T&E Plus

20 Reasons to Consider Virtual Meetings

By the sheer number of pharmaceutical meeting planners that attended our virtual meetings session this week in Philadelphia, it is clear that virtual meetings and events are taking front and center stage in the meetings world. What is a virtual meeting?  A virtual meeting or event provides for live or archived communications among small to large, local to global attendees by the use of technology.  Although the travel and meetings industry began using virtual communications technologies in the last five years, virtual communications usage gained market share in the training and development industry approximately 15 years ago with e-learning collaborative applications.

Similar to e-learning which does not replace instructor-led, virtual meetings often supplement live, face-to-face meetings.  For example, a large, global sales meeting may require three days of onsite meetings.  To encourage motivation and jumpstart learning, a virtual meeting may be held four weeks and then two weeks before the face-to-face meeting using team building content and pre-learning requirements.  Onsite at the face-to-face meeting, a satellite broadcast may be used for speakers and/or attendees who could not travel to the face-to-face meeting.  After the face-to-face meeting ends, additional virtual meetings may be held to reemphasize key points and increase attendee retention of the meeting content which leads to higher return on investment.

As part of a comprehensive virtual meeting and event initiative, I recommend communicating the benefits that may not have been considered.  Such as, virtual communications may:

1.    remove the distance for global workforces, clients and markets;

2.    allow immediate immersion into visual, listening and participative environments with people who are not nearby;

3.    reduce the carbon emissions and environmental impact of travel;

4.    provide immediate access to subject matter experts, multiple presenters from numerous locations and more spontaneous and immediate decisions in lieu of planned meetings;

5.    provide for replay/archive capabilities;

6.    allow access for people who are unable to be there in person or have fear of being in large crowds;

7.    offers scalability so that large meetings can still "fit" without having to reserve more rooms;

8.    provides for more people to attend trainings and workshops that could not attend based on travel costs;

9.    improve work/life balance and the ability to provide staff with the option of avoiding business travel when possible;

10.   provide a safe environment for those people who may not want to provide feedback in a meeting room with their leader present, or a room filled with people they may not know;

11.   provide an anonymous environment to obtain survey results by using the polling features;

12.   reduce non-productive traveling and flight time;

13.   provide for tracking of attendance during live and archived sessions;

14.   provide multi-language options using technology;

15.   reduce travel expenses;

16.   reduce telecom costs with a unified communications strategy;

17.   provide for continuity planning during disasters such as flu and other arising risks or epidemics;

18.   decrease frustration imposed by heightened security that makes travel a burden;

19.   reduce the risk of confidentiality breaches due to lost computers, while traveling, that may include private information; and

20.   provide a healthier atmosphere for those who suffer with allergies to smells that may occur in large, crowded environments.

What virtual meeting or event technology should you use?  Conference calls, podcasts, telepresence, webinars – all are technology mediums to solve a communications need.  Although the attached matrix is not all-inclusive of all technologies, it will provide you with a foundation. Download Virtual Technologies Selection Matrix

 

If you need assistance in creating your virtual meeting and event strategy, or seek help in choosing the right technology, please contact me.

Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on supply chain management, expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Debi has the following designations:

· Wharton Aresty Executive Education/National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Global Leadership Professional (GLP)

· Meeting Professionals International Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM)

· Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

· NBTA Corporate Travel Expert (CTE)

· Six Sigma Green Belt

· Chauncey Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

The information contained in this Web site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. This information does not represent the opinions of any other party other than the author.  The links to other publicly available Web sites are provided as a convenience; we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information provided.

SEEKING research on virtual meetings and events

I'm conducting research on how virtual meeting and event technologies are used for everyday use such as to include virtual attendees for virtual baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, funerals, exercise, medicine/health, meetings, coaching, etc.    If you, or others, have experience with any of these types of non-corporate type of virtual events, and are willing to share information, please contact me at [email protected] so that I can gather data.  Thanks.

Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Debi has the following designations:

· Wharton Aresty Executive Education/National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Global Leadership Professional (GLP)

· Meeting Professionals International Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM)

· Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

· NBTA Corporate Travel Expert (CTE)

· Six Sigma Green Belt

· Chauncey Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

The information contained in this Web site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. This information does not represent the opinions of any other party other than the author.  The links to other publicly available Web sites are provided as a convenience; we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information provided.

Virtual Meetings and Events Survey Report

Leading organizations are managing virtual meetings and events as an internal shared service similar to the way that they manage travel, meetings, information technology and other operational services. Virtual meetings and events can be used by all business lines, all industries, all departments, all teams and all staff levels.  As such, it is the "new" shared service offering.   While unified communications offerings by suppliers are laying the foundation for simpler, seamless virtual meeting offerings, there is still a need for oversight of the virtual communications service in order to help the end users adopt the technology, recommend the appropriate technology for the business need, track virtual meeting usage and metrics, and monitor virtual meeting budgets and policy compliance.   

Virtual meeting and event management is often a collaborative effort among departments such as Information Technology, Procurement, Meetings and Events, Travel and Learning and Development.  Using input from the stakeholders, information technology and procurement professionals often manage the purchasing tasks and contract negotiations with the suppliers.  After suppliers are selected, information technology professionals manage the system integration and technology support while travel, meetings, or e-learning professionals provide the service management that leads to high adoption of the communication medium. 

Some travel, meetings and learning professionals have the necessary skills that help meeting requestors identify when to use a virtual medium rather than an in-person option for a business need.  By using these professionals to help identify virtual opportunities, organizations can pre-empt in-person travel, meetings and training sessions. Not all in-person travel, meetings and training sessions can be replaced by virtual mediums.  Knowing the difference is paramount to the success of a virtual meeting and event strategy.

During the 3rd quarter of 2009, I conducted a virtual meeting survey of my contacts that have roles in meetings, training or  information technology.  Twenty-three industries were represented and 97 people responded, with no more than one person per organization as a survey respondent.  The survey included questions regarding virtual meetings using technologies such as videoconferencing, telepresence, web conferencing, webinars, webcasts and the virtual “3D” environments such as virtual conventions, tradeshows and exhibit centers.  The survey excluded questions regarding virtual meetings using technologies such as teleconferences and Internet Protocol television as virtual meeting options for simplicity purposes. Yet, these other technologies play a significant role in a virtual meeting strategy. 

When asked if their organization was using more virtual meetings and events than one year ago, 90% of the respondents said yes.  One person said that the reason why usage has increased is because users are finding that the technology is becoming easier to use and travel budgets are decreasing.

Virtual technologies are most often used for internal meetings and training.  Of the organizations that use virtual meetings, 39% reported that virtual technologies are used to communicate with other internal colleagues in business meetings, executive meetings and project team meetings; 34% stated that the technology is used for internal training; 17% reported that virtual meetings are used for client meetings; and, 10% stated that the technologies are used for trade shows and conferences.    

When asked what types of meetings are acceptable through virtual meeting technologies, and allowing respondents to choose more than one choice, there was a tie as 94% of the respondents stated that general business meetings and learning and development were both acceptable; 93% chose project team meetings;  and, 92% chose management or executive meetings.  One survey respondent stated that virtual meetings are always acceptable for some component of the meeting activity or the campaign, but may not always be the exclusive approach.  

Business development of new customers or clients is not acceptable through virtual meetings according to 50% of the respondents whereas only 36% stated that virtual meetings are rarely or never acceptable with current customers and clients.  Interviewing new staff is rarely or never acceptable through virtual meetings according to 51% of the respondents.  However, one respondent said that virtual trade shows are used to recruit for job seekers from various universities.  The respondent continued to explain that the students can visit, apply and interview for jobs virtually without ever leaving campus.  In the healthcare industry, one respondent recognized that Medical Doctors do not always have the time to attend meetings so the respondent's medical supply company is using virtual meetings to reach more MDs.   45% of the respondents stated that conventions, conferences and exhibits are rarely or never acceptable through virtual technologies.

