{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://www.seebtm.com/en/tag/csr/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/tag/csr/", "feed_url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/tag/csr/feed/json/", "title": "SEE Business travel & meetings magazine", "description": "Magazin za oblast poslovnih putovanja i kongresnog turizma Jugoisto\u010dne Evrope", "items": [ { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility-at-events/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility-at-events/", "title": "Corporate Social Responsibility at Events", "content_html": "

In this SEEbtm issue, we look at how much do events in our region include elements of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and how much focus does event planning actually place on green meetings and taking care of (giving back to) the community where events take place.

\n

Considering that corporate social responsibility is an important segment of any serious big company or organization, most of the respondents \u2013 76.5% \u2013 attended an event that incorporated elements of CSR (Chart 1). As for the very planning of such events, the situation is slightly different. In this case, somewhat more than 50% of the respondents had organized an event like this. The split is nearly \u201cfifty-fifty\u201d between those who have and those who have never organized this type of event (Chart 2).

\n

\"\"According to the participants in the survey, the most common form of corporate social responsibility is en\u00advironmental approach in production and service delivery (70.6% selected this type of CSR), closely followed by raising different types of donations and respecting employees\u2019 human rights with almost 60% of the respondents. The next form of CSR that stands out are team building activities that have a corporate social responsibility angle, such as tree planting, park cleaning, and the like, as well as green meetings/events (Chart 3).

\n

\"\"In this regard, 47% of the respondents had raised some type of donation at an event, and the same percentage stated that they had organized a green meeting or event. Based on the responses obtained from the survey, a green event usually involves recycling, ride sharing to the event, using materials in digital forms (instead of printed), and using biodegradable plates/cups/utensils.

\n

\"\"

\n

Efforts are invested towards increasing energy efficiency by using appropriate lighting, donating food leftovers, using locally sourced food, as well as hiring local workforce. Of the above, the least common is serving drinks or spices from larger packaging (Chart 4), which is certainly something that event planners should address, since catering can enable big savings financially and environmentally. For example, water can be served at an event in big pitchers instead of hundreds of bottles.

\n

\"\"Tatjana Radovic from the Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau listed some other examples not only for green meetings but also for creating green destinations, which Ljubljana certainly is. She mentioned on-site examples of green projects and best practices (green supply chain, urban beekeeping, road closure in the city center, and new principles of urban mobility).

\n

\"\"

\n

Among the above types of CSR activities that are used are also team building activities.
\nSpecifically, around 65% of the respondents had organized team building activities with elements of CSR (tree planting, park cleaning, etc.). Notably, a large share (88.2%) of the respondents believe that the company they work for applies environmental approaches in production and/or service delivery.

\n

On the other hand, the survey participants think the area of corporate social responsibility has plenty room for improvement, given that a majority (52.9%) stated that the company they work for is insufficiently engaged in corporate social responsibility.

\n

The post Corporate Social Responsibility at Events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "In this SEEbtm issue, we look at how much do events in our region include elements of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and how much focus does event planning actually place on green meetings and taking care of (giving back to) the community where events take place.\nConsidering that corporate social responsibility is an important segment of any serious big company or organization, most of the respondents \u2013 76.5% \u2013 attended an event that incorporated elements of CSR (Chart 1). As for the very planning of such events, the situation is slightly different. In this case, somewhat more than 50% of the respondents had organized an event like this. The split is nearly \u201cfifty-fifty\u201d between those who have and those who have never organized this type of event (Chart 2).\nAccording to the participants in the survey, the most common form of corporate social responsibility is en\u00advironmental approach in production and service delivery (70.6% selected this type of CSR), closely followed by raising different types of donations and respecting employees\u2019 human rights with almost 60% of the respondents. The next form of CSR that stands out are team building activities that have a corporate social responsibility angle, such as tree planting, park cleaning, and the like, as well as green meetings/events (Chart 3).\nIn this regard, 47% of the respondents had raised some type of donation at an event, and the same percentage stated that they had organized a green meeting or event. Based on the responses obtained from the survey, a green event usually involves recycling, ride sharing to the event, using materials in digital forms (instead of printed), and using biodegradable plates/cups/utensils.\n\nEfforts are invested towards increasing energy efficiency by using appropriate lighting, donating food leftovers, using locally sourced food, as well as hiring local workforce. Of the above, the least common is serving drinks or spices from larger packaging (Chart 4), which is certainly something that event planners should address, since catering can enable big savings financially and environmentally. For example, water can be served at an event in big pitchers instead of hundreds of bottles.\nTatjana Radovic from the Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Bureau listed some other examples not only for green meetings but also for creating green destinations, which Ljubljana certainly is. She mentioned on-site examples of green projects and best practices (green supply chain, urban beekeeping, road closure in the city center, and new principles of urban mobility).\n\nAmong the above types of CSR activities that are used are also team building activities.\nSpecifically, around 65% of the respondents had organized team building activities with elements of CSR (tree planting, park cleaning, etc.). Notably, a large share (88.2%) of the respondents believe that the company they work for applies environmental approaches in production and/or service delivery.\nOn the other hand, the survey participants think the area of corporate social responsibility has plenty room for improvement, given that a majority (52.9%) stated that the company they work for is insufficiently engaged in corporate social responsibility.\nThe post Corporate Social Responsibility at Events appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2019-01-04T14:42:01+01:00", "date_modified": "2019-01-04T14:42:01+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/naslovna-69.jpg", "tags": [ "community", "company", "CSR", "events", "Hot topics", "MUST READ", "RESEARCH" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/by-helping-others-we-actually-help-ourselves/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/by-helping-others-we-actually-help-ourselves/", "title": "By Helping Others, We Actually Help Ourselves", "content_html": "

The term corporate social responsibility itself is becoming increasingly relevant, although still evolving.

\n

The trend among today\u2019s smaller and larger companies \u2013 as well as other institutions \u2013 of building the corporate social responsibility segment continues to grow, becoming a principle that speaks to the principles of solidarity, morals, ethical business, growth, and impacts on the corporate and wider communities \u2013 those that reflect general business success.

\n
\n

The awareness of overall responsibility at different levels of business is becoming a professional imperative of action even in small systems, as well as the biggest ones such as government institutions, and the state itself. However, at the core of any awareness and responsibility \u2013 the foundation dwells in the individual. Today, this individual is called a responsible person, but every individual recognizes the common and personal value
\nframeworks that shape actions towards others. The psychological perspective recognizes, among others, the aspects of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and the need for respect by others as particularly important. These factors further significantly influence confidence and of course creating one\u2019s image in one\u2019s own eyes, as well as those of others. Although we often hear people say that they don\u2019t care what others think about them, these statements are not rooted in truth. In essence, everyone cares very much about the opinions of others, and everyone \u2013 in their own unique way \u2013 tries to project as best image as possible to the world, even (at times) when they\u2019re not happy with themselves.

\n
\n

\"\"

\n

Staying within the psychological standpoint, let\u2019s take a quick look at growing up and remember the youngest members of our society \u2013 children. One of the developmental stages of earliest childhood entails the child\u2019s negative response to anything that is off\u00adered. Although this stage is often irritating to parents, it is part of development and as such is entirely appropriate. After some time, in place of \u201cNO!\u201d comes acceptance, responding with \u201cYES\u201d to the parents and environment\u2019s suggestions, but the reasoning behind the spoken yes is yes, because that makes me good! It makes others accept me, love me, reward me…

\n

Only after this stage, according to research, usually around the third year, the child starts responding with the so called \u201cwilful YES.\u201d Even very young children feel the need to be good
\nin order to be accepted. Growing up and especially active adult age place this segment at the very top of socially desirable traits, often making them decisive, both for
\nsocial contacts and for professional development and career. This does not imply obedience, but instead the category of nobility, cooperativeness, and empathy \u2013 sensitivity to the needs of others, willingness to help, forgoing prejudices, stereotypes, and all forms of discrimination, as well as active participation in humanitarian activities.
\n

\n

\"\"

\n

Whether every man is born with the capacity to do good is a question that provokes conflicting answers. It\u2019s widely known that no generalization leads to truth, which means that we can\u2019t classify people into noble ones or those who are not. It is certain that every average person holds personal resources for accountability and for good deeds. And the fact is that doing for others is doing for ourselves. In this instance, the stimulus is not (most often) need for others to recognize us as good, thoughtful beings, but rather the good and sometimes empowering feeling that comes from doing something positive. By helping others, we actually help ourselves, whether we recognize it as the driving motive or not. Noble acts boost self-esteem and trigger the \u201cmechanism\u201d of nobility that every \u2013 again, average \u2013 person has. Although in every act we can identify the instrumental motive (\u201cI am doing something with the specific aim to (in)directly benefit from it\u201d), the willingness to do something for others itself in fact makes us better people. In other words, our life gets a very specific meaning!

