 HOME |
| SPEAKERS |
| ABOUT US |
| CONTACT US |
| MY GDA |
| CAREERS |
| GAIL'S BLOG |
| NEWSLETTERS |
| GDA PRESS |
|
Let's Get Healthy with Todd Whitthorne and Gail's Tips for Healthy Meetings I noticed that Oprah is doing five (yes, five) special programs this week focusing on how 2009 will be her year to finally achieve true health. Of course, I grabbed the latest People magazine with one inspiring story after another on how regular folks lost half their weight. It isn’t often you see a sensible real life example in front of your own eyes – which is exactly the reason we are featuring Todd Whitthorne on our home page this month. Todd is President and CEO of Cooper Concepts, a division of the famed Cooper Aerobics Center. He also happens to be one of our most sought after speakers. Every time we book Todd, we get rave reviews. He has several different presentation topics, but most of my clients love the presentation called “Fit to Lead.” In this presentation Todd explains how employees and employers can (and must) work together to impact not only the waistline, but the bottom-line as well. From reduced medical costs, increased productivity and lower absenteeism, this information can ultimately save your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars. Todd’s message is truly life changing. One member of our team was in Todd’s audience over a year ago, and for her, his message clicked. She quietly started implementing his suggestions for her and her family. Recently, she went for an annual visit with her doctor and had lost 47 pounds. I was giving Todd some major “props” and he humbly said, “She was ready to hear it.” His words made me think: As we look at the new year and a sickly economy, what information can I offer from my 30 years in event planning that might be of value to those who are ready to hear it? So here it is. How to have a healthy meeting in challenging times: 1. Leverage site selection research. When you are researching sites for your upcoming events don’t limit your research for just the upcoming year. Gather information on multiple sites and, when you present options to the decision maker, try to make decisions for the next five years. It will create breathing room for you and improve your planning. It is also a far more effective use of travel dollars. I implemented this idea years ago when I ran the corporate incentive department at EDS. I did my homework, presented my research and options to our Chairman, and walked out of a meeting with a five-year destination plan. 2. Look for local resources. Going to Hawaii? Ask your bureau partner to give you strong recommendations on speakers who reside in Hawaii. The travel savings will be substantial. 3. Partner. Look around and leverage your relationships. If you want to bring in a speaker with a large price tag, consider asking a local university if they have an interest in joining together to make an offer for two presentations and leverage each other’s dates. Go a step further and consider having a joint event if your organization or association has multiple chapters or branches. 4. Consider travel buyouts. That allows you to know your travel expenses in advance and prevents any unnecessary surprises. 5. Expect more. Let your vendors know your expectations. Talk about ways they can bring value to your organization. For example, we offer many of our clients ideas on the best venues or ways to advertise their events based on the speaker they select. Use your vendor’s years of expertise to your advantage. 6. Leverage relationships. Ask past attendees to tell you what they really value at the events. Ask fellow event planners what worked for them in the past. Utilize your connections on various social networking sites to help you make the best decisions. 7. Be open to the suggestions of your partners. I have clients who come to me thinking they need a celebrity name, but they don’t have the budget.
|
 Todd Whitthorne Click here to sign up for Blog Alerts Do You Take the Stairs? Saturday, March 03, 2012 Dr. Gary Chapman Brings the Love to Our Office DON'T HIRE MOVERS! Designing Women TEDxSMU - What a day! The End of the Up Experience Didn’t Leave Me Down Up, Up, Up. The Up Experience Part 3 Round 2 of the Up Experience The Up Experience, Truly Uplifting A First Class Event An Audience with the Dalai Lama The Best Email Tip I've Ever Heard Aristotle and Ideas at the IASB Conference On the Road Again Don't Just Book a Speaker, Create a Revolution Kids of the Suburbs Take Note Visiting Their Cells … Emotional. Energy. Sex, Mentors and Thank You ... An unexpected sort of day. Powerful. The only word for today. The Give Back Tour Begins Andre Norman … and Giving Back Energy and Synergy with Ankit Fadia Momentum, Passion and Transformation Partnerships An Epic Trip Tom Martinez- A Story of Hate, A Message of Hope Kids and Speakers Ethics Live From New York Growth Customer Service: Going Above and Beyond In Remembrance of Randy Snow A Sense of Connection Event Wisdom: Simple things that make a difference International Events A CEO Who Gets it!!! Celebrating 10 Years of Inspiration Domestic Violence Milestones and Celebrations Meeting...No meeting? Speaker...No speaker? What's a planner to do? It Was No Coincidence Nando, Sonia, Tim and 2008 Timing is Everything ... and Steve Forbes, too. Rex Lewis-Clack and Cathleen Lewis
|
|||
|
|
| GDA Speakers 3500 Oak Lawn, Suite 740 Dallas, Texas 75219 214.420.1999 ©2012 All Rights Reserved |