'Happy meetings' campaign introduced by Venues Event Management; positivity advisor highlights top meetings 'turn offs' and suggests solutions
A campaign to help organisers run 'happier meetings' has been introduced by Venues Event Management, the conference and events division of The Expotel Group. Nikki Owen, who has run corporate-focused Audience with Charisma programmes since 1991, has been appointed 'positivity advisor' to The Expotel Group and has produced a downloadable toolkit which highlights the most common 'meetings negativities' and suggests solutions to overcome them.
Top turn-offs identified by Owen include: information overload which overwhelms participants; allowing too great a focus on problems and issues; using the same format and layout for each meeting which encourages delegates to bring 'baggage'; insufficient audience participation; lack of clear purpose; poor use of Powerpoint; emphasis on blame which can create a ''choking' effect on participants; overlooking details such as correct spelling of names or allowing for dietary requirements which causes delegates to feel undervalued; an energy-draining dismissive approach to proposals and ideas; and an ineffectual speaker who fails to create rapport.
Suggestions for happier business get togethers include: a thoughtful invitation which creates a sense of anticipation; a creatively-presented meeting room and layout; clearly-defined objectives; using multi-sensory communication methods; incorporation of 'rosy glow moments to boost positive brain chemicals; following a structured, information-imparting 'Knowledge Process ; a skilful, engaging listening technique; encouraging greater participant collaboration and involvement; creating emotional 'buy in ; and the employment of a meeting leader with good impact and influence qualities.
Comments Anita Lowe, Chief Executive of Venues Event Management,
"Keeping the attendees of any meeting motivated and engaged can be challenging, especially if it runs over several days or involves the delivery of information that could instigate changes for a company. Nikki Owen has been appointed 'positivity advisor to help clients achieve the most productive possible mood regardless of the subject matter."
For more editorial information, please contact: Becky Guest, Marketing Manager,
Tel: +44 (0) 1793 792149 email: becky.guest@venuesevent.com
February 2011
