Don't be a victim of meeting madness

Successful meetings and conventions require both style and substance. The key to success is leaving as little as possible to chance. First and foremost in convention planning is establishing goals and objectives in advance. Message, audience, and budget are the 3 keys that should be used to pinpoint the most advantageous solution. Choosing the right location and combining it with the best facility is one of the first challenges. Once goals and objectives are set, and the site and hotel have been selected, it is time to develop an agenda. A well-developed marketing plan is the key to getting many franchisees to attend. Attention to meeting room set-ups, staging, lighting, and sound is critical to a smooth running convention.