\n

The question of meaning

\n

\u201cUltimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that he is who is being asked. And the truth comes forward on its own and does not need an intermediary.\u201d

\n

Victor Frankl

\n

A question that many philosophers existentialists have raised throughout history is the question of meaning. A person, in order to feel good in their own skin, necessarily wonders, at least sometimes, about the question of being, doing, thinking… Sometimes the answer is
\nfound, and sometimes it remains in the hazy future that seeks structures in the principles of faith and religion, self-awareness, confirmation of significant personal or other insights. There is no guarantee that any response or insight we obtain would ever satiate our curiosity and
\nbasic search for meaning, especially when a person is facing life\u2019s struggles \u2013 whether psychological, social, or existential. Value systems, especially in the modern age, are increasingly diverging both individually and globally.

\n

\"\"

\n

On the other hand, precisely when we are in the most difficult situations, the circumstance that, even then, we are able to help someone strengthens our potentials and resources for personal struggles. The famous sentence \u201cWhen you can\u2019t help yourself \u2013 help those you can\u201d brings us back to Frankl\u2019s school of psychology/psychotherapy (logotherapy), which is identified through the principle reflection of will to meaning, with a special focus on (self) accountability, as Frankl notes: \u201cWhat man actually needs is not a tension-less state but rather a striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal.\u201d We are the ones who define a goal\u2019s worthiness. The system of high and desirable values is recognized and sufficiently transparent, starting from individual principles to large systems. It is recognized in religion, in everyday life, in art. Think of the excellent Pay It Forward, with Kevin Spacey, and the boy with a simple noble idea for every person to do three good deeds, spreading cyclical kindness.

\n

\"\"

\n

A call to humanity can have different names assigned by the modern age. All these names, or meanings, essentially represent paths towards the same goal, which is to stay human in every situation. Taking care of loved ones, as well as others, when we have the opportunity, because willingness should exist in all of us. Being and remaining a noble and worthy person means far more than mere success or survival, far more than philosophical questions. Staying to the principles of what is today called social and personal responsibility towards oneself, to others, and to life is more than ever becoming the ultimatum of existence and even survival of mankind.

\n

Dragana Deh, M.Sc., psychology, systemic therapist and life coach, together with her fellow experts designs and holds themed educational workshops and team building workshops tailored to the specific needs of both smaller and larger companies.

\n

For additional information, please contact us at: dragana.deh@gmail.com or visitwww.psihooaza.com

\n

The post By Helping Others, We Actually Help Ourselves appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The term corporate social responsibility itself is becoming increasingly relevant, although still evolving.\nThe trend among today\u2019s smaller and larger companies \u2013 as well as other institutions \u2013 of building the corporate social responsibility segment continues to grow, becoming a principle that speaks to the principles of solidarity, morals, ethical business, growth, and impacts on the corporate and wider communities \u2013 those that reflect general business success.\n\nThe awareness of overall responsibility at different levels of business is becoming a professional imperative of action even in small systems, as well as the biggest ones such as government institutions, and the state itself. However, at the core of any awareness and responsibility \u2013 the foundation dwells in the individual. Today, this individual is called a responsible person, but every individual recognizes the common and personal value\nframeworks that shape actions towards others. The psychological perspective recognizes, among others, the aspects of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and the need for respect by others as particularly important. These factors further significantly influence confidence and of course creating one\u2019s image in one\u2019s own eyes, as well as those of others. Although we often hear people say that they don\u2019t care what others think about them, these statements are not rooted in truth. In essence, everyone cares very much about the opinions of others, and everyone \u2013 in their own unique way \u2013 tries to project as best image as possible to the world, even (at times) when they\u2019re not happy with themselves.\n\n\nStaying within the psychological standpoint, let\u2019s take a quick look at growing up and remember the youngest members of our society \u2013 children. One of the developmental stages of earliest childhood entails the child\u2019s negative response to anything that is off\u00adered. Although this stage is often irritating to parents, it is part of development and as such is entirely appropriate. After some time, in place of \u201cNO!\u201d comes acceptance, responding with \u201cYES\u201d to the parents and environment\u2019s suggestions, but the reasoning behind the spoken yes is yes, because that makes me good! It makes others accept me, love me, reward me…\nOnly after this stage, according to research, usually around the third year, the child starts responding with the so called \u201cwilful YES.\u201d Even very young children feel the need to be good\nin order to be accepted. Growing up and especially active adult age place this segment at the very top of socially desirable traits, often making them decisive, both for\nsocial contacts and for professional development and career. This does not imply obedience, but instead the category of nobility, cooperativeness, and empathy \u2013 sensitivity to the needs of others, willingness to help, forgoing prejudices, stereotypes, and all forms of discrimination, as well as active participation in humanitarian activities.\n\n\nWhether every man is born with the capacity to do good is a question that provokes conflicting answers. It\u2019s widely known that no generalization leads to truth, which means that we can\u2019t classify people into noble ones or those who are not. It is certain that every average person holds personal resources for accountability and for good deeds. And the fact is that doing for others is doing for ourselves. In this instance, the stimulus is not (most often) need for others to recognize us as good, thoughtful beings, but rather the good and sometimes empowering feeling that comes from doing something positive. By helping others, we actually help ourselves, whether we recognize it as the driving motive or not. Noble acts boost self-esteem and trigger the \u201cmechanism\u201d of nobility that every \u2013 again, average \u2013 person has. Although in every act we can identify the instrumental motive (\u201cI am doing something with the specific aim to (in)directly benefit from it\u201d), the willingness to do something for others itself in fact makes us better people. In other words, our life gets a very specific meaning!\nThe question of meaning\n\u201cUltimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that he is who is being asked. And the truth comes forward on its own and does not need an intermediary.\u201d\nVictor Frankl\nA question that many philosophers existentialists have raised throughout history is the question of meaning. A person, in order to feel good in their own skin, necessarily wonders, at least sometimes, about the question of being, doing, thinking… Sometimes the answer is\nfound, and sometimes it remains in the hazy future that seeks structures in the principles of faith and religion, self-awareness, confirmation of significant personal or other insights. There is no guarantee that any response or insight we obtain would ever satiate our curiosity and\nbasic search for meaning, especially when a person is facing life\u2019s struggles \u2013 whether psychological, social, or existential. Value systems, especially in the modern age, are increasingly diverging both individually and globally.\n\nOn the other hand, precisely when we are in the most difficult situations, the circumstance that, even then, we are able to help someone strengthens our potentials and resources for personal struggles. The famous sentence \u201cWhen you can\u2019t help yourself \u2013 help those you can\u201d brings us back to Frankl\u2019s school of psychology/psychotherapy (logotherapy), which is identified through the principle reflection of will to meaning, with a special focus on (self) accountability, as Frankl notes: \u201cWhat man actually needs is not a tension-less state but rather a striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal.\u201d We are the ones who define a goal\u2019s worthiness. The system of high and desirable values is recognized and sufficiently transparent, starting from individual principles to large systems. It is recognized in religion, in everyday life, in art. Think of the excellent Pay It Forward, with Kevin Spacey, and the boy with a simple noble idea for every person to do three good deeds, spreading cyclical kindness.\n\nA call to humanity can have different names assigned by the modern age. All these names, or meanings, essentially represent paths towards the same goal, which is to stay human in every situation. Taking care of loved ones, as well as others, when we have the opportunity, because willingness should exist in all of us. Being and remaining a noble and worthy person means far more than mere success or survival, far more than philosophical questions. Staying to the principles of what is today called social and personal responsibility towards oneself, to others, and to life is more than ever becoming the ultimatum of existence and even survival of mankind.\nDragana Deh, M.Sc., psychology, systemic therapist and life coach, together with her fellow experts designs and holds themed educational workshops and team building workshops tailored to the specific needs of both smaller and larger companies.\nFor additional information, please contact us at: dragana.deh@gmail.com or visitwww.psihooaza.com\nThe post By Helping Others, We Actually Help Ourselves appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-11-29T13:47:08+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-11-29T13:47:08+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/naslovna-63.jpg", "tags": [ "Corporate Social Responsibility", "CSR", "good deed", "helping others", "Experts opinions", "MUST READ", "NEWS" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/helping-others-is-a-team-building-at-a-global-level/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/helping-others-is-a-team-building-at-a-global-level/", "title": "Helping Others Is a Team Building at a Global Level", "content_html": "

It is quite clear why the increasing number of companies decide on socially responsible
\nactivities lately. Those help people to strengthen the relations, get to know each other, strengthen the communication, improve it, drive it to perfection. They learn about each other something they did not know until then. But, also, they help those to whom the help is most needed.

