Miller Tanner Associates Team, Author at Miller Tanner Associates

Blog

What is a Symposium?

Symposiums are popular events that bring together experts in a particular field to discuss and share knowledge. There are different types of symposiums, and each has different benefits if you are interested in hosting one.

Types of Symposiums

We can categorize symposiums broadly into two types: academic and corporate symposiums.

Academic Symposiums

Academic symposiums primarily focus on research and education. Scholars, researchers, and students gather to discuss the latest developments, findings, and breakthroughs about a specific academic subject.

Academic symposiums tend to emphasize research and learning. Experts present their works in these settings, which often include groundbreaking research, discoveries, or advancements in their field. These presentations foster a deep level of expert insight into a topic and offer attendees the chance to learn something new or engage in relevant discussions with their peers. Academic symposiums can cover a broad range of topics, such as sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, to name a few.

Corporate Symposiums

Corporate symposiums, on the other hand, revolve around industry-specific knowledge sharing. They are commonly industry events designed to bring together professionals working within that sector.

At a corporate symposium, business professionals share industry-specific knowledge. This knowledge can range from the latest trends, technologies, and best practices to future predictions and challenges in the industry. Like academic symposiums, these events offer a platform for professionals to share their expertise, learn from others, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. They also present networking opportunities, which can lead to collaborations and partnerships.

Symposium Presentations

Understanding the concept of a symposium is incomplete without discussing what happens during the event. These are the core of any symposium, be it academic or corporate. Presentations are where the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and discourse between professionals occurs.

Key Elements of Symposium Presentations

A symposium presentation typically includes a speaker delivering a keynote speech or lecture based on their area of expertise. A panel discussion often follows, where several experts discuss a topic in depth. The structure of these presentations may vary depending on the type of symposium, but they share some common elements.

Every symposium presentation starts with an introduction of the speaker and the topic. Then, the main body of the presentation covers the speaker’s knowledge or research findings on the subject, often supported by visual aids such as slides, graphs, images, or videos. Lastly, symposium presentations usually conclude with a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to interact with the speaker and further explore the topic.

Engaging the Audience in Symposium Presentations

Audience engagement is a vital aspect of any successful symposium presentation. This can be achieved by integrating interactive elements such as live polls or quizzes, encouraging audience participation in discussions, and providing platforms for networking and dialogue.

Speakers can engage their audience by making their presentations dynamic and immersive. Storytelling, humor, and the usage of compelling visuals can help to captivate the audience’s attention. Moreover, choosing a relevant and interesting topic is also crucial, as it will naturally encourage interaction and feedback from the audience.

Benefits of Hosting a Symposium

Hosting a symposium can bring many benefits to your organization or business.

Knowledge Exchange

Hosting a symposium creates a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing experts to share insights, research, and innovative ideas on a specific topic. This collaborative environment promotes learning and keeps participants updated on the latest developments in their field.

Enhanced Reputation

Symposiums allow your organization to exhibit its knowledge, expertise, and forward-thinking approach. This not only positions you as a thought leader in your industry but also enhances your brand visibility. By hosting a symposium, your organization gets the opportunity to highlight its contribution to the industry and influence future trends and developments.

Networking Opportunities and Long-Term Collaborations

Hosting a symposium provides an excellent networking opportunity. Attendees often include industry leaders, researchers, and professionals. This broad spectrum of attendees means that symposiums are fertile ground for making new contacts, exploring collaborations, and sharing industry insights. Not only do these interactions stimulate fresh ideas and solutions, but they also pave the way for potential partnerships.

Ready to host your symposium? Contact Miller Tanner Associates today to begin planning your industry-leading event. Let’s work together to create an enriching and engaging symposium experience for your attendees.

Image Source: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Blog

Event Budgeting Guide

Planning an event involves a lot of moving parts, and one of the most pivotal aspects to consider is the budget. Effective event budgeting is necessary to ensure that your event is a success without breaking the bank. Discover the process of event budgeting, along with tips and best practices to help you stay on track. If you need help planning your event, don’t hesitate to reach out to Miller Tanner Associates for expert assistance.

Understanding Event Budgeting

Event budgeting is a little more complex than just adding up the costs. It involves a series of financial assessments, estimates, and checks that ensure your event doesn’t just go well but also stays financially stable and sustainable. Take a closer look at the steps involved in creating an event budget and the factors that you need to consider.

Steps to Create an Event Budget

The event budgeting process can be broadly broken down into two primary steps.

