The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our clients. Today we introduce you to Key Account Manager Imane Amajoud, our Chicago-based associate. Imane, originally from Morocco, brings dynamic depth to our team (speaking six languages – Amazigh, Arabic, French, English, Spanish, and Turkish) further expanding our relationships with our valued partners and customers around the globe.
Meet Imane Amajoud
Tell us about your current role with MTA?
As a key account manager, I am part of the Commercial Team at MTA. We are the clients’ first point of contact. I am very lucky to be introducing MTA and its services to new clients, as well as maintaining relationships with established accounts. In my role, I work hand in hand with our Finance Team to best answer our clients’ questions, and our Global Experience Team to offer an unforgettable experience for our customers’ events.
What makes MTA stand out as an event planning company?
From the very first conversation I had with Scott Nodolf, MTA’s Chief Revenue Officer and head of MTA’s Commercial Department, I knew MTA was different. Being a certified woman-owned business, MTA carries a lot of values that resonate with me. But it goes above and beyond the certification; CEO Marnie Battistini’s vision and growth strategy for MTA is what truly impressed me during those first interactions with Miller Tanner Associates.
Once I joined the Commercial Team, my conviction that MTA was unique strengthened. Every single colleague, no hyperbole, is kind and supportive beyond measure. We are a real team here at MTA. And along with every team member’s effort, we have Marnie to thank for this fabulous atmosphere; her motto – “Do good, and good shall come to you” – is palpable in every dealing MTA has, both internally and externally.
What is your favorite aspect of MTA services?
MTA is unique. Marnie, being the visionary that she is, saw the potential in being virtual at the very genesis of MTA. Being a virtual company has helped us stay ahead of the curve. It also enabled us to hone our skills to make MTA a leader within the virtual event industry. This ability to anticipate future needs, translates seamlessly into our relationship with our clients, as we strive to present impeccable solutions and offer our customers strategic counseling for future growth.
What’s a favorite city you’ve visited and why?
Marrakech is a favorite. Centuries of history can be read on the walls of its Medina, tasted in the spices of its dishes, and viewed in the colors of its souks. And yet, it’s a bustling modern city with two of the best hotels in the world, and all the entertainment one would need for a lifetime!
What are a few of your favorite interests?
A few of my interests include anthropology, theology, suburban homesteading, and cooking!
No matter what type of event you’re planning, we’re willing to bet that audience engagement is one of your top priorities – and, more than likely, one of your biggest challenges.
These days, event organizers are facing serious competition when it comes to holding the attention of their audiences. In a world in which distractions are always within reach (literally and figuratively!), figuring out how to engage an audience has become as essential as it is challenging.
But with a few tips and a solid variety of audience participation ideas and tools, you can pull off an engaging event that exceeds expectations. And even better, you can do it all easier than ever before, thanks to the impressive innovations and advanced technologies that change the way we think about events.
Pre-Event Engagement
Planning an engaging event is something that starts long before the day of, and the right approach can set the stage for what’s to come.
Personal Devices for Flexible, Convenient Use
Just a few years ago, it seemed like ARS (Audience Response Systems) would be the future of interactive events. But now, it’s become clear that ARS is out, and using personal devices is in – and they’re here to stay. By delivering pre-event content via attendees’ personal devices (such as iPhones), you’re making the event incredibly accessible even before it kicks off. We take our smart devices everywhere, so you can be confident that your attendees will never be far from your event’s virtual platform.
A Social Wall to Encourage Connection
If you want your audience to be interested in what you have to say, you’ll need to show them that you care about who they are, what their preferences are, and their overall event experience. Don’t simply treat them as a guest list; instead, offer opportunities to build personal connections.
Using a virtual “social wall,” you can professionally incorporate a “human” element. The social aspect allows people to connect before the meeting, allowing each guest to represent themselves and get to know their fellow audience members.
During the Event
On the big day, event engagement ideas are just as important – here are some of our favorites.
Get Strategic with the Agenda, Format, and Event Design
Whether you’re working with a face-to-face, virtual, or hybrid event, improving engagement requires you to think seriously about the event’s agenda, format, and design. Everything from the room set-up to the guest speakers can either contribute to or detract from audience interest levels.
