Meetings Industry Veteran Grant Snider Launches New Company

“Meetings Industry Veteran Grant Snider Launches New Company”

Meetings Industry veteran Grant Snider has launched a new company, Meeting Escrow Inc., to protect client deposits and ensure timely payment to supplier-partners. Using the company’s segregated account system, planners and their clients are guaranteed their advance deposit payments are 100% secure prior to program operation while supplier-partners are relieved of the burden of constantly chasing payments.

“Unfortunately, our industry is not regulated so there is no global standard for the protection of deposits. Standard practice is to mix client deposits with general operating accounts which means these monies are potentially at risk. Recent high profile failures have highlighted these risks and left planners reluctant to part with their money causing huge challenges for the entire supply chain,” said President and CEO, Grant Snider.

Snider continued: “Meeting Escrow was founded to bridge this ‘trust gap’ in the market. Planners and supplier-partners sign an escrow contract with Meeting Escrow for the total amount to be protected. Funds are wire transferred by the client directly to Meeting Escrow and safeguarded in a segregated bank account to the benefit of the supplier-partner. There is no commingling of Meeting Escrow’s own operational funds with client funds; nor is there any commingling of any client’s funds with any other client’s. The individual deposit payments are then wire transferred to the supplier-partner per the deposit payment schedule in the escrow contract. Client funds are secure and fully protected and supplier-partners are paid on time. Meeting Escrow offers security and efficiency, a win-win for everyone”.

Sandy Monkemeyer, Senior Vice President & Corporate Travel Director for Captive Resources, LLC, welcomed Snider’s new initiative. “Meeting Escrow is an important addition to our industry as it provides Meeting Planners with the guarantee that any funds paid by way of advance deposits are 100% secure and only released to supplier-partners when they fall due. This provides great comfort for companies where internal regulations and due diligence are increasingly important.”

Katherine Wright, CMP, CMM, President of Toronto-based meeting planning company The Wright Solution, added that “Meeting Escrow finally provides the solution planners have been looking for: how to give our suppliers commitment without jeopardizing the often large deposits we pay months in advance to book future programs. I can’t think of a better person in this industry to be spearheading such a venture – Grant Snider embodies trust, confidence and fairness in all of his business dealings and will help streamline the whole process so we can focus on what we do best: planning and executing meetings and events.”

Grant Snider brings lifelong Meetings Industry experience and an indisputable reputation as a person of integrity and trust to Meeting Escrow. Following an early career in the hotel industry, Snider moved to the destination services sector eventually becoming co-owner of JPdL, Canada’s largest DMC. He sold his stake in the company in 2014. Over the years he has served in a variety of leadership positions in meetings industry associations such as ADMEI, SITE and FICP.

Health and wellbeing, diversity and sustainability feature in the new Inspiration Hub at IMEX in Frankfurt

Health and wellbeing, diversity and sustainability feature in the new Inspiration Hub at IMEX in Frankfurt
A new dedicated Health and Wellbeing track and seminars in English and German on sustainability and diversity are among the features of the restyled education programme at IMEX in Frankfurt from 19 to 21 May.

They are among 170 education sessions, 30 of which will be in German, within the overall programme that is now focussed in one area on the show floor – The Inspiration Hub. The extensive programme is wide ranging with 10 tracks providing valuable information and insight on Business Skills, Marketing and Communication, Risk Management and Compliance. They will also cover Technology & Social Media, Trends and Research, Creative Learning, and General Education as well as Health and Wellbeing, Diversity and Sustainability.

The health and wellbeing seminars, a programme of at least eight sessions each day, will cover areas such as mindfulness in events, the importance of good posture and staying healthy while travelling. There is also a new wellbeing initiative – ‘Be Well at IMEX’. This is designed to help buyers to stay healthy and rejuvenated during their busy days at the event. In addition a new Meditation Room offers classes such as yoga, relaxation and guided mediation to help attendees re-energise between appointments.

The diversity programme sessions will include the ’Impact of Gender and Generational Shifts in the Meetings Industry’ and ‘The Young Leading the… Not So Young’ while within the Sustainability stream will be a session on Innovative Approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility.

There are many new initiatives and developments in the overall Inspiration Hub. It will use a variety of learning styles and areas including seminar rooms, campfires, the research pod, hot topic tables, meet the expert and the creativity zone while the content is also divided into levels of experience: – Young Professional and Senior Professional. The German sessions also remain extensive.

Creative Thursday is a further new initiative within the education programme with hands-on, interactive sessions. There will also be new early morning deep dive sessions on Business Networking and the other on Building Confidence.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group says: “The developments and additional elements of our education programme together add exciting new dimensions that will inspire, engage and satisfy many buyers and exhibitors, whether they are looking to gain CMP/CEU and ISES Points, catching up on technology trends or exploring the latest sustainability solutions. There is something for everyone, whatever their preferred learning style or interest.”

