The local Austin chapters of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) held a joint meeting on May 3, 2011.
Meeting professionals and professional speakers work together all the time, but with their crazy-busy schedules they rarely get a opportunity to sit down and discuss the ways to create stronger meeting experiences.
This unique “round table discussion” luncheon provided small groups from the local chapters of both organizations (and guests) to mix, mingle and talk about important industry issues and trends.
The purpose of the event was to instigate meaningful conversations that can lead to powerful relationships, and the result was a thought-provoking experience for all in attendance.
Each table was assigned a "discussion leader" whose role was to keep the conversation moving and on topic. Several questions were presented to the group, and each table shared their ideas, thoughts, best-practices, and suggestions. At the end of the meeting every table reported out to the group the nuggets of information from the intimate chats.
The questions included:
- What are the biggest challenges facing the meetings business?
- What are the "disconnects" between speakers and meeting planners?
- What do speakers do that most annoys meeting professionals?
- How can speakers add value and help promote events?
The conversations at each table took different paths to dissecting the questions, but there was a common theme of comradeship between all in attendance.
Everyone who works in and around the meetings industry has felt the economic turmoil of the past few years. At this meeting there was an optimistic buzz in the air as companies, associations, and other organizations are actively looking for new ways to create successful events that positively impact the audience.
This meeting was just the first in a a series of gatherings that MPI and NSA will hold in the future.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
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