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FEATURESTORY

Inside the Meeting Planner's War Room

A Field Guide for the rest of us

by Paul Nolan

"Oh, the places you'll go!" exclaimed Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), in his inspirational poem about the infinite potential and possibilities that we start out with in life.

That sentiment likely is shared by do-it-yourself meeting planners who help bring sales and sales support groups together for training sessions, recognition ceremonies and incentive travel programs.

These full-time managers and executive assistants are not professional meeting planners. In fact, they rarely have any meeting planning training. Instead, they learn on the job, oftentimes discovering shortcuts, cost-saving tactics and potholes to avoid (the next time around because it's too late for the current event) through trial and error.

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

But where to? And how best to get the whole group there? And what should be done to make it more memorable, effective and worth the investment?

We spoke with those who do plan meetings for a living to get their "war room" secrets for success. Do-it-yourself event planners will always learn by doing to some degree, but hopefully this field guide will make it a little less painful.

See also in: Inside the Meeting Planning War Room

8 Off-Site Tips to Keep You on Course

All Together Now!

What’s Behind Door Number 2136?

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