1. Identifying Expenses

You must first identify all possible expenses. This includes every cost associated with your event, from location rent, equipment hire, and catering to speaker or performer fees, decorations, and transportation. Don’t forget to include minor costs like stationery and printing, as these can add up. The idea is to leave no stone unturned so you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected expenses.

2. Estimating Revenue

After calculating the expenses, the next step is estimating the revenue. This will primarily come from ticket sales, sponsorships, and any merchandise or food and drinks you plan to sell at the event. Be realistic when estimating your revenue to avoid any unexpected shortfalls.

Factors to Consider in Event Budgeting

There are numerous factors that you need to consider when creating a budget for your event. Here are two of the most significant ones:

1. Venue Costs

The venue is typically one of the largest expenses in any event budget. The cost of the venue relies on several factors, like location, size, amenities, and the date of the event. Account for additional costs such as parking, security, and cleaning.

2. Catering and Refreshments

The food and drink you offer at your event can also significantly impact your budget. Factors such as the type of event, the number of attendees, and the time of day will all affect your catering costs. If you’re planning a full-day event, for example, you may need to provide lunch and refreshments, which will increase your catering expenses.

3. Travel Expenses for Attendees

It is crucial to create a detailed budget for travel expenses for attendees. This budget should include costs such as transportation, accommodations, and any other related expenses. By estimating these costs accurately and setting a clear budget, event organizers can ensure that attendees have a smooth and enjoyable experience without overspending. It is important to research different options to find the most cost-effective solutions while still providing quality services to all participants.

Best Practices for Event Budgeting

Event budgeting goes beyond understanding costs and revenue. Implementing the following best practices can help you optimize your budget, manage your finances more effectively, and ultimately create a more successful event.

Allocating Funds for Marketing and Promotion

Don’t underestimate the power of marketing and promotion when budgeting for your event. Setting aside funds for advertising, whether it’s through social media, local press, or radio, is helpful to attract an audience and generate revenue. Keep in mind your target audience and the marketing channels that will most effectively reach them.

Contingency Planning for Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected expenses will inevitably arise while planning your event. This is why it’s wise to set aside a contingency fund, generally 5-10% of your budget. This safeguards your event from unforeseen costs and ensures that you won’t have to scramble for additional funds at the last minute.

Tools and Resources for Event Budgeting

There are plenty of tools and resources available that can aid in the efficient planning and execution of event budgeting.

Budgeting Software and Templates

There are numerous budgeting software and templates designed to streamline your event budgeting process. These tools help you track expenses, estimate revenue, and manage your funds effectively.

Professional Financial Services

Professional financial services can be beneficial for larger or more complicated events. These services provide expert financial planning and management to ensure the success of your event and the efficiency of your budget.

Plan Your Event With the Assistance of Miller Tanner Associates

Event budgeting is more than just crunching numbers; it revolves around strategic planning, risk management, and financial forecasting. Proper event budgeting may seem daunting, but with the right tools, resources, and practices, you can create a financially sound event that will make an impact. Remember, the goal of event budgeting is not just to cut costs but to make wise decisions that maximize your event’s success and return on investment.

To learn more about our event planning services, contact us. With our wealth of experience and expertise in managing successful events, we can ensure your event is budgeted, planned, and executed to perfection.

Image Source: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Blog

What is a Key Opinion Leader (KOL)?

Key opinion leaders, or KOLs, impact event success, particularly in the life sciences industry. They are important to have at events and can enhance the overall experience for attendees. You should consider including KOLs in your event planning strategy because of their valuable knowledge, contributions, and trustworthy expertise.

Role of KOLs in Events

Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are influential figures in their respective industries who can contribute significantly to the success of life science events. Their involvement in these events can range from being a keynote speaker to taking part in panel discussions, networking, and relationship building.

Keynote Speaking and Thought Leadership

One of the primary roles of a KOL at any event is to deliver keynote speeches and thought leadership. In these speeches, KOLs share their expert insights, research findings, or industry trends, offering valuable knowledge to the audience. As respected figures, KOLs’ words carry weight, and audiences consider them as reliable and trusted sources of information. This can help to set the tone for the event and elevate the entire conference or seminar experience.

Panel Discussions and Expert Sessions

Besides keynote speaking, event organizers often include KOLs in panel discussions and expert sessions. Here, they can have in-depth discussions on specific subjects within the life sciences field, exchange ideas, and debate on critical issues. These sessions involving KOLs can lead to enriching, knowledge-filled discussions that often result in valuable insights and ideas.