When survey respondents were asked which technology has increased the most in usage, webinars were chosen as the technology that has increased the most with web conferences and videoconferences coming in as second and third choices. 

Travel and meeting budgets and volume declined in 2009.  When asked what technologies were being used to replace or complement large meetings with greater than 300 attendees, 26% of the survey respondents stated that they used webcasts, 22% used webinars, 21% used web conferences, 19% used videoconferences and 12% used virtual business environments. 

TARP guidelines and Pharma meeting codes have imposed restrictions on travel and meetings.  When asked if these regulations had any impact on virtual meeting usage, 10% said yes; 60% said no; and 30% stated that they did not know.

Virtual meeting content or the "virtual meeting architecture" should be designed using an agenda that makes sense for the business need using the technology chosen.  The content should include the appropriate amount of interactivity between the presenter(s) and the audience to ensure that the business objective is met.  When virtual meetings are used, the technology tools (e.g. Q&A, chat, document sharing, etc.) are needed to support the meeting.  It is important to use professionals who know how to create a virtual meeting experience that supports the business need and allows for achieving the business objective.  This virtual meeting support is imperative to increase adoption.  The survey respondents stated that in 26% of their organizations, the meeting and event planning team manage the virtual meetings, 22% stated that information technology manages the function while 18% stated that there is no formal management of virtual meetings; 14% reported learning and development; 13% reported marketing; 4% stated that they do not know who manages virtual meetings; and 3% stated that they do not use virtual meetings.

Virtual meetings are most palatable when conducted in short time frames.  In learning and development, we often call this "chunking" our learning into smaller segments.  For instance, a full 8-hour day in-person meeting may be "chunked" into four 2-hour virtual meetings.  70% of the survey respondents stated that the acceptable length of time for a virtual meeting or event is 2 hours or less; 21% said that 3-4 hours is acceptable with a break; 10% said that 6 hours or more is acceptable with breaks provided.

Virtual meetings may take place through chat, videoconference, telepresence, desktop collaboration, webinars, webcasts, virtual business environments, social networking, etc.  The number of technologies used does not equate to the number of suppliers used.  For instance, an organization may use both a telepresence and a desktop collaboration tool from the same supplier.  When asked how many different kinds of virtual meeting tools or technologies were being used within the organizations that use virtual communications, 50% of the respondents claimed that they use 2-3 technologies; 34% said that they use 4-5 technologies; 6% said that they use between 6-9 different technologies and 5% stated that they use more than 10 different tools; 5% also stated that they only use one technology.

Virtual meetings and events are used in business, universities, hospitals and other organizations. There will always be in-person travel, meetings and training purposes that do not fit into a virtual meeting mold.  Yet, virtual meetings can be created and tailored for many purposes as the technology improves and the ease of use increases.  Change management efforts, which include policy updates, process and compliance modifications, training and marketing efforts must be advocated, supported, modeled and communicated by leaders for virtual meetings to be successful and adopted.

Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Debi has the following designations:

·Wharton Aresty Executive Education/National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Global Leadership Professional (GLP)

·Meeting Professionals International Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM)

·Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

·NBTA Corporate Travel Expert (CTE)

·Six Sigma Green Belt

·Chauncey Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

The information contained in this Web site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter. This information does not represent the opinions of any other party other than the author.  The links to other publicly available Web sites are provided as a convenience; we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information provided.

Virtual Meetings: Eight Motivating Factors

Virtual meetings complement, and sometimes replace, face-to-face meetings.  When supported properly, virtual meetings can be interactive, engaging and build camaraderie.   Without the proper knowledge, skills or attitude, a virtual meeting program will be unsuccessful. 

