "How can this social networking tool benefit my event planning processes?"

Professionals in the event planning industry agree that tweets can effectively drive traffic before, during and after your event. Posting updates to the social networking service gives you an avenue through which you can showcase the cool things going on with your event.

Live Twitter feeds are an easy, inexpensive way to get attendees and notable event guests communicating and staying connected. Say you're hosting an event with a well-known guest speaker - starting the conversation before the event as early as possibly will help by building more buzz and positive talk.

In any situation, tweets are a great way to promote your organization and brand. The best part is that Twitter keeps the process simple, just going to show that it doesn’t have to be all glitz and glam to capture attendee attention. As long as you keep your short messages relevant to the audience, Twitter will keep them engaged.

To apply this tool in a practical way, think about doing a Twitter Q&A to get people networking and to gather some key take-away thoughts from the minds of event participants. Or have a staff member on-site tweet during the event.

Go ahead - make use of this great technology and improve your events. It's easy to set up a free account, so get logged on and tweet until your heart's content! That way, you can answer "yes" when someone asks, "...have you tweeted yet?"

6 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Event

Monday, November 9, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Green ForestMeeting and event planners all over the country are modifying their programs to fit the needs of their eco-friendly clients. By demonstrating a green initiative to their customers and employees, corporations can send a great message to their event attendees about the importance of being good to the environment.

In order to execute a green goal at an event, planners must demonstrate and incorporate the green initiative to their best ability. Here are 6 ideas for hosting a green event in Chicago:

1. Hold the program for your guests in the ballroom of the Chicago hotel that is hosting your group rather than at an off-site location. This will eliminate the carbon output from transportation to and from an off-site venue.

2. Ask the hotel if it is possible to bring in food that is locally and/or organically grown, a much more sustainable option. Also, donate leftover food from the event to a local shelter in the city.

3. Rather than flowers, use plants for event decor. Flowers are usually thrown away at the completion of an event, while plants can be used numerous times. Plants can even be re-potted or gifted for attendees.

4. Request that your centerpieces be made from recycled materials. For example, try the popular arrangement of green dendrobium orchids, pine and green fuji mums.

5. Add some sort of educational piece into your event agenda that highlights the importance of being eco-friendly. A nice decor idea would be to include a water wall in the center of the ballroom, symbolizing water as the center of the earth's ecosystem. This water wall could have images or facts pertaining to the theme projected into it in order to grasp guests' attention while educating them at the same time. 

Use your local resources to get an idea of what each city does to work toward sustainability. Contacting a local representative from an eco-friendly organization to bring in some educational materials or even give a short speech at an event can help stress the importance of helping the environment.

6. While in the planning stages of such an event, research the hotel brands you are considering. Many well-known hotels in Chicago have taken on new efforts to support the green movement.

Los Angeles Believes in Magic That Few Will Ever Witness...

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Charity Hill
Be among the few to stand in front of the secret bookcase and say the magic words: "Open Sesame." And poof! The Magic Castle, an elusive LA attraction, will reveal itself as one of the most coveted venues in Los Angeles.

It's not an illusion! World-class entertainment in Los Angeles unfolds right in front of your eyes as you enter this four-story Victorian castle smack-dab in the middle of Hollywood. It holds up to 360 people for meetings and special events.

Combined with the most exciting group dining Los Angeles has to offer and the convenience of a hip hotel right on the property, the Magic Castle is a triple threat. Successful Los Angeles corporate event planning includes a creative conference site or diverse banquet hall, and the Magic Castle holds the cards.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: Put an ace in your pocket! Befriend a magical member to harness your full Los Angeles event planning potential.

To find more unique Los Angeles venues, visit the Cvent Supplier Network.

Wild Game "Meats" Wealthy Hollywood...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Charity Hill
Nestled in the canyon of the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu is the rustic yet decadent oasis of Saddle Peak Lodge, the gold medal winner of romantic wedding venues in Los Angeles.

A breathtaking countryside landscape frames this picturesque lodge, making it the perfect setting for a fairytale Los Angeles wedding reception. From a cascading waterfall and lush patio to the intimate library and den, this LA venue is a Los Angeles wedding planner's dream.

Deemed the only 6-star restaurant in LA, this hidden gem is a best kept secret of Hollywood's elite. However, the cat's out of the bag the moment you pull into the parking lot next to the Rolls Royce and Maybach. But don't be intimidated—the service is impeccable and the staff is as familiar as your local neighborhood haunt.