For example, consider:
How can the audience experience better dialogue with guest speakers? (e.g., a “fireside chat” vs. a solo presentation)
What can you do to open the door to increased communication during a presentation by a panel of experts?
How is your organization’s leadership team demonstrating involvement in driving engagement?
Can you incorporate virtual/augmented reality for a tech-savvy, interesting twist?
Post-Event Engagement
Once everything wraps up, you can keep the engagement going with these easy tips.
Send a Thank You and Follow Up with a Survey
You might be surprised at just how far a little appreciation can go, especially when it comes to encouraging audience participation. But it makes sense: an audience that feels valued is far more likely to be interested in current and future events. Make sure to send a thank you of some sort; digital thank you cards can be a convenient option.
Also, don’t forget to send an audience survey to learn more about what worked and what didn’t. Not only is it a great opportunity to gather valuable information, but it is yet another way to demonstrate your respect for and appreciation of your audience.
Remember: Above All, Quality Content Reigns Supreme
No matter how many ideas for engaging events we offer, none can compare to high-quality content. Although new technology and industry buzzwords can be exciting, even the most advanced innovations can’t make up for poorly-planned content.
Make sure you allow your organization ample time to create excellent content, tailoring it to serve your audience’s needs and event goals alike. And of course, never underestimate the value of professional help – working with an event organizer and manager could be the key to unlocking your best event ever.
Learn How to Plan an Engaging Event with Help from the Experts
At Miller Tanner Associates, we’ve made it our business to perfect the art of planning and executing an engaging event experience. From small, in-person meetings with a guest list of less than a dozen to large, hybrid gatherings of several thousand, our team understands exactly how to engage an audience – and what to do once we’ve secured their attention.
You don’t necessarily need to work overtime on learning how to become an engagement/event expert because we’ve already done that.
We’d love to talk more about how you can elevate your next event with audience engagement ideas that work and ways to engage an audience before, during, and after the event: contact us today!
Incentive trips are a smart, essential investment for any company, including major corporations and small businesses alike. Offering incentive trips for employees can directly contribute to stronger business results, in addition to a multitude of other advantages.
And here’s more good news: an outstanding incentive trip is possible even if you’re working with a limited budget. In fact, with some savvy budget hacks for travel planning, there are plenty of great company trip ideas that are far more affordable than you might think.
What is an Incentive Trip?
Essentially, an incentive trip is a reward that an employer can offer employees who achieve exemplary results. In contrast to professional retreats or similar training and education-based experiences, corporate incentive trips are intended for pleasure, not business.
Typically, corporate incentive travel is reserved for employees that have gone above and beyond. A thoughtfully-planned trip can serve as a token of appreciation, as well as motivation to continue to excel. In most cases, a company will plan an incentive trip to reward employees for meeting specific objectives, for example, hitting a certain sales goal.
What are the advantages of corporate incentive trips?
Motivate employees to achieve key objectives
Show appreciation for superior job performance
Boost employee morale and productivity
Strengthen relationships among teams/colleagues
Serve as an attractive benefit for prospective employees
Create lasting memories that contribute to a positive company culture
Provide opportunities for employees to interact with peers in a different way
How to Plan an Incentive Trip on a Budget
No matter what type of business you operate, budget is most likely one of your top priorities in any discussion – and planning incentive trips for employees is no different. Using a strategic approach and a few handy incentive travel hacks, you can save money without sacrificing the quality of the experience.
Use Credit Card Points
Travel credit cards can be a smart way to turn everyday expenses into future savings, especially if you know how to use credit card points for incentive travel. Points can help reduce – or even completely cover – the cost of plane tickets, accommodations, and more.
Travel in the Off-Season
Whether you’re planning an employee trip to a popular tourist destination or a hidden gem, there’s almost always going to be an “off-season” in which fewer people visit the location. This can equate to major savings across the board (because demand is lower) and offer the perk of reduced crowds and easier access to sightseeing, dining, and other highlights.
Negotiate a Food Budget with a Specific Vendor
You can reduce your overall food budget for incentive trips if you work with a single vendor as much as possible. This can give you more negotiating power and simplify the planning and budgeting processes. If your employees will be staying in a hotel, it is often fairly easy to negotiate a reasonable food budget.
