Selecting the Right Sales Kickoff Theme
After participating in more than 100 sales kickoffs as a keynoter speaker, Steve Martin, author of Heavy Hitter Sales Wisdom and Heavy Hitter Selling, can now attest that the first step toward conducting a successful sales kickoff starts with choosing the right theme. With this goal in mind, here are five factors to consider when selecting your sales kickoff theme.

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Source: Presentations, October 2007

Attrition Problems in Check for 2007
In the latest MeetingNews survey of more than 340 corporate and association meeting planners, one theme was clear: In 2007, planners are not too concerned about their ability to pick up the minimum percentage of guest rooms they contracted for, and are on a good track to avoid attrition penalties. The survey results show that 70 percent of all planners—and more than 79 percent of association planners, who are more vulnerable to attrition—have taken action in the past two years to reduce their exposure to attrition.

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Source: Meetings News, October 2007

Event Marketer Launches Executive Roundtable
EM’s inaugural Executive Roundtable, produced in conjunction with event agency MVP Collaborative, put a small group of high-ranking event marketers at one table and, as usual, it didn’t take long for the conversation to begin. Combining marketers from various segments—from retail and tech to financial-services and manufacturing—resulted in a conversation that was cross-category but universally intriguing. Fact is, most event marketers share the same goals and frustrations, no matter which bubble they’re living in. ROI may mean different things to different marketers, but it means a lot to everyone. With 2008 right around the corner, it’s rather timely that we present you with this unscripted and rather candid discussion.

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Source: Event Marketer, November 2007

Time for a Laugh? The Most Bizarre Meeting Complaints
From bankers to beggars and even bran muffins, meeting complaints can sometimes get pretty bizarre and The Knowland Group has heard it all. Headquartered in Salisbury, Md., The Knowland Group is a provider of sales and marketing products and services to the hospitality industry. In September, officials with the group released this list of the top five most bizarre complaints they have heard from meeting planners.

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Source: Convention South, October 2007

Sizing Up a Ballroom
A quick refresher on what to consider when selecting a venue for a large, complex event.

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Source: Meetings & Conventions, September 2007

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Meliá Azul Ixtapa Ixtapa, Mexico

Melia Azul is an all inclusive resort located south of Puerta Vallarta and east of Mexico City. This resort is very family friendly and includes multiple swimming pools and one geared towards children that contains slides and waterfalls. On property you will find two different restaurants to choose from, including one on a pier overlooking the ocean and nearby islands.

The hotel staff is very friendly and eager to ensure your stay is comfortable. Poolside you will get assistance with setting up chairs, fresh towels throughout the day, as well as drinks delivered right to your lounge chair. You can also take advantage of hotel's activity team, whose sole job is to ensure that you are having fun! Available activities include kayaking, snorkeling, bike riding through the green terrain or evening entertainment shows put on by hotel staff. All of these activities are included in your stay at Melia Azul.

If you are looking for meeting space , The Azul Ixtapa Convention Center is the largest of its kind on the Mexican Pacific. With seven modular rooms, it can host up to 2,400 participants in a theater setting and 1,500 for banquets. It is complete with eight breakout rooms, a terrace for breaks and a VIP room.

To learn more about this beautiful venue, please visit: http://www.solmelia.com

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……that Opus produces more than just roadshows? Our event expertise also encompasses full service conference management. We execute more than 30 conferences a year, including C-level council meetings, multi-day partner events, internal employee trainings, incentive trips, and proprietary customer sales meetings. Focusing on events of 1,500 attendees or fewer, we manage conference planning details from a to z. This includes speaker, sponsor and pavilion management; site inspections and onsite coordination; multi-year contract negotiation; and conference website development, including complex travel needs such as matching roommates and managing multiple waves of arrivals and departures.

To discuss your upcoming conference needs, please contact Kim Kopetz at 971-223-1144 or kkopetz@opus-solutions.com.

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www.aa.com/women

Wi-Fi-FreeSpot - Find free wireless spots when you travel
www.wififreespot.com

Bluefly - Designer clothes at discount prices
www.bluefly.com

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