Networking and Relationship Building

Beyond delivering speeches or contributing to discussions, KOLs play an essential role in networking and relationship-building during life sciences events. Their presence often attracts significant figures and stakeholders within the industry, leading to networking opportunities and potential collaborations. KOLs can indirectly facilitate business relationships and offer attendees an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals.

Benefits of Having KOLs at Events

Having KOLs at your event introduces a wealth of benefits that can enhance your event’s overall success and impact.

Enhancing Credibility and Trust

In the life sciences industry, KOL involvement signifies the event’s legitimacy and relevance, thereby enhancing the credibility and trust associated with the event. Attendees, sponsors, and other stakeholders often perceive events that feature KOLs as more prestigious and trusted.

Leveraging KOL Influence for Event Success

KOLs have a significant influence on their followers and peers in the industry. Event organizers can leverage this influence to maximize their event’s success. Whether it’s through social media promotion or word-of-mouth advertising, KOLs can help generate buzz, increase attendee numbers, and contribute to the event’s overall success.

Identifying and Engaging KOLs for Events

Selecting the right KOLs is integral to ensuring they align with your event’s goals and audience needs. In the life sciences industry, ideal KOLs often have a strong industry background, academic qualifications, and achievements. People recognize them for their contributions in their respective fields. They should also have an influence within their networks and the ability to engage and captivate audiences. Event planners should also consider the KOLs’ communication skills, engagement levels on social media platforms, and willingness to contribute to the event.

Securing KOL participation in your event might require a tailored approach based on each KOL’s preferences. Potential strategies include inviting them well in advance, showing appreciation for their work and expertise, illustrating the benefits they would receive from attending your event, and offering them a platform where they can share their insights and connect with their peers.

Effective Event Planning with Effective KOLs

If you’re looking for expert event planning assistance, consider contacting Miller Tanner Associates. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. With our experience and deep understanding of the life sciences industry, we are well-equipped to help plan events that not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Image Source: wellphoto/Shutterstock

Blog

Event Management vs Event Production

Event management and production are similar yet distinct jobs involved in hosting a successful event. Ensuring these two positions work in tandem is a big part of hosts’ behind-the-scenes duties. Learn more about each of these jobs, how to manage them effectively, and how it all works to make your events the best they can be.

Event Management

The backbone of any in-person event, event management holds the responsibility of planning, organizing, and executing the event from start to finish. An effective event manager has exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that nothing is left to chance and that the event runs as smoothly as possible. Event managers have an extensive list of responsibilities, which include identifying the target audience of an event, formulating the event concept, coordinating the technical aspects, and ensuring that legalities and health safety obligations are met.

Event management is marked by strategic planning and high-level organization. The event manager’s tasks include planning the event, managing marketing activities, arranging for speakers or entertainers, hiring vendors and caterers, and scheduling timelines. They also need to anticipate potential problems and find solutions ahead of time.

The significance of event management in personifying in-person events must be considered. From the venue selection to the successfully executed event, the event manager looks after every minute detail. This process is necessary for the flawless running of the event, ensuring that the event objectives are met and that the attendees leave with a positive impression.

Event Production

The magic behind turning a concept into reality is event production. This role takes care of the technicalities of the event, making sure that every visual, audio, and lighting aspect runs smoothly. The event producer collaborates with the event manager to bring the event vision to life.

An event producer will be in charge of stage design, speaker rehearsals, show flow, audiovisual production, lighting, and special effects. They coordinate with a team of technicians, designers, and artists to create a visually captivating event that resonates with the audience.

Event production plays a significant role in creating memorable in-person events. It goes beyond just technical implementation; it is about creating an environment that excites the audience and complements the theme of the event. An event without adequate event production might as well be a failure since proper production is what sticks in someone’s mind and makes the event memorable for years to come.

Differences Between Event Management and Event Production

While the end goal of both event management and event production is to create a successful event, their focus and responsibilities set them apart. Event management is more about the overall organization and coordination of the event, focused on planning and executing. On the other hand, event production is centered on bringing the event’s concept to life, focusing on the technical aspects and in-event experience. Both roles collaborate and coordinate to ensure seamless maneuvering of all event aspects, contributing to the event’s overall success.

