New York, NY - In accordance with their mission to deliver more of what meeting planners want, the VNU-owned publications Successful Meetingsand MeetingNewshave set in motion a plan to better align their live events with what the meetings market says it needs.
"Our audiences no longer have time for the large, general programs that were popular in the past," notes Robert Carey, Editorial Director of both the Successful Meetings and MeetingNewsbrands. "In our ongoing conversations with new and experienced meeting professionals, we've heard of the increasing need for specific tracks of education, for more targeted networking opportunities with suppliers and peers, and for tools to increase efficiency and manage workflow."
To that end, a key element of the overall plan includes replacing the annual NYC-based MeetingWorld conference & trade show with several smaller regional programs and new networking opportunities. Such initiatives to serve the changing needs of the meetings business include:
-The creation of expert-led seminars on several of the most requested topics, such as ROI, contracting and negotiation, and others.
-Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Agendaand other outlets, the two brands will offer an in-depth look at venues for special events and meetings in key markets, while offering half-day and full-day planning workshops in targeted regions. The first such program will be held at the Agenda Show & Conference, March 14, 2006 at the Marriott Marquis NYC. http://www.mimegasite.com/Agenda
-Successful Meetings' and MeetingNews' popular and productive Marketplace schedule kicks off in Colorado in January and is being expanded to include Caribbean, Arizona, and International Marketplaces, plus seven more throughout the country. Marketplace programs bring qualified planners to evaluate specific regions for upcoming meetings, conventions, and events slated for the next 12-18 months. Planners indicate they highly value the relaxed business environment of a Marketplace to build relationships and independently evaluate multiple properties and destinations during one-on-one meetings with property reps. http://www.mimegasite.com/marketplace
Any full- or part-time meeting planner seeking more information on these programs should call Jennifer Pepper at 646-654-7322. Suppliers interested in participating in these events should call Robert Curto at 646-654-7326.
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Successful Meetingsis the longest-running publication (1952) devoted to the emerging trends, practices, and destinations for meeting, convention, special event, and incentive travel planners. SMdelivers ideas and experiences to 72,050 qualified subscribers every month.
Established in 1977, MeetingNewsis the only national newspaper delivering original research and news on the business of meetings, and has a qualified circulation of 50,100.
VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media measurement and information (Nielsen Media Research) and business information (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair). VNU is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, Netherlands, and New York, USA. The company employs 38,000 people. VNU is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam (ASE: VNU) stock exchange.