Black Meetings & Tourism - NCBMP Convenes In Toronto

Industry Briefs
NCBMP Convenes In Toronto
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners held their Fall Conference December 1-5, 2010 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The conference, whose theme was “Revitalizing the Meetings and Hospitality Industry Through Education and Commitment,” was the first time the NCBMP had met in Toronto. The NCBMP Conference Planning Committee and Tourism Toronto joined forces to present a meeting event that was second to none, according to attendees. Delegates to the conference were not only able to experience the most comprehensive meetings and hospitality training, but were treated to an outstanding mix of networking events and social activities that allowed them to make invaluable contacts with colleagues, potential clients and industry movers and shakers. All of which, assure conference organizers, empowered those in attendance to translate the NCBMP experience into bottom line results for their companies and to achieve professional and personal fulfillment. An impressive array of inspiring general sessions, informative workshops and captivating speakers provided planners and suppliers with a jam-packed agenda that offered something for everyone – from those just starting out in the industry, to seasoned veterans at the other end of the spectrum. Among the educational sessions held was “How to Influence Decision Makers,” guaranteed to push the take home value of your meeting through the roof. In this workshop, participants acquired the skills to implement the wealth of ideas, concepts, tools, and techniques they already have, plus those they learn in your meeting. Another well-attended session was “Angle Management: Get Your Audience the Best Seats in the House… and Increase Capacity!” Presenter Paul O. Radde, Ph.D. of The Thrival Institute in Longmont, Colorado assured attendees that if planners set chairs at the traditional angle, 50-70% of their participants will experience pain while corkscrewing their bodies to watch the presentation. On the other hand, he promised, make one minor adjustment, at no additional cost, and they gain line of sight, comfort, safety, bonding, dynamics, see other participants and they learn more. Other highlights of the Fall Conference included the Student Mentor Program, the Community Outreach “Investing in People” Program, Saturday’s half-Day Opportunity Showcase trade show, and the high school and college students Forums. Sadly, Howard Mills, founding NCBMP member, was too ill to attend the fall conference in Toronto, and passed away just 10 days after the closing session on December 15th. The NCBMP has chosen the Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort in Innisbrook, FL for its Spring 2011 conference. Information for the conference, which will take place from June 1-5, can be obtained by calling (301) 860-0200, faxing (301) 860-0500, or visiting www.ncbmp.com.

Industry Briefs

NCBMP Convenes In Toronto

The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners held their Fall Conference December 1-5, 2010 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The conference, whose theme was “Revitalizing the Meetings and Hospitality Industry Through Education and Commitment,” was the first time the NCBMP had met in Toronto.

The NCBMP Conference Planning Committee and Tourism Toronto joined forces to present a meeting event that was second to none, according to attendees. Delegates to the conference were not only able to experience the most comprehensive meetings and hospitality training, but were treated to an outstanding mix of networking events and social activities that allowed them to make invaluable contacts with colleagues, potential clients and industry movers and shakers. All of which, assure conference organizers, empowered those in attendance to translate the NCBMP experience into bottom line results for their companies and to achieve professional and personal fulfillment.

An impressive array of inspiring general sessions, informative workshops and captivating speakers provided planners and suppliers with a jam-packed agenda that offered something for everyone – from those just starting out in the industry, to seasoned veterans at the other end of the spectrum. Among the educational sessions held was “How to Influence Decision Makers,” guaranteed to push the take home value of your meeting through the roof. In this workshop, participants acquired the skills to implement the wealth of ideas, concepts, tools, and techniques they already have, plus those they learn in your meeting.

Another well-attended session was “Angle Management: Get Your Audience the Best Seats in the House… and Increase Capacity!” Presenter Paul O. Radde, Ph.D. of The Thrival Institute in Longmont, Colorado assured attendees that if planners set chairs at the traditional angle, 50-70% of their participants will experience pain while corkscrewing their bodies to watch the presentation. On the other hand, he promised, make one minor adjustment, at no additional cost, and they gain line of sight, comfort, safety, bonding, dynamics, see other participants and they learn more. Other highlights of the Fall Conference included the Student Mentor Program, the Community Outreach “Investing in People” Program, Saturday’s half-Day Opportunity Showcase trade show, and the high school and college students Forums.

Sadly, Howard Mills, founding NCBMP member, was too ill to attend the fall conference in Toronto, and passed away just 10 days after the closing session on December 15th. The NCBMP has chosen the Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort in Innisbrook, FL for its Spring 2011 conference. Information for the conference, which will take place from June 1-5, can be obtained by calling (301) 860-0200, faxing (301) 860-0500, or visiting www.ncbmp.com.