\n

Donations are always an option and probably the most common form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) due to the lack of time. Everything else requires an organization.
\nHowever, although you already know this, please, consider also the organizing of a team building for humanitarian purposes, and we will make the efforts to assist you with the suggestions given in the text that follows.

\n

\"\"Childhood, as the people say, is the most enjoyable period of life. We remember it, mostly, with a smile \"\ud83d\ude42\" We should also provide the same childhood, if not the better than the one we had, to the present children. To our children and the children of the others. And, unfortunately, a lot of them need our help. But there are countless ways in which we can help
\nthem. One of those is providing and giving toys. But, those handmade! You can even organize this team building in cooperation with some of the shelters for children. How is this imagined? Count the people who will take part in this challenge, which includes a task of making toys, divide them into teams that count the same, or approximately the same, number of participants. They need to have a few days to explore what kind of toys they can make.

\n

They can use for help the various video clips on YouTube. Each group shall communicate to the organizer the materials they will need to make a certain toy and take it with them on the
\nday that this team activity will be organized. They can have an hour at their disposal. And the children whom you will donate the toys will be the judges and shall decide on the winner, i.e. choose the most beautiful toy. You can make the arrangement with them so the kids make you diplomas for the first three places. There is no more beautiful thing in the world than a child\u2019s smile, we all agree on that!

\n

\"\"As a carefree childhood shall be ensured for the youngest, the old people should be ensured the most carefree old age as well. If for no other reason, then for the reason that they allowed us to enjoy now in everything we have. As a sign of a small appreciation. Together, as a team, with the assistance of your colleagues, ask around about the old people who live alone and do not have the support with the everyday issues like going to shopping, for example, or planting flowers in front of buildings they live in. You will surely come to someone from your own neighborhood. Group yourselves and arrange to do these things for them on that particular day. Also, considering this topic, you can organize yourselves and tide up a park, plant a tree, or arrange a courtyard of someone who can not do it by himself.

\n
\n

Another example is that you can provide assistance for the local community when you decide on the location of your team building activities. Firstly, ask around well of its characteristics because it aims to engage local workforce and use local foodstuff and ingredients. You shall explore what people are doing there, what\u2019s specific for them, what they produce, in which manner, what is that region known for. Why not learn, for example, how to make cheese, how to knit, prepare fish dish in a particular way, manually make some items, and cook the chutney? You can be helped out with these by one of the local inhabitants. He could, at first, explain you the entire process of production or preparation, and the team that is the fastest in the accomplishment of the task or, at his opinion, is the best, shall be announced the winner. If you have prepared some food, you can donate packed remains and unused products to the locals, and if you have manufactured a particular item, you can offer the rest of the material to a local workshop that deals with such an activity and that could make use of it. Finally, you can always arrange to go to some of the schools that need painting, some minor renovations or repairs.

\n
\n

\"\"Especially when it comes to schools that are in the interior territory and do not have large number of classrooms and rooms. Depending on the number of classrooms, divide people into groups and prepare for each of those the painting materials, dye for painting the tables and chairs, and replacement bulbs. All the groups shall start working at the agreed time. The group that is the fastest in finishing the painting, dyeing and arranging shall be the winner in this competition. At a micro level, you as an individual can do a lot of things for your community. Start by giving everyone a smile. Shop for groceries from local retailers, help the elderly if you find that they need help, support a child\u2019s dream, surprise your colleague with some nice gesture, hold a door for someone at the entrance to the building.

\n

The most valuable things are the ones that can not be bought with money \u2013 someone\u2019s smile and a feeling of gratitude. Therefore, think about this topic for the next team building that you need to organize. Apply your team for running a marathon for charity. Help build someone\u2019s home. Donate clothes and food. Yes, the list can go on and on endlessly. So, let the time of \u201cgiving\u201d happen every day. Helping others is a global team building!

\n

The post Helping Others Is a Team Building at a Global Level appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "It is quite clear why the increasing number of companies decide on socially responsible\nactivities lately. Those help people to strengthen the relations, get to know each other, strengthen the communication, improve it, drive it to perfection. They learn about each other something they did not know until then. But, also, they help those to whom the help is most needed.\nDonations are always an option and probably the most common form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) due to the lack of time. Everything else requires an organization.\nHowever, although you already know this, please, consider also the organizing of a team building for humanitarian purposes, and we will make the efforts to assist you with the suggestions given in the text that follows.\nChildhood, as the people say, is the most enjoyable period of life. We remember it, mostly, with a smile We should also provide the same childhood, if not the better than the one we had, to the present children. To our children and the children of the others. And, unfortunately, a lot of them need our help. But there are countless ways in which we can help\nthem. One of those is providing and giving toys. But, those handmade! You can even organize this team building in cooperation with some of the shelters for children. How is this imagined? Count the people who will take part in this challenge, which includes a task of making toys, divide them into teams that count the same, or approximately the same, number of participants. They need to have a few days to explore what kind of toys they can make.\nThey can use for help the various video clips on YouTube. Each group shall communicate to the organizer the materials they will need to make a certain toy and take it with them on the\nday that this team activity will be organized. They can have an hour at their disposal. And the children whom you will donate the toys will be the judges and shall decide on the winner, i.e. choose the most beautiful toy. You can make the arrangement with them so the kids make you diplomas for the first three places. There is no more beautiful thing in the world than a child\u2019s smile, we all agree on that!\nAs a carefree childhood shall be ensured for the youngest, the old people should be ensured the most carefree old age as well. If for no other reason, then for the reason that they allowed us to enjoy now in everything we have. As a sign of a small appreciation. Together, as a team, with the assistance of your colleagues, ask around about the old people who live alone and do not have the support with the everyday issues like going to shopping, for example, or planting flowers in front of buildings they live in. You will surely come to someone from your own neighborhood. Group yourselves and arrange to do these things for them on that particular day. Also, considering this topic, you can organize yourselves and tide up a park, plant a tree, or arrange a courtyard of someone who can not do it by himself.\n\nAnother example is that you can provide assistance for the local community when you decide on the location of your team building activities. Firstly, ask around well of its characteristics because it aims to engage local workforce and use local foodstuff and ingredients. You shall explore what people are doing there, what\u2019s specific for them, what they produce, in which manner, what is that region known for. Why not learn, for example, how to make cheese, how to knit, prepare fish dish in a particular way, manually make some items, and cook the chutney? You can be helped out with these by one of the local inhabitants. He could, at first, explain you the entire process of production or preparation, and the team that is the fastest in the accomplishment of the task or, at his opinion, is the best, shall be announced the winner. If you have prepared some food, you can donate packed remains and unused products to the locals, and if you have manufactured a particular item, you can offer the rest of the material to a local workshop that deals with such an activity and that could make use of it. Finally, you can always arrange to go to some of the schools that need painting, some minor renovations or repairs.\n\nEspecially when it comes to schools that are in the interior territory and do not have large number of classrooms and rooms. Depending on the number of classrooms, divide people into groups and prepare for each of those the painting materials, dye for painting the tables and chairs, and replacement bulbs. All the groups shall start working at the agreed time. The group that is the fastest in finishing the painting, dyeing and arranging shall be the winner in this competition. At a micro level, you as an individual can do a lot of things for your community. Start by giving everyone a smile. Shop for groceries from local retailers, help the elderly if you find that they need help, support a child\u2019s dream, surprise your colleague with some nice gesture, hold a door for someone at the entrance to the building.\nThe most valuable things are the ones that can not be bought with money \u2013 someone\u2019s smile and a feeling of gratitude. Therefore, think about this topic for the next team building that you need to organize. Apply your team for running a marathon for charity. Help build someone\u2019s home. Donate clothes and food. Yes, the list can go on and on endlessly. So, let the time of \u201cgiving\u201d happen every day. Helping others is a global team building!\nThe post Helping Others Is a Team Building at a Global Level appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-10-30T14:47:21+01:00", "date_modified": "2018-10-30T14:47:21+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/naslovna-57.jpg", "tags": [ "company", "corporation", "CSR", "tem building", "Experts opinions", "MUST READ" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/paint-your-meeting-in-green/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/paint-your-meeting-in-green/", "title": "Paint Your Meeting in Green", "content_html": "

Corporate social responsibility does not mean just assistance to those who need it. As the latest ICCA statistic shows, in 2017, over 12,500 international congresses were held in the world.

