Why Your Overall Corporate Strategy Should Include Meetings and Events

The current economic climate is placing an even higher importance on events and meetings as a strategic tool for companies. In short, meetings are creating much needed opportunity - whether it is new business, enhanced industry-wide marketing partnerships, or exposure to sponsor offerings that save the company money.

Here are examples why:

Message and Marketing. We just managed an event for a firm who represents hotel properties throughout the country. Crain's New York recently noted that the local hotel industry was seeing the biggest price (and revenue) drop of any major city in the US. This event not only provided the perfect forum to pitch buyers for New York properties, but having an event for hoteliers that is positive, morale-building and productive from a messaging standpoint is critical toward weathering the current storm. Participants need a forum to exchange ideas, revise the overall marketing strategy of their local industry, and plan for any additional contingencies that may crop economically before the year is out.

Business Opportunity. We recently managed a meeting for Real Estate professionals from around the country. Besides the obvious benefits of industry members as a whole discussing recovery strategies, each company was very smart to send representatives for a more substantive reason - the meeting included tours of specific real estate investment opportunities in various parts of the city that are currently a bargain as compared to the price tag from two years ago.

Access to Sponsor Specials. Corporations who are choosing to strategically participate in meetings - especially in a business capital like New York - are getting access to exclusive sponsor offerings customized for their particular needs. Tech-related sponsors in particular are eager for face time with business customers, and meetings are creating opportunities for companies to try the latest gadgets at special rates they would not get otherwise.

Press Opportunity. At a recent International Food Retailers conference we managed, participants unveiled new formulas and a new association vision, which served as a fantastic press opportunity in the media capital of the world.

Follow our blog for more insight on how a New York Meeting can benefit your organization and check out our website http://www.shackmanassociates.com/ to view our recent presentation on New York Meeting Trends for 2009 and 2010.

THE APOLLO THEATER REMEMBERS THE KING OF POP

The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater, considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in American history.

This legendary venue has launched the career of Michael Jackson and continues to maintain its position as the nation's most popular arena for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.

Today the marquee of the theater read, "In Memory of Michael Jackson, A True Apollo Legend." Fans gathered to dance, chant his name and sing along with his songs. Despite the dire news, the mood was celebratory and uplifting.

So here’s to you Michael – Thank you to your contributions to New York City and the World of Pop.

For Last-Minute Meetings, 3 Reasons Why New York is in Rarified "Air"

This week, the President announced that he's adopting a pay-as-you-go approach to budgeting. Meeting planners, however, are one step ahead of him – they’ve been operating that way all year long.

New York City is well prepared to welcome business travelers operating on last-minute pay-as-you-go schedules, especially when it comes to air travel.

Some advantages of flying to meet in New York include:

Low fares across-the-board: About three months ago, only the low-cost carriers were offering deals into New York's three primary airports. Now everyone’s getting into the act. While last-minute meetings create obstacles for acquiring group rates, major carriers are offering regular fares for business travelers as low as $129 from the West Coast, just days in advance of flights. That means meeting planners can stop fretting about huge lead times when making travel arrangements.

WiFi at 30,000 feet: Some airlines have begun offering on-board wi-fi during flights to New York – perfect for your busy business clients who could surely benefit from mile-high browsing privileges. Our colleagues who have utilized this service on cross-country flights give it rave reviews.

New Survey Indiactes Enhanced Piece of Mind: Who can forget Capt. Chesley Sullenberger’s heroic crash landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River? According to a recent survey by the independent polling firm, Rasmussen Reports, 34% of Americans are now more confident about flying in the wake of that landing, which resulted in the rescue of all passengers on board. And 54% of respondents think Sully should get a raise too!

With air travel to New York seeing blue skies ahead, last-minute meetings in the Big Apple make more sense than ever.

Governors Island welcomes New Forward-Thinking Art Exhibit

Governors Island (that tiny island located just south of the bottom tip of Manhattan) is expecting to draw more than 200,000 visitors this summer with their newest public art installation. Titled Plot 09: This World & Nearer Ones, the city’s first art quadrennial will open June 27 and feature 19 art commissions by artists worldwide.

Just hop on the quick ferry ride which picks up at the Battery Maritime Building. While you’re there take some time to explore the rest of the island, a former military base which has been open to the public since 2005. The island is also available for private events – ask us for some of our great themed proposals!