Meeting News - June 16, 2008 - (Page 56)

MN Webcast Report The Bam Factor: Food & beverage ideas that wow attendees “M ake wine and food your marketing partner,” said Michael Green, CEO and creative director of Liquid Assets Consulting Group, and Gourmet magazine’s wine consultant, during the recent MeetingNews Webcast “The Bam Factor.” Green encouraged planners to get inspired by three elements: 1) reason (e.g., an event celebrating expanding markets using food and wines from those areas, or a women in business event featuring the food of female chefs), 2) season (e.g., a roseinspired menu for a February event, or a “Made in America” menu for a July program), and 3) region (e.g., a tour of the great hot dog stands of Chicago). Other ideas Green loves include creating and branding a specialty drink for the evening and looking to restaurants for ideas that translate to larger groups, such as foam as a garnish, edible menus, or studies of a particular ingredient (e.g., apple prepared three ways). Finish the evening on a high note by giving guests a small thank you gift, such as truffles or a muffin for the following morning, and include the evening’s menu, as well as any appropriate literature or promotional materials. Arlene Sheff ’s rapid-fire presentation is well worth downloading for its rich variety of photographs highlighting everything from watermelon carved into cups filled with flavored sour cream and topped with berries, to candelabras displaying fresh whole fruits, to ice cream cones filled with chocolate mousse in lieu of candles. And, for a real treat, Sheff, senior meeting and event planner for the Boeing Co., showed an intermezzo of sorbet served in individual ice sculptures. Sheff is an advocate of simple, creative strategies, as well. For short breaks, trail mix in takeout-style containers allow attendees to bring snacks back to the meeting room.And, try do-it-yourself bagged lunches, where attendees receive a paper sack, then choose from wrapped half-sandwiches, assorted whole fruits, sodas, and other items to create their own meals. Panelist Rayna Katz, MN’s executive editor, noted that chefs are usually more than willing to help craft a unique and special menu because they know that “a satisfied customer is a potential repeat customer.” She added that most chefs love to run with themes and work best when they know as much as possible about the group. “After you provide the information, it’s a good idea to listen to what your chef has to say,” said Sheff. And because budget is always a concern, be up front with the host property. Jordan Clark, vice president of Las Vegas sales for Harrah’s Entertainment, recommended laying out your budget first, then explaining what the meeting or event is designed to accomplish. The menu is a place to start, he said, and going off-menu does not have to be more expensive—as long as everyone involved is on the same page regarding goals and expectations. r —Kinley Levack Live Day: July 17th Join over 4,100 peers who are already members of Virtual Meeting World. All the seminars. All the networking. All the exhibit booths. All from your desktop. July 17th Webcast Schedule Presented by Successful Meetings and MeetingNews Hot Button Panel 1: Entertainment Strategies: Learn How To Deal With Speakers, Entertainers and Avoid Potential Pitfalls Event Design Strategies: Tips For F&B, Décor Design and Venue Selection Effective Marketing Strategies: Regardless Of Size, Scope Or Venue, Learn Innovative Ways To c Communicate Your Meeting Message www.VirtualMeetingWorld.com The best meetings start here the virtual trade show and education hub for meeting planners Hot Button Panel 2: Hot Button Panel 3: For exhibitor opportunities, contact: David Matthews, 646-654-5435 dave.matthews@nielsen.com Presented by Register today @ www.VirtualMeetingWorld.com 56 MeetingNews June 16, 2008 www.meetingnews.com http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/events/webcasts.jsp http://www.VirtualMeetingWorld.com http://www.VirtualMeetingWorld.com http://www.meetingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Meeting News - June 16, 2008

Meeting News - June 16, 2008
Contents
What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com
Inside the Meetings Industry
Social Scene
People Making News
Technology
MN Webcast Report
Advertisers Index
Live from the Forum

Meeting News - June 16, 2008