Mobile Attendee Management ~ Death of the Binder!

I just returned back to my office a few weeks ago from attending a major tradeshow for event planners; this was my first time at the event so I was prepared, extra bag to pack materials I received and any other items the conference was supplying.

The week before we were sent an email to download the mobile event app and we were told when it would go live. Now as a planner I have managed them for my client but this was the first time using as an attendee. It was great! Within the event app I had my scheduled, map, speaker information and social media feeds at my finger tips and to top it off I did not have to take one piece of paper; all I had to do was scan the suppliers barcode and presto I had access to their information.

Well; over the past few months I have been discussing the benefits of Mobile apps and how they can increase efficiency, productivity as well as improve the overall bottom line.

That is where Mobile Attendee Management comes into play! By getting rid of heavy three ring binders and folders crammed with all of your event information. By using Active Network’s mobile event app your attendees can now can easily access all event information from your mobile device or tablet and your make quick updates wherever and whenever you need to. You can also easily handle registration and session check-ins

Embracing mobile event apps will not only allow you get relevant real time information to attendees, but it will also allow you save money by not having to print and ship materials to your destinations, allowing the event manager to make changes to materials quickly and efficiently without having to reprint materials. Also this helps build a reputation of implementing green practices and protocols.

Mobile Attendee Management:

• Environmentally friendly - not only are you saving trees, but less paper is less pollution
• Saves space – reduce storage for collateral
• Easy access – can be accessed from anywhere
• Reduces Cost of Printing & Shipping of materials
• Reduces Stress – you no longer have to worry about possible shipping delays or last minute edits to materials

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’ website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President  & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

Give Me What I Asked For & How I Asked For It!

Being an event planner, designer & manager for the past twenty years you come to realize all the small details that come together to make an event a successful one. Over the years technology has made a lot of our day to day easier; but it has also made it harder. 

How you say? People have become lazy and complacent and no longer pay attention to the minute details that are needed to make the process smoother.

Which leads into my main pet peeve within my industry: Suppliers not paying attention to what is sent to them.

Scenario: I have just landed a new client; I am now sourcing for a venue and other items for their event. I create a detailed RFP (Request for Proposal) with every possible thing the client may need and finally how to contact me. I’m specific with my contact instructions; “after your review of the proposal should you have any questions or would like to set a time to speak please email me at (email address)”. That should be it right; wrong! Within hours of hitting the submit button I am receiving phone calls left and right saying they received my proposal and would like to speak with me regarding my needs. After speaking with a salesperson I realize that they have never read the event specifications that I have sent them.

Most suppliers don’t realize that I just mark you off my list and keep it moving; because if you can’t be bothered to follow details prior to an event; I am not convinced that you will follow them during my client’s event and that is not a chance I’m willing to take.

 I sent a request to your company because my client was interested in utilizing your services; so help me help you, please, please, please give me what I asked for and how I asked for it!!!

Top 5 Essentials for Long Flights

For my road warriors; this one is for you! 

As an event planner I am constantly traveling across the United States and the globe as a matter of thought and for those long flights (LA, Hawaii, Canada, Madrid) there are just some things that you will need to have in your arsenal to make your flight comfortable and enjoyable.

Surviving long hours of travel requires a few aides.  Like the ones listed below.  (Alcohol & Valium not listed – nor recommended, if you can avoid them!)

1. Noise-canceling headphones drown out crying babies & loud passengers.  These also can be charged via USB, have tangle-resistant cords, and come with their own carrying case.
2. A luxurious travel blanket that gives your economy seat a touch of first class.  Tip – do not use the airline-provided blankets unless it comes packaged in plastic. They are the germ magnets and will put a dent in your trip very quickly.
3. Kindle - perfect when the movie selections are less than stellar. 
4. A portable charger; my personal preference is the Energizer® XP4000; It was my lifesaver in Madrid. To be honest, it should be a permanent fixture in every work bag and purse.
5. Snacks; airplane food is well blah, bringing snacks are essential especially if your have food allergies or need to eat a specified times.  Tip – Eat a hearty meal either before you get to the airport or after; and purchase a bottle of water after you clear the security check point.  No caffeine or alcohol while traveling.  In-flight hangovers are drastically worse than those on the ground.

So what item must YOU take with you on a long flight? Share below.

Five Things Every Woman Entrepreneur Needs To Know

Being a woman entrepreneur there are some things that I have learned in the 20 years of being in business.

1. There may never be a right time ~ You may be waiting for the "perfect" time to start your business, but the truth is, it probably doesn't exist. The economy might be crap. You're too young, too old or your children are too young or too old. You'll make it work.
2. You can ask for help ~ Use your friends and family as much as you can, for support, babysitting, feedback. You don't have to do it alone, and really, you aren't supposed to. It’s not a weakness to ask for help, it's a strength.
3. Your online presence is your storefront ~ You can’t just have a strong website. You have to be active on Twitter, have Facebook pages, video content and online communities of client feedback. Branding is carried out through a multitude of platforms beyond business cards and logos to social networking profiles and hashtags. Remember every channel is an opportunity to make an impression on someone.
4. It will be 1000 times harder than you already think ~ There will always be challenges, but they are meant to be hurdles, not barriers. You need to pick yourself up and carry on when you get a knock back. You get tougher. Your skin gets thicker.
5. Be fearless ~ It takes guts and determination to be about this life, but the payoff is worth the risk.

We need more women putting their passions and dreams on the line. Job creation is a dire need in the current economy, and women have great potential to help turn things around.