Everything's game on this eclectic menu, literally, as venison, bison, elk, beef, quail and lamb all find a place on the menu. Exercise your palate by including an out-of-this world wine flight guided by your personal sommelier.

Cvent Planner Insider Tip: LA can be a fickle town and Los Angeles event planning can be tricky. However, having a unique wedding in Los Angeles is do-able with a dreamy Los Angeles special event facility like Saddle Peak Lodge, coupled with the fact that it is considered one of the best caterers in Los Angeles.

View more information about Saddle Peak Lodge on the Cvent Supplier Network

Check Out Dallas' Top Vendors at the Great Bridal Expo

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Despina Karintis
Wedding BouquetNot that there aren't enough bridal shows and wedding extravaganzas in Texas, let alone Dallas, but the Great Bridal Expo held at the historic and beautiful Fairmont Dallas Hotel is an excellent opportunity to not only get out and see a slew of Dallas vendors, but a chance to check out the hotel's event space. The Expo is set to begin November 8 at noon and generally lasts anywhere from five to seven hours depending on crowds.

Here is a short list of featured exhibitors: 

Favorite Dallas florist Your Perfect Wedding Day by di Fiori will be on-site to demonstrate and discuss floral arrangements for any Dallas event. This mother/daughter team has event design experience ranging from full-service social affairs to large corporate luncheons.

The Creative Touch: Events by Lauren is a Dallas event planner specializing in not only weddings, but also lavish corporate affairs and business gatherings. Full-service event planning and day-of coordination are available.

Voted Dallas' Best Winery in 2009, Swirll Winery & Wine Bar will be presenting some fabulous options for off-site wine selections, as well as those for smaller, on-site cocktail events. This swank little wine dive is located in the heart of downtown and has fast become a Dallas restaurant hotspot for both the amateur wine lover and connoisseur alike.

Keith Evans Photography will also be at the Expo exhibiting some of his famous shots. Voted Ft. Worth's Photographer of the Year in 2008, Keith has a knack for capturing the perfect lighting for both formal or informal shots. He also knows some of the best Dallas venues and outdoor locales for amazing shoots.

MBEG, LLCis a multi-service company specializing in ground Dallas transportation. Whether you're in need of bus service to and from an event or a corporate car pick-up service, they are known to have some of the best rates for Dallas limo companies.

All these and more will be on-site to promote networking amongst Dallas area vendors. It's a great opportunity for Dallas meeting planners to seek out some lesser known, well-respected names in the Dallas event industry. And don't forget to visit the Cvent Supplier Network to search and find Dallas suppliers for your next event!

Lend a Helping Hand at Your Next Corporate Event

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Mallory Szabo
Helping HandsWith the economy taking a large hit, unemployment on the rise and tight budgets, companies are facing scrutiny for every dollar they spend toward their meetings and events. Impact 4 Good has come up with a solution that promotes corporate social responsibility while helping companies avoid inquiry on every event they plan. Impact 4 Good operates with the support of a wide network of community service organizations to create activities for corporate groups, helping them benefit from a learning experience that gives back to communities in need.

Over the past few months, corporate planners have been facing a "perception issue." The media has been highlighting how large companies are spending corporate dollars on so-called "extravagant expenses," most of which include meetings and events. Other challenges include narrowing down current planned events agendas, allowing attendees very little time to get out of their hotels and banquet facilities as well as tight budget constraints.

Community service team building organized by Impact 4 Good can be incorporated to shed some positive light on meetings and events as well as on the company that is participating. These types of events are used to motivate staff to work as a team for the benefit of giving back to the community in programs such as Literacy Builders, Go GREEN Racing, Poverty: Beehive Building, and Children: Bike Build for Charity.

Impact 4 Good's programs not only enhance the image of good corporate citizens, but they also exemplify their commitment to their employees and customers. With most programs lasting two hours or fewer and having the capability of hosting from 10 attendees to 10,000 or more, Impact 4 Good is a great option for companies who are trying to make a difference.

Visit Impact 4 Good for more information and details on hosting a team building activity for your next event.

Treat Events like Marketing Campaigns with Powerful Email Communications

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
Say "good-bye" to the headaches triggered by unresponsive invitees and say "hello" to hassle-free email marketing! Cvent offers an unrivaled email communication suite that equips planners with unique tools to secure higher response rates and event attendance.