 

As a pioneer in this space dating back to 1998, I have used virtual meetings in numerous industries.  We started delivering virtual training sessions in 1998; we built the first meeting management team, including virtual meetings, in 2002.  Virtual meeting program success requires a combination of:

1. gaining leadership support;
2. understanding employee motivators; and
3. implementing the appropriate technologies. 

 

Clients often ask, "If we build it, will they come?"  The answer is, "No, if you are only providing the technology" based on my career in technology, performance improvement, travel and meetings. Technology is the enabler, not the Solution.

 

Current virtual communication technologies are not desirable, in lieu of travel, for numerous reasons. Many experts consult on the technologies; few consult on employee behaviors and motivation.  

 

Consider the eight motivating factors for changing employee perception and behaviors when implementing a virtual meeting program.   These motivators, and remedies to change behavior, are described below.   If these eight motivating factors prevent travel reduction, then select the appropriate remedies to change behavior.

 

Common motivators that may derail a Virtual Meeting Program
Motivator:  Job Performance
Description	Remedy
Employees believe that: ·          Building relationships increases camaraderie thereby enhancing job performance ·          Participating in person will enhance visibility thereby enhancing job performance ·          Participating in face-to-face meetings is highly valued and considered "achievement" ·          Leading or participating in new project or initiative requires face-to-face meetings	·          Change performance metrics to encourage "less travel" ·          Encourage  virtual relationships ·          Modify communications ·          Scrutinize travel requests with strict approvals ·          Improve policy ·          Modify project expectations to increase virtual meeting usage
Motivator:  Knowledge
Employees are: ·          Uninformed about current technologies and why to consider them ·          Unaware that higher quality tools will enhance the experience ·          Uninformed about the cost of using technologies	·          Increase communications and marketing efforts on virtual communications technologies applicability
Motivator:  Skills
Employees are: ·          Uneducated on how to use technologies ·          Unsure of the process to reserve the technologies ·          Less confident in abilities to prepare content to fit virtual delivery	·          Provide training and support
Motivator:  Social
Employees believe that: ·          Customs, ethical, religious and other social reasons may encourage  face-to-face presence rather than virtual methods ·          First meetings often require face-to-face meeting to build camaraderie	·          Provide support and leadership expectations that second meetings and follow up meetings should be conducted using virtual communications technologies ·          Set clients expectations by helping both traveler and clients save money by additional use of virtual communications tools.
Motivator:  Environmental
Employees believe that: ·          Internal content, technology and logistics support may not be available ·          Time zones may affect available technology support during meeting time ·          The organization is offsetting travel carbon footprint	·          Provide support structure to assist with process, reservations, virtual communication choices, content creation to match format, and technical support. ·          Use carbon footprint as a change management driver that is acceptable to clients, government agencies and private sector
Motivator: Political
Employees believe that: ·          International, national, regional and local laws and any aspect of the political environment might influence the initiative.  An example may be that a face-to-face class is needed to fulfill a continuing education requirement and a virtual communication tool is not a viable replacement	·          Determine the travel requirements during the budgeting process for travel activities ·          Determine essential, versus non-essential travel and communicate to all employees
Motivator:  Attitude
Employee: ·          Perception about the technology quality, content delivery, purpose or experience may affect the willingness to accept change within the environment.	·          Develop a change management plan including incentives, communications, training, and leadership expectations.
Motivator:  Compensation
Employees believe that: ·          Traveling increases take-home pay ·          Traveling increases rewards and perks that can be used for personal travel ·          Traveling is an entitlement and one of the reasons for working at the organization	·          Require supplier receipts (hotels, transportation) ·          Require per diem pay-backs if monies are not used ·          Incorporate corporate credit card program for travel expenses ·          Strategically source hotel and other transportation suppliers for improved discounts; require compliance to preferred suppliers ·          Modify pre-hire perceptions about  travel opportunities

 

 

Understand employee motivators in order to build a virtual meeting program.  Buying new technology will not ensure program success without addressing all of the employee motivators and remedies.