Allow Ample Time for Planning in Advance
Just like any family vacation or trip with friends, incentive travel can be far more affordable when it’s planned well in advance. When you have enough time to compare various options, you’re far more likely to find affordable tickets, accommodations, and more. For example, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the least busy travel days, so you can book the trip accordingly to cut costs.
See If It’s Possible to Negotiate Lower Rates with Vendors in Exchange for Marketing Materials
In the past, the Miller Tanner Associates team has been able to leverage the video footage we film during incentive trips to negotiate with venues/vendors. For example, when we planned an incentive trip to Lisbon, local vendors were happy to offer reduced rates in exchange for access to footage of their venue in use – the epitome of a win-win scenario. Our team was able to cut costs, and vendors gained a major asset in the form of footage to use for advertising purposes.
Consider How to Include Incentive Travel Costs as a Tax Deduction
If you plan an incentive trip intentionally, you can incorporate details that may qualify for cost savings on corporate taxes.
For example, at Miller Tanner Associates, one of our budget line items is dedicated to donations and charitable efforts. In 2017, we hosted an employee trip that included a team-building event focused on giving back to children in need. The activity centered on improving a community orphanage for children born to incarcerated mothers, so we paid for it using our donation budget line item. When it came time to come up with ideas for employee incentive trip gifts, we purchased items from a charitable organization. Not only did this also fit into our donation budget line item, but our employees truly appreciated knowing that the gifts they received helped make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Because our donation budget line item is tax-deductible, MTA was able to spend thoughtfully while also maximizing our savings.
Company Trip Ideas: Activities on a Budget
Ideally, an incentive trip will feature an activity that makes a lasting impression on your employees. You can plan memorable and creative activities for employee incentive trips, and you can do it all while sticking to a budget.
Here are a few of our favorite ideas for incentive trip activities and events:
Wellness activities such as a spa or yoga retreat, golfing, hiking, mindfulness experience, or even whitewater rafting
An awards night that honors employees for their accomplishments, hosted at a local historical site so you can get creative without overspending
Attending an annual event, such as a film, music, or cultural festival
Participating in a community social responsibility (CSR) to provide an opportunity for employees to have a positive impact and serve the community by collecting donations, supporting a local need via manpower, and other activities
An “Amazing Race”-inspired scavenger hunt that allows participants to explore the many sides of a locale without requiring significant spending
Host an Incredible – and Affordable – Incentive Trip with the Leader in Corporate Event Planning
Employee incentive tips can be both rewarding and budget-conscious, especially when you have the right travel hacks, resources, and expertise on your side. With so many details to juggle, incentive trips are typically a task best navigated by a team of professionals.
Miller Tanner Associates is a specialized corporate planning event planning company that provides tailored services to our clients, including incentive trip planning. We can partner with your business to pull off an incentive trip that exceeds expectations but not your budget, so your company can reap the benefits.
Contact MTA for a personalized, expertly developed solution today!
Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) hosts an annual Workshop bringing together its global team from Europe, Asia, North America and South America. The Workshop is designed to provide departmental and company-wide training, skill building, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, teambuilding events, and networking opportunities.
The Challenge:
This year’s face-to-face event was threatened by pandemic travel restrictions. Given the uncertainty of the pandemic’s potential impact, the team decided to shift the Workshop to a hybrid format to accommodate any concerns that could arise.
By shifting to a hybrid 3-day format, the challenge then emerged as to how to connect and engage the two audiences, virtual and in-person. Such challenges included:
Creating a shared experience for both the virtual and face-to-face teams.
Strategically planning an event that would meaningfully engage remote attendees located in multiple global time zones.
Synchronizing the experience using a hybrid format.
The Solution:
With a limited budget and pandemic challenges, MTA used their expertise and creative agility to design an innovative hybrid event solution that would provide a meaningful experience for both the in-person audience and the virtual audience.
Understanding the Audience Needs
Before planning the event, the MTA team crafted a survey to better understand the audience needs and priorities, as well as inform as to how to build a shared agenda for both audiences.
The surveys also helped define which time zones to accommodate, in order to build the agenda around availability of remote attendees.
Planning an Engaging Agenda
For this hybrid event, MTA designed a focused agenda for both audience types consisting of 4 hours of sessions each day for both audiences, with in-person sessions scheduled for the afternoon in order to maximize engagement and delivery.
