I just spent a week in North Carolina and I had an amazing
time. There is something to be said for
the gracious host, hospitality and a knack for doing things the right way all
day every time. I want to share with you
some of the things I picked up on at the events I attended and also an exciting
offer for you to attend a free event webinar next month!!
After many hours spent in an airport delayed and otherwise
waylaid, I arrived with a warm smile and obtained a certain chicken sandwich
immediately. I was then thrilled to speak with groups from North Carolina YMCAs
and had a fantastic day. No detail went unnoticed by myself and others. First of all, they were welcoming to me and
my crazy NYC ideas and second, they had campers from the YMCA across the street
welcome us with songs, cute presidential facts and the pledge of allegiance. I
was truly touched. I think it’s really important for us as event professionals
to always try to include the local talent and wow did they do a great job.
Speaking of local talent, their meal was catered by a fellow Y employee. The
food was hands down the BEST event food I’ve ever had at a conference or
professional development experience. There were two amazing salads and the best
homemade sandwiches I’ve ever had. The egg salad and pimento cheese made me
swoon and almost misbehave at a public buffet-imagine that! I’ve had enough bad
baked chicken in my life, and knowing that we were supporting not only a local
business but a Y employee made my heart happy. It was truly a phenomenal
day. The other thing that did not go unnoticed was that the
entire day, their leadership was present and engaged, they weren’t there to
introduce me and leave, they stayed, participated in the activities and were
truly leading by example. I was humbled.
Later in the week I traveled to Elon College for the ADRP
SEDRC conference, one of my favorite events of the year. It is like being
wrapped in a warm hug of friends and the lilting southern accents make me feel
at home. This conference was impeccably organized by the team at Elon. While it
was true we were a bit away from the nearest city, at every single turn there
were signs guiding the way. I think far too often people forget about the importance
of good signage. These ladies had it down to a science. It was a delight always
knowing where to go and how to get there. Everything at the event flowed
smoothly and they were always starting and ending on time- something to be
proud of. In addition, this year’s donor panel was a real treat. On the panel
was a donor, Jeanne Robertson, who was a hoot and even put me in my place
regarding my distaste for honor rolls. It was fantastic and you can see some of
her amazing humor here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YFRUSTiFUs
Finally, my friend Jennifer Richwine, the AVP of events at
Wake Forest gave one of the most inspiring and emotional sessions on the art
and power of a thank you note. The next day, I was fortunate enough to be with
Jennifer when she mailed the notes from attendees and humbled by their reach
and distance. It was truly a great conference.
For those of you that have made it this far in the post, I
have great news. I will be hosting a FREE Webinar about events in August-
Great Expectations:
Building Events that Donors will Love and Others will Envy
From the moment they arrive, your event attendees will
marvel at your innovative and creative planning. At every turn, the
incorporation of technology paired with a delightfully personal touch amazes
and delights them. How do we create
these experiences with limited budgets and resources? It’s possible and
sometimes easier than we think! Let’s learn together the items to focus on when
planning that next great campaign launch or close, recognition or fundraising
soiree or tailgate or reunion picnic. Discover
tried and true rules to live by combined with new and cutting edge technologies
to delight and deliver the best experience possible for your guests. These
events become the talk of the town, delighting your attendees and making other
organizations envious.
August 8, 2013- We only have 200 slots at each timeframe and
they will fill up fast- register NOW!!
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