Why Event Management and Event Production are Important

Both event management and production must work in harmony to create an outstanding attendee experience. The meticulous planning and organization of the event manager, coupled with the creative and technical expertise of the event producer, can lead to an unforgettable event. Together, they ensure that every element of the event, from the first impression to the final curtain call, leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Balance Event Management and Event Production for Great Results

While event management and event production are distinct, they are also interdependent and equally important for a successful event. Leverage both these skilled jobs for your in-person events for a seamless and memorable experience.

Contact us to learn more about how Miller Tanner Associates can assist you with your event management and production needs.

Image Source: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Blog

Employee Incentive Program Examples

Disengagement ranks among the top reasons that employees leave their companies, exhibit a stall or decline in productivity, and become disenchanted and unmotivated in the workplace. Employers are suffering with a direct hit to their bottom line because of high turnover and low productivity. So what is the solution?

Employee incentive programs, sometimes called rewards programs, are designed to motivate employees through a reward structure. To be optimally effective, the right employee incentive program must be well-structured, work well with your current employees, and be impactful in the retention and recruitment of talent in the future.

Employee incentive programs have been proven to show an increase in both productivity and morale, making them more important than ever before. They are instrumental in increasing employee engagement and satisfaction and can positively impact productivity. There are many forms of incentive programs, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your staff and aligns with your company’s values.

Types of Employee Incentive Programs

When choosing an employee incentive program, first look at your current staff. What motivates them? Is it money or time off? Personal recognition or experiences? Programs are usually either performance-based incentives, recognition programs, or programs that enhance or increase benefits.

Once you determine which type of incentive program is the best fit, decide if the reward is to be monetary or non-monetary.

Monetary Incentives include bonuses, raises, stock options, profit sharing, etc.
Non-monetary Incentives may not offer direct monetary compensation but are valuable to employees. This can include personal time off, flex hours, and awards for recognition.

Some common employee incentive programs include:

Social Recognition Program. Many employees (and their peers) find that public recognition is more valuable than a monetary reward. Knowing that a peer has received recognition for performance can also be motivational to other team members.
Profit Sharing and Stock Options. Employees who play a part in a company’s success are often motivated to do more when rewarded with stock options or profit sharing.
Professional Development Programs. Motivate and engage employees by proving the company’s commitment to investing in their professional development and career promotion.
Referral Programs. Employees are rewarded for referring qualified candidates for employment.
Team Building Programs. Offer incentives, promote bonding and collaboration, and provide a fun and rewarding diversion.
Health and Wellness. Programs offer incentives to employees which, in turn, offer employers a healthier, happier workforce.
Incentive Travel. Sometimes, these trips are purely for celebration and relaxation, while other times they offer an opportunity for winners to discuss strategy and best practices with their organization’s executives.

Case Study of Successful Employee Incentive Program: Achievers’ Club in St. Martin & Venice

Miller Tanner Associates implemented an extraordinary employee incentive program through its Achievers’ Clubs in St. Martin and Venice, Italy. This initiative aimed to reward top-performing employees with an unforgettable experience, fostering engagement and motivation. In St. Martin, employees enjoyed unique team-building activities, luxury accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences. This carefully curated trip not only reinforced team dynamics but also encouraged professional growth and a sense of accomplishment, translating directly into heightened morale and retention rates within the organization.

Similarly, the Venice Achievers’ Club offered a blend of luxury and culture, with participants exploring iconic landmarks, indulging in fine dining, and attending bespoke team activities. The program’s success was measured by improved employee performance and satisfaction, as well as increased company loyalty. Miller Tanner’s attention to detail in both destinations created lasting impressions, highlighting the value of recognition and reward. This strategic approach to employee incentives proved to be an effective tool in driving long-term engagement, aligning individual success with organizational goals.

Best Practices for Implementing Employee Incentive Programs

When implementing your employee incentive program, keep the following in mind:

Define your goals. Align your company goals with your incentive program so that the overall objective is the same.
Define and keep to a planned budget.
Make your incentives personal.
Work to promote your program to your current employees and to prospective employees as well.
Measure the impact of your program. Start with a clear baseline and measure against that at given intervals.

The Impact of Effective Employee Incentive Programs on Organizational Success

With employee disengagement costing companies lost productivity, it is important to take steps now to promote an effective incentive program. Miller Tanner Associates is here to help. We’d love to talk to you about creating the best incentive program for your needs and show you ways to showcase your program. Contact us today to get started.

Image Source: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

Blog

What is a Workshop?

