Successful Meetings - October 2007 - (Page 19)

> On Site Include a photo or illustration of some important aspect of the event, preferably showing action, as opposed to a simple “mug shot” of an individual, unless the individual is the focus of the event. A kit for distribution at the opening of a new building would have photos of the building’s exterior and interior. The dedication of a new computer center might show users at the computers, working with the aid of the center’s director. Distribute copies of speeches or other remarks (if available) to be made by key officials or others at the event. That’s about it. Putting all these items in a simple folder with two pockets, or a folder imprinted with your organization’s logo, is all that the media needs. And don’t try to shepherd media around to meet your company’s executives. A reporter interested in talking with any of them will let you know it—as long as you brief her or him about the news value of doing so. When talking to, or preparing materials for, the press, less often translates to more. George Haber is president of Information Services, a public relations and event-planning agency in Jericho, NY. He has taught college courses in marketing and promotion, and conducted seminars on event planning. He can be contacted at (516) 822-9756 or geohaber@optonline.net. 3 Stop Meaningless Teambuilding By James Carter The Wall Street Journal columnist Jared Sandberg began the New Year by suggesting that corporations resolve to “lose the goofy teambuilding exercises” (“Can Spending a Day Stuck to a Velcro Wall Help Build a Team?” 1/1/07). I could not agree more. Regrettably, the words team and teambuilding have become the most misused and meaningless terms in business today. If there is any doubt, observe the expressions on people’s faces when the topic is suggested. Reactions range from eye-rolling to skepticism to outright contempt, as participants conjure up images of silly group games and forced interaction (embarrassing episodes of The Office come to mind). I believe that corporations need to move away from the old concept of teambuilding because it no longer resonates with employees. Baby boomers who were taught as children that there is no “I” in “team” are retiring, leaving behind a generation that is much more comfortable with the concept of individualism. This 4 http://www.hamptoncvb.com http://www.hamptoncvb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - October 2007

Successful Meetings - October 2007
Contents
Editor's Note
Suppliers
Suppliers
Calendar
Research
On the Record
Technology Talk
Mouth for Sale
Pre-Event
On Site
Tools of the Trade
Striking a Balanace
IACC’s New Generation
Suffering from “Green” Fatigue?
There Once Was a Group in Nantucket . . .
A Trick and a Treat
Places & Spaces
Reno / Lake Tahoe
Austin
New Orleans
Los Cabos & Baja
Ontario Province
Korea
Gurus

Successful Meetings - October 2007