To find out more about the educational tracks please search http://portal.imex-frankfurt.com/events.php
#IMEXeducation

PACIFIC WORLD HARNESSES PIONEERING EVENT TECHNOLOGY AT EIBTM

PACIFIC WORLD HARNESSES PIONEERING EVENT TECHNOLOGY AT EIBTM

Leading DMC for the Meetings and Event Industry Hosts Key Meetings Industry Figures at Technology Themed Networking Event

Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the leading DMC for the Meetings and Events Industry, hosted a technology themed network event at EIBTM, which was attended by over 120 meetings industry professionals from across the globe including key clients, suppliers and publication representatives.

The event, which was hosted on November 19th, at Passatge Utset Nº 14, (an old garage transformed into a meetings venue) was designed to showcase some of the latest innovations in meetings industry technology whilst providing a dynamic platform for networking between meetings industry peers.

Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager, Pacific World commented, “We were delighted by the turn out at our latest event in Barcelona. The old garage was the perfect location for delivering a warehouse themed party where everyone could come together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and enjoy the power of leading technology first hand.

“During the night, the guests were able to discover and play with the Reactable, an electronic musical instrument with a tabletop multi-touch interface. It’s a really cool tool that until now has only been used for music festivals. Reactable is now jumping into the corporate world due to its potential to reinforce the branding and corporate culture during various events,” Silvio continues.

Attendees were also invited to attend an interactive Goggle Glass demonstration where they were able to try the glasses and discover the different applications. There was also a virtual reality station where guests were able to test the technology. Innovation was present in all areas including catering. During the night, interesting canapés were designed and served specifically to challenge perceptions.

“Some of the dishes which were served throughout the event were prepared in front of the guests using molecular gastronomic techniques,” Silvio concludes.

To see the video of the event, please go to: https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&feature=vm&video_id=Cv1vVMTQ8aA

For photos of the event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.785720878156890.1073741835.290744704321179&type=3

Roger Kellerman Receives 2014 JMIC Profile

Roger Kellerman Receives 2014 JMIC Profile and Power Award

The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) announced the winner of the 2013 JMIC Profile and Power Award as Mr. Roger Kellerman, the founder and publisher of the magazine Meetings International. The award was made in recognition of Mr. Kellerman’s ongoing work in the development of a stronger Swedish Meetings industry through an array of advocacy and educational activities including most prominently the Swedish Meeting Industry Week which will be held for the 9th time in early January 2015 in Malmö, Sweden.

“In Mr. Kellerman we are this year recognizing an individual whose many actions over a number of years have produced not simply a new level of industry and government enthusiasm but the ongoing structures required to maintain this momentum, including the Swedish Politicians Forum, Future Leaders Forum and the Meetings Master Classes”, said JMIC President Philippe Fournier. “His work has not only advanced an entire country and region in their industry effectiveness but also provided an inspiring example for others to follow along with the organizational models that will help them do it. He has literally created a generation of political representatives that understand and support our industry to a level seldom seen elsewhere in the world”

The JMIC Power and Profile Award was established by the Council as a way of recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to advancing the awareness and influence of the Meetings Industry in their respective communities. The winner is selected each year based on criteria which evaluate the efforts of an individual or organization in increasing industry profile and bringing about structural or policy changes that reflect that better appreciation.

JMIC – the Joint Meetings Industry Council – was established in 1978 as a vehicle for creating a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives amongst international associations engaged in various aspects of the Meetings Industry. It has met annually each year and served as a link between its member organizations as well as a means of reviewing industry conditions and strategies.

Kicks Off at IMEX America 2014

Future Leaders Forum – A Defining Moment for Next-Gen Meeting Professionals – Kicks Off at IMEX America 2014

Las Vegas, Oct 2014 – For more than 105 college students from 24 universities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum (FLF) at IMEX America 2014 is more than just a break from studies – it is a defining career moment in the meetings industry. That’s exactly the goal that IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom envisioned 11 years ago when he launched this education program designed to prepare next-generation leaders in the fast-growing global meetings field. The two-day program runs through today at the Sands Expo® in Las Vegas.
Bloom said, “Featuring sessions on hot topics led by industry thought leaders, professional development training and a wide array of networking opportunities, FLF aims to ignite the passion of all attendees and entice them into rewarding careers that will shape the direction of the meetings industry.”

ECM announces a stronger partnership with IMEX

ECM announces a stronger partnership with IMEX and hands over 20 Declarations of Support to the Meetings Industry

IMEX and ECM sealed their close cooperation with the signature of a new partnership agreement last month. ECM also reaffirms its whole support to the sector, handing over 20 declarations signed by Politicians backing up the Meetings Industry during ECM CEO Meeting of Capital and major cities in Amsterdam on December 8-9.

A strong agreement focusing on trends, education, connection with key players and Politicians
Under the deal, both organizations will focus on trends and inspirations that are crucial in this ever changing industry ; each year IMEX comes up with new innovations and business opportunities and benefit in return from ECM knowledge on latest trends.
“ECM also advocates the value of the Meetings Industry and gives once again full support to the IMEX Politicians Forum via an active participation in shaping up the programme”, explains Heike Mahmoud, Vice-President for the Meetings Industry. The next edition will take place on May 20, 2014 in conjunction with the IMEX trade exhibition in Frankfurt.
Regarding educational opportunities, the IMEX Group is part of the selected ECM Summer School Faculty, bringing intelligence regarding how to maximize CVB’s presence at a trade shows and social media trends. The ECM Summer School is the only opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills required for a successful career in conference, meeting and event management. It sets the background and context to this most lucrative sector of tourism, illustrating its subject with up-to-date and cutting edge examples of European best practice. Course content is both relevant and practical, and at the same time is incisive and cutting edge.
“The ECM meeting of Chief Executives of Capital and major cities held in December each year also enables a continuous contact between IMEX and the key players in the main European cities. We are keen on sharing key messages and developments in the Meetings Industry.” adds Tom Hulton, director of International relations, IMEX Group.

The last CEO meeting of capital and major cities in Amsterdam, last December 8-9 was the appropriate time chosen by ECM to hand over 20 declarations of Support of the Meetings Industry to Tom Hulton, Director of International Relations, invited there as a special guest. In front of 21 leading European Cities, Tom Hulton demonstrated the economic impact of the Meetings Industry through concrete examples of congresses and through specific studies.
In response, Dieter Hardt-Stremayr handed over the declarations of Support signed by Politicians of 20 European cities. The declaration is intended to act as a public roll-call of politicians who understand the full economic impact of the meetings and events industry on their communities. It also highlights the industry’s role in building and sustaining local knowledge economies, creating employment, encouraging regeneration and stimulating infrastructure investment.

“Getting in total more than 100 declarations of support shows the importance of ongoing political advocacy in our industry and reminds us of the full economic power of meetings and events, and their role in building knowledge economies.” declares Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group.
“Our relation with IMEX has always been one of great professionalism. We are very proud of this new milestone and want to congratulate IMEX on their achievements and their valuable contribution to the international Meetings Industry as a whole” comments Ignasi de Delàs, ECM President.

IAPCO 2012

IAPCO 2012 | PRESS RELEASE from IAPCO
15 MINUTES OF TECHNOLOGY FAME

February 2012 for immediate release
Snappy sessions formed a crucial element at the IAPCO Annual Seminar in Wolfsberg this year, introducing the practical applications of Mobile Apps, Print on Demand, Roving Registration, QR, Hybrid Meetings, all linked to the advanced life of events, both initially and their longevity. John Martinez of Shocklogic Global presented the short sharp technology sessions, each day focussing on a different element of current event technology.

The enthusiasm of the participants was immediately obvious by the attendance of the subsequent Tutorials at which smaller groups were able to explore the topics in depth. “Technology moves so fast” said John “that it is difficult in a single presentation to focus on individual elements, so this programme design of “bite-sized” pieces was excellent, with participants able to take away hands-on tips and tricks related to one single IT item per day.   As an invited speaker, I have to commend the new programme design created for 2012″.

Wolfsberg mobile apps, pocket-size voting calculators, video recorded presentations for personal critique, all enhanced the technical experience of the seminar. “IAPCO – an amazing teaching initiative!”, commented one of the dedicated participants on the final day.

The 39th Annual Seminar will take place in Wolfsberg from 19-24 January 2013.
ABOUT IAPCO: Meeting Quality
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) was founded in 1968, is registered in Switzerland and represents today more than 115professional organisers, meeting planners and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events from 40 countries. IAPCO members organise in excess of 6100 meetings annually, totaling some 2.24 million delegates and representing an economic impact in the region of 3.63 billion euros.

IAPCO is committed to raising standards of service among its members and other sectors of the meetings industry. Today IAPCO membership offers a unique quality assurance, since entry into membership of IAPCO is by meeting strict criteria and by continuous quality assessment.

The high quality standards are secured by means of continuing education and interaction with other professionals. The ‘Wolfsberg’ seminar, The Meetings Masterclass and the Annual Meeting & General Assembly of its members are the highlight events of IAPCO.

For further information, please contact:
IAPCO Head Office: Brambles House, Colwell Road, Freshwater, PO40 9SL, UK     Email: info@iapco.org       www.iapco.org