It's important for planners to keep all event-related tasks moving forward despite the fact that many invitees won't respond until the last possible moment. With Cvent's "save-the-date" reminders, automated invitations and confirmations, planners can easily stay on top of their game. Our clients have embraced the functionality of email reminders and love the flexibility of being able to personally schedule the dates and times when they want them sent.

Planners can set these reminders to repeat as often as they desire to elicit a response from undecided invitees. They choose whether the reminder goes out once, or every 10 days, or every 30 days...it's completely up to them. And the best part is that this process doesn't require additional manual tasks that would otherwise take time away from other, more important event-planning activities.

We're confident that there's no better way to get the results you're looking for. That's why we use our own tools to drive a faster response rate for our events. For example, about 40% of the invitees that attend our product seminars sign up after they receive an invitation reminder - proof that it does work!

At the end of the day, Cvent's powerful email tool set is the one planners turn to for this same level of success, with many clients reaching up to a 45% average increase in event attendance!  

A True One-Stop-Shop: Let Cvent be your #1 Destination

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Elizabeth Elko
For event industry professionals, Cvent can't be beat as the best one-stop-shop: our web-based software offers online event registration, event management, event web site creation, robust reporting, online surveys, and a sourcing tool. In addition, we've rolled out a Destination Guide so planners can focus their site selection and event sourcing efforts by comparing meeting-specific details among international cities.

At Cvent, we understand that you are burdened by the daunting task of coordinating countless aspects of the meeting and event planning process. We want to lift that burden by offering you an abundance of comprehensive resources, along with as much technical support as you need to keep things running smoothly and successfully.

And once you have all the event-related details in place or complete the meeting, you can easily distribute a variety of internal and customer pre- and post-event surveys to capture the valuable feedback that will help your organization in future planning.

The tasks involved with meetings and events can't get any easier or more customizable in look and feel with Cvent, and the seamless integration of all our online tools is extremely helpful because it allows you to have everything housed and connected in one central location.

Intimidated by the thought of taking on a system with multiple components? Just start with one of our offerings. Let us take the bulk of your manual processes and handle them with our impressive products. We're confident you'll want more after getting a little taste of Cvent!

And we're sure you'll find that choosing Cvent to manage all aspects of your organization's event needs is more affordable in the long run than trying to keep up a decentralized system. Once you get comfortable with Cvent's high-quality software, you'll wonder why you haven't stuck with just one "shop" until now.

Atlanta Venue Spotlight: History Meets Luxury in Atlanta at The Georgian Terrace Hotel

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Leneille Brathwaite
The Georgian Terrace HotelAs if hosting the 1939 world premiere reception for the film Gone With the Wind was not impressive enough, The Georgian Terrace Hotel hopes to be the site for your next grand event or business meeting. A night's stay at the Georgian Terrace is not just a good night's rest, but a night of history. The Atlanta hotel is listed as a National Historic landmark, but it's anything but antique. In fact, it recently underwent over $10 million in renovations to keep up with its national competitors.

Live nearby? Guests from neighboring states and Georgia residents can take advantage of this Atlanta hotel deal and enjoy a 15 percent room discount for a romantic weekend in the heart of the city. You'll trade the stale bagels at your usual continental breakfast for a freshly baked pastry from Cafe Mims. For more than a bite, guests can try the Georgian mountain trout at the in-house eatery Livingston Restaurant and Bar.

Conference Center at The Georgian Terrace HotelAnyone can find an Atlanta hotel with meeting space, but this venue has much more than simply a "space" for your meeting. The 16,000-square-foot conference center includes six conference rooms, three luxurious ballrooms seating 350 people, with state-of-the-art equipment available. Halogen-lighting, ergonomic seating and on-site concierge services are just the tip of the iceberg for Georgian Terrace meeting packages.

Planners can also take advantage of the hotel's Atlanta meeting promotions, such as the "Go Green" package, which includes reusable water bottles, recycled paper products and optional post-function food donation. Write your event agendas or wedding vows on the recycled paper with eco-friendly pens.

So when debating over venues for your next Atlanta event, why chose the rest when you can give your attendees the best? Find more information about booking The Georgian Terrace Hotel on the Cvent Supplier Network today!