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Mark Ley

The latest in audience response systems from IML

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The Elite Meetings Alliance (EMA) is founded on interaction and engagement. Since the very first event, our goal has been to facilitate meaningful connections between attendees and share quality information with all of our participants. Early on we realized the important role an audience response system would play in the success of our event and partnered with IML. Needless to say….we have never looked back! In response to event producer [...]

by Mark Ley on March 25, 2011

What’s next for Meeting Formats?

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This article was submitted by a great new friend of Elite Meetings from Europe, Maarten Vanneste, CMM. He writes on Meeting Architecture, the discipline that focuses on the content side of meetings and conferences: al meeting objectives in the Learning, networking and motivation of participants. You can learn more about Maarten Vanneste, CMM here. Long ago we had meetings round a campfire. A small group of people in a circle, [...]

by Mark Ley on August 18, 2010

Year Round Retreats

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From Mexico to Wyoming and Coronado to Beaver Creek, the 25 resorts we’ve compiled are an exclusive collection of year round retreats that can suit your meeting needs no matter the season. They have the activities, amenities and meeting space to keep your group entertained and engaged. We hand selected these 25 properties as they came highly recommended by our community of meeting professionals and assembled them in one easy-to-use resource guide. Download it [...]

by Mark Ley on August 17, 2010

3 reasons to follow Elite Meetings on Facebook and Twitter

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The Social Media landscape is evolving everyday and an ever growing number of users are looking for relevance in the channels they choose to engage and follow. With new resources like FlipBoard and paper.li coming on board, it’s important to choose channels that provide you with value. Maybe it’s entertainment and maybe it’s information…we’re aiming for a little bit of both. Here are 3 reasons to follow Elite Meetings on [...]

by Mark Ley on July 26, 2010

Time Saving Tips for Meeting Professionals

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If there is anything we crave more of in the event industry…it’s time. It’s amazing how often we find ourselves wishing for just a few more hours and minutes to get the last details completed. Essential time management yields increased success and productivity by eliminating distractions, getting enough sleep, and making use of the best tools. You can maximize your productivity and get more done in the few hours you [...]

by Mark Ley on July 19, 2010

Meetings Have Changed

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It was only May, but the limousine driver apologized to his out-of-town passengers for the June Gloom that had arrived early. The cool, overcast and almost foggy weather dimmed the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as the airport shuttle brought meeting planners and luxury hoteliers to the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Seventy-six planners and 73 hoteliers converged on the stunning new luxury resort to talk, and [...]

by Mark Ley on July 8, 2010

Warm Destinations for Winter Meetings

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It’s hard to think ahead to the chill of winter when summer is knocking at your door. Yet, as a meeting professional, that is exactly what we must do, even if we are in flip flops holding an ice cold drink to keep ourselves cool. This is exactly why we at Elite Meetings put together a list of top destinations that would provide a warm alternative when the chill comes [...]

by Mark Ley on June 11, 2010

Are you measuring your efforts?

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This post was kindly submitted by Allison Kneubuhl & Teresa Holden (Allimar Marketing), hospitality professionals with experience deeply rooted in the event and hospitality industries. They provide Sales and Marketing guidance to Luxury properties worldwide, focusing on the latest technology and creative marketing practices. Enjoy! Are you measuring the results of your marketing and sales efforts? With all the steps that have been taken in the last 18 months to [...]

by Mark Ley on June 3, 2010

Warm Winter Getaways

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It’s hard to think of the cold winter as we feel the warmth of summer approaching. But we all know how far we plan out events in advance and we thought it was time to highlight a few warm weather destinations for those winter meetings. Montage Laguna Beach Superb – beautiful. The best of the Orange County properties with a price to match. if you really want to put on [...]

by Mark Ley on May 28, 2010

Meeting Professionals Review Top Locations

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We meet regularly with our community of meeting professionals. They help us refine the EliteMeetings.com experience and help make our site a “Must Have” in their arsenal of meeting planning tools. We’re also consistently asking for their recommendations and feedback on properties across North America. Which have they recently visited and what did they like the most about their experience? Here’s a quick look at some the most recently reviewed [...]

by Mark Ley on May 24, 2010

SpeedRFP to Integrate with MeetingBroker!