 

If you want help building your virtual meeting program, contact me.

 

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

 

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

 

 

Travel and Virtual Meeting Synergies

How can travel management companies, hotels and other hospitality suppliers gain more clients in this economy?  How can meeting planners reinvent themselves?  If you know me, you've heard me, since 2002, say:  Embrace virtual meetings. 

 

When organizations start down the path of investigating a virtual meeting strategy, I help them develop the three core, parallel work streams that will drive adoption and ensure success.  Yet, before creating a virtual meeting strategy, I suggest analyzing three primary travel data points in order to lay the virtual meeting foundation.  In addition, a travel data analysis will support and offer a cost/benefit analysis to support virtual communications tools.   In the strategy and operational plans, there are opportunities for travel management companies, meeting management companies, hoteliers and yes, even meeting planners to play active roles and build new revenue streams.

 

A hotel chain has recently announced their plans to embrace more virtual technologies:

http://hdvoice.tmcnet.com/topics/unified-communications/articles/59027-marriott-cha-to-install-telepresence-rooms-hotels-worldwide.htm

 

And, please review an interesting article, "Collaboration in the Workplace"

http://www.itoamerica.com/index.php?section=pdf&id=811&name=Collaboration+in+the+Workplace

 

If you want help with your virtual meeting strategy and analyzing your travel data, please contact me. Look for results from the virtual meeting survey within the next few weeks.

 

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

 

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

 

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

Virtual Meeting Usage survey

If you have 5 minutes, will you share your perspective on virtual meeting usage in your organization? If you are not involved with virtual meetings, please consider forwarding this link to the people in your organization that arrange virtual meetings.

Virtual communications technologies enable enhanced options to meet with clients, colleagues, friends and family.

How are virtual communications used in your organization? Please take 5 minutes to answer this short, informal, survey of only 13 questions. YOUR ANSWERS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.

LINK to SURVEY-->

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1_2ftOYGkoi_2bP7Ze3K_2fkmRTg_3d_3d

 Thank you!

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

 

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

 

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

Saving money AND greenhouse gas emissions by virtual meetings

AT&T saved more than $100,000 in travel costs and saved 62 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from avoiding air travel when they brought 21 customers from 15 countries together using telepresence. They were "able to be more productive and improve our work life balance by avoiding the need to travel, as well as reduce the impact on the environment," according to Will Thomas, customer chairman of AT&T's Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Council.  http://www.reuters.com/article/gwmCarbonEmissions/idUS81594076720090604

 

Virtual meetings will only become more complex and popular.  Let me help you be successful...

 

So, let's say you're ready to make the switch to Virtual Meetings.  Do you know the right technology to use?  Do you know which technology to use based on the type of event?  If you want help answering these questions, contact me.

 

Three pointers that will increase your chances of a successful virtual meeting:

 

1.  If you are expecting participant interaction, rather than participant multi-tasking, keep the participants engaged throughout the entire session.  We design virtual meetings sessions that keep the participants engaged, interested and online until the end of the session. The key is involving the participants using multiple methods throughout the session.

 

2.  Test, retest and conduct dry runs of your online virtual meeting so that you are prepared for everything.  You should have back up plans in case everything goes down. Our checklists and critical delivery plans enable you to smile and "never let them see you sweat."

 

3.  Provoke interest before and after the virtual meeting.  There are numerous ways to drive interest - it may be via email, a pre-call, blogs, twitter, or even snail mail.  Allow your users to interact and share thoughts with each other through organized social networking. Most people have good ideas and can contribute to the virtual meeting…allow them to interact with the virtual meeting speakers and with each other.

 

We've "been there, done that" now since 1998 when our technology trainers started delivering virtual classrooms to leverage resources and reduce costs. I'm proud to have had the best trainers and virtual meeting deliverers in the industry for years.  