A workshop is a lengthier interactive meeting that combines a group of people with a common goal of solving a problem or working on a specific project. They are usually led by a trainer or facilitator who works with a planned series of activities, presentations, or facilitated hands-on interaction that will lead to the desired result.

Though led by a facilitator, workshops are designed for interaction between participants to yield the best results for the chosen problem or project. Longer than meetings, and more interactive than training sessions or seminars, workshops are designed to emphasize collaboration and active participation.

Definition and Purpose of Workshops

A workshop is a structured, interactive meeting that is focused on solving a problem, working on a project, or achieving a common goal through interaction, active participation, and collaboration. By building on the different strengths of workshop participants, workshops not only prompt creativity, they also foster connections between participants that, prior to the workshop, may not have existed.

Workshops not only promote participation, but they can also build a stronger, more creative team, by offering an effective way to collaborate. Workshop participants are encouraged to brainstorm, identify problems or solutions from their point of view, and collaborate on decision-making and solutions. This can be especially useful if the project is far-reaching or complex since several points of view can be offered. Encouraging participants to interact, allows them to see beyond their scope and solutions, learn from each other, and use that combined input to reach their goal.

Types of Workshops

Though all workshops consist of a facilitator, participants, and a goal, the type of workshop can have endless possibilities. A few ideas are:

Decision-Making Workshops. This type of workshop is designed to solve a problem by making a team decision. Since many participants may be specialists in one particular aspect, they may be immune to looking at the implications of their decision-making to others. A decision-making workshop allows participants to collaborate and find the optimal decision to reach their goals.
Ideation Workshops. This type of workshop allows a free-flowing exchange of ideas. Often, brainstorming allows participants to release their creativity and then guides them into selecting the best ideas to meet their collective goal. This type of workshop not only promotes participation but also fosters creativity and innovation.
Retrospective Workshops. These workshops are perhaps the icing on the workshop cake. Complex problems that require lengthy, intense workshop participation may culminate in a final workshop meeting that allows participants to look back on what has been accomplished and reflect on their growth and creativity.

Benefits of Participating in Workshops

Creating and implementing workshops benefits employers and participants. When executed properly, workshops can make problem-solving a positive experience, with benefits for all involved.

The benefits of participating in workshops are:

Participants may not only learn new skills, but they may also improve existing skills.
Workshops encourage cross-functional, interdepartmental collaboration.
Workshops promote networking, and relationships may continue after the workshop.
Participants get a broader understanding and increased expertise on the topic.
Employees become more engaged and productive.
Participants are able to relate better and acquire ownership of the goal.
Workshops spark growth, creativity, and productivity.

Is a Workshop Right for You?

Workshops don’t just happen. They require preparation that includes a facilitator, planning, and a desired outcome. A facilitator can keep the group on topic while offering guidance toward the goal. Planning for the type of workshop you want to present is necessary in order for the participants to work together and feel included and respected. Knowing the desired outcome is necessary to keep the workshop moving in the right direction.

At Miller Tanner Associates, we know that workshops take work. We know that workshops are often built around complex problems or projects, and that can be overwhelming. We are experts in creating, designing, and facilitating workshops for small businesses as well as large, multi-location corporations. Contact us today so we can talk about how Miller Tanner Associates can help you.

Image Source: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Blog

Success Story: Leveraging Strategic Meetings Management Expertise to Transform Congress Event Planning

Strategic Meetings Management Program for Medical Congress

The Event

A pharmaceutical company was seeking assistance planning a series of medical congress events.

The Challenge

What initially began as a straightforward proposal for congress event services quickly evolved into a transformative experience. After meeting with our customer, it became clear through discussions that their needs surpassed simple congress event management—they were seeking strategic guidance to elevate their events into a comprehensive Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP). Recognizing this need, MTA swiftly pivoted our approach.

Initially envisioned as a collection of resources including PowerPoint documents, forms, and flowcharts, the project took a transformative turn as it became evident that a centralized, dynamic platform was needed to streamline operations effectively.

Results

MTA began concepting a platform that would streamline the operations. This led to the development of a congress SMMP platform — a dedicated hub designed to revolutionize how we approach congress planning and execution.

To bring this vision to life, MTA’s Technology Team’s expertise defined technical requirements and visualization of operational processes, proving instrumental in shaping the platform’s functionalities.

Our Global Experiences Team skillfully orchestrated brainstorming sessions, aligning perspectives from MTA and our customer into a unified strategic vision for the SMMP to ensure that every aspect of the platform met the highest standards of excellence.

This congress SMMