![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Digital-Surface-Interaction-B-290896450.jpg\")
With this in mind, we addressed event organizers of companies and hotels in our region and conducted a survey, to draw parallels in events \u201cpast and present\u201d. Professional event organizers in the region for the most part (83,3%) believe today\u2019s events are more innovative than 10 years ago. Changes are most evident in the technological level (according to 75% of survey participants). Organizers also point to changes in event marketing and promotion, and many believe the annual number of events has grown (nearly 60% indicated both trends of change). Furthermore, the form of events has undergone significant changes in the past ten years. Results also indicate a rise in the number of event participants (33%), prompting changes in event budgets which have grown compared to those of ten years ago, and boosting the number of people involved in the preparation of events (33,3%). The choice of event venues has likewise changed. Growing environmental awareness has also triggered changes in that aspect of event organization (Chart 1).
\nTechnological changes in event organization
\nEvent organizers agree on the growing use of technology in their activity and of individual innovative solutions. From the technical perspective, today\u2019s events are more complex, with organizers often looking for new or custom made solutions to achieve the wow effect and a brand new experience, giving greater significance to the creative approach to production. Quick and easy access to information is a MUST, as is making the information available on social networks. Needless to say, internet access is as much a given as being served cutlery with lunch. So there is no need to bring your own equipment to a lecture venue, things are simply done \u2013 online. Preparations, invitations, lectures (video conferences, conference calls, presentations…) and payment. There is greater demand today for state-of-the-art equipment and audio and visual effects at the event venue. We are also witnesses to the growing use of modern technology, such as virtual reality, holograms, etc. Special technologies are used for production and logistics, and others for management and marketing. Interaction between people is easier thanks to social networks and mobile applications, facilitating business contacts and mutual trust.
\n
What are the preferred venues?
\nHotels offering suitable congress and conference facilities, rooms and halls are, evidently, a favorite choice, however, there is also a growing demand for unusual venues. When the aim is to create an event for a specific target group, circumstances allowing, there is demand for informal, avant-garde venues, facilities otherwise used for other purposes, museums, historical buildings, theaters and new, atypical places and locations which have rarely or never been used.
\nEvent form
\nDue to the event form, there are more panels, workshops, trainings and educational seminars. There is a greater number of foreign guests at panels than ten years ago and the lecturers are (or try to be) more innovative, with a view to improving the experience. Another trend is organizing business breakfasts instead of morning meetings. People work in smaller groups, with gigantic events becoming less popular. The greatest change in terms of form, however, is not really about form, or setup or size of the event. There is a growing tendency towards casual gatherings, involving imaginative details, and original and creative concepts. Here is an example \u2013 ten years ago it would never have occurred to event organizers to place lazy bags in a lecture hall. Today an innovative idea would be if you listened to a lecture perched on a crane (the so-called \u201edinner in the sky\u02ba in London, Dubai, etc.) or hanging from a rope. These are extreme examples obviously, but event organizers definitely have to work harder to come up with innovative concepts than they did ten years ago.
\nEnvironmental feasibility in event organization?
\nThe basis of the ecological approach to event organization is environmental awareness. Unfortunately, this awareness has not changed much in the past decade but we can say it has experienced a nudge in the right direction. One of the easiest steps to take, which does not require the introduction of any standards or complex procedures, is simply to refrain from printing. This varies from company to company but we find that most companies, particularly \u201cyounger\u201d ones that have grown online, prefer electronic forms of communication and business operation. What does this mean in terms of event organization? Invitations, agendas, lecturer schedules, additional information, networking, everything is ma de available online or by mobile applications for an event which is accessed from computers or smart devices. Registration can also be done simply by scanning barcodes from mobile devices or bracelets with a chip \u2013 RFID. Surveys at lectures, either on the spot or through feedback after the event, are also conducted and processed in electronic form. In addition to avoiding printing of materials for events and making information available online, recycling paper cups and plates is another option \u2013 using paper straws instead of plastic ones, cups made from recycled material at coffee breaks, serving water in pitchers instead of small bottles, using biodegradable materials for decoration, choosing corporate gifts made of recycled material or made by local societies for protection of socially or medically vulnerable groups. Companies practicing ecological awareness look for Eco-\u00adfriendly venues, whose business operation, activities, and offer incorporate all of these things and much more.\u00a0
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Recycling-Green-Recycle-Eco-S-255519772.jpg\")
Event marketing and promotion
\nEvent professionals agree the greatest change in this area was brought on by the use of social media and the internet. Information is mostly communicated by these means, while events are announced and promoted through social networks Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. and through online marketing, depending on target groups, while best results are achieved by a careful, well-planned combination of all these means. Event promotion by digital means, using appropriate channels of communications, reaches audiences or potential participants through links they use to arrive at webpages where they can register for events. E-mails clearly also play an important part in this, especially in the case of events less open in character. Opinion is divided about market segmentation, with some organizers believing use of social media and the internet have led to weaker segmentation and mass communication with the public, while others think this has made marketing more personalized. Campaigns and the entire communication directed toward the user are not only about selling something, the user\u2019s sense of satisfaction and his opinion is also important. I would add that all these tools en able market segmentation, by age group, gender, geographic origin, profession, etc., the question is only whether they are used in creating the campaign but what remains debatable in this way of reaching a target group is its relevance. First, whether certain users and/or profiles are even realistic, do they involve actual people or are false and, second, technology has enabled segmentation based on available data but it cannot access emotions and social status, so this brings up the question whether a target group arrived at in this way is relevant. Because what really matters in the end are the actual participants, who paid the registration/participation/ reservation fee (if any) and their physical presence at the event.\u00a0
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Notebook-with-text-MARKETING-o-181401925.jpg\")
What is an event organization MUST today as oppose to ten years ago?
\nThe answer seems logical after everything said above (Chart 2), technical equipment and use of IT at events produces the best result and that was not the case ten years ago. The need to create the so-called \u201eUser Experience\u201c or UX, is something every event organizer has to keep in mind today, and we have dedicated the entire last edition of SEEbtm magazine to this topic. In this regard, much more attention is now paid to encouraging interaction between participants. Respecting the event time schedule and addressing the question of parking has grown in importance, because time has become a valuable asset, even considered a luxury by many.
\n![\"Chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Chart-2.jpg\")
I would say that socially responsible activities and ecological awareness in event organization are still not a MUST but these important questions are certainly given more attention now than ten years ago, and it is something the participants in this survey have confirmed. Event decoration and branding are also given more thought now, and for many companies they are a vital component and account for a large part of the budget.
\nMiona Milic
\nThe post Innovative Events at Unusual Locations Are the Trend appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "As you are holding the special 10th year edition of SEEbtm magazine, we find it might be interesting and useful to point out the changes that have marked event organization in the past decade.\nWith this in mind, we addressed event organizers of companies and hotels in our region and conducted a survey, to draw parallels in events \u201cpast and present\u201d. Professional event organizers in the region for the most part (83,3%) believe today\u2019s events are more innovative than 10 years ago. Changes are most evident in the technological level (according to 75% of survey participants). Organizers also point to changes in event marketing and promotion, and many believe the annual number of events has grown (nearly 60% indicated both trends of change). Furthermore, the form of events has undergone significant changes in the past ten years. Results also indicate a rise in the number of event participants (33%), prompting changes in event budgets which have grown compared to those of ten years ago, and boosting the number of people involved in the preparation of events (33,3%). The choice of event venues has likewise changed. Growing environmental awareness has also triggered changes in that aspect of event organization (Chart 1).\nTechnological changes in event organization \nEvent organizers agree on the growing use of technology in their activity and of individual innovative solutions. From the technical perspective, today\u2019s events are more complex, with organizers often looking for new or custom made solutions to achieve the wow effect and a brand new experience, giving greater significance to the creative approach to production. Quick and easy access to information is a MUST, as is making the information available on social networks. Needless to say, internet access is as much a given as being served cutlery with lunch. So there is no need to bring your own equipment to a lecture venue, things are simply done \u2013 online. Preparations, invitations, lectures (video conferences, conference calls, presentations…) and payment. There is greater demand today for state-of-the-art equipment and audio and visual effects at the event venue. We are also witnesses to the growing use of modern technology, such as virtual reality, holograms, etc. Special technologies are used for production and logistics, and others for management and marketing. Interaction between people is easier thanks to social networks and mobile applications, facilitating business contacts and mutual trust.\n\nWhat are the preferred venues? \nHotels offering suitable congress and conference facilities, rooms and halls are, evidently, a favorite choice, however, there is also a growing demand for unusual venues. When the aim is to create an event for a specific target group, circumstances allowing, there is demand for informal, avant-garde venues, facilities otherwise used for other purposes, museums, historical buildings, theaters and new, atypical places and locations which have rarely or never been used.\nEvent form \nDue to the event form, there are more panels, workshops, trainings and educational seminars. There is a greater number of foreign guests at panels than ten years ago and the lecturers are (or try to be) more innovative, with a view to improving the experience. Another trend is organizing business breakfasts instead of morning meetings. People work in smaller groups, with gigantic events becoming less popular. The greatest change in terms of form, however, is not really about form, or setup or size of the event. There is a growing tendency towards casual gatherings, involving imaginative details, and original and creative concepts. Here is an example \u2013 ten years ago it would never have occurred to event organizers to place lazy bags in a lecture hall. Today an innovative idea would be if you listened to a lecture perched on a crane (the so-called \u201edinner in the sky\u02ba in London, Dubai, etc.) or hanging from a rope. These are extreme examples obviously, but event organizers definitely have to work harder to come up with innovative concepts than they did ten years ago.\nEnvironmental feasibility in event organization? \nThe basis of the ecological approach to event organization is environmental awareness. Unfortunately, this awareness has not changed much in the past decade but we can say it has experienced a nudge in the right direction. One of the easiest steps to take, which does not require the introduction of any standards or complex procedures, is simply to refrain from printing. This varies from company to company but we find that most companies, particularly \u201cyounger\u201d ones that have grown online, prefer electronic forms of communication and business operation. What does this mean in terms of event organization? Invitations, agendas, lecturer schedules, additional information, networking, everything is ma de available online or by mobile applications for an event which is accessed from computers or smart devices. Registration can also be done simply by scanning barcodes from mobile devices or bracelets with a chip \u2013 RFID. Surveys at lectures, either on the spot or through feedback after the event, are also conducted and processed in electronic form. In addition to avoiding printing of materials for events and making information available online, recycling paper cups and plates is another option \u2013 using paper straws instead of plastic ones, cups made from recycled material at coffee breaks, serving water in pitchers instead of small bottles, using biodegradable materials for decoration, choosing corporate gifts made of recycled material or made by local societies for protection of socially or medically vulnerable groups. Companies practicing ecological awareness look for Eco-\u00adfriendly venues, whose business operation, activities, and offer incorporate all of these things and much more.\u00a0\n\nEvent marketing and promotion \nEvent professionals agree the greatest change in this area was brought on by the use of social media and the internet. Information is mostly communicated by these means, while events are announced and promoted through social networks Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. and through online marketing, depending on target groups, while best results are achieved by a careful, well-planned combination of all these means. Event promotion by digital means, using appropriate channels of communications, reaches audiences or potential participants through links they use to arrive at webpages where they can register for events. E-mails clearly also play an important part in this, especially in the case of events less open in character. Opinion is divided about market segmentation, with some organizers believing use of social media and the internet have led to weaker segmentation and mass communication with the public, while others think this has made marketing more personalized. Campaigns and the entire communication directed toward the user are not only about selling something, the user\u2019s sense of satisfaction and his opinion is also important. I would add that all these tools en able market segmentation, by age group, gender, geographic origin, profession, etc., the question is only whether they are used in creating the campaign but what remains debatable in this way of reaching a target group is its relevance. First, whether certain users and/or profiles are even realistic, do they involve actual people or are false and, second, technology has enabled segmentation based on available data but it cannot access emotions and social status, so this brings up the question whether a target group arrived at in this way is relevant. Because what really matters in the end are the actual participants, who paid the registration/participation/ reservation fee (if any) and their physical presence at the event.\u00a0\n\nWhat is an event organization MUST today as oppose to ten years ago? \nThe answer seems logical after everything said above (Chart 2), technical equipment and use of IT at events produces the best result and that was not the case ten years ago. The need to create the so-called \u201eUser Experience\u201c or UX, is something every event organizer has to keep in mind today, and we have dedicated the entire last edition of SEEbtm magazine to this topic. In this regard, much more attention is now paid to encouraging interaction between participants. Respecting the event time schedule and addressing the question of parking has grown in importance, because time has become a valuable asset, even considered a luxury by many.\nChart 2\nI would say that socially responsible activities and ecological awareness in event organization are still not a MUST but these important questions are certainly given more attention now than ten years ago, and it is something the participants in this survey have confirmed. Event decoration and branding are also given more thought now, and for many companies they are a vital component and account for a large part of the budget.\nMiona Milic\nThe post Innovative Events at Unusual Locations Are the Trend appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-12-11T14:19:53+01:00", "date_modified": "2019-12-11T14:24:23+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/naslovna-122.jpg", "tags": [ "buyers", "changes", "event organization", "events", "innovations", "research", "EVENT ORGANIZATION", "Hot topics", "MUST READ", "RESEARCH", "Statistics" ], "summary": "As you are holding the special 10th year edition of SEEbtm magazine, we find it might be interesting and useful to point out the changes that have marked event organization in the past decade." }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-much-are-hotels-in-region-working-on-creating-experience/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-much-are-hotels-in-region-working-on-creating-experience/", "title": "How Much Are Hotels in Region Working on Creating Experience?", "content_html": "The overall conclusion is that everyone wants to create a positive and unusual experience for their guests. However, for now only a small percentage takes a systematic, methodical approach to the objective. As a result, creating the guest experience is largely left to luck and good weather, when it\u2019s there.
\nEvery hotel brand and venue that took part in the survey underlined that they indeed work to create the guest/customer experience. They do this mostly (60%) by implementing unusual amenities and events on their premises \u2013 performances, themed events, exhibitions, and similar. In addition, they often use special concepts and design for this purpose, as they do information technology. Hotels also frequently rely on their own staff and their interaction with guests in creating memorable experiences (Chart 1).
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-1-2.png\")
Hotels in the SEE region still mainly (60%) get feedback from guests regarding their needs, ![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-2-2.png\")
impressions, and experiences by having them fill out a questionnaire when checking out at the front desk or upon arrival in the room. 20% of them collect feedback through online questionnaires, and another 20% through reviews. We can say that the region\u2019s hotels collect 60% of comments and impressions by direct survey at hotel (Chart 2).
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/pitanje-1-i-2-srp.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-3-1.png\")
Considering that the website of the hotel, hotel brand, or venue is quite often the first point of contact for the guest and that it also affects the guest\u2019s experience in in interacting with a particular brand, 60% of the survey participants note that a UX designer was involved in creating their website (Chart 3).
The same share of respondents said that the percentage of users\u2019 satisfaction with their website exceeds 50%. No respondents reported users\u2019 satisfaction with their website as high \u2014 greater than 80%. On the other hand, quite a lot of them, as many as 40%, reported users\u2019 satisfaction with the hotel website as less than 30% (Chart 4).
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-4-and-5.png\")
This information decidedly indicates that these failed to take enough care of user experience and website structure and design (read more about UX design by clicking here). In this regard, 80% of the survey participants said that their hotel and hotel brand had no mobile app that their guests could use during their stay and that could improve interaction with the brand and the overall experience, but that they would soon have it (Chart 5).
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/anketa-1-fotka-koja-fali.jpg\")
All this suggests that the awareness of the need to plan the guest experience is underdeveloped in our region, but we believe that, as with everything else, the hotel industry leaders will approach this issue in the future with more commitment and resources. This will make good experiences less a result of ad hoc outcomes and happy circumstances and more a result of well-thought-out tactics and invested effort.
\nThe post How Much Are Hotels in Region Working on Creating Experience? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "In mid\u00ad-2019, SEEbtm conducted a survey on how much effort hotels and hotel brands in the region put in creating experiences for their guests.\nThe overall conclusion is that everyone wants to create a positive and unusual experience for their guests. However, for now only a small percentage takes a systematic, methodical approach to the objective. As a result, creating the guest experience is largely left to luck and good weather, when it\u2019s there.\nEvery hotel brand and venue that took part in the survey underlined that they indeed work to create the guest/customer experience. They do this mostly (60%) by implementing unusual amenities and events on their premises \u2013 performances, themed events, exhibitions, and similar. In addition, they often use special concepts and design for this purpose, as they do information technology. Hotels also frequently rely on their own staff and their interaction with guests in creating memorable experiences (Chart 1).\n\nHotels in the SEE region still mainly (60%) get feedback from guests regarding their needs, impressions, and experiences by having them fill out a questionnaire when checking out at the front desk or upon arrival in the room. 20% of them collect feedback through online questionnaires, and another 20% through reviews. We can say that the region\u2019s hotels collect 60% of comments and impressions by direct survey at hotel (Chart 2).\n\nConsidering that the website of the hotel, hotel brand, or venue is quite often the first point of contact for the guest and that it also affects the guest\u2019s experience in in interacting with a particular brand, 60% of the survey participants note that a UX designer was involved in creating their website (Chart 3).\nThe same share of respondents said that the percentage of users\u2019 satisfaction with their website exceeds 50%. No respondents reported users\u2019 satisfaction with their website as high \u2014 greater than 80%. On the other hand, quite a lot of them, as many as 40%, reported users\u2019 satisfaction with the hotel website as less than 30% (Chart 4).\nThis information decidedly indicates that these failed to take enough care of user experience and website structure and design (read more about UX design by clicking here). In this regard, 80% of the survey participants said that their hotel and hotel brand had no mobile app that their guests could use during their stay and that could improve interaction with the brand and the overall experience, but that they would soon have it (Chart 5).\n\nAll this suggests that the awareness of the need to plan the guest experience is underdeveloped in our region, but we believe that, as with everything else, the hotel industry leaders will approach this issue in the future with more commitment and resources. This will make good experiences less a result of ad hoc outcomes and happy circumstances and more a result of well-thought-out tactics and invested effort.\nThe post How Much Are Hotels in Region Working on Creating Experience? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-09-09T11:38:33+02:00", "date_modified": "2019-09-09T11:38:33+02:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/naslovna-srp-4.jpg", "tags": [ "creating experience", "hotel brands", "hotels", "research", "survey", "Experts opinions", "MUST READ", "RESEARCH", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-to-be-a-successful-event-planner/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/how-to-be-a-successful-event-planner/", "title": "How to Be a Successful Event Planner?", "content_html": "How to avoid common mistakes? And if those occur, how to solve them? What advice to give to young colleagues? We asked these questions the experienced regional event professionals from companies, hotels and agencies.
\nIf you are wondering what features you need to be successful in the business of event organizing, most importantly, for a start, is that you are kind and patient. Sociability, understanding of needs, attentiveness and a skill of establishing good relations with people
\nare, in general, important in all aspects of event management. Participants in the survey emphasize the passion, enthusiasm and energy in this business. Without these qualities, it can happen that you quickly \u201cburn out\u201d. Almost equally important is that you are reliable, consistent and self-confident, confident in your abilities and your performance, which will further help you to be able to make decisions quickly, which is one of the skills that the participants in this survey indicated as a priority.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-where-when-who-what-why-h-66887335.jpg\")
If you work in a company and you are responsible for the event organization, it is necessary to handle all the information related to the event, to know its goal, to understand it \u2013 so as to make sure of what you are doing and requiring further in the chain of the organization processes. Also, if you work in a hotel or some other venue, it is necessary to know the premises themselves as \u201cyour pocket\u201d, their surface, capacities, possibilities of adaptation and the like. The more detailed, the better.
The next issue of importance is that you are flexible to the requirements and adaptive to the current or newly emerging situations, which further has to do with empathy and needs understanding, but also patience, as mentioned at the beginning. In order to be engaged in this work, you certainly need to be creative as well, which you will often need for the purpose of creating something unique, or perhaps for solving some problems, or to offset the budget deficit. Precision, accuracy, being organized and skilled are some of the qualities without which you will not stay long in the business of event planners.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/istrazivanje-2.jpg\")
As for the skills, the highest position belongs to the communication skill, listening to speakers and accurate transmission of information. The next important one is the resourcefulness, as well as the ability to set and then achieve the goals. Without organizational skills, those would be difficult to achieve. Negotiating skills are also important in this business, as well as the ability to take all parts of the business as a whole, or, in sport terms, it is necessary to have a good overview of the game, but also to be a team player.
When planning the event, which usually lasts longer than its realization, the event professionals who participated the survey believe that the most important is to well
\ndesign and set up a goal, and, accordingly, create the content, make a strategy and plan, as well as well choose the associates, then clearly define the offers, service and conditions. Timely agree on and confirm the venue as well as the list of participants, and always have a plan B. A detailed plan and the overview of all activities with precisely defined deadlines for each phase of planning the event, but, at the same time, one should take into account not to miss to keep the track of the general picture.
![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/istrazivanje-5.jpg\")
The most common errors of the event plannersAs stated by the event professionals who participated in this survey, the most common mistakes result from a poor communication, failure to envisage a risk, insufficient
\nelaboration of the event or necessary details and timely manner. Therefore, the most common mistakes are the following:
\u00b7 Lack of understanding with the client \u2013 the client thinks of and considers included some of the services or conditions, while the planner does not check those or is not sufficiently clear during the bidding (verbal and/or written)
\n\u00b7 Failure to envisage a crisis situation or risk
\n\u00b7 An unknown number of people attending the event
\n\u00b7 Lack of knowledge about the target groups
\n\u00b7 Inattention to details
\n\u00b7 The information not being forwarded in due time
\n\u00b7 Do things at the last minute
\n\u00b7 Managing the activities orally, without a plan
Unforeseen situations in practice, even with the detailed planning, yet occur from time to time. In such a case, resourcefulness, calmness and flexibility comes into play, and we convey to you a couple of examples from personal experience of event professionals from a hotel.
\nVesna Vlatkovic, Marketing & PR Manager, A Hoteli
\nI was a guest speaker at a meeting where the technique \u201cfailed\u201d, and, instead of a planned PP presentation, I said to the listeners: \u201cAs I know that, when communicating with the customers, you have nothing but yourself, I will turn off the computer now and show you that I can convince you with only the words\u201d. It was one of my best speeches because my adrenalin phase \u201cforced\u201d me to give my best.
\nBojana Kuzmanovic, Manager of the Sector for Congresses and Meetings, MK Resort
\nProblems are solved by a quick reaction and finding an alternative solution. For example, when a video screen in a hall broke, guests were invited to a cocktail while the other hall was set up, in order to continue the smooth running of the program.
\nRanka Gismondi, Event Manager, Milenij Hotels
\nIn the midst of a great outdoor event, it unexpectedly began to downpour and a heavy rain; with a very professional and capable team of colleagues who were involved in the event, I quickly reacted, and the event was moved into the interior, and, within 10 minutes, I agreed an alternative (plan B) with the performers in order to get the whole thing done the best possible in almost the worst possible circumstances at the moment.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-174172933.jpg\")
Tips for young colleaguesIt is said, for a reason, that a good advice is gold worth. Experienced event professionals who participated in this study were kind enough to share with us the tips they have for young colleagues. We bring you some of those.
\n\u00b7 Patience ![\"\u263a\"](\"https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/12.0.0-1/72x72/263a.png\")
\n\u00b7 Continuously improve your listening skill. Not just to find out what the client is saying, but what he wants as well.
\n\u00b7 There is no second chance.
\n\u00b7 It can never happen to have them ALL satisfied.
\n\u00b7 Patience and knowing that people are different.
\n\u00b7 Take great care of details and make sure that a lot of things are not meant to be accompanying the event.
\n\u00b7 It is important that, in addition to a good event, one should know whom it is intended for; how to get to the target group, and in which manner to measure the effects of the event.
\n\u00b7 Make sure you are well informed before you start the project realization and be persistent with your strong attitudes, but certainly do not let your ego and inflexibility slow down your personal and professional development.
\n\u00b7 Consistency and fairness to people you work with will maybe be of use for you ever more than the budget you have.
\n\u00b7 This is a very stressful job (and to find out how to fight the stress, read the article How to Deal With Stress in the Event Planning Industry) and people often do not understand that, and take the business of an event manager as a kind of \u201centertainment\u201d. This is a job where you are satisfied only after the event on which all other have a good \u201cfun\u201d, as a result of your work.
\n\u00b7 Every mistake should be taken as a lesson learned. You should not let mistakes discourage you, but you should take those as a lesson to learn from.
The post How to Be a Successful Event Planner? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Every business is characterized by the key attributes and skills that one need to possess and improve in order to perform such a business successfully. This edition will be focused on our research of which attributes and skills make a successful event organizer.\nHow to avoid common mistakes? And if those occur, how to solve them? What advice to give to young colleagues? We asked these questions the experienced regional event professionals from companies, hotels and agencies.\nIf you are wondering what features you need to be successful in the business of event organizing, most importantly, for a start, is that you are kind and patient. Sociability, understanding of needs, attentiveness and a skill of establishing good relations with people\nare, in general, important in all aspects of event management. Participants in the survey emphasize the passion, enthusiasm and energy in this business. Without these qualities, it can happen that you quickly \u201cburn out\u201d. Almost equally important is that you are reliable, consistent and self-confident, confident in your abilities and your performance, which will further help you to be able to make decisions quickly, which is one of the skills that the participants in this survey indicated as a priority.\nIf you work in a company and you are responsible for the event organization, it is necessary to handle all the information related to the event, to know its goal, to understand it \u2013 so as to make sure of what you are doing and requiring further in the chain of the organization processes. Also, if you work in a hotel or some other venue, it is necessary to know the premises themselves as \u201cyour pocket\u201d, their surface, capacities, possibilities of adaptation and the like. The more detailed, the better.\nThe next issue of importance is that you are flexible to the requirements and adaptive to the current or newly emerging situations, which further has to do with empathy and needs understanding, but also patience, as mentioned at the beginning. In order to be engaged in this work, you certainly need to be creative as well, which you will often need for the purpose of creating something unique, or perhaps for solving some problems, or to offset the budget deficit. Precision, accuracy, being organized and skilled are some of the qualities without which you will not stay long in the business of event planners.\nAs for the skills, the highest position belongs to the communication skill, listening to speakers and accurate transmission of information. The next important one is the resourcefulness, as well as the ability to set and then achieve the goals. Without organizational skills, those would be difficult to achieve. Negotiating skills are also important in this business, as well as the ability to take all parts of the business as a whole, or, in sport terms, it is necessary to have a good overview of the game, but also to be a team player.\nWhen planning the event, which usually lasts longer than its realization, the event professionals who participated the survey believe that the most important is to well\ndesign and set up a goal, and, accordingly, create the content, make a strategy and plan, as well as well choose the associates, then clearly define the offers, service and conditions. Timely agree on and confirm the venue as well as the list of participants, and always have a plan B. A detailed plan and the overview of all activities with precisely defined deadlines for each phase of planning the event, but, at the same time, one should take into account not to miss to keep the track of the general picture.\nThe most common errors of the event planners\nAs stated by the event professionals who participated in this survey, the most common mistakes result from a poor communication, failure to envisage a risk, insufficient\nelaboration of the event or necessary details and timely manner. Therefore, the most common mistakes are the following:\n\u00b7 Lack of understanding with the client \u2013 the client thinks of and considers included some of the services or conditions, while the planner does not check those or is not sufficiently clear during the bidding (verbal and/or written)\n\u00b7 Failure to envisage a crisis situation or risk\n\u00b7 An unknown number of people attending the event\n\u00b7 Lack of knowledge about the target groups\n\u00b7 Inattention to details\n\u00b7 The information not being forwarded in due time\n\u00b7 Do things at the last minute\n\u00b7 Managing the activities orally, without a plan\nUnforeseen situations in practice, even with the detailed planning, yet occur from time to time. In such a case, resourcefulness, calmness and flexibility comes into play, and we convey to you a couple of examples from personal experience of event professionals from a hotel.\nVesna Vlatkovic, Marketing & PR Manager, A Hoteli\nI was a guest speaker at a meeting where the technique \u201cfailed\u201d, and, instead of a planned PP presentation, I said to the listeners: \u201cAs I know that, when communicating with the customers, you have nothing but yourself, I will turn off the computer now and show you that I can convince you with only the words\u201d. It was one of my best speeches because my adrenalin phase \u201cforced\u201d me to give my best.\nBojana Kuzmanovic, Manager of the Sector for Congresses and Meetings, MK Resort\nProblems are solved by a quick reaction and finding an alternative solution. For example, when a video screen in a hall broke, guests were invited to a cocktail while the other hall was set up, in order to continue the smooth running of the program.\nRanka Gismondi, Event Manager, Milenij Hotels\nIn the midst of a great outdoor event, it unexpectedly began to downpour and a heavy rain; with a very professional and capable team of colleagues who were involved in the event, I quickly reacted, and the event was moved into the interior, and, within 10 minutes, I agreed an alternative (plan B) with the performers in order to get the whole thing done the best possible in almost the worst possible circumstances at the moment.\nTips for young colleagues\nIt is said, for a reason, that a good advice is gold worth. Experienced event professionals who participated in this study were kind enough to share with us the tips they have for young colleagues. We bring you some of those.\n\u00b7 Patience \n\u00b7 Continuously improve your listening skill. Not just to find out what the client is saying, but what he wants as well.\n\u00b7 There is no second chance.\n\u00b7 It can never happen to have them ALL satisfied.\n\u00b7 Patience and knowing that people are different.\n\u00b7 Take great care of details and make sure that a lot of things are not meant to be accompanying the event.\n\u00b7 It is important that, in addition to a good event, one should know whom it is intended for; how to get to the target group, and in which manner to measure the effects of the event.\n\u00b7 Make sure you are well informed before you start the project realization and be persistent with your strong attitudes, but certainly do not let your ego and inflexibility slow down your personal and professional development.\n\u00b7 Consistency and fairness to people you work with will maybe be of use for you ever more than the budget you have.\n\u00b7 This is a very stressful job (and to find out how to fight the stress, read the article How to Deal With Stress in the Event Planning Industry) and people often do not understand that, and take the business of an event manager as a kind of \u201centertainment\u201d. This is a job where you are satisfied only after the event on which all other have a good \u201cfun\u201d, as a result of your work.\n\u00b7 Every mistake should be taken as a lesson learned. You should not let mistakes discourage you, but you should take those as a lesson to learn from.\nThe post How to Be a Successful Event Planner? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2017-06-15T11:56:03+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-06-16T15:57:17+02:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/naslovna-7.jpg", "tags": [ "CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS", "event", "event manager", "EVENT ORGANIZER", "event planner", "research", "RESEARCH", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/key-findings-aipc-research-2016/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/key-findings-aipc-research-2016/", "title": "Conference Centers: The Adoption of New Strategies and a Solid Growth in Business", "content_html": "As AIPC represent an International As\u00adsociation of Congress Centers, it is important to reflect on the results of its annual Survey. In summary, the results of the conference show a solid business growth and development and implementation of new strategies as a response to chan\u00adges in the industry that seeks to satisfy the growing needs of the client.
\nThe foregoing AIPC research was cre\u00adated on the basis of monitoring of industry performances for a period of seven years, which were followed by a global financial instability.
\nIn addition to other relevant factors taken into account while drafting this review, there are two additional ones: safety measures in congress centers, and the role and scope of subsidies as a component of marketing of the congress centers.
So, the key findings of the AIPC\u00a0research 2016 are:
\nConvention centers that implement the innovations, new experiences for users with the capabilities of nonstandard formats of events, taking into constant account the measures of control and security, remain leaders in their field, and can expect even greater growth in the future.
\nThe post Conference Centers: The Adoption of New Strategies and a Solid Growth in Business appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "This year\u2019s host of the AIPC conference was Nantes, a city on the Atlantic coast of \u00a0France, which develops rapidly and which, consequently, has become an interesting destination for different spheres of tourism.\nAs AIPC represent an International As\u00adsociation of Congress Centers, it is important to reflect on the results of its annual Survey. In summary, the results of the conference show a solid business growth and development and implementation of new strategies as a response to chan\u00adges in the industry that seeks to satisfy the growing needs of the client.\nThe foregoing AIPC research was cre\u00adated on the basis of monitoring of industry performances for a period of seven years, which were followed by a global financial instability.\nIn addition to other relevant factors taken into account while drafting this review, there are two additional ones: safety measures in congress centers, and the role and scope of subsidies as a component of marketing of the congress centers.\nSo, the key findings of the AIPC\u00a0research 2016 are:\n\nThe income of the congress centers showed an unexpected increase\u00a0of 8% in 2015, instead of 4.2%. However, for the next year, it is forecasted a twice lower in\u00adcome – only 4.2%.\n\n\nThe strongest regions and markets continue to grow and strengthen\u00a0while the weak become even more weaker.\n\n\nAdapting business innovations \u2013 which was the theme of the AIPC Conference \u2013 have been identified as a major priority of the centers. \u00a0Almost 60% of those have imple\u00admented innovations in their busi\u00adness in the past two years, which has led to the fact that 40% had a new increase in revenue in the same period.\u00a0Australia and North America are\nleading herein with 69% and 67%, respectively.\n\n\nThe sectors most affected by innovations and changes were technology, food and beverage and the client venue experience.\n\n\nEvent organizers are also faced with the changes because the events themselves are changing their format, turning to modern technologies and slowly moving away from the formal structure of the event.\n\n\nMost of the centers is solidly pro\u00advided with appropriate security measures,\u00a0but the least changes were made in this field, which has led to increasing concerns among clients.\n\n\nSubventions \u2013 more than 53% of centers have received this type of assistance in the past five years. However, they are granted in a strategic manner and offered to key customers under certain con\u00additions.\n\n\nThe budgets for the funds tend to withdrawal.\n\nConvention centers that implement the innovations, new experiences for users with the capabilities of nonstandard formats of events, taking into constant account the measures of control and security, remain leaders in their field, and can expect even greater growth in the future.\nThe post Conference Centers: The Adoption of New Strategies and a Solid Growth in Business appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-12-02T13:38:26+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-06T16:25:17+01:00", "author": { "name": "Milica Novak", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/milicanovak/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Milica-Novak.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Business-People-Inspiration-Go-80738642.jpg", "tags": [ "AIPC research", "congress centers", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/front-desk-fb-sector-crucial-success-event/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/front-desk-fb-sector-crucial-success-event/", "title": "Front Desk and F&B Sector Crucial for the Success of the Event", "content_html": "In the conducted survey, event professionals almost unanimously agree that the Front desk and the F&B sector in the hotel are the most important for the organization of the event, because of the direct contact they have with the guests/participants.
\nThe importance of the Front desk and the waiters, as well as of the kitchen, was emphasized to the highest degree.\u00a0Fewer survey participants, but still \u00a0in a significant percentage (26%), ranked the management at the \u00a0first place of importance for success of an \u2013 i.e. general management, sales management and event ma\u00adnagement (chart 1).
\n![\"chart-1\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-1-1.png\")
According to the survey, however, the content of the event itself has a great impact on the final impression of the participants.\u00a0In fact, 70.8% of respondents shall consider re-going to the same event even if they did not like the attitude and the treatment they had, but the content was never the \u00adless satisfactory.
\nHowever, it is not a small percenta\u00adge of participants (25% will not rego), which will harm the organizers due to the unsatisfactory treatment they had onsite (chart 2).
\n![\"chart-2\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-2-1.png\")
When asked how they find impor\u00adtant the attitude of receptionists,\u00a0waiters and other employees who are in direct contact with the event participants for the success of the event itself, 62.5% of respondents ranked the foregoing with the greatest importance, while 33.3% ranked it just below the highest importance\u00a0(chart 3).
\nAccordingly, we can safely make a conclusion on a level to which the event organizers considered essential the behavior of employees towards guests / participants.
\nIf the hosts appear to be hospita\u00adble, helpful, attentive and relaxed, experiences are always positive, according to information obtained from the survey participants.
Some examples of the positive staff con\u00adtributions are those at the events where a large number of people meets for the first time, where the kind and relaxed staff contributed to a more relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, as well as those in\u00adstances when guests return for the kindness of the waiters and the like.
\nAlthough most of the respondents state that those were mainly the positive experiences, there always appear the negative ones as well.
![\"chat-3\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chat-3.png\")
As an example, ignorance of the agreed conditions, delay in \u00a0implementation of the agreement, disinterested approach to a client.
\nThere were also cases when the communication in the chain was\u00a0not a good one, having resulted in a transfer of misinformation or lack of transfer of changes \u00adwhich caused a client to get an impression of inse\u00adcurity and lack of organization.\u00a0According to the information provided by the survey participants, there were also the examples when the restaurant manager rudely refused to take the order because it was not his job, or when guests do not return simply because of the \u00a0bad food.
Hotels and venues are an integral part of every event, therefore, it is important to consider and under\u00adstand this matter from their point of view.
\nNamely, as stated by hotels, when the organization or the agency that communicates with the hotel about a specific event does not agree on all details in advance, but requests the changes on the site that can\u2019t be quickly provided (i.e. the whole setting of the hall or technical equ\u00adipment which was not scheduled) or when it requires extra services not envisaged or those services it doesn\u2019t want to pay additionally, in such a case the hotel has to refuse such service to guests or make changes at the last minute which participants perceived as poor or\u00adganization of the hotel, and not the one who negotiated the services.
\nAnother bad example referred to is the one when a person that orders service announces the event for a significantly lower number of persons in comparison to those who appear to the event.
Then the participants make a con\u00adclusion that the hotel has not pre\u00adpared enough food, which results in a bad image of the hotel. \u00a0In any case, a detailed planning in \u00a0due time is the matter of importan\u00adce to be dealt with by every event organizer, in order to forestall any \u00a0potential flaws or omissions.
\nDoes the staff in direct contact with the participants can \u201cfix\u201d a situation? or even to \u201cspoil\u201d it?
\nIf the managers do their jobs well, and the staff who welcome the participants don\u2019t (or vice versa), the fact is that the job is not done properly. This will have an impact on the entire event and it reduces the possibility that someone will again decide to take a risk with the same supplier.
\n
![\"Chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/CHART-4-1.png\")
All participants in the survey agree that staff in direct contact with the participants can fix or spoil the situation, although most of the respondents highlights the positive impact that the staff can have on the event.
\nKind staff, as pointed out by the sur\u00advey participants, often make them feel more comfortable in places where they were not satisfied with the ambience or the content of the event.
\n\u201cA smile, courtesy, professional atti\u00adtude can improve many unforeseen situations (eg. sudden power failu\u00adre, Internet drop). Likewise, when everything is impeccably organized, a rude waiter or receptionist can spoil the general impression.\u201d
The post Front Desk and F&B Sector Crucial for the Success of the Event appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "In the second half of 2016 SEEbtm magazine has, among the event planners and representatives of hotels, facilities and agencies from the region of Southeast Europe, conducted a survey on the impor\u00adtance of employees who are in a direct contact with the partici\u00adpants, for the success of the event.\nIn the conducted survey, event professionals almost unanimously agree that the Front desk and the F&B sector in the hotel are the most important for the organization of the event, because of the direct contact they have with the guests/participants.\nThe importance of the Front desk and the waiters, as well as of the kitchen, was emphasized to the highest degree.\u00a0Fewer survey participants, but still \u00a0in a significant percentage (26%), ranked the management at the \u00a0first place of importance for success of an \u2013 i.e. general management, sales management and event ma\u00adnagement (chart 1).\n\nAccording to the survey, however, the content of the event itself has a great impact on the final impression of the participants.\u00a0In fact, 70.8% of respondents shall consider re-going to the same event even if they did not like the attitude and the treatment they had, but the content was never the \u00adless satisfactory.\nHowever, it is not a small percenta\u00adge of participants (25% will not rego), which will harm the organizers due to the unsatisfactory treatment they had onsite (chart 2).\n\nWhen asked how they find impor\u00adtant the attitude of receptionists,\u00a0waiters and other employees who are in direct contact with the event participants for the success of the event itself, 62.5% of respondents ranked the foregoing with the greatest importance, while 33.3% ranked it just below the highest importance\u00a0(chart 3).\nAccordingly, we can safely make a conclusion on a level to which the event organizers considered essential the behavior of employees towards guests / participants.\nIf the hosts appear to be hospita\u00adble, helpful, attentive and relaxed, experiences are always positive, according to information obtained from the survey participants.\nSome examples of the positive staff con\u00adtributions are those at the events where a large number of people meets for the first time, where the kind and relaxed staff contributed to a more relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, as well as those in\u00adstances when guests return for the kindness of the waiters and the like.\nAlthough most of the respondents state that those were mainly the positive experiences, there always appear the negative ones as well.\n\nAs an example, ignorance of the agreed conditions, delay in \u00a0implementation of the agreement, disinterested approach to a client.\nThere were also cases when the communication in the chain was\u00a0not a good one, having resulted in a transfer of misinformation or lack of transfer of changes \u00adwhich caused a client to get an impression of inse\u00adcurity and lack of organization.\u00a0According to the information provided by the survey participants, there were also the examples when the restaurant manager rudely refused to take the order because it was not his job, or when guests do not return simply because of the \u00a0bad food.\nHotels and venues are an integral part of every event, therefore, it is important to consider and under\u00adstand this matter from their point of view.\nNamely, as stated by hotels, when the organization or the agency that communicates with the hotel about a specific event does not agree on all details in advance, but requests the changes on the site that can\u2019t be quickly provided (i.e. the whole setting of the hall or technical equ\u00adipment which was not scheduled) or when it requires extra services not envisaged or those services it doesn\u2019t want to pay additionally, in such a case the hotel has to refuse such service to guests or make changes at the last minute which participants perceived as poor or\u00adganization of the hotel, and not the one who negotiated the services.\nAnother bad example referred to is the one when a person that orders service announces the event for a significantly lower number of persons in comparison to those who appear to the event.\nThen the participants make a con\u00adclusion that the hotel has not pre\u00adpared enough food, which results in a bad image of the hotel. \u00a0In any case, a detailed planning in \u00a0due time is the matter of importan\u00adce to be dealt with by every event organizer, in order to forestall any \u00a0potential flaws or omissions.\nDoes the staff in direct contact with the participants can \u201cfix\u201d a situation? or even to \u201cspoil\u201d it?\nIf the managers do their jobs well, and the staff who welcome the participants don\u2019t (or vice versa), the fact is that the job is not done properly. This will have an impact on the entire event and it reduces the possibility that someone will again decide to take a risk with the same supplier.\n\nChart 4\nAll participants in the survey agree that staff in direct contact with the participants can fix or spoil the situation, although most of the respondents highlights the positive impact that the staff can have on the event.\nKind staff, as pointed out by the sur\u00advey participants, often make them feel more comfortable in places where they were not satisfied with the ambience or the content of the event.\n\u201cA smile, courtesy, professional atti\u00adtude can improve many unforeseen situations (eg. sudden power failu\u00adre, Internet drop). Likewise, when everything is impeccably organized, a rude waiter or receptionist can spoil the general impression.\u201d\nThe post Front Desk and F&B Sector Crucial for the Success of the Event appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-12-02T11:14:27+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-19T12:07:13+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-We-Can-Help-97097621.jpg", "tags": [ "event management", "event organization", "F&B sector", "hotel", "survey", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/applying-sharing-economy-event-planning/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/applying-sharing-economy-event-planning/", "title": "Applying the Sharing Economy in Event Planning", "content_html": "PwC predicts that by 2025 the global\u00a0Sharing Economy will be worth\u00a0$335 billion. The UK is considered\u00a0to be the European capital of the\u00a0sharing economy, accounting for\u00a01 in 10 of the companies in this sector,\u00a0and as Ipsos Mori found, 18.5\u00a0million UK residents regularly use\u00a0apps and websites in the Sharing\u00a0Economy.
\nIn this issue of SEEbtm, we investigate\u00a0how much is the sharing economy\u00a0involved in event planning in\u00a0SEE region. The survey included\u00a0professionals\u00a0in the MICE industry \u2013\u00a0coming from hotels, agencies,\u00a0convention\u00a0bureaus, companies,\u00a0non-governmental organizations,\u00a0and ministries\u00a0\u2013 mostly working in\u00a0Serbia\u00a0and Croatia.
\nThe responses given by the survey\u00a0participants indicate that attention\u00a0is paid to the cost of employees coming\u00a0to work (60%), including also\u00a0those who sometimes use the concept\u00a0of sharing transport means\u00a0(32%), as well as those who do that\u00a0all the time (28%) (chart 1).
\n![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-1.png\")
The same concept is used even more\u00a0when planning an event, as much\u00a0as in 67% of cases.
\nMost often, attendees\u00a0are provided\u00a0with shared transport, and if cars\u00a0are used, they share means of transport,\u00a0making sure that no seats are\u00a0wasted instead of people going by\u00a0themselves, except of course when\u00a0organization requires otherwise (for\u00a0lecturers, VIP guests, etc.).
\nWhat is important and interesting\u00a0to note is that the majority of international congresses, on their web\u00a0sites, now on the page\u00a0How to get\u00a0there or Transportation, in addition\u00a0to the standard options of public\u00a0transport and plane, includes the\u00a0possibility of car sharing with some\u00a0other participant of the Congress.
When it comes to sharing equipment\u00a0(chart 2), local event planners don\u2019t\u00a0make it a habit. Namely, 64% of them\u00a0didn\u2019t or at least not yet shared\u00a0equipment at their events.\u00a0This has been done several times so\u00a0far by 20% of the survey participants,\u00a0while 16% of them already do it\u00a0on regular basis.
\n![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-2.png\")
Sharing event decorations is even\u00a0more inconvenient in practice\u00a0(chart 3), although the percentage\u00a0of those who have managed to\u00a0apply this concept and save both\u00a0time and money this way is not\u00a0insignificant (29.2%).
\nAs for sharing supplies like furniture\u00a0or, for example, chairs or\u00a0barstools needed for larger events\u00a0(which happens\u00a0frequently), the\u00a0case is dif\u00adferent \u2013 as much as 45%\u00a0find solutions to this issue through\u00a0good collaboration or borrowing\u00a0equipment\u00a0from associates or\u00a0colleagues (chart 4).
\nAnother instance of applying the\u00a0smart concept of sharing in event\u00a0planning noted by the respondents\u00a0is collaborating with local communities\u00a0and tourism organizations.
\nOf course, in this area, the focus is\u00a0mainly on sharing resources (services,\u00a0education, venues, or transportation),\u00a0when activities are synergic\u00a0and benefit both parties, without\u00a0the competitive element.
\n![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-3.png\")
\nWhen organizing events that address\u00a0similar issues, non-governmental\u00a0organizations, for example, try\u00a0to involve other organizations that\u00a0share their values, and therefore\u00a0also resources (venue, skills, etc.).
\nAs for the global hype for Airbnb\u00a0accommodation\u00a0services, here \u2013\u00a0among the professionals in the\u00a0MICE industry \u2013 the trend is far\u00a0from widespread but also not negligible.
\nHowever, only 7.6% use the service\u00a0frequently, while 77% haven\u2019t or\u00a0not yet used Airbnb\u2019s services for\u00a0business travel (chart 6).
There\u2019s a slight difference between\u00a0business and personal travels.\u00a0When it comes to personal travel,\u00a0Airbnb services are somewhat more\u00a0common \u2013 they\u2019re used in 26.9%\u00a0of cases compared with 23% when\u00a0travelling on business.
\n![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-4.png\")
\nAs reported by the survey participants,\u00a0the main issue in applying\u00a0the sharing economy in business\u00a0is uncertain quality (27.8% of respondents),\u00a0as well as the subject of\u00a0security (16.7%) (chart 5).
\nWe could also say that the number\u00a0of those not familiar with the concept\u00a0is considerable, as 27.8% of\u00a0the participants responded that the\u00a0approach never crossed their mind.
\nIt is safe to say that sharing economy\u00a0found its place in event planning\u00a0primarily in the sphere of equipment\u00a0sharing \u2013 furniture, such as\u00a0conference chairs, bar tables, etc.
This is partially due to the lowest\u00a0risk upon using and possible damage.\u00a0Technical equipment and\u00a0decoration sharing is still timidly\u00a0used, but we can expect its growth,\u00a0once these practices get more\u00a0elaborated.
\nFor example, decorators and people\u00a0from the technical sector may offer\u00a0the option of sharing with other\u00a0planners, with suitable types of\u00a0decoration and equipment.
![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-5.png\")
Meanwhile, economic and environmental\u00a0awareness on vehicle sharing\u00a0is, surely, yet to grow.
\nSo in the future, majority of companies\u00a0will have established transportation\u00a0sharing routines, whilst when\u00a0business trips and transportation\u00a0for events are in question, we can\u00a0positively say that they already have\u00a0established routines.
Maybe the number of those who\u00a0have individual transportation organized\u00a0just for them in cases which\u00a0are not high priority, will decrease.
\nThis is more connected to the local\u00a0and social legacy of events, but in\u00a0the future, the awareness\u00a0on the\u00a0food left over after events\u00a0is to be,\u00a0and will be, raised. There should\u00a0be a predefined plan on donation\u00a0of the food left from lunches, gala\u00a0dinners, etc.
\nNormally, we are talking about dozens\u00a0of kilos of food.
![\"chart](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/chart-6.png\")
As far as Airbnb accommodation is\u00a0concerned, for now, their services\u00a0are not widely used in this region,\u00a0especially not for corporate travels,\u00a0so there is still no fear that this\u00a0platform\u00a0will have some greater\u00a0influence\u00a0on the hotels in the region.
\nYet, this trend shook up the global\u00a0hotel industry therefore we recommend\u00a0to carefully monitor the\u00a0movement of this trend.
\nThe post Applying the Sharing Economy in Event Planning appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Although the concept is not a novel one, last few years saw much talk about\u00a0the sharing economy. Here sharing or renting replace buying (accommodation,\u00a0equipment, devices, transportation, and the like) for the purpose of cutting\u00a0costs. Companies such as Airbnb, Uber, SnapGoods, and others are actually\u00a0pioneers of the concept.\nPwC predicts that by 2025 the global\u00a0Sharing Economy will be worth\u00a0$335 billion. The UK is considered\u00a0to be the European capital of the\u00a0sharing economy, accounting for\u00a01 in 10 of the companies in this sector,\u00a0and as Ipsos Mori found, 18.5\u00a0million UK residents regularly use\u00a0apps and websites in the Sharing\u00a0Economy.\nIn this issue of SEEbtm, we investigate\u00a0how much is the sharing economy\u00a0involved in event planning in\u00a0SEE region. The survey included\u00a0professionals\u00a0in the MICE industry \u2013\u00a0coming from hotels, agencies,\u00a0convention\u00a0bureaus, companies,\u00a0non-governmental organizations,\u00a0and ministries\u00a0\u2013 mostly working in\u00a0Serbia\u00a0and Croatia.\nThe responses given by the survey\u00a0participants indicate that attention\u00a0is paid to the cost of employees coming\u00a0to work (60%), including also\u00a0those who sometimes use the concept\u00a0of sharing transport means\u00a0(32%), as well as those who do that\u00a0all the time (28%) (chart 1).\nchart 1\nThe same concept is used even more\u00a0when planning an event, as much\u00a0as in 67% of cases.\nMost often, attendees\u00a0are provided\u00a0with shared transport, and if cars\u00a0are used, they share means of transport,\u00a0making sure that no seats are\u00a0wasted instead of people going by\u00a0themselves, except of course when\u00a0organization requires otherwise (for\u00a0lecturers, VIP guests, etc.).\nWhat is important and interesting\u00a0to note is that the majority of international congresses, on their web\u00a0sites, now on the page\u00a0How to get\u00a0there or Transportation, in addition\u00a0to the standard options of public\u00a0transport and plane, includes the\u00a0possibility of car sharing with some\u00a0other participant of the Congress.\nWhen it comes to sharing equipment\u00a0(chart 2), local event planners don\u2019t\u00a0make it a habit. Namely, 64% of them\u00a0didn\u2019t or at least not yet shared\u00a0equipment at their events.\u00a0This has been done several times so\u00a0far by 20% of the survey participants,\u00a0while 16% of them already do it\u00a0on regular basis.\nchart 2\nSharing event decorations is even\u00a0more inconvenient in practice\u00a0(chart 3), although the percentage\u00a0of those who have managed to\u00a0apply this concept and save both\u00a0time and money this way is not\u00a0insignificant (29.2%).\nAs for sharing supplies like furniture\u00a0or, for example, chairs or\u00a0barstools needed for larger events\u00a0(which happens\u00a0frequently), the\u00a0case is dif\u00adferent \u2013 as much as 45%\u00a0find solutions to this issue through\u00a0good collaboration or borrowing\u00a0equipment\u00a0from associates or\u00a0colleagues (chart 4).\nAnother instance of applying the\u00a0smart concept of sharing in event\u00a0planning noted by the respondents\u00a0is collaborating with local communities\u00a0and tourism organizations.\nOf course, in this area, the focus is\u00a0mainly on sharing resources (services,\u00a0education, venues, or transportation),\u00a0when activities are synergic\u00a0and benefit both parties, without\u00a0the competitive element.\nchart 3\n\nWhen organizing events that address\u00a0similar issues, non-governmental\u00a0organizations, for example, try\u00a0to involve other organizations that\u00a0share their values, and therefore\u00a0also resources (venue, skills, etc.).\nAs for the global hype for Airbnb\u00a0accommodation\u00a0services, here \u2013\u00a0among the professionals in the\u00a0MICE industry \u2013 the trend is far\u00a0from widespread but also not negligible.\nHowever, only 7.6% use the service\u00a0frequently, while 77% haven\u2019t or\u00a0not yet used Airbnb\u2019s services for\u00a0business travel (chart 6).\nThere\u2019s a slight difference between\u00a0business and personal travels.\u00a0When it comes to personal travel,\u00a0Airbnb services are somewhat more\u00a0common \u2013 they\u2019re used in 26.9%\u00a0of cases compared with 23% when\u00a0travelling on business.\nchart 4\n\nAs reported by the survey participants,\u00a0the main issue in applying\u00a0the sharing economy in business\u00a0is uncertain quality (27.8% of respondents),\u00a0as well as the subject of\u00a0security (16.7%) (chart 5).\nWe could also say that the number\u00a0of those not familiar with the concept\u00a0is considerable, as 27.8% of\u00a0the participants responded that the\u00a0approach never crossed their mind.\nIt is safe to say that sharing economy\u00a0found its place in event planning\u00a0primarily in the sphere of equipment\u00a0sharing \u2013 furniture, such as\u00a0conference chairs, bar tables, etc.\nThis is partially due to the lowest\u00a0risk upon using and possible damage.\u00a0Technical equipment and\u00a0decoration sharing is still timidly\u00a0used, but we can expect its growth,\u00a0once these practices get more\u00a0elaborated.\nFor example, decorators and people\u00a0from the technical sector may offer\u00a0the option of sharing with other\u00a0planners, with suitable types of\u00a0decoration and equipment.\nchart 5\nMeanwhile, economic and environmental\u00a0awareness on vehicle sharing\u00a0is, surely, yet to grow.\nSo in the future, majority of companies\u00a0will have established transportation\u00a0sharing routines, whilst when\u00a0business trips and transportation\u00a0for events are in question, we can\u00a0positively say that they already have\u00a0established routines.\nMaybe the number of those who\u00a0have individual transportation organized\u00a0just for them in cases which\u00a0are not high priority, will decrease.\nThis is more connected to the local\u00a0and social legacy of events, but in\u00a0the future, the awareness\u00a0on the\u00a0food left over after events\u00a0is to be,\u00a0and will be, raised. There should\u00a0be a predefined plan on donation\u00a0of the food left from lunches, gala\u00a0dinners, etc.\nNormally, we are talking about dozens\u00a0of kilos of food.\nchart 6\nAs far as Airbnb accommodation is\u00a0concerned, for now, their services\u00a0are not widely used in this region,\u00a0especially not for corporate travels,\u00a0so there is still no fear that this\u00a0platform\u00a0will have some greater\u00a0influence\u00a0on the hotels in the region.\nYet, this trend shook up the global\u00a0hotel industry therefore we recommend\u00a0to carefully monitor the\u00a0movement of this trend.\nThe post Applying the Sharing Economy in Event Planning appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-07-08T13:58:31+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-07-08T13:58:31+02:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/anketa-ekonomija-deljenja.png", "tags": [ "event organization", "event planning", "MICE", "reserach", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/27275/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/27275/", "title": "Infographic: Each member of portal kongresniturizam.com gain 250 business contacts in the past year", "content_html": "“Taking into account that only a small organization of events without overnight stays, on average, a minimum of \u20ac 1,000.00, with bed average 5 to 15,000.00 EUR, and major events across the 20-30000.00 EUR and more, we are talking about the great potential of congress tourism in the region only in one year, “said Ivan Milic, co-founder and sales director of the Best Solutions, comprised of portal www.kongresniturizam.com.
\nAnalyzing the statistics of specialized B2B portal for organizing events in Southeast Europe – www.kongresniturizam.com also come to the interesting profile of persons involved in the organization of events in the region. Those are people between 24 and 45 years, where the largest number of portal users aged between 25 and 34 years (33.5%). It is interesting that both genders almost equally participate in the organization, even slightly more males with 54.15%, while females make up 45.85% of users. There is a high percentage of users who return to the portal (30.72%), while the percentage of new users is 69.28%.
\nMost users searching portal are from Serbia (59.21%), followed by Montenegro (8.52%), Croatia (8:46%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (6.6%) and Macedonia (3.04%). As for the cities, the majority of users of the portal www.kongresniturizam.com are from Belgrade and 36%.
\nEven 68% of users of the portal come through organic search, while 11% of them come directly.
\nThe post Infographic: Each member of portal kongresniturizam.com gain 250 business contacts in the past year appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "With 57,679 business customers in 2015, the 230 members of the portal www.kongresniturizam.com had the opportunity to generate, on average, each more than 200 contacts for various types of events, seminars, conferences, promotions and team building.\n“Taking into account that only a small organization of events without overnight stays, on average, a minimum of \u20ac 1,000.00, with bed average 5 to 15,000.00 EUR, and major events across the 20-30000.00 EUR and more, we are talking about the great potential of congress tourism in the region only in one year, “said Ivan Milic, co-founder and sales director of the Best Solutions, comprised of portal www.kongresniturizam.com.\nAnalyzing the statistics of specialized B2B portal for organizing events in Southeast Europe – www.kongresniturizam.com also come to the interesting profile of persons involved in the organization of events in the region. Those are people between 24 and 45 years, where the largest number of portal users aged between 25 and 34 years (33.5%). It is interesting that both genders almost equally participate in the organization, even slightly more males with 54.15%, while females make up 45.85% of users. There is a high percentage of users who return to the portal (30.72%), while the percentage of new users is 69.28%.\nMost users searching portal are from Serbia (59.21%), followed by Montenegro (8.52%), Croatia (8:46%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (6.6%) and Macedonia (3.04%). As for the cities, the majority of users of the portal www.kongresniturizam.com are from Belgrade and 36%.\nEven 68% of users of the portal come through organic search, while 11% of them come directly.\nThe post Infographic: Each member of portal kongresniturizam.com gain 250 business contacts in the past year appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-02-12T16:26:50+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-12-18T11:57:10+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miroslava Jeremic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miroslava/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Miroslava.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/kongresniturizam-com-2.jpg", "tags": [ "Analytics", "B2B", "infographic", "portal", "statistics", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-do-companies-from-the-region-say-regarding-walking-meetings/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-do-companies-from-the-region-say-regarding-walking-meetings/", "title": "What do companies from the region say regarding walking meetings?", "content_html": "In mid-2015, SEEbtm conducted a study about holding meetings outside the office, while taking a walk \u2013 the so-called walking meetings \u2013 among companies in the South East European region.
\nWalking meetings \u2013 PROS
\nAccording to the study, 66.7% of those who were interviewed reported that they have never tried this kind of meetings. However, out of all survey respondents who have tried this form of meetings, 33.3% of them gave positive feedback.
\n[quote_left]I\u2019ve never tried it, but I would like it if more people would prefer this form of meetings.[/quote_left]
\nThey believe that meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication during the meeting, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting.
\nThey assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality. There are no redundant monologues or dialogues coming from comfy armchairs.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Healthy-Lifestyle-Fitness-Spor-82604153.jpg\")
Still, for these meetings to be successful, they have to be specific and concise. As one fault, the people who have tried these meetings cite the difficulties in taking notes and the observation that some participants have troubles with following entire conversations or lectures when they are outside their standard environment.
\nThey also note that it is not always simple to get all of the participants interested in walking during the seminar.
\nAs for those who have never tried this form of meetings, 52% would like to try them out, while the rest gave the opposite response, mainly because they believe that these meetings are doomed to be of poor quality and that this is something that management decides on.
\n[quote_right]Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions.[/quote_right]
\nLikewise, we also took notice that company employees who have never attended such meetings would be quite willing to give them a try, while employees working in the hotel sector (hotels or agencies) would be less open to this.
\nAn interesting fact is that out of those who have never tried walking meetings, as much as 58% have never tried them because the idea never even entered their mind. Thirty percent of the interviewed pointed out that they would try them now that they got an idea that they would like to implement.
\nWalking meetings \u2013 CONS
\nThe study found that 24% of respondents cited the extra amount of time that such meetings would take, and they believe that it would be impossible for them to be efficient in this way. They also mentioned inadequate space and location of their offices as some of the reasons against this type of meetings.
\n![\"Chart\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-1.png\")
Being misunderstood and disapproval by their superiors were cites as some of the reasons by 10% of the polled, while 8% of them think that this form of meetings seems too personal, and therefore inappropriate, so they would not want to mix business and pleasure.
\nExercise outside office hours and/or at the company
\nOut of all survey respondents, 20% of them do not practice any form of physical activities. Others (80%), who stated that they do exercise, but mainly outside office hours, most frequently specified workouts and gym sessions, followed by pilates, yoga, swimming, running, power walking, walking, mountaineering, tennis, and cycling.
\nA positive surprise is the high percentage of those who mentioned that they do undertake some form of exercise.
\nSome of the mentioned company activities are company-organised team buildings, field trips, and spa weekends. However, very few respondents (25%) specified that their company makes the effort to organise such activities for their employees.
\n[quote_box_center]Meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting. Respondents assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality.[/quote_box_center]
\nAnother observation is that not a single respondent mentioned that they have the option to get involved in an activity or a form of recreation during office hours or breaks on regular work days. Most companies in the region still seems to be far from the Google concept.
\nSuggestions for companies \u2013 What activities should they offer their employees?
\nIf you\u2019re wondering what activities you should introduce for your employees, the best you can do is ask them. We have, and here\u2019s what employees at regional companies told us.
\nMost survey respondents had positive reactions to the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies where they work. The respondents even feel that it is necessary for companies to give as much attention as possible to organising and designing additional activities for employees.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Exercising-With-Bosu-85354643.jpg\")
As much as half of the survey participants links the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies to\u00a0team building. Organising team activities outdoors, sports games, and spa weekends are the most common answers of the respondents in relation to employee activities.
Team spirit and strengthening relationships among employees, as the objectives of collective activities, are another example of the most frequent answers.
\nAs little as 13% of the survey respondents believe that their company should introduce some form of light exercise during office hours. Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions. These would be optional for employees.
\n[quote_left]We do not have any kind of recreational activities during office hours. Although, some ideas were floating around regarding such things.[/quote_left]
\nA very small percentage of the respondents feel that companies should come up with some activities that their employees could opt for during or outside office hours. Some of the suggestions were setting up designated rooms where employees could chose fitness programmes, pilates, various fun sports activities like foosball, table tennis, or the like.
\nThese ideas were given by the respondents employed with large-scale companies, which have the means to implement such suggestions. In addition, these types of activities have positive effects on employees interacting amongst themselves and team spirit.
\nThe study showed that 17% of the polled respondents feel that companies should cover the costs or provide discounts on fitness or sports activities of their choice that employees would practice outside office hours. Swimming pool cards or monthly gym membership cards represent the most common suggestions.
\nThe post What do companies from the region say regarding walking meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Meetings \u2013 in offices, conference rooms, or coffee shops. We\u2019ve all done that. But have you ever tried walking meetings? In the company building, outdoors, or in another surroundings?\nIn mid-2015, SEEbtm conducted a study about holding meetings outside the office, while taking a walk \u2013 the so-called walking meetings \u2013 among companies in the South East European region.\nWalking meetings \u2013 PROS\nAccording to the study, 66.7% of those who were interviewed reported that they have never tried this kind of meetings. However, out of all survey respondents who have tried this form of meetings, 33.3% of them gave positive feedback.\n[quote_left]I\u2019ve never tried it, but I would like it if more people would prefer this form of meetings.[/quote_left]\nThey believe that meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication during the meeting, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting.\nThey assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality. There are no redundant monologues or dialogues coming from comfy armchairs.\n\nStill, for these meetings to be successful, they have to be specific and concise. As one fault, the people who have tried these meetings cite the difficulties in taking notes and the observation that some participants have troubles with following entire conversations or lectures when they are outside their standard environment.\nThey also note that it is not always simple to get all of the participants interested in walking during the seminar.\nAs for those who have never tried this form of meetings, 52% would like to try them out, while the rest gave the opposite response, mainly because they believe that these meetings are doomed to be of poor quality and that this is something that management decides on.\n[quote_right]Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions.[/quote_right]\nLikewise, we also took notice that company employees who have never attended such meetings would be quite willing to give them a try, while employees working in the hotel sector (hotels or agencies) would be less open to this.\nAn interesting fact is that out of those who have never tried walking meetings, as much as 58% have never tried them because the idea never even entered their mind. Thirty percent of the interviewed pointed out that they would try them now that they got an idea that they would like to implement.\nWalking meetings \u2013 CONS\nThe study found that 24% of respondents cited the extra amount of time that such meetings would take, and they believe that it would be impossible for them to be efficient in this way. They also mentioned inadequate space and location of their offices as some of the reasons against this type of meetings.\nChart\nBeing misunderstood and disapproval by their superiors were cites as some of the reasons by 10% of the polled, while 8% of them think that this form of meetings seems too personal, and therefore inappropriate, so they would not want to mix business and pleasure.\nExercise outside office hours and/or at the company\nOut of all survey respondents, 20% of them do not practice any form of physical activities. Others (80%), who stated that they do exercise, but mainly outside office hours, most frequently specified workouts and gym sessions, followed by pilates, yoga, swimming, running, power walking, walking, mountaineering, tennis, and cycling.\nA positive surprise is the high percentage of those who mentioned that they do undertake some form of exercise.\nSome of the mentioned company activities are company-organised team buildings, field trips, and spa weekends. However, very few respondents (25%) specified that their company makes the effort to organise such activities for their employees.\n[quote_box_center]Meetings held outdoors contribute to feeling relaxed and better mood and communication, in addition to being more dynamic in comparison with the typical static setting. Respondents assert that they feel much more pleasant and free, and that everything on the agenda gets done considerably faster and has much higher quality.[/quote_box_center]\nAnother observation is that not a single respondent mentioned that they have the option to get involved in an activity or a form of recreation during office hours or breaks on regular work days. Most companies in the region still seems to be far from the Google concept.\nSuggestions for companies \u2013 What activities should they offer their employees?\nIf you\u2019re wondering what activities you should introduce for your employees, the best you can do is ask them. We have, and here\u2019s what employees at regional companies told us.\nMost survey respondents had positive reactions to the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies where they work. The respondents even feel that it is necessary for companies to give as much attention as possible to organising and designing additional activities for employees.\nAs much as half of the survey participants links the possibility of introducing recreational activities at companies to\u00a0team building. Organising team activities outdoors, sports games, and spa weekends are the most common answers of the respondents in relation to employee activities.\nTeam spirit and strengthening relationships among employees, as the objectives of collective activities, are another example of the most frequent answers.\nAs little as 13% of the survey respondents believe that their company should introduce some form of light exercise during office hours. Morning stretching in front of the desk or in a designated space, light yoga, exercise during breaks \u2013 these are just some of the respondents\u2019 suggestions. These would be optional for employees.\n[quote_left]We do not have any kind of recreational activities during office hours. Although, some ideas were floating around regarding such things.[/quote_left]\nA very small percentage of the respondents feel that companies should come up with some activities that their employees could opt for during or outside office hours. Some of the suggestions were setting up designated rooms where employees could chose fitness programmes, pilates, various fun sports activities like foosball, table tennis, or the like.\nThese ideas were given by the respondents employed with large-scale companies, which have the means to implement such suggestions. In addition, these types of activities have positive effects on employees interacting amongst themselves and team spirit.\nThe study showed that 17% of the polled respondents feel that companies should cover the costs or provide discounts on fitness or sports activities of their choice that employees would practice outside office hours. Swimming pool cards or monthly gym membership cards represent the most common suggestions.\nThe post What do companies from the region say regarding walking meetings? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-06-12T15:23:52+02:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-21T12:43:39+01:00", "author": { "name": "Mirjana Novitovic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/officebs/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/slika-.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Two-Businessmen-At-Railway-Sta-50381750.jpg", "tags": [ "activities", "Walking Meetings", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/pick-the-right-format-for-your-event/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/pick-the-right-format-for-your-event/", "title": "PICK THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR YOUR EVENT", "content_html": "Brainstorming, as a meeting format, is also highly rated for its efficiency. The survey was participated by companies and organizations in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.
\nAs the most efficient event formats, workshops and trainings are number one, with 45% and 25% respectively. Seminars account for 10%, while panels, B2B meetings, brainstorming and simulation make up 5% each of the respondent answers.
\nBased on the respondent answers, as showed in the graph, we observe that the highest attendance is at\u00a0trainings and workshops, and the lowest at panels.
\nTraditional lectures and brainstorming also have a high share, almost 70% if we look at the summary percentage of those attending these events occasionally and often.
\nTrainings and workshops are definitely ahead in efficiency, rated by the respondents as very efficient – 90%, and efficient – 10%.
\nThere is no record of their inefficiency, with only an emphasis on importance to have high-quality lecturers, and the opinion that performance at a training or workshop is more efficient the smaller the group is.
\nBrainstorming as an event format is also rated as highly efficient, in particular where the goal is to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems.
\n![\"Attendance](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/grafik1-eng1.jpg\" "\\"Attendance")
Panel discussions are averagely rated as partly efficient, with an emphasis on importance to have a good moderator.
\nIn the case of a panel, we observe the widest range of ratings (highly efficient (33%), efficient (20%) and partly efficient (42%), as well as a small percentage (5%) of inefficient).
\nObviously, experiences in panels are most variable, leading to the conclusion that there is no problem with the panel as an event format.
\nThe overall experience at a panel discussion actually depends on the moderator and panellists differing from one panel to another, therefore the most different experiences in this type of event format.
\n![\"Efficiency](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/grafik2-eng.jpg\" "\\"Efficiency")
Traditional lectures remain deprived of the highly efficient rating.
\nThey are averagely rated as partly efficient (65%), depending on the topic and lecturer.
\nTraditional lectures also have the highest percentage of inefficiency rating (11%), with the opinion that they are inefficient, obsolete and dull.
\nThe respondents pointed out to some other formats they find very good, as follows: working & sports meetings or educational & recreational meetings, informal gatherings of people of same professions and exchange of opinions (on an occasion), as well as targeted B2B meetings.
\nThe conclusion is next: every meeting format has positive, but also negative sides. Some are more popular and efficient than others, but that doesn\u2019t mean that there is only one right solution.
\nBe aware of good and potential bad sides of each format, try to prevent usually failings, know your audience well, so as meeting goals, and you will choose just the right format for your event.
\n![\"research\"](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/anketaeng.jpg\")
The post PICK THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR YOUR EVENT appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "Trainings and workshops are considered the most efficient format for educational events, according to the research conducted by SEEbtm magazine in the second half of 2014.\nBrainstorming, as a meeting format, is also highly rated for its efficiency. The survey was participated by companies and organizations in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.\nAs the most efficient event formats, workshops and trainings are number one, with 45% and 25% respectively. Seminars account for 10%, while panels, B2B meetings, brainstorming and simulation make up 5% each of the respondent answers.\nBased on the respondent answers, as showed in the graph, we observe that the highest attendance is at\u00a0trainings and workshops, and the lowest at panels.\nTraditional lectures and brainstorming also have a high share, almost 70% if we look at the summary percentage of those attending these events occasionally and often.\nTrainings and workshops are definitely ahead in efficiency, rated by the respondents as very efficient – 90%, and efficient – 10%.\nThere is no record of their inefficiency, with only an emphasis on importance to have high-quality lecturers, and the opinion that performance at a training or workshop is more efficient the smaller the group is.\nBrainstorming as an event format is also rated as highly efficient, in particular where the goal is to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems.\nAttendance of certain event formats\nPanel discussions are averagely rated as partly efficient, with an emphasis on importance to have a good moderator.\nIn the case of a panel, we observe the widest range of ratings (highly efficient (33%), efficient (20%) and partly efficient (42%), as well as a small percentage (5%) of inefficient).\nObviously, experiences in panels are most variable, leading to the conclusion that there is no problem with the panel as an event format.\nThe overall experience at a panel discussion actually depends on the moderator and panellists differing from one panel to another, therefore the most different experiences in this type of event format.\nEfficiency of certain event formats\nTraditional lectures remain deprived of the highly efficient rating.\nThey are averagely rated as partly efficient (65%), depending on the topic and lecturer.\nTraditional lectures also have the highest percentage of inefficiency rating (11%), with the opinion that they are inefficient, obsolete and dull.\nThe respondents pointed out to some other formats they find very good, as follows: working & sports meetings or educational & recreational meetings, informal gatherings of people of same professions and exchange of opinions (on an occasion), as well as targeted B2B meetings.\nSimulation (of negotiations, a future event, a building design, driving, etc.) is a very interactive and efficient format, given that following introductory instructions it requires the continued involvement of participants and allows the study of actual processes under experimental conditions.\nThe conclusion is next: every meeting format has positive, but also negative sides. Some are more popular and efficient than others, but that doesn\u2019t mean that there is only one right solution.\nBe aware of good and potential bad sides of each format, try to prevent usually failings, know your audience well, so as meeting goals, and you will choose just the right format for your event.\n\n\nMiona Milic\nThe post PICK THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR YOUR EVENT appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-11-26T11:44:00+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-01-04T09:42:12+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Group-of-Multiethnic-Busy-Peop-66058582.jpg", "tags": [ "brainstorming", "event", "event format", "panel", "pick", "trainings", "workshop", "RESEARCH", "Statistics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-are-the-problems-with-panel-discussions/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/what-are-the-problems-with-panel-discussions/", "title": "WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH PANEL DISCUSSIONS?", "content_html": "The research focuses on the question how effective panel discussions are and points out the most frequent comments and remarks of the participants.
\n![\"How](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/how-effective-is-the-panel.png\" "\\"How")
According to the research, 99% of event participants, during the period of previous 12 months, attended some panel discussion.
\nOut of them, 63% says that panel discussions are hardly \u201cok\u201d, poor and very poor. However, the rest of 37% says that the panels were very good, even great.
\nThat fact, according to the author of the report, Kristin Arnold, shows that the very form is not necessarily poor, but what needs to be done is to improve preparation and performance of panel discussions.
\nThe majority of subjects (72%), when listing the causes of dissatisfaction with panels, indicate to the problem with moderators, including insufficient preparedness, too long introductions, omissions in terms of asking good questions, too much talking, self-promotion, poor control of discussions among panelists and poor time management.
\nAlso, some panelists and moderators are not selected exclusively on the basis of their competence, talents, presentation skills or charisma, but, as Arnold states, on purely political grounds.
\nTaking into account the established high degree of correlation between moderators\u2019 effectiveness and the overall performance of panel discussion, Arnold says that this information is not surprising at all, and points out: \u201cWhen you have an excellent moderator, you will most likely have an excellent panel. Poor moderator = poor panel.\u201d
\nSignificant remarks concern the panelists (66% of respondents indicated to this problem), in terms that there are either too many of them, or they stray away from the main topic, they use the opportunity to make self-promotion or promotion of their own products and services, they do not listen to the questions they are asked or their interlocutors.
\nProblems with panel topics, as said by 54% of respondents, usually concern broadness \u2013 topics are too broad, there is not enough material.
\nOther remarks are related to A/V elements \u2013 either too much or not enough; what they also mention is the lack of audience engagement as well as the lack of focus on the audience.
\n![\"9](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/9-top-remarks-concerning-panel-discussion.png\" "\\"9")
\u00b7 Moderation is the key.
\nSelect skilled moderator, ask for recommendations and testimonials. The success (or failure) of the panel depends on it.
\n\u00b7 Choose an interesting topic and spice it up.
\nThe topic should be of interest to the intended audience. Entertain them as well. Make the topic fun, trendy and interesting.
\n\u00b7 Select 3-4 DEEP panelists.
\nSelect interesting panelists who are \u201cDEEP\u201d:
\nDiverse: they have different points of view and represent the diversity in the audience.
\nExperienced: they are experts and practitioners who are knowledgeable in the topic area.
\nEloquent: they are able to express their ideas well in a public forum.
\nPrepared: they are willing to do the preparation in support of the audience and the promise.
\n\u00b7 Encourage preparation.
\nThe moderator and panelists have to do more than just \u201cshow up.\u201d Before the event, the moderator should finalize the format and agenda, write the welcome and introductions and key questions, confirm the details with the panelists.
\nThey should also formulate their key messages and develop short stories or anecdotes that illuminate their points. They can also research their fellow panelists to get to know their background, credentials and opinions on the subject so they can jump right in to a lively discussion.
\n\u00b7 Make it a conversation.
\n![\"Bored](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bored-audience.jpg\" "\\"Bored")
The panel should NOT be a series of presentations, but a lively and informational discussion among smart people sharing their views for the ultimate benefit of the audience.
\n\u00b7 Engage and involve the audience.
\nYou don\u2019t have to wait until the formal Q&A at the end to get them engaged! Engage the audience before, during and after session by using polling technology and social media.
\n\u00b7 Get rid of the long, draped table.
\n\u00b7 When it comes to moderators, he can be a \u201cshe\u201d!
\nBased on this report, one can come to simple conclusion \u2013 for successful panel discussions, only choose an excellent moderator and interesting, competent panelists.
\nThe post WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH PANEL DISCUSSIONS? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.
\n", "content_text": "During 2014, Quality Process Consultants conducted research \u201cThe 2014 Panel Report\u201d, of which the author is Kristin Arnold.\nThe research focuses on the question how effective panel discussions are and points out the most frequent comments and remarks of the participants.\nHow effective is the panel?\nAccording to the research, 99% of event participants, during the period of previous 12 months, attended some panel discussion.\nOut of them, 63% says that panel discussions are hardly \u201cok\u201d, poor and very poor. However, the rest of 37% says that the panels were very good, even great.\nThat fact, according to the author of the report, Kristin Arnold, shows that the very form is not necessarily poor, but what needs to be done is to improve preparation and performance of panel discussions.\nThe majority of subjects (72%), when listing the causes of dissatisfaction with panels, indicate to the problem with moderators, including insufficient preparedness, too long introductions, omissions in terms of asking good questions, too much talking, self-promotion, poor control of discussions among panelists and poor time management.\nAlso, some panelists and moderators are not selected exclusively on the basis of their competence, talents, presentation skills or charisma, but, as Arnold states, on purely political grounds.\nThe biggest panel issues:\n \u00b7 Moderator issues\n \u00b7 \u201cOut of control\u201d panelists\n \u00b7 Topic problems\n \u00b7 Poor panelist selection\n \u00b7 Audio/Visuals\nTaking into account the established high degree of correlation between moderators\u2019 effectiveness and the overall performance of panel discussion, Arnold says that this information is not surprising at all, and points out: \u201cWhen you have an excellent moderator, you will most likely have an excellent panel. Poor moderator = poor panel.\u201d\nSignificant remarks concern the panelists (66% of respondents indicated to this problem), in terms that there are either too many of them, or they stray away from the main topic, they use the opportunity to make self-promotion or promotion of their own products and services, they do not listen to the questions they are asked or their interlocutors.\nProblems with panel topics, as said by 54% of respondents, usually concern broadness \u2013 topics are too broad, there is not enough material.\nOther remarks are related to A/V elements \u2013 either too much or not enough; what they also mention is the lack of audience engagement as well as the lack of focus on the audience.\n9 top remarks concerning panel discussion\nTips for great panels\n\u00b7 Moderation is the key.\nSelect skilled moderator, ask for recommendations and testimonials. The success (or failure) of the panel depends on it.\n\u00b7 Choose an interesting topic and spice it up.\nThe topic should be of interest to the intended audience. Entertain them as well. Make the topic fun, trendy and interesting.\n\u00b7 Select 3-4 DEEP panelists.\nSelect interesting panelists who are \u201cDEEP\u201d:\nA panel consists of a facilitated discussion among several thought leaders within a company and/or industry in front of an audience for 45-90 minutes.\nDiverse: they have different points of view and represent the diversity in the audience.\nExperienced: they are experts and practitioners who are knowledgeable in the topic area.\nEloquent: they are able to express their ideas well in a public forum.\nPrepared: they are willing to do the preparation in support of the audience and the promise.\n\u00b7 Encourage preparation.\nThe moderator and panelists have to do more than just \u201cshow up.\u201d Before the event, the moderator should finalize the format and agenda, write the welcome and introductions and key questions, confirm the details with the panelists.\nThey should also formulate their key messages and develop short stories or anecdotes that illuminate their points. They can also research their fellow panelists to get to know their background, credentials and opinions on the subject so they can jump right in to a lively discussion.\n\u00b7 Make it a conversation.\nBored audience\nThe panel should NOT be a series of presentations, but a lively and informational discussion among smart people sharing their views for the ultimate benefit of the audience.\n\u00b7 Engage and involve the audience.\nYou don\u2019t have to wait until the formal Q&A at the end to get them engaged! Engage the audience before, during and after session by using polling technology and social media.\n\u00b7 Get rid of the long, draped table.\n\u00b7 When it comes to moderators, he can be a \u201cshe\u201d!\nBased on this report, one can come to simple conclusion \u2013 for successful panel discussions, only choose an excellent moderator and interesting, competent panelists.\nThe post WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH PANEL DISCUSSIONS? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-11-14T12:51:19+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-01-04T10:00:57+01:00", "author": { "name": "Miona Milic", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/author/miona/", "avatar": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG-20240224-WA0003-e1728981138373.jpg" }, "image": "https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-Bored-businessman-with-colleag-47210035.jpg", "tags": [ "panel", "panel discussion", "Tips for great panels", "RESEARCH", "Statistics" ] } ] }![\n](\"https://www.seebtm.com/wp-content/uploads/CHART-4.png\"){kind=link}