The elevated experience platform was designed with features including attendee engagement, gamification, networking, and more! (note: This video is for demo purposes only; therefore, no audio is recorded.)
Designing a Dynamic Platform
Once the agenda was determined, our team designed a customized virtual platform to enhance the overall quality to deliver a seamless shared experience between the virtual and the face-to-face audiences.
The robust platform was designed with audience engagement features and functionality specific to the goals of the event. The experience platform was available as an app for mobile devices and desktop.
Such features included:
Interactive agenda
Pre-recorded training videos
Real-time announcements
Digital resources
Networking and chat functionality
Covid-19 protocol and health screen
Social Wall for expanded engagement
Video rooms for breakout session with virtual attendees
Gamification for friendly competition
Whiteboard
Post-event survey
The experience platform was an essential element for successfully engaging both audiences, pre-event and during live event.
Pre-Event and Post-Event Engagement
Social wall – generate enthusiasm and communication within the platform prior to the event
Whiteboard – pre-event collaboration through the whiteboard feature to prime the discussions related to the training offered at the event
Digital resources such as podcasts and downloadable documents
Video recording functionality for repurposing during the workshop
Training/instructional videos for pre-training prior to the event
Push notification announcements
Post-event survey
Live Event Engagement
Interactive agenda with built-in virtual meeting rooms for easily accommodating the virtual attendees during collaborative breakout sessions and departmental sessions
Gamification – friendly competition for both audiences through gamification, which integrated the Social Wall, quizzes, knowledge assessments, feedback, content collection, and more
Push notifications for real-time announcements
Networking and chat functionality
Hybrid sessions to engage both virtual and in-person audiences
Production
The production quality was another essential piece of this hybrid event’s success. Our Production Team guided the presenters in rehearsals and show flow prior to the event. The speakers’ presentations were livestreamed to our remote audience. In turn, the remote audience was livestreamed on screen in the meeting room for more interaction with the live audience and presenters. Remote attendees Q&A and comments were streamed on a secondary screen in real-time to provide seamless integration with the live audience. As a special feature, all remote attendees had customized backdrops adding to the overall design of the event.
Hybrid Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions were managed through our experience platform to integrate both audiences. These breakout sessions included appropriate technology and a moderator to ensure success. During breakouts and roundtables, designated participants were selected and briefed to use personal devices to include remote attendees in more intimate discussions.
Hybrid Breakout Sessions
Results/Highlights:
A game of table tennis with our virtual attendees
Designed a seamless experience for both the face-to-face audience and the virtual audience using a customized experience platform for the 3-day event.
Intentionally and strategically planned use of experience platform enabling the two audiences to more intimately interact throughout the event.
Welcome reception for face-to-face attendees on site while surprising their virtual cohorts with playful virtual activity photos posted to the platform’s Social Wall for engagement and element of inclusivity and fun.
Four-hour training session using hybrid technology to include virtual attendees in breakout sessions as well as keynote speakers’ sessions. Virtual attendees also participated in presentations adding to the engagement factor.
A Hybrid Awards Celebration
Morning awards event designed to accommodate multiple global time zones. Both virtual and in-person attendees had shared experience of receiving awards.
Agenda was thoughtfully planned to accommodate multiple time zones; the morning sessions were for both audience types and the afternoon and evening sessions were designated for the face-to-face audience.
Offsite CSR activity for in-person team volunteering at a local farm. CSR activity virtual component was provided as well.
Attendees’ Feedback:
“Thank you for working so hard on including the screen-to-screen (s2s) attendees!” – S2S Attendee
“Sharing the MTA Team spirit was wonderful also virtually, but what I loved the most was watching my f2f colleagues’ joy of meeting in person, catching bits and pieces of their emotions through the screen…” – S2S Attendee
“I really appreciated all the efforts to make the S2S audience feel included as much as possible: we really experienced the best virtual meeting ever.” – S2S Attendee
“Attending virtually, I still really enjoyed seeing the faces and hearing the voices of people from other departments. I loved the group work during the core values breakout session.” – S2S Attendee
“I was a F2F attendee, but believe the hybrid option should always be an option available to us…” – F2F Attendee
“Thank you so much for making a F2F and S2S experience possible this year. I recognize the amount of work put into it by our internal team. Tremendous gratitude for the time and efforts that made it a reality for all of us!” – F2F Attendee
A global consulting company originally scheduled an incentive program for May 2020 in Miami, but due to the pandemic the event was rescheduled.
