Meeting Architect Podcast

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Liz Akey, Executive Director & President of EMA Marketing.

Brenda and Liz have a great conversation uncovering the steps that Liz took and the experience she built to get to where she is today.

Discussed in this episode:

• The different industry verticals that Liz has worked in
• Marketing, travel and public relations
• SITE Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
• Entrepreneurship is calling!
• Supporting boutique, independent brands and destination marketing companies.
• Educationals vs FAMs from a hotelier's perspective
• The difference between city centre, urban and resort destinations

Key Learning: There are a number of areas and verticals one can work in. However, in this industry ROI for all stakeholders is essential.

Connect with Liz: EMA Marketing

LinkedIn: Liz Akey

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Anne Stubbs, President & CEO of Yoga In My Backyard. Anne is a Yoga & Meditation Teacher and Fitness Instructor.

Brenda and Anne talk about the value and benefits of Yoga, Meditation and other mind-body disciplines for lowering levels of stress and bringing more balance into your life.

Discussed in this episode:

• Benefits of a regular practice
• Taking a breath
• Being present
• Balance in the modern world
• Intentional rejuvenation
• Healing tools
• Begin and end your day with a pause

Key Learning: Creating a practice that allows you to step back from the fast pace of your day-to-day responsibilities, thus permitting you to check-in with your mind and body, helping you bring more balance into your life.

Connect with Anne: https://yogaimby.com

.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Catherine Priestman, President & CEO of CP Business Solutions.

Brenda and Catherine have a great discussion about how managing expectations at multiple levels is key to successful events.

Discussed in this episode:

• CP Business Solutions 3 Pillars
• Managing client expectations
• Going over and above
• The importance of having support
• Working with the venue team
• Catherine's learning experiences

Key Learning: When you manage expectations you're not just managing the tangible items you deliver, it is also your job to take care of the people you are working with.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Sandy Biback, Founder of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking

Brenda and Sandy have a heartfelt conversation about how Sandy started this passion project to help bring this dark topic to light.

Discussed in this episode:

• Trafficking myths
• How can meeting professionals help?
  • Become aware of the issue
  • Educate yourself
  • The Photo App that helps identify hotel rooms
• The training the hotels are undertaking
• Future goals for MPAHT
• "If you see something, say something."

Key Learning: With an issue as pervasive as Human Trafficking, we all need to work together to find a way to contribute to a solution. If you see something, say something.

Resources:

MPAHT (Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking)

ECPAT USA has done wonderful work getting such organizations as MPI/PCMA/site to get onboard:

The Code: As a branch of ECPAT, many hotels, travel companies, industry organizations (including MPAHT) are members.

Mekong Club out of Hong Kong: More information about labor slavery, click HERE

Shiva Foundation of UK who post signage in all their UK hotels. Click HERE

ECPAT-USA video that is shown to the public, industry and students to help elevate the awareness of this issue within hotels

HOW TO HELP?

TraffickCam App Take photos of any hotel that you are staying at and this database helps authorities and the police identify where the crimes are taking place.

For meeting planners, you can find contract clauses and RFP questions examples here to include during the procurement process.

.

.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Rhonda Scharf, CSP, HoF - On The Right Track Training and Consulting. Brenda and Rhonda dig into the strategic planning for a conference and how the team of people come together.

Discussed in this episode:

• Rhonda's specialty of 'People Power'
• Having a vision and sharing that vision
• Different perspectives from being a delegate to being behind the scenes
• How to have difficult conversations
• Roles and responsibilities on a team
• Creating expectations
• Don't forget the gratitude

Key Learning: As a leader, you must share your vision so the team members are motivated, they understand how they fit into the bigger picture and they feel that you trust them to do a great job.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Ashley Craven, CMP, Manager of Conferences, Events & Corporate Partnerships with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.

Brenda and Ashley have a great conversation about the first five years in a Meeting Architect's career and how to determine which direction to go.

Discussed in this episode:

• How Ashley found her way to Event Management
• Transferable skills
• Ashley's past experience
• The Meeting Architect lifestyle
• Ideas and execution
• The next five years

Key Learning: Acquire formal education, actively seek volunteering opportunities where you can learn and be involved, and search for a mentor to help guide you.

Connect with Ashley:

LinkedIn: Ashley Craven

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Marilyn Power, Director of Sales & Marketing, Delta Ottawa.

Brenda and Marilyn talk about the importance of each vertical within the sales and marketing department and how they come together when evaluating a business opportunity.

Discussed in this episode:

• What does a Director of Sales & Marketing do?
• How a hotel evaluates new business opportunities
• Bedroom block and arrival patterns
• Food & Beverage
• Concessions: What is reasonable?
• Negotiating: Understanding the value of your group
• Marketing and Advertising
• Leadership

Key Learning: Knowing the value and opportunity for potential business from both perspectives: Hotel vs Meeting Architect

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Desmond Lomas, CMP.

Desmond is the Director of Global Accounts with The Howes Group. Brenda and Desmond have a great discussion about the value of volunteering and how giving is also a great way of receiving.

Discussed in this episode:

• Importance of volunteering
• How it makes you smarter
• How others will learn from you
• Build relationships and networks
• How giving back makes you happier
• The importance of EQ (Emotional Quotient)
• Upcoming role with MPI (Meeting Professionals International)

Key Learning: Volunteering helps you to build strong relationships, learn and expand your skills while giving to others.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode, Brenda is joined by Tyra Warner Hilliard, PhD, ESQ, CMP.

Tyra is unique as a lawyer because she has a strong foundation in the hospitality industry. Brenda and Tyra discuss Force Majeure.

Discussed In this episode:

• Acts of God & Acts of Man
• Fair and balanced
• Illegal, impossible and impracticable
• The importance of dates
• Being prepared and protected

Key Learning: Be aware and clear regarding the clauses and definitions so you know your risks.

Connect with Tyra at: tyrahilliard.com & on LinkedIn

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group

On this episode Brenda is joined by Jackie Meracle MBA, CMP. Jacky is the Manager of Chapter and Member Services at PCMA (Professional Conventions Management Association)

Discussed In this episode:

• Passion & Purpose
• Canadian members of PCMA
• Cornerstone of education
• Importance of innovation
• Driving global economic & social change
• Disruption
• What members want
• Upcoming events

Key Learning: Building and elevating business leaders through education.

➡️ The Meeting Architect Podcast is proudly brought to you by The Howes Group