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Kelly Foy and Brad Pirman are in Las Vegas today at a very exciting event, making a very exciting announcement. Did I get your attention yet?? Newmarket International, Inc. (www.newmarketinc.com), the leader in sales and catering software solutions for the hospitality industry, and Elite Meetings International, a leading provider of integrated solutions that enhance the performance of meeting and hospitality professionals, announced the integration of their market-leading technologies at the [...]

by Mark Ley on May 7, 2010

Elite Meetings + SportEvents = Trip of a lifetime!!

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Recently Christine Gillis (corporate meeting planner from LIFE Technologies) won a trip to the Masters by using EliteMeetings.com to source great locations for her events and submit RFPs. It turned out that the trip she won (courtesy of SportEvents.com) fulfilled a lifelong dream and helped to strengthen the relationship between a daughter and her father. Thank you for sharing your story with us Christine! From the time I was a [...]

by Mark Ley on May 5, 2010

Top Boutique Hotels Chosen by Meeting Professionals

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There are many options in today’s hotel market and it’s important to make sure your group isn’t just a small fish in a big pond. These top Boutique hotels are all under 175 rooms and known for their service and attention to detail. As Elite certified properties, you can also rest assured that each one will ensure that your group’s every need is catered to. Check out what other meeting [...]

by Mark Ley on May 4, 2010

And the Power Planner of the Quarter is…

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Validation. We’ve all cherished it since receiving our first gold star in kindergarten. At Elite Meetings International (EMI), we receive validation for what we do every time business gets booked by those using all the tools provided on Elitemeetings.com⎯and it feels great. To return the favor, EMI has created the Power Planner Award. That’s right, move over Oscars and make way Nobel, because this prize recognizes our most loyal meeting [...]

by Mark Ley on April 23, 2010

Excellent Locations that Relax and Engage

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From great spas to fantastic meeting space, these properties have gained rave reviews for helping groups to both relax and engage. Looking for an winning location for your next event? Then explore these properties a little further and see what top meeting professionals have to say. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows Nicely remodeled with large rooms and a feel of old Hawaii. Walking trails and beachfront are part of [...]

by Mark Ley on April 21, 2010

More Top Spas Reviewed by Meeting Professionals

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Looking for a great Spa? Looking for an extra special experience for your next incentive or meeting? Try these amazing Elite Certified properties! Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa The Anara Spa is heaven! The Mango/Coconut spa products are a must for home. The al fresco showers give the true island experience. Golf course is fabulous and easy to get to, and clubhouse does a marvelous breakfast and lunch. Trump [...]

by Mark Ley on April 19, 2010

Meeting Professionals Rate Top Spas

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Even the most hard core meetings and events deserve a break. A chance to rest, relax and be treated to an experience free of all life’s stresses. A good spa, like a restaurant, is worth it’s weight in gold. The service must be top notch, the attention to detail must be exacting and the treatments must be unique. Look no further than these top spas! Rancho Valencia, an Auberge Resort [...]

by Mark Ley on April 13, 2010

Knowledge is power – so increase yours at IMEX

There are great industry events and there are great industry events that you MUST attend. IMEX is one that you MUST attend!! In today’s uncertain business climate, the more relevant knowledge you have, the stronger the position you’ll be in. At IMEX 2010, the essential exhibition for global meetings and events, there are over 70 events and seminars designed to guide you through the latest thinking, trends, insights and strategies. [...]

by Mark Ley on April 12, 2010

Planners Review Top Culinary Resorts

As event professionals, we all know the important role an excellent food and beverage program plays in the success of our events. There is no doubt that it can make or break an event. Well no need to fret with these properties! All feature incredible programs and rate as Culinary Specialists in our book! Amway Grand Plaza Conducted sales banquet for 224 agents and managers.All attendees stayed overnight. Hotel prepared [...]

by Mark Ley on April 4, 2010

Great golf destinations reviewed by Top Planners

Does your next meeting or event need a great golf course? From quality greens to challenging fairways, we’ve put together a few of our favorite golf destinations in the Elite Meetings Collection. Each is an outstanding representation of upscale service, amenities and experience. Detailed below are just a few of the many reviews these properties have received from our community of meeting professionals. The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation We [...]

by Mark Ley on March 26, 2010

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