TheChallenges
Miller Tanner Associates had originally planned this international incentive program for May 2020 in Miami. Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions for international travel to the U.S., Miller Tanner Associates was able to obtain zero damage contracts from the event and reschedule for two smaller events.
The Solution
Utilizing our team’s expertise, we offered a creative solution to address challenges – plan two smaller events, one for the domestic attendees to be held in Maine in August and an October event for European attendees in Ireland.
To ensure the safety of all attendees while also enjoying an elevated experience, both Maine and Ireland offered unique remote settings, with open spaces, outdoor activity opportunities, and creative local experiences which included local land and sea activities and unique dining.
Highlights from Maine Incentive Program
The Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) team designed a one-of-a-kind experience with intentionality behind every activity highlighting the natural beauty and charm of coastal Maine along with its cuisine and culture.
Each guest was greeted with a gift hinting of the experiences forthcoming. Welcome gifts intentionally curated to include a pine sachet, locally-crafted Bixby chocolate bar, Cellardoor wine, and other local accoutrements.
MTA planned three unique coastal dining experiences that showcased the authentic tastes of traditional Maine with engaging educational elements.
Traditional Lobster Bake Reception Welcome event featuring 1 lb. lobsters, seafood chowder, and local flavors. Each guest received a purposeful “lobster kit” including artful instructional “how to eat a lobster” guide, personalized bibs, and essential tools.
Dine in the Vines at Cellardoor Winery for a locally crafted wine-paired dinner experience hosted on site in the winery’s dining room with vineyard views. Tasting notes were provided for each course along with an award-winning wine tasting throughout the event.
Full Circle Kitchen experience at the Barn at Primo for an ultimate farm-to-table candlelit dining experience, featuring garden and farm tour with menu created by award-winning chef. Local folk instrumentalists set the stage for an ambient final evening event.
Planned local excursions highlighting both land and sea adventures.
Guests sailed the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Historic Schooner Heron for mid-coast Maine sightseeing.
Camden Harbor Cruise included shopping in the quaint town of Camden and a boating experience from the vantage point of a lobsterman.
For the more adventurous, sea kayaking out of the Rockland Harbor offered an exhilarating experience to view natural wildlife and historic lighthouses, including the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Guests also enjoyed Samoset championship golf course and spa.
Highlights from Ireland Incentive Program
In response to pandemic travel restrictions, The Miller Tanner Associates team designed an experience in Ireland mirroring the experience of that in Maine with an emphasis on the tradition and authentic beauty of the local region.
Upon arrival at Adare Manor in Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland, each guest enjoyed a curated themed welcome gift, a picnic basket which included a cashmere blanket, snacks and in-room specialty drinks to celebrate the start of the incentive experience.
The event “took flight” with an iconic falconry experience at the Manor’s aviary where guests had the opportunity to interact with the resident raptors.
Following the falconry activity, guests enjoyed a woodland-themed welcome reception and dining experience in the Manor’s carriage house.
Planned activities on both the local grounds and by sea.
Guests enjoyed a full day of a broad range of activities on the estate grounds including golfing on Adare’s championship golf course, fishing on the River Maigue, swimming, clay pigeon shooting, archery, cycling and exploring the estate’s walking trails and gardens. Rounding out a full day of activities, guests enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant.
Our team planned a ferry ride to view the majestic Cliffs of Mohar, must-see vistas by sea and set to music with a local Irish band on board.
The Manor’s Gallery was transformed into an elegant celebratory dining experience with locally-sourced traditional Irish cuisine enjoyed by candlelight and live violinists followed by an evening finale – whiskey tasting.
Are you looking forward to your next big trip? This post lists the best travel apps that can help ensure the trip’s success, whether it is across the ocean or just down the road. The best part about the travel planning app recommended below is that they are all free to use. All you need to do is download one for a stress-free journey filled with fun and memories.
Best Navigation App: Google Maps
Whether you are looking for the fastest route or search options, Google Maps is your go-to travel app. Google Maps offers excellent tips on the best routes during certain times of the day to help you avoid traffic. It also allows you to customize walking and driving routes based on preferred modes of transportation.