\n

Now just imagine what a large number of people have attended these meetings. Millions of participants were involved there. How much paper, food, drinks, different packaging, bags and other materials have been spent on those? So-called green meetings imply increased energy efficiency, waste reduction whenever possible, as well as environmentally friendly arrival and departure of guests whenever and if there is an opportunity for it. Do you know how much food, drink, unspent and unused materials after the event remain? A lot. The inconvenient information is that it is mostly thrown away. We are sure you know what you can do with all of these remains, or in which way you can reduce them, but it is never too much saying it again \"\ud83d\ude42\" Let\u2019s start by order.

\n

A planning of each event starts, as its name suggests, by making proposals and \"\"plans. Instead of printing and taking printed papers to meetings, you can send those to your colleagues a few days earlier via e-mail and save on the spent paper. When you finalize the meeting, you can send your colleagues what\u2019s agreed or decided again in electronic form, as some kind of follow-up. When you prepare the agenda, you can send it via e-mail to event participants. And, as this is the era of digital communications and technological advancement, it is also an option to create an app for the event that guests will be able to use during the event you are organizing. You can put there all the necessary information that will be useful \u2013 agenda, hourly plan, schedule of lectures, workshops, meetings…

\n

When we talk about plates, glasses, cutlery and handkerchiefs, you can replace them with those that are biodegradable. And it does not have to be just a cardboard. There are also those made of bamboo and palm leaves. They look attractive, and are safe and
\neco-friendly. You can use local ingredients to prepare meals. In addition to helping your local economy, it is also kind and useful to know and become familiar with local specialties and specifics. Especially if you have representatives from other countries among the participants. Also, you can serve a drink, instead in small packs, in the larger ones. Upon completion of the event, food and drink remains can always be taken to some of the folk cuisines as a donation or, for example, to a shelter.

\n

\"\"

\n

The remains can also be recycled. You shall bring to the location of the event a few larger cans or containers (depending on how large a type of the event you are organizing is) and label each with a type of waste that should be put in there. For example: cardboard, plastics, other. And, for the duration of the event, do sorting out so that, at the end, everything could
\nbe recycled. Do not use plastic bags, turn to paper bags or canvas ones.

\n

As far as energy efficiency is concerned, it can be achieved through the use of appropriate lighting of the hall and the space you use. The fact that around 20% of the electricity is being consumed nowadays through inefficient lighting is really worrying. Unfortunately, there are still rare uses of solar energy in our region, but we can always use LED bulbs, for example. If there is an opportunity for it, you can come to the very event or meeting by car with some of your colleagues, or by bike, why not?

\n

\"\"

\n

Team building activities are always a challenge for event organizers. At start, their goal is always a noble one \u2013 all participants need to feel good and need to gain the impression that they are part of the same team. To get the best out of each one or to show who is the best in a particular field and in which one he will show the best results. But now we are talking about team building activities that need to bring prosperity at a global level. At the level of the community we belong to and the society we live in. Planting trees, flowers, cleaning and arranging parks are just some of the examples you can make use of and which you can
\ncontribute to the local community with.

\n

\"\"

\n

One thing that is for sure in common for all of us, regardless of the gender, age, the place we live and work in, is that we are all inhabitants of the same planet. That is why we need to do everything that is in our power to leave it in a better state than the one we found it in.

\n

I\u2019ve recently read someone\u2019s saying: \u201cImagine that trees give us free WiFi signals. We would all do planting. It is a pity that the trees provide us with the oxygen for breathing only.\u201d I have held my thoughts on this one. How about you?

\n

The post Paint Your Meeting in Green appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "Corporate social responsibility does not mean just assistance to those who need it. As the latest ICCA statistic shows, in 2017, over 12,500 international congresses were held in the world.\nNow just imagine what a large number of people have attended these meetings. Millions of participants were involved there. How much paper, food, drinks, different packaging, bags and other materials have been spent on those? So-called green meetings imply increased energy efficiency, waste reduction whenever possible, as well as environmentally friendly arrival and departure of guests whenever and if there is an opportunity for it. Do you know how much food, drink, unspent and unused materials after the event remain? A lot. The inconvenient information is that it is mostly thrown away. We are sure you know what you can do with all of these remains, or in which way you can reduce them, but it is never too much saying it again Let\u2019s start by order.\nA planning of each event starts, as its name suggests, by making proposals and plans. Instead of printing and taking printed papers to meetings, you can send those to your colleagues a few days earlier via e-mail and save on the spent paper. When you finalize the meeting, you can send your colleagues what\u2019s agreed or decided again in electronic form, as some kind of follow-up. When you prepare the agenda, you can send it via e-mail to event participants. And, as this is the era of digital communications and technological advancement, it is also an option to create an app for the event that guests will be able to use during the event you are organizing. You can put there all the necessary information that will be useful \u2013 agenda, hourly plan, schedule of lectures, workshops, meetings…\nWhen we talk about plates, glasses, cutlery and handkerchiefs, you can replace them with those that are biodegradable. And it does not have to be just a cardboard. There are also those made of bamboo and palm leaves. They look attractive, and are safe and\neco-friendly. You can use local ingredients to prepare meals. In addition to helping your local economy, it is also kind and useful to know and become familiar with local specialties and specifics. Especially if you have representatives from other countries among the participants. Also, you can serve a drink, instead in small packs, in the larger ones. Upon completion of the event, food and drink remains can always be taken to some of the folk cuisines as a donation or, for example, to a shelter.\n\nThe remains can also be recycled. You shall bring to the location of the event a few larger cans or containers (depending on how large a type of the event you are organizing is) and label each with a type of waste that should be put in there. For example: cardboard, plastics, other. And, for the duration of the event, do sorting out so that, at the end, everything could\nbe recycled. Do not use plastic bags, turn to paper bags or canvas ones.\nAs far as energy efficiency is concerned, it can be achieved through the use of appropriate lighting of the hall and the space you use. The fact that around 20% of the electricity is being consumed nowadays through inefficient lighting is really worrying. Unfortunately, there are still rare uses of solar energy in our region, but we can always use LED bulbs, for example. If there is an opportunity for it, you can come to the very event or meeting by car with some of your colleagues, or by bike, why not?\n\nTeam building activities are always a challenge for event organizers. At start, their goal is always a noble one \u2013 all participants need to feel good and need to gain the impression that they are part of the same team. To get the best out of each one or to show who is the best in a particular field and in which one he will show the best results. But now we are talking about team building activities that need to bring prosperity at a global level. At the level of the community we belong to and the society we live in. Planting trees, flowers, cleaning and arranging parks are just some of the examples you can make use of and which you can\ncontribute to the local community with.\n\nOne thing that is for sure in common for all of us, regardless of the gender, age, the place we live and work in, is that we are all inhabitants of the same planet. That is why we need to do everything that is in our power to leave it in a better state than the one we found it in.\nI\u2019ve recently read someone\u2019s saying: \u201cImagine that trees give us free WiFi signals. We would all do planting. It is a pity that the trees provide us with the oxygen for breathing only.\u201d I have held my thoughts on this one. How about you?\nThe post Paint Your Meeting in Green appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2018-10-22T13:11:55+02:00", "date_modified": "2018-10-22T13:11:55+02:00", "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-Working-150471254.jpg", "tags": [ "CSR", "event organization", "green meetings", "EVENT ORGANIZATION", "Experts opinions", "Hot topics", "MUST READ" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/in-hotel-belgrade-won-award-initiative-corporate-social-responsibility/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/in-hotel-belgrade-won-award-initiative-corporate-social-responsibility/", "title": "IN Hotel Belgrade Won an Award for Initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility", "content_html": "

In Hotel Belgrade\u00a0recently won an award for initiative In Corporate Social Responsibility For 2015, which was given by Belgrade Chamber Of Commerce.

\n

At official ceremony of award receiving, In Hotel representatives presented which kind of corporate social responsibility in hotel carried out throughout 10 years of its existence. Also, they mentioned numerous socially responsible actions that were realized during this period of time.

\n

Excellent SME Serbia certificate is also, one of highest acknowledgement in business dealings that Hotel received in February 2016.
\nThe certificate was given by Chamber Of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for high creditworthiness and continuity in successful business management.

\n

The post IN Hotel Belgrade Won an Award for Initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "In Hotel Belgrade\u00a0recently won an award for initiative In Corporate Social Responsibility For 2015, which was given by Belgrade Chamber Of Commerce.\nAt official ceremony of award receiving, In Hotel representatives presented which kind of corporate social responsibility in hotel carried out throughout 10 years of its existence. Also, they mentioned numerous socially responsible actions that were realized during this period of time.\nExcellent SME Serbia certificate is also, one of highest acknowledgement in business dealings that Hotel received in February 2016.\nThe certificate was given by Chamber Of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for high creditworthiness and continuity in successful business management.\nThe post IN Hotel Belgrade Won an Award for Initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-06-01T16:02:38+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-07-01T15:46:35+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/zahvalnica-za-drustveno-odgovorno-poslovanje.jpg", "tags": [ "belgrade", "CSR", "hotel", "in hotel", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/hotel-holiday-inn-belgrade-first-ev-friendly-hotel-in-serbia/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/hotel-holiday-inn-belgrade-first-ev-friendly-hotel-in-serbia/", "title": "Hotel Holiday Inn Belgrade \u2013 First EV friendly hotel in Serbia", "content_html": "

Holiday Inn Belgrade supports green and environmentally friendly services, because environmental protection is a key element of corporate social responsibility.

\n

So, Hotel Holiday Inn Belgrade became the first hotel with electric vehicle charging station in Serbia.

\n

The management of the hotel recognized their guest\u2019s needs and tendencies by taking part in this project.

\n

The post Hotel Holiday Inn Belgrade – First EV friendly hotel in Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "Holiday Inn Belgrade supports green and environmentally friendly services, because environmental protection is a key element of corporate social responsibility.\nSo, Hotel Holiday Inn Belgrade became the first hotel with electric vehicle charging station in Serbia.\nThe management of the hotel recognized their guest\u2019s needs and tendencies by taking part in this project.\nThe post Hotel Holiday Inn Belgrade – First EV friendly hotel in Serbia appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2016-01-29T15:08:45+01:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-23T12:53:28+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/holiday-inn.jpg", "tags": [ "belgrade", "CSR", "ev friendly", "holiday inn", "hotel", "News and events" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/event-organization-what-has-changed/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/event-organization-what-has-changed/", "title": "Event organization \u2013 What has changed?", "content_html": "

\"photoChanges are inevitable. In life, business, fashion, communication, in way things get done. If we concentrate, we could literally watch it happening.

\n

Event organization has gone through\u00a0various changes together with the development\u00a0of the key buyers sector\u00a0(IT, pharmaceutical, automotive, building,\u00a0telecommunication) and so have\u00a0demands and expectations in regard\u00a0to events.

\n

Here are some key areas in event organization\u00a0which have gone through\u00a0significant changes.

\n

See the illustration of major changes in the event organization.

\n

 

\n

REGISTRATION AND PASS CONTROL

\n

Waiting in a queue for your name to\u00a0be found on a guest list, especially if\u00a0we are talking about large events, is a\u00a0thing of the past. Usually, this is resolved\u00a0by electronic registration via bar\u00a0code or QR code.\u00a0Every participant has their own badge\u00a0with a code, which is scanned at\u00a0the entrance so it takes only a couple\u00a0of seconds to be registered.

\n

[quote_box_right]An interesting possible use of N.F.C. and wristbands, is automatic sharing on social networks, to keep guests focused on the event and off the phone. The host may ask the guests to connect their wristbands to their social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), and then their activities can be shared effortlessly and instantly on site.[/quote_box_right]Another new feature, if we are talking\u00a0about wireless communication, is\u00a0N.F.C. (or near field communication).

\n

It allows smartphones to communicate\u00a0with readers and other N.F.C. devices\u00a0across a short range (no more\u00a0than a few inches). It has an application\u00a0for mobile payments, pass control,\u00a0follow-up, social media strategy, and\u00a0more. Companies such as Samsung,\u00a0Motorola, Nokia, and LG are offering\u00a0N.F.C. technology in their products.Another form of pass control (event\u00a0entries) is using wristbands. They look\u00a0like bracelets, and come in various\u00a0colors, designs, materials etc.\u00a0They are often used at music festivals\u00a0or as proof of the wearer\u2019s right to be\u00a0at a venue.

\n

iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch include\u00a0N.F.C. technology, too.\u00a0So, if you place N.F.C. readers at the\u00a0entrance of your event, there is no need\u00a0for participants to even show their\u00a0badges or e-mails with the code.
\nThese readers digitally track people\u00a0entering and leaving, the time of their\u00a0arrival and departure, their gender\u00a0and much more.\u00a0This is valuable data for marketing\u00a0and promotional activities, and for\u00a0creating a more customized event in\u00a0the future.

\n

EVENT PROMOTION

\n

\"bigstock-Social-Network-Homepage-On-A-M-63480415\"Depending on the type of event, promotion\u00a0can be done through various\u00a0channels. Traditional media channels\u00a0of course, still have their place in promoting \u00a0events.

\n

Media like television, radio, newspapers\u00a0and magazines, billboards, branding\u00a0public transport or buildings\u00a0and similar, all depending on the marketing\u00a0mix of the event. The biggest\u00a0change here is that print goes digital.

\n

But something that is revolutionary in\u00a0the promotion of events is promotion\u00a0through social media channels.\u00a0This means there is a plan for marketing\u00a0activities and content of posts\u00a0that will be shared with followers and\u00a0people who liked an event or its organization.

\n

[quote_right]Capture your event via Eventifier. It aggregates and archives all event photos, conversations, tweets, videos and much more from over 16 social media platforms in one place.[/quote_right]Activities may include posts about event\u00a0updates, some interesting thoughts\u00a0with photos from previous event,\u00a0asking questions, holding contests,\u00a0and published photos during and after\u00a0the event.That plan includes pre, during and\u00a0post event activities. The aim of those\u00a0activities is to get more target people\u00a0informed, interested and engaged in\u00a0the event.

\n

In addition, for Twitter activities #hashtag\u00a0should be created for the event,\u00a0for example #SEEbtmParty, and it should\u00a0be included in each tweet about\u00a0the event.

\n

Participants should also be motivated \u00a0to tweet photos and the atmosphere\u00a0from the event with that particular\u00a0hashtag. Social media reactions from\u00a0media, partners, clients and co-workers\u00a0should be also provided.

\n

EVENT FORMAT

\n

Educational sessions, seminars or presentations\u00a0in some gloomy classroom\u00a0with a monotonous and long monolog\u00a0of the speaker (so-called Talking\u00a0heads) are really out. So are generalized\u00a0and detailed presentations.

\n

Topics must be useful, interesting and\u00a0straight to the point.\"bigstock-Young-design-team-brainstormin-61286276\"

\n

The sessions should be interactive,\u00a0with an engaged audience, eager to\u00a0share their knowledge, skills and experience.\u00a0Presentation should be accompanied\u00a0by proper use of technology.\u00a0Some examples are Tweet wall, smart\u00a0or white, interactive boards, Prezi presentations\u00a0etc.

\n

According to research (https://www.seebtm.com/pick-the-right-format-foryour-event/?lang=en) conducted bySEEbtm magazine in the second half\u00a0of 2014, trainings and workshops are\u00a0considered the most efficient format\u00a0for educational events today.

\n

\nIf we are talking about B2B Exhibitions,\u00a0the latest trend here is shortening\u00a0the number of days, the number of\u00a0buyers and suppliers and making no\u00a0differences among booth exhibitors.

\n

\nThe key for B2B exhibitions is to be\u00a0focused as much as possible, with no\u00a0distractions such as different designs\u00a0and sizes of the booths, a selected\u00a0profile of high quality buyers and possibility\u00a0for both buyers and suppliers\u00a0to decide whom they want to meet.\u00a0There is also an increasing need of extending\u00a0event life all year round, not\u00a0only for the few days of the actual event.

\n

\nThis means that organizers need\u00a0to deliver value and to engage their\u00a0participants and customers all year\u00a0round, if they wish to create strong\u00a0event brand.

\n

EVENT AND FOOD DECORATION

\n

\"bigstock-image-of-grilled-ribs-served-o-47380492\"There is a lot of creativity and more\u00a0freedom in event and food decoration\u00a0today. Depending on the type of\u00a0event and its guests, event organizers\u00a0are putting a lot of effort into creating\u00a0the perfect mood that reflects the\u00a0true sense of an event.

\n

It has been recognized\u00a0that there is a strong correlation\u00a0between the design of an event\u00a0and the atmosphere thus created and\u00a0the overall success of the event.

\n

This fact has spawned event designers,\u00a0who are designing sophisticated\u00a0events with their personal touch.

\n

Today, it is not unusual to have a branded\u00a0event design, or a so-called event\u00a0design \u201cwith a signature\u201d.

\n

Themed events are very popular today.\u00a0Themes can be Christmas, 80\u2019s,\u00a060\u2019s, Casino theme, Hollywood theme,\u00a0Winter, various movie themes,\u00a0French-theme, Black&White, and many\u00a0others depending on the goals or\u00a0specific activity (such as new product\u00a0launch, fund raising) of the organizer.

\n

The main aspect of themed events\u00a0is to associate them to the theme as\u00a0much as possible.
\nWall d\u00e9cor, lighting, special furniture,\u00a0seating and escort cards, floral and table\u00a0arrangements, and other details\u00a0are used for this purpose.

\n

Food preparing, serving and decoration\u00a0has become an art. The biggest\u00a0changes in this field are the size of the\u00a0portions (which are noticeably smaller),\u00a0ingredients are preferably organic\u00a0and healthy and greater attention\u00a0is paid to decoration.
\nDecoration of the food is often seen\u00a0as painting a picture with right mix of\u00a0colors and tastes on the plate.

\n

AWARENESS OF IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

\n

Natural resources are running out.\u00a0Over the years people have become\u00a0more aware of that fact.

\n

Besides that, the environment is highly\u00a0polluted, due to people\u2019s irresponsible\u00a0behavior and ignorance.\u00a0So, people really should start caring\u00a0for the environment.

\n

\"bigstock-Organic-Market-Fruits-And-Vege-55448555\"So today, companies should be more\u00a0responsible through various activities\u00a0aimed at protecting the environment\u00a0(paperless communication, double side\u00a0printing, planting trees and so on)\u00a0and making their events as \u201cgreen\u201d\u00a0as possible.

\n

This is usually done with electronic\u00a0badges, mobile applications with an\u00a0online conference program and schedule\u00a0of speakers, sessions and meetings\u00a0(so no printed papers are used),\u00a0using recycled materials which is going\u00a0to be recycled after the event, making\u00a0compost of the remaining food\u00a0and similar.

\n

Hotels began to incorporate various\u00a0eco-friendly and sustainable standards\u00a0in order to be able to respond to\u00a0growing demands from environmentally\u00a0conscious groups and individuals.

\n

There are organizations like Green\u00a0Meeting Industry Council and Sustainable\u00a0Event Alliance, which are providing\u00a0resources and support for more\u00a0sustainable industry through education,\u00a0recognition of best practice, advocacy\u00a0for international sustainable\u00a0event standards etc.

\n

The post Event organization \u2013 What has changed? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "Changes are inevitable. In life, business, fashion, communication, in way things get done. If we concentrate, we could literally watch it happening.\nEvent organization has gone through\u00a0various changes together with the development\u00a0of the key buyers sector\u00a0(IT, pharmaceutical, automotive, building,\u00a0telecommunication) and so have\u00a0demands and expectations in regard\u00a0to events.\nHere are some key areas in event organization\u00a0which have gone through\u00a0significant changes.\nSee the illustration of major changes in the event organization.\n \nREGISTRATION AND PASS CONTROL\nWaiting in a queue for your name to\u00a0be found on a guest list, especially if\u00a0we are talking about large events, is a\u00a0thing of the past. Usually, this is resolved\u00a0by electronic registration via bar\u00a0code or QR code.\u00a0Every participant has their own badge\u00a0with a code, which is scanned at\u00a0the entrance so it takes only a couple\u00a0of seconds to be registered.\n[quote_box_right]An interesting possible use of N.F.C. and wristbands, is automatic sharing on social networks, to keep guests focused on the event and off the phone. The host may ask the guests to connect their wristbands to their social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), and then their activities can be shared effortlessly and instantly on site.[/quote_box_right]Another new feature, if we are talking\u00a0about wireless communication, is\u00a0N.F.C. (or near field communication).\nIt allows smartphones to communicate\u00a0with readers and other N.F.C. devices\u00a0across a short range (no more\u00a0than a few inches). It has an application\u00a0for mobile payments, pass control,\u00a0follow-up, social media strategy, and\u00a0more. Companies such as Samsung,\u00a0Motorola, Nokia, and LG are offering\u00a0N.F.C. technology in their products.Another form of pass control (event\u00a0entries) is using wristbands. They look\u00a0like bracelets, and come in various\u00a0colors, designs, materials etc.\u00a0They are often used at music festivals\u00a0or as proof of the wearer\u2019s right to be\u00a0at a venue.\niPhone 6 and the Apple Watch include\u00a0N.F.C. technology, too.\u00a0So, if you place N.F.C. readers at the\u00a0entrance of your event, there is no need\u00a0for participants to even show their\u00a0badges or e-mails with the code.\nThese readers digitally track people\u00a0entering and leaving, the time of their\u00a0arrival and departure, their gender\u00a0and much more.\u00a0This is valuable data for marketing\u00a0and promotional activities, and for\u00a0creating a more customized event in\u00a0the future.\nEVENT PROMOTION\nDepending on the type of event, promotion\u00a0can be done through various\u00a0channels. Traditional media channels\u00a0of course, still have their place in promoting \u00a0events.\nMedia like television, radio, newspapers\u00a0and magazines, billboards, branding\u00a0public transport or buildings\u00a0and similar, all depending on the marketing\u00a0mix of the event. The biggest\u00a0change here is that print goes digital.\nBut something that is revolutionary in\u00a0the promotion of events is promotion\u00a0through social media channels.\u00a0This means there is a plan for marketing\u00a0activities and content of posts\u00a0that will be shared with followers and\u00a0people who liked an event or its organization.\n[quote_right]Capture your event via Eventifier. It aggregates and archives all event photos, conversations, tweets, videos and much more from over 16 social media platforms in one place.[/quote_right]Activities may include posts about event\u00a0updates, some interesting thoughts\u00a0with photos from previous event,\u00a0asking questions, holding contests,\u00a0and published photos during and after\u00a0the event.That plan includes pre, during and\u00a0post event activities. The aim of those\u00a0activities is to get more target people\u00a0informed, interested and engaged in\u00a0the event.\nIn addition, for Twitter activities #hashtag\u00a0should be created for the event,\u00a0for example #SEEbtmParty, and it should\u00a0be included in each tweet about\u00a0the event.\nParticipants should also be motivated \u00a0to tweet photos and the atmosphere\u00a0from the event with that particular\u00a0hashtag. Social media reactions from\u00a0media, partners, clients and co-workers\u00a0should be also provided.\nEVENT FORMAT\nEducational sessions, seminars or presentations\u00a0in some gloomy classroom\u00a0with a monotonous and long monolog\u00a0of the speaker (so-called Talking\u00a0heads) are really out. So are generalized\u00a0and detailed presentations.\nTopics must be useful, interesting and\u00a0straight to the point.\nThe sessions should be interactive,\u00a0with an engaged audience, eager to\u00a0share their knowledge, skills and experience.\u00a0Presentation should be accompanied\u00a0by proper use of technology.\u00a0Some examples are Tweet wall, smart\u00a0or white, interactive boards, Prezi presentations\u00a0etc.\nAccording to research (https://www.seebtm.com/pick-the-right-format-foryour-event/?lang=en) conducted bySEEbtm magazine in the second half\u00a0of 2014, trainings and workshops are\u00a0considered the most efficient format\u00a0for educational events today.\n\nIf we are talking about B2B Exhibitions,\u00a0the latest trend here is shortening\u00a0the number of days, the number of\u00a0buyers and suppliers and making no\u00a0differences among booth exhibitors.\n\nThe key for B2B exhibitions is to be\u00a0focused as much as possible, with no\u00a0distractions such as different designs\u00a0and sizes of the booths, a selected\u00a0profile of high quality buyers and possibility\u00a0for both buyers and suppliers\u00a0to decide whom they want to meet.\u00a0There is also an increasing need of extending\u00a0event life all year round, not\u00a0only for the few days of the actual event.\n\nThis means that organizers need\u00a0to deliver value and to engage their\u00a0participants and customers all year\u00a0round, if they wish to create strong\u00a0event brand.\nEVENT AND FOOD DECORATION\nThere is a lot of creativity and more\u00a0freedom in event and food decoration\u00a0today. Depending on the type of\u00a0event and its guests, event organizers\u00a0are putting a lot of effort into creating\u00a0the perfect mood that reflects the\u00a0true sense of an event.\nIt has been recognized\u00a0that there is a strong correlation\u00a0between the design of an event\u00a0and the atmosphere thus created and\u00a0the overall success of the event.\nThis fact has spawned event designers,\u00a0who are designing sophisticated\u00a0events with their personal touch.\nToday, it is not unusual to have a branded\u00a0event design, or a so-called event\u00a0design \u201cwith a signature\u201d.\nThemed events are very popular today.\u00a0Themes can be Christmas, 80\u2019s,\u00a060\u2019s, Casino theme, Hollywood theme,\u00a0Winter, various movie themes,\u00a0French-theme, Black&White, and many\u00a0others depending on the goals or\u00a0specific activity (such as new product\u00a0launch, fund raising) of the organizer.\nThe main aspect of themed events\u00a0is to associate them to the theme as\u00a0much as possible.\nWall d\u00e9cor, lighting, special furniture,\u00a0seating and escort cards, floral and table\u00a0arrangements, and other details\u00a0are used for this purpose.\nFood preparing, serving and decoration\u00a0has become an art. The biggest\u00a0changes in this field are the size of the\u00a0portions (which are noticeably smaller),\u00a0ingredients are preferably organic\u00a0and healthy and greater attention\u00a0is paid to decoration.\nDecoration of the food is often seen\u00a0as painting a picture with right mix of\u00a0colors and tastes on the plate.\nAWARENESS OF IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT\nNatural resources are running out.\u00a0Over the years people have become\u00a0more aware of that fact.\nBesides that, the environment is highly\u00a0polluted, due to people\u2019s irresponsible\u00a0behavior and ignorance.\u00a0So, people really should start caring\u00a0for the environment.\nSo today, companies should be more\u00a0responsible through various activities\u00a0aimed at protecting the environment\u00a0(paperless communication, double side\u00a0printing, planting trees and so on)\u00a0and making their events as \u201cgreen\u201d\u00a0as possible.\nThis is usually done with electronic\u00a0badges, mobile applications with an\u00a0online conference program and schedule\u00a0of speakers, sessions and meetings\u00a0(so no printed papers are used),\u00a0using recycled materials which is going\u00a0to be recycled after the event, making\u00a0compost of the remaining food\u00a0and similar.\nHotels began to incorporate various\u00a0eco-friendly and sustainable standards\u00a0in order to be able to respond to\u00a0growing demands from environmentally\u00a0conscious groups and individuals.\nThere are organizations like Green\u00a0Meeting Industry Council and Sustainable\u00a0Event Alliance, which are providing\u00a0resources and support for more\u00a0sustainable industry through education,\u00a0recognition of best practice, advocacy\u00a0for international sustainable\u00a0event standards etc.\nThe post Event organization \u2013 What has changed? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2015-02-26T15:18:51+01:00", "date_modified": "2017-03-24T16:49:01+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-business-evolution-434100101.jpg", "tags": [ "changes", "CSR", "decoration", "enviroment", "event", "events", "format", "organization", "promotion", "registration", "Hot topics" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility-fad-or-necessity/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility-fad-or-necessity/", "title": "CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY \u2013 FAD OR NECESSITY?", "content_html": "

One of the trends in meetings industry and business generally, which remains and even gets stronger in its influence in future, is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

\n

The term “corporate social responsibility” became popular in the 1960s and has remained a term which simulates responsible management.

\n

\"CorporateIn 1996, the European Business Network for Social Cohesion was formed (later renamed CSR Europe).

\n

Today, CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Social Responsibility. Through its network of around\u00a070 corporate members and 37 National CSR organisations, it gathers over 5,000 companies, and acts as a platform for those businesses looking to enhance sustainable growth and positively contribute to society. (www.csreurope.org)

\n

There are strong believe that the meeting industry will become more involved with CSR in the future because society expects it, and that the industry needs to respond to broader changes in the business environment.

\n

There will be more green meetings, less event miles, requests for hotels to have implemented eco standards and solutions, as well as for local, eco food and social legacy after the event is held.

\n

There is standard for sustainable events, too. ISO 20121:2012 \u2013 Event sustainability management is a standard for a management system designed to help organizations in the meeting industry to improve the sustainability of their activities, products and services related to events by reducing the impact on the environment.

\n

\"CorporateThere is a global trend of focusing on corporate social responsibility, sustainability and eco-principles. Here, it is widely held that it is a whim of international companies, and that the regional companies implementing such principles do that only for the purpose of their own advertising and PR. That is why we look down upon it in a way.

\n

Whether these companies do it only or partly for their own promotion should not be much of our concern.

\n

What\u2019s important is that certain actions and activities are carried out to minimize negative impacts on the environment. It can be tree planting, waste disposal or including the locals into the implementation of a major international event or the donation of food left over after the event to a local charity. It can also be the implementation of eco-principles during the construction and operation of hotels, resulting in lower energy consumption, reduced air pollution and other beneficial effects.

\n

Why is that important? The reason is quite simple. We are aware just how much the environment is under the pressure of industrialization, as well as of the fact that natural resources are diminishing. Just as we are going to work today to have funds to sustain us now and in the future, we also have to work hard to preserve the environment for the future generations.

\n

The more the clean air, nature and eco-systems are preserved, the less the health of the future generations will be threatened. It may sound poetic, but it is a cruel truth. It concerns our children and the children of our children.

\n

M.M.

\n

The post CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – FAD OR NECESSITY? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "One of the trends in meetings industry and business generally, which remains and even gets stronger in its influence in future, is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).\nThe term “corporate social responsibility” became popular in the 1960s and has remained a term which simulates responsible management.\nIn 1996, the European Business Network for Social Cohesion was formed (later renamed CSR Europe).\nToday, CSR Europe is the leading European business network for Corporate Social Responsibility. Through its network of around\u00a070 corporate members and 37 National CSR organisations, it gathers over 5,000 companies, and acts as a platform for those businesses looking to enhance sustainable growth and positively contribute to society. (www.csreurope.org)\nThere are strong believe that the meeting industry will become more involved with CSR in the future because society expects it, and that the industry needs to respond to broader changes in the business environment.\nThere will be more green meetings, less event miles, requests for hotels to have implemented eco standards and solutions, as well as for local, eco food and social legacy after the event is held.\nThere is standard for sustainable events, too. ISO 20121:2012 \u2013 Event sustainability management is a standard for a management system designed to help organizations in the meeting industry to improve the sustainability of their activities, products and services related to events by reducing the impact on the environment.\nThere is a global trend of focusing on corporate social responsibility, sustainability and eco-principles. Here, it is widely held that it is a whim of international companies, and that the regional companies implementing such principles do that only for the purpose of their own advertising and PR. That is why we look down upon it in a way.\nWhether these companies do it only or partly for their own promotion should not be much of our concern.\nWhat\u2019s important is that certain actions and activities are carried out to minimize negative impacts on the environment. It can be tree planting, waste disposal or including the locals into the implementation of a major international event or the donation of food left over after the event to a local charity. It can also be the implementation of eco-principles during the construction and operation of hotels, resulting in lower energy consumption, reduced air pollution and other beneficial effects.\nWhy is that important? The reason is quite simple. We are aware just how much the environment is under the pressure of industrialization, as well as of the fact that natural resources are diminishing. Just as we are going to work today to have funds to sustain us now and in the future, we also have to work hard to preserve the environment for the future generations.\nThe more the clean air, nature and eco-systems are preserved, the less the health of the future generations will be threatened. It may sound poetic, but it is a cruel truth. It concerns our children and the children of our children.\nM.M.\nThe post CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – FAD OR NECESSITY? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2014-06-30T12:44:19+02:00", "date_modified": "2015-03-27T15:44:49+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/corporate-social-responsibility-tree-planting.jpg", "tags": [ "Corporate Social Responsibility", "CSR", "Trends" ] }, { "id": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/does-a-%e2%80%9cgreen-leadership%e2%80%9d-exist-in-southeast-europe/", "url": "https://www.seebtm.com/en/does-a-%e2%80%9cgreen-leadership%e2%80%9d-exist-in-southeast-europe/", "title": "Does a \u201cGreen Leadership\u201d exist in Southeast Europe?", "content_html": "

The above has been my question since I started being involved with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). I have heard so much about West-European companies undertaking CSR in England, Denmark, etc, about the United States and Canada, even Asia. But Southeast Europe (SEE) has always been in the \u201cshadow\u201d, so to speak. I have always believed that in this part of the world we have the ability to easily go green, and that we actually used it.

\n

As Thomas L. Friedman mentions in his book \u201cHot, Flat and Crowded\u201d, socialism and communism, are both systems of restraint, that thought the people to moderation in many aspects. Many countries in Southeast Europe have been used to this system and as I can see from my parents and grandparents, it is normal for them to \u201csave on\u201d everything and anything. But at the same time there is the mentality of \u201cI can use it and abuse its use, because I can pay for it.\u201d and here is where the problem occurs.

\n

At present EU is growing and many of the countries of SEE join the Union and thus benefit from the funds and foreign investments that are presented by it. The tourism industry is growing likewise.

\n

Many big hotel chains see profit in investing in the new member states, such as Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, to name a few. All these brand names carry as well the benefits of pushing the local suppliers to a tougher competition in every aspect.

\n

Sustainability is one of the factors that I was sure, will be on the line, but only to get disappointed. After visiting various websites, I saw that no big hotel chain is advertising their sustainable practices and principles for their SEE properties. I went further, and visited the new Holiday Inn in Sofia, Bulgaria, and after a small fam trip, there turned out to be a few green practices at hand, but the Sales Manager told me, that their clients rarely ask for those, since the brand name speaks of itself even in this aspect.

\n

\"GreenSo I asked him \u201cWhy don\u2019t you still advertise these green policies for this specific property, and take the lead and show you are different? You have everything, but you do not take the full advantage of it.\u201d He said that was a good idea, though he never replied to my e-mail, asking for the specific list of actions they take. Now I am a little skeptical about it.

\n

In Greece, things are a bit different. Greece is a member state of the EU for some years already and they are more developed when it comes to sustainability, compared to the other countries in SEE. A very good example is Creta Maris Convention and Golf Resort in Crete. They are among the 100 hotels awarded around the world with TUI\u2019s Environmental Distinction \u201cTUI Umwelt Champion\u201d, given for a firm environmental policy in place. TUI bases their decision on studies of environmental policy and protection of its associated hotels at any destination, as well as on a questionnaire with which clients staying at the properties assess the environmental activities that have occurred during their stay.

\n

Creta Maris undeniably deserves the award \u2013 the property has a solar-panel field that supplies at least 30% of the energy needed by the hotel. Recycling is in place, as well as full change to all light bulbs to energy-saving once was done a while ago. The hotel also has a \u201cGreen Team\u201d that is made up of employees, who volunteer their time and effort to clean various areas around the hotel or help the local community in other ways.

\n

Another practice is the program put in place for diminishing water and energy usage for laundry, where the sheets and towels are replaced only by a guest\u2019s request. Another effort in order to save on energy is the already common magnet key-slots, where once the key is removed from the slot, the energy of the room is being cut off automatically. And the hotel is ISO 14001 certified! But it is still difficult to find out without an RFI that all these great practices are there!

\n

While I could find many similar awards as TUI\u2019s, some tailored specifically for the countries in SEE, I could not find clear leaders standing out.

\n

If you are a planner and need information easy at hand, than you are in trouble, since this information is mostly known to locals, at times not even by them. So, if you do something worth being known \u2013 just share it! Promote it and show to your competition, that even with the weaker infrastructure that exists in SEE, not supporting easily environmental practices, we can still do it, and do it very well!

\n

The post Does a \u201cGreen Leadership\u201d exist in Southeast Europe? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The above has been my question since I started being involved with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). I have heard so much about West-European companies undertaking CSR in England, Denmark, etc, about the United States and Canada, even Asia. But Southeast Europe (SEE) has always been in the \u201cshadow\u201d, so to speak. I have always believed that in this part of the world we have the ability to easily go green, and that we actually used it.\nAs Thomas L. Friedman mentions in his book \u201cHot, Flat and Crowded\u201d, socialism and communism, are both systems of restraint, that thought the people to moderation in many aspects. Many countries in Southeast Europe have been used to this system and as I can see from my parents and grandparents, it is normal for them to \u201csave on\u201d everything and anything. But at the same time there is the mentality of \u201cI can use it and abuse its use, because I can pay for it.\u201d and here is where the problem occurs.\nAt present EU is growing and many of the countries of SEE join the Union and thus benefit from the funds and foreign investments that are presented by it. The tourism industry is growing likewise.\nMany big hotel chains see profit in investing in the new member states, such as Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Marriott, to name a few. All these brand names carry as well the benefits of pushing the local suppliers to a tougher competition in every aspect.\nSustainability is one of the factors that I was sure, will be on the line, but only to get disappointed. After visiting various websites, I saw that no big hotel chain is advertising their sustainable practices and principles for their SEE properties. I went further, and visited the new Holiday Inn in Sofia, Bulgaria, and after a small fam trip, there turned out to be a few green practices at hand, but the Sales Manager told me, that their clients rarely ask for those, since the brand name speaks of itself even in this aspect.\nSo I asked him \u201cWhy don\u2019t you still advertise these green policies for this specific property, and take the lead and show you are different? You have everything, but you do not take the full advantage of it.\u201d He said that was a good idea, though he never replied to my e-mail, asking for the specific list of actions they take. Now I am a little skeptical about it.\nIn Greece, things are a bit different. Greece is a member state of the EU for some years already and they are more developed when it comes to sustainability, compared to the other countries in SEE. A very good example is Creta Maris Convention and Golf Resort in Crete. They are among the 100 hotels awarded around the world with TUI\u2019s Environmental Distinction \u201cTUI Umwelt Champion\u201d, given for a firm environmental policy in place. TUI bases their decision on studies of environmental policy and protection of its associated hotels at any destination, as well as on a questionnaire with which clients staying at the properties assess the environmental activities that have occurred during their stay.\nCreta Maris undeniably deserves the award \u2013 the property has a solar-panel field that supplies at least 30% of the energy needed by the hotel. Recycling is in place, as well as full change to all light bulbs to energy-saving once was done a while ago. The hotel also has a \u201cGreen Team\u201d that is made up of employees, who volunteer their time and effort to clean various areas around the hotel or help the local community in other ways.\nAnother practice is the program put in place for diminishing water and energy usage for laundry, where the sheets and towels are replaced only by a guest\u2019s request. Another effort in order to save on energy is the already common magnet key-slots, where once the key is removed from the slot, the energy of the room is being cut off automatically. And the hotel is ISO 14001 certified! But it is still difficult to find out without an RFI that all these great practices are there!\nWhile I could find many similar awards as TUI\u2019s, some tailored specifically for the countries in SEE, I could not find clear leaders standing out.\nIf you are a planner and need information easy at hand, than you are in trouble, since this information is mostly known to locals, at times not even by them. So, if you do something worth being known \u2013 just share it! Promote it and show to your competition, that even with the weaker infrastructure that exists in SEE, not supporting easily environmental practices, we can still do it, and do it very well!\nThe post Does a \u201cGreen Leadership\u201d exist in Southeast Europe? appeared first on SEE Business travel & meetings magazine.", "date_published": "2010-10-14T15:00:18+02:00", "date_modified": "2016-12-08T15:26:14+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/IMG_6153mmfixwedb.jpg", "tags": [ "Corporate Social Responsibility", "CSR", "Green Leadership", "Experts opinions", "MUST READ" ] } ] }