April 2015
Cover Story/CMP Series
How StrengthsLIVE Revolutionized One Medical Meeting
When the American Osteopathic Association wanted to empower the community of physicians attending its annual conference, it chose to give them a new tool — one that would help participants both take stock of their inherent talents and embrace the traits they share with their entire profession.
Features
One on One With TED's Katherine McCartney
Last month, participants attended the 31st edition of TED — the conference devoted to spreading great ideas. TEDsters must apply to be accepted, and then pay a hefty registration fee to attend. Convene spoke to Katherine McCartney, TED’s producer, to learn how an innovative design supports the event’s compelling content — year after year.
Hotels Take Meeting Planners to School
Some hotel companies are going beyond fam trips and site visits, hosting planners for custom-built programs that emphasize education and practical ROI.
How Mergers and Acquisitions Are Shaking Up the Industry
Media companies are buying up shows in every sector. Suppliers are going after new business units. Even associations are building out their event portfolios. Welcome to the multibillion-dollar boom in mergers and acquisitions.
Departments
Gulp! When Sword Swallowers Meet
World Sword Swallowers Day may lack keynoters and exhibitors, but the gatherings serve the same purpose as any other profession’s conferences.
Making the Most of Education Sessions
Face-to-face interaction is the platform where deals are struck, relationships are forged, and ideas are generated.” But are those of us employed in the meetings industry practicing what we preach?
Food Trucks Roll In to the Anaheim Convention Center
While some venues are still puzzling over how to compete with food trucks, the Anaheim Convention Center has found a popular, profitable way to work with them.
World Parks Conference Takes the Long View
The World Parks Congress is held once every decade — which is just long enough to see if it’s making a difference.
Using Data to Acquire More 'Best Customers'
A data-driven approach to acquiring not just more customers, but more people like your best customers.
Supported Article Innovative Meetings
One Trade Show, Two Wellness Challenges
Have you thought about adding an attendee health-and-fitness challenge to your meeting? How about running two at once?
Plenary
The Greenhouse Is Revolutionizing Collaboration
Are places like The Greenhouse, a collaborative workspace at NYU Polytech in Brooklyn, the meeting spaces of the future?
Having Ideas vs. Being Creative
Kevin Ashton is a really smart guy. He did pioneering work in RFID technology at MIT, in the process coining the term “the Internet of Things.”
Organization for Human Brain Mapping 2015
OHBM will bring together neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, physicists, engineers, and statisticians from all over the world to discover the organization of the human brain.
Getting Started With Global Meetings
When you plan a meeting overseas, it’s not unusual to encounter unfamiliar laws, taxes, customs, and even contracts.
6 Ways to Maintain a New Relationship After an Event
Networking is so event-based, it often begins and ends with an event. Creating an ongoing relationship can be difficult.
Transportation Research Board (TRB) 94th Annual Meeting
Each year, more than 10,000 transportation professionals meet in Washington, D.C., to learn about the latest research, policy, and technology related to systems of mass transit.
Inside Australia's AIME Convention
Since 1993, planners and suppliers have convened in Melbourne each year for the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), presented by Reed Travel Exhibitions and the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB). This year’s show, held Feb. 24–25 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), brought almost 4,000 visitors to the city.
Also In This Issue
4 Challenges, 5 Talents
Professionals who lack major recognition (sound familiar?) should address that issue from a position of strength.