Furthermore, the app displays public transportation options in select cities. Whenever you are looking for an activity to do, Google Maps will offer suggestions based on the user’s time, location, and energy level. It is like having your own personal tour guide in your pocket or purse 24/7.
You may even discover a new, adorable restaurant when using the app. Be sure to save such Google Maps favorites because you never know when they could come in handy during your stay!
Best Travelling App: TripIt Pro
TripIt Pro offers a massive list of travel tools to save you both time and money. This includes:
Flight Tracking: Know when your flight lands before getting to the airport with this tracking feature.
Flight Alerts & Notifications: Customizable alerts will alert you of any delays, gate changes, and cancellations.
Flight Status Updates: Never miss a flight again by checking in at home or on the go with real-time flight status updates.
Custom Itineraries: Don’t know what to do in a particular city? Fill in your experiences, favorite restaurants, and preferred activities into TripIt Pro, and the app will create an itinerary for you.
Trip Sharing: Share your trip plans with up to ten people in one conversation thread.
Hotel Booking: TripIt Pro is an excellent tool if you are looking to book a last-minute hotel. You will be able to see which rooms are available and the rates for each room type – all in one place. In addition, TripIt Pro helps you stay updated on any changes or cancellations with your booking.
Travel Documents: As one of the best trip-planning apps, TripIt Pro can send you all the info on your travel documents in one place. This includes passport expiration dates, hotel addresses, and confirmation numbers.
Car rental: Book a car rental in advance through TripIt Pro and get special discounted rates. You can also search for a location, make a reservation and find the best route to your destination.
Ground transfers: Avoid the hassle of taking a taxi or shuttle by getting ground transfers to/from the airport. TripIt Pro will help you find available routes and calculate the costs.
Best Flight Tracker App: Flight Tracker
Flight Tracker ranks among the best travel apps that offer real-time flight tracking capabilities. It allows you to view arrival and departure times, flight status, and flight tracking maps. When using the app, you can also screen updates every 30 seconds.
With Flight Tracker, you can avoid unnecessary stress and disappointments during your trip. For example, you will know in advance if there is a delay with your flight. You only need to set alerts for your preferred flights, and the app will send you a notification about any changes. You will then be able to make the necessary adjustments regarding accommodation, pick-up time, and more.
Flight Tracker even alerts you when there is a change in the airport gate or if your flight is running behind schedule. You will be able to adjust your pick-up or meeting time so that you can arrive at the right place at the right time.
Best Airplane Seat Finder: SeatGuru
SeatGuru is the best amongst the travel apps that offer passengers complete airplane seating charts on the market. It provides you with detailed information about each plane, with plenty of flight data. You can even search for your favorite plane type and see how its legroom compares to other aircraft types.
This app allows you to view an interactive 3D map of any plane to help you pick the best seats, depending on your preferences. You will also have access to detailed information about each seat so that you can find the most comfortable ones at a great price.
SeatGuru is also beneficial when you have an emergency flight. This includes airlifting passengers with medical conditions or those that require special assistance. For instance, you can look up where the first class seats are located. This will allow you to assign seats to passengers with restricted mobility, including children and elderly travelers.
Best Airplane Apps
Several airplane apps help you book, manage, and track your flights. Here are the best:
FlightView
This is a great travel planning app. It also helps passengers to book, manage, and track their flights. FlightView can also give you a real-time push notification for all flight status changes. You will receive information about any gate change, flight delays, cancellations, baggage claims, or boarding issues.
AirHelp
The app is part of the Association of Passenger Rights Advocates (APRA). The organization’s mission is to help you get compensated when you experience flight delays or cancellations. Passengers can get up to $700 per flight for three years, regardless of the ticket price.
AirHelp can also help you with your luggage issues. This includes getting a baggage delay notification, a guide to compensation for delayed bags, and even lost luggage. You can claim up to $1,700 for delayed or lost bags with the app.
Skyscanner
The app helps travelers discover great deals on flights. You can compare prices between different airlines for the cheapest fares by simply entering your destination and departure date. With Skyscanner, you will also be able to find the best airfare at any given time. The app also features live chat assistance, so you can easily discuss different travel-related issues.
The travel apps mentioned above aid Miller Tanner Associates expert travelers as they plan, book, manage personal or business travels effectively. Nevertheless, do thorough research on various apps to find the best one for your needs.
Whenever you are looking to hold a successful event, Miller Tanner Associates event professionals can help. We are well versed with all types of events, from virtual to face-to-face experiences, and operate in all continents. Contact us today to tell us the goals of your upcoming event.
The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our clients. Today we introduce you to Director, Key Accounts and Customer Success Diana Reed, our Pennsylvania-based associate. Diana brings a level of exceptional customer relations expertise that truly demonstrates MTA’s core values.
Meet Diana Reed, Director, Key Accounts and Customer Success
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Achiever, Developer, Learner, Individualization, Empathy
Languages spoken: English primarily. I studied Spanish in college and lived in Spain for a summer.
Tell us about your current role with MTA?
I partner with existing clients and also work with new customers sharing our event services and virtual capabilities to ultimately align with their overall meeting goals and objectives. I truly love the opportunity to share my operational background and help provide strategy to our clients.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I spent 11 years, starting with operations, as a coordinator and worked my way to becoming a clinical event manager, where I managed programs both domestically and internationally. I later joined the sales team through my organic growth within certain key accounts to serve as director of business development. Additionally, I worked with another meeting planning company as an account manager where I led a team of twelve people and managed one of the company’s largest accounts producing both clinical and commercial events within the pharma industry.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I enjoy leading a global team of knowledgeable, and passionate key account managers and customer success managers that genuinely want the best for their customers throughout the sales and onboarding process. My focus is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for our team so that they can continue to learn and grow which ultimately benefits our customers.
What makes MTA stand out as an event planning company?
It’s the people, of course! We truly are a team, especially during 2020 when many of our customers had to pivot to virtual trainings and events. Our team at MTA supports one another regardless of what department and we are all willing to put in the long hours to ensure our clients are happy and their events are successful.
I also love that our team can accommodate our customers’ ever-changing meeting needs no matter what it takes. Our balanced approach of outstanding customer service and superior technology is truly unique and the best in the industry.
“Our balanced approach of outstanding customer service and superior technology is truly unique and the best in the industry.”
Why is the MTA Workshop important and what do you value most about it?
The MTA Workshop is my most favorite time of year! The fact that Marnie and our SLT invest in the entire company (regardless of role, team or seniority at the company) is truly remarkable. We come together for one week each year to celebrate our hard work and share both our success stories and challenges in person. I value the opportunity to connect with my colleagues, reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead as being a part of this team.
What’s a favorite city you’ve visited and why?
I absolutely love London, England. I have so many former colleagues there and love the chance to meet them any time I can get across the pond! I recently traveled to London last Spring with my family, which was filled with an action-packed agenda seeing all of the sights, and even got to a Premier League Match, which was on my 13-year-old son’s bucket list. It was truly amazing as a parent to experience something so magical with your child. Sydney, Australia was pretty amazing, too. I would love to go back.
What are your special interests or hobbies?
I truly have a love/hate relationship with running. I often travel with friends to run races throughout the U.S. I secretly love reality TV and cooking shows, although I despise cooking!
Key steps in the planning process for a national sales meeting
How to prepare for both in-person and virtual sales meetings
How the right team of professionals can streamline planning and elevate the overall event experience.
When it comes to corporate event planning, few occasions are as important – and as rewarding – as national sales meetings. With the potential to serve as a catalyst for employee collaboration and motivation, these meetings play a starring role in the story of a company’s future success.
For sales leaders, communicating and connecting with teams that are usually scattered across the nation is a valuable opportunity. Ideally, your national sales meeting should be a time to:
Share individual, team, and company successes
Demonstrate how each team has contributed to organizational sales goals
Outline priorities and plans for the upcoming year
Establish sales objectives for teams to support effective planning for quarterly workloads
Communicate expectations clearly
Foster collaboration among teams and the sales staff as a whole
Build excitement and boost morale
Encourage a positive, motivating approach to upcoming goals and tasks
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by that list of event goals? Don’t be – with smart planning strategies and the right support, you can get ready for a national sales meeting that will check all the right boxes.
How to Plan a National Sales Meeting
National sales team meetings are different from any other type of event, but your approach to the planning process will be virtually identical: organized, purposeful, and well-informed. The details might vary somewhat, depending on your company’s specific goals and needs, but best practices for event planning remain the same.
Let’s go over the most important steps to take when planning for a national sales meeting so you have an easy-to-follow route to a fantastic event.
Start planning early
If there’s one point we can never stress enough, it’s that you need to give yourself plenty of time to pull off the best possible national sales meeting. The planning process should begin at least six to eight months before the event date. And if you want to get started even earlier than that, then you’ll really be ahead of the game.
In fact, at Miller Tanner Associates, it’s not unusual for us to hear from clients just a few days after they wrap up a national sales meeting. They’re still flying high from the success of their meeting and are ready to jump right into planning the next one.
There are so many key details to consider, from your sales meeting theme and the agenda to location and vendor selection, and the last thing you want is to end up in a time crunch at the end. For an event of this caliber, even seemingly minute details can have a big impact – so why put yourself under the added pressure of a too-quickly ticking clock?
Identify the objectives of the meeting
Figuring out the purpose of your national sales meeting might seem like a no-brainer. After all, isn’t the entire point to highlight the big wins from the past year? While it’s true that the basic goal of a national sales meeting is to communicate higher-level content to the entire team, like a detailed summary of sales successes, there should be something more. Once you pinpoint clear objectives for the event, you’re much better equipped to move forward with planning the annual sales meeting agenda.
Here’s an example of this concept in action: say your company aims to increase sales by 15% by the end of the year. So, the meeting objective might focus on helping sales employees determine what they will need to do to help achieve this goal. Setting weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly benchmarks, as well as individual, measurable goals for each employee, are tasks that will naturally make sense for your agenda.
Choose a fun and creative sales meeting theme
The best national sales meeting themes can do it all: celebrate, motivate, educate, and inspire your team. Ideally, the theme of a national sales meeting hits the sweet spot between creative and purposeful, connecting to the overarching objectives while bringing in an element of fun.
As you plan a theme for your annual sales meeting, you might have a basic idea of the direction you want to go. For example, maybe you want to focus on building growth-oriented mindsets, or perhaps you’re zeroing in on team building and collective success. We’ll help you translate your sales meeting theme ideas into a fully fleshed-out event that goes above and beyond to create an immersive experience for attendees.
Partner with a professional corporate event planning team
By this point, you’ve likely realized that planning your company’s annual sales meeting is essentially a full-time job. There’s no doubt that there are a lot of moving parts to consider – and plenty of pressure to succeed – which is why a significant number of companies opt to turn to professionals for help.
Miller Tanner Associates has planned thousands of events for a diverse range of clients, including a wide variety of national sales meetings. We understand exactly how important this event is to your company’s growth and success, which is why we are so dedicated to giving our clients the advantage of our expertise, resources, and manpower. Our talented and imaginative teamknows how to bring creative and unique event ideas to life, setting your team up for an exceptional event experience from start to finish.
Let us handle the planning and execution of your annual sales meeting, so you can focus on being present and connecting with your team in memorable, meaningful ways. Here are just some of the services we can provide:
Event design and implementation, including themes
Project management
Operations/logistics
Travel, hotel, supplier, and transportation management
Risk management
Entertainment, video production, and presentations
Transportation
Site preparation
On-site event management
Budget and financials
Planning a Virtual National Sales Meeting
If you need to take your next sales meeting virtual, there are definitely some special considerations to keep in mind.Engagement becomes even more important while simultaneously becoming much more challenging.
The basic planning steps for a virtual meeting and face-to-face event are essentially the same. However, it becomes critical that you work with a planning professional with experience in large-scale virtual events. Miller Tanner Associates’ virtual event planning experts will show you how to make technology your ally and help you deliver a first-rate experience in a virtual (or hybrid) setting.
Learn how our team recently helped make a virtual national sales meeting a winning success:
Make Your Next National Sales Meeting a Success with Miller Tanner Associates
Your annual sales meeting isn’t just about delivering information and facilitating training – it’s your company’s chance to inspire your salesforce, refine their skills, and unite them in the pursuit of success. And at Miller Tanner Associates, we havea skilled and experienced team that will help you do it all.
Learn more about how we can help you host your company’s best-ever national sales meeting when you connect with our team today!
