December 2015
Cover Story/Knowledge Hubs
Globalizing Knowledge
From Raleigh to Glasgow and Melbourne to London, meetings and trade shows increasingly play a key role in the transfer of knowledge fueling the global economy — and can make a difference that lasts.
Cover illustration by Peter and Maria Hoey
Features
Yes, SMERF Is Still a Thing
The decades-old acronym for social, military, education, religious, and fraternal groups might need some updating, but it’s still a vital market for certain destinations and hotels.
Look and Feel
Influential graphic designer Chip Kidd on clarity, mystery, and why you shouldn’t want attendees to go away completely satisfied at the end of your event.
The New Guide to Outsourcing
Outsourcing can save time and money, and help you add specialized talent to your team — but where do you start?
Departments
The NotMom Summit
Inside a meeting inspired by women who, for whatever reason, have decided not to have children.
How to Identify and Grow an Online Community
BIF Summit watched an online community grow up around its program — and now sees it as an integral part of ‘the conversation.’
Why Developing Your Strengths Pays Off
Are one meeting planner’s innate talents applicable to the entire profession?
Do You Need a Conference Experience Officer?
To achieve market differentiation in the 21st century, progressive conference owners will organize around their customers, not their internal functions.
Supported Article F&B
How Planners Can Offset Rising F&B Costs in 2016
In 2016, food costs will continue to rise — but many planners’ budgets won’t. How do chefs and caterers suggest bridging the gap?
How One Meeting Incorporated a Blood Drive
AACC’s blood drive was a historic undertaking, a learn-as-you-go project — and a research initiative that would advance the profession’s role in cardiac care.
Supported Article Innovative Meetings
‘All Things Endoscopy’
With EndoFest, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has created an intimate, interactive program that serves its entire specialty.
Plenary
Are You Invisible at Work?
What are Invisibles? Skilled professionals who, the better they do their jobs, the more they fade into the background.
Paperless App Simplifies Lists and Checklists
This app makes digital lists as easy as pen-and-paper ones.
The Importance of Continuing Education for Meeting Planners
For decades, no single certification existed for meeting professionals — until the Convention Industry Council (CIC) created the Certified Meeting Professional in 1985. Since then, more than 10,000 meeting professionals in 55 countries have earned their CMP.
Newsroom, Meeting Room
A Portland, Maine, 110-room boutique property has a one-of-a-kind space for meetings.
American Meteorological Society 96th Annual Meeting
3,500 educators, scientists, researchers, and other professionals in the fields of weather, water, and climate will gather in New Orleans next month for a five-day meeting.
Independent Electrical Contractors Con 2015
Nearly 1,600 electricians from all over the United States met in Tampa for IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) Con 2015, whose 35,000-square-foot Expo featured more than 100 exhibitors.
What Does Cheap Oil Mean for Meetings?
Last month the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States dropped to just over $1. What does this mean for meetings?
Also In This Issue
Charting a New Course for Meetings
Picture this: Your team is under the gun to meet your quarterly sales goals or finish a huge project. The pressure is mounting, higher-ups are asking questions, and competitors are looming.