 

Don't  feel as if you must manage it without help or do it alone.

 

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

 

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

 

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

 

 

Virtual Meetings...and Madonna

For those of you who know me, I follow a few artists ... namely, Los Lonely Boys, Madonna, Rolling Stones, Santana, and a few others.  In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a good Rolling Stones, Los Lonely Boys or Santana concert...the tried and true music we all love.  Sure, they may change their songs, but Mick, with his tight pants, and Henry Garza with his Stacy Adams shoes, will never disappoint.

Then, we have change artists, such as Madonna.  My first Madonna concert was in Detroit in the 80s; my ticket stubs are valued possessions. I've seen almost all of her tours and she never disappoints me ...but, she always has different shows.  I never know what I'm in for when it comes to a Madonna concert.

I compare face-to-face meetings to the tried and true concerts and virtual meetings to the change artists.  Is there a place for both?  Absolutely.  In fact, I remember when I saw, on TV, Elton John and Eminem together on stage. How in the world could those two play together as they are so different? Yet, in music, they complemented each other. 

How can you tie in virtual meetings with face-to-face meetings?  As the first leader in the industry to start a "Virtual Meeting Team", within Meeting and Event Services, in 2002, I remember the meeting planners having difficulty accepting the new group...but it worked.  Today, that virtual meeting leader and the resources are the best in the industry.

Virtual meetings require a) a meeting architecture specialist, aka, content developer b) hand holding by an empathetic person and c) technology support.  From my perspective, A and B may be the same person but C is often a different person/group.  

Ask yourself:

* How can virtual meetings complement our face-to-face meetings?
* Do we have the RIGHT support group managing virtual meetings to drive adoption?
* How much savings can we recognize if we move 10% of our face to face meetings to a virtual medium?
* How do we know what to track or measure for the return on investment?
* How will we know if the knowledge was transferred effectively?
* How do we keep people engaged so they don't multi-task while participating in a virtual meeting?
* Do you know which technologies to use?

Recently, almost 500,000 businesses took part in the "Virtual Meeting Day" in the UK.  Phil Flaxton, Chief Executive of Work Wise, suggests that "Holding just one virtual meeting typically saves organisations at least £298, 247 miles of travel and three hours’ travel time." 

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/story/Virtual-meetings-could-save-British-business-billions-/50114

Is your organization more like the Rolling Stones or Madonna?

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Follow me on Twitter ...http://twitter.com/debi001

 and on LinkedIN at ttp://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

A virtual meeting we all appreciate: Bed Bugs 101

Every so often the perfect story comes across my Blackberry that must be shared.  Today, this one brings together four subjects so important to me:  1) virtual meetings, 2) hotels 3) training and development (T&D) and 4) dogs.  After being in T&D for numerous years, I know the importance of just-in-time learning. 

We should all be grateful that a virtual meeting was conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association to educate hoteliers on how to identify Bed Bugs.  One of the ways, they suggest, is to use a bed bug-sniffing dog.  The webinar, titled "Bed Bugs 101,"  provided knowledge to the hoteliers as they are the "eyes and ears when the pest professional is not around."   They also suggested that "hotels should work in partnership with pest control companies..."

At the end of the day, especially this Monday, I'm truly thankful for...bed bug:

a) sniffing dogs;
b) virtual meetings/webinars;
c) training; and
d) interested hoteliers that participated.

Have a great evening!

http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx?ArticleId=1170&ArticleType=1&PageType=Todays

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

 

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation plus more...

READ todays NY Times Special Section on Business Travel and Business Meetings

NY Times has a whole section on Business Travel and Business Meetings today. Will provide synopsis after the Financial and Insurance Meeting Planners Conference that I'm chairing today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/business/businessspecial/07jet.html?ref=todayspaper

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/business/businessspecial/07MEETINGS.html?ref=todayspaper

Debi Scholar, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT