StrategicMeetingsManagement:AMPUpYourMeetingsPortfolio

Friday,July15,201610:15–11:15a.m.

AaronD.WolowiecMSA,CAE,CMP,CTAFounder&PresidentEventGardeLLC

aaron@eventgarde.com616.710.1891

@aaronwolowiec

Strategic Meetings Management

Biography AaronWolowiecFounder&PresidentEventGardeLLC

MichigannativeAaronWolowiecisatalentedandpassionatelearningstrategistandmeetingscoachwhosediverseachievementsguideandpropelassociationgoalsandinitiatives,especiallyastheyrelatetoprofessionaldevelopment.Aaronhasmorethanadecadeofexperienceinthemeetingsindustry,andhastaughtforthreeyearsataMichigancollege.

Aaronisacertifiedassociationexecutive,acertifiedmeetingprofessionalandacertifiedtourismambassador,hasearnedamaster'sdegreeinadministrationfromCentralMichiganUniversity(withaconcentrationinleadership)andisanAssociationforTalentDevelopmentMasterInstructionalDesigner.AnactivememberofASAE,AaronischairmanoftheProfessionalDevelopmentSectionCouncil,aswellaspastchairmanoftheYoungAssociationExecutivesCommitteeanda2009-2011DiversityExecutiveLeadershipProgramscholar.

In2011,AaronreceivedtheprestigiousMichiganSocietyofAssociationExecutives’EmergingNewLeaderawardandnowservesasatop-ratedfacultymemberforMSAE’sAcademyofAssociationManagementandleadinstructionaldesigner/facilitatorforMSAE’sCertifiedMeetingProfessional(CMP)PreparationCourse.Mostrecently,AaronreceivedtheConventionIndustryCouncil’stop#CMP30InfluencerAward.

Inthewinterof2013AaronwasnamedbyMichiganMeetings+EventsmagazineasaveryimportantprofessionalyouneedtoknowandhisfirmwasaMichiganMeetings+Events2015and2016BestofMichiganFinalistforBestMeetingPlanningCompany.Additionally,Aaronservesonthemagazine’seditorialadvisoryboardandwritesaregularcolumnforthemagazinecalled“TheMeetingsCoach.”

WhennotworkingwithclientsAaronenjoyscooking,running,blogging,oldhomesandunclehood,aswellastendingtohispuppy,Lillie.Likewise,Aaronmaintainsapopularassociationblogatwww.aaronwolowiec.com,contributestoavarietyofindustrypublicationsandmentorsanumberofemergingprofessionals.

FormoreinformationaboutEventGarde,pleasevisitwww.eventgarde.com,subscribetoourmonthlye-newsletterandlike“EventGardeLLC”onFacebook.Additionally,Aaronmaybereachedbyphoneat(616)710-1891orbyemailataaron@eventgarde.com.

Audit Tools TheaudittoolspresentedonthefollowingfourpagesarescreencapturesofExcelworkbooks.ToreceivetheeditableExcelworkbooks,pleasesendarequesttoaaron@eventgarde.comforboththeMeetingMixAuditToolandtheMeetingHistoryAuditTool.

Strategic Meetings Management

Meeting Mix Audit Tool – sample

Strategic Meetings Management

Meeting Mix Audit Tool – blank

Strategic Meetings Management

Meeting History Audit Tool – sample

Strategic Meetings Management

Meeting History Audit Tool – blank

Strategic Meetings Management

Meetings Performance Ideas

Whatare5-7practicalwaystoimproveanorganization’smeetingsperformance?

Gatherandutilizedatatomeetstakeholderneeds

Establishandworktheplan

Meetobjectiveswithinbudget

Innovatecontentanddeliverytomaximizeengagement

Implementcomprehensivecommunicationplan

Identifyandimplementbestpracticestolearnandgrow

Shareholder interview: what does the host want to achieve; plan strategy from there Ask questions Get a full scope of client expectations Survey your attendees to find what they really want out of that meeting/event Identify key educational needs Focus on what your organization does well and expand on that

Thought leaders on planning sessions Improve the success of the event Accountability flow chart with deadlines and budgets Set planning timeline Enhance sponsorship opportunities Purposeful and effective planning Department communication when planning Work your marketing plan

Use resources (budget) responsibly Review budget Define the goal of your meeting before creating an agenda Know and meet expected outcomes Establish expectations with speakers and measure them When designing your meeting keep your objectives in mind Seek and assess regional speakers Review budget vs. actual income/expenses

Variety of topics/type of sessions Incorporate adult learning styles Try new things Incorporate new trends Provide different formats for education Aim to engage attendees not just educate Engage participants not just lecture

Communicate with fellow facilitators prior to meeting Make sure notices include all important information Find out the best ways to notify potential attendees Understand the why: Why do your attendees choose to attend? Create video messages with the speaker Comprehensive marketing plan Technology run through prior to event Any return attendees? Educate potential attendees on how organization publicizes meetings

Provide seasonal food and beverage items and off site activities Balance of mental and physical activities Educate yourself/professional development Make registration easy Moderator role in topical open discussion to keep on focus/pace Compare registration numbers for annual event

AMPUpYourStrategicMeetingsManagementPreparedby:EventGarde

Wednesday,April13,2016 Midland,MichiganPreparedfor:MichiganSocietyofAssociationExecutives