Hooray for Hollywood! - 2006 DMC Network Wtr Mtg

Hooray for Hollywood!!

Two days and counting until the Annual DMC Network Winter Meeting! Our team here at The Meeting Manager has been feverishly planning and gearing up to host the conference which kicks off on Friday in Hollywood. I always look forward to these gatherings and it is equally special when we have the opportunity to showcase Southern California to our colleagues.

As we all know, change is inevitable in this industry and there is no better way to stay abreast of current trends than attending these network functions. The theme to this year’s meeting is “Keep it in the Network,” and we have planned some excellent speakers and sessions that address hot topics DMC businesses are currently facing.

The opening session features our guest trainer Ron Rosenberg, an award-winning expert on marketing and customer service. He has traveled around the world speaking to and training various corporations, associations, government agencies and universities. He is known for developing “innovative and creative marketing strategies and applying them to produce tangible, bottom-line results.” Ron is also going to lead a couple hands-on sessions in which each DMC will be able to take a marketing strategy back to their destination.

Another highlight for the conference is a session on Critical Tax Issues for DMCs. I know as exciting as taxes can be for anyone, it has become such an imperative topic of discussion as tax classifications and audits are affecting many of our businesses.

Aside from the sessions and speakers, these meetings are a great time to catch up and visit with one another. We are hosting several dinners and outings to some of LA’s finest nightlife spots. Hollywood, watch out for the DMC Network!!

Email: Friend or Foe?

I am always reminded how exciting it is to be a part of this industry after each conference I attend. I recently returned from the ADME conference in Colorado Springs, and it is so refreshing to see the commitment and vision that my fellow colleagues have towards the development of our profession.

I attended this wonderful workshop called “Email: Toxic or Terrific” presented by Sue Hershkowitz-Coore. Wow!!! From an educational standpoint, this workshop was an eye-opener to how we communicate both professionally and personally. Email can be our friend…or foe. With spam tanks, word choice, tone, subject lines, there are so many reasons an email can not be delivered, read or even be misunderstood! With emailing being the main form of communicating, not only for our industry, but for the entire business community, it is amazing we have come this far! So before I hit the send button, I am going to be extra careful and go through my checklist of email do’s and don’ts, better yet, it might be easier just to pick up the phone!

Nevertheless, it is always a worthwhile experience to get together with our peers to learn and exchange information about our destinations. I am always grateful to walk away from each conference more educated and more energized for what’s to come. With that being said, it is on to planning the DMC Network Winter Meeting our company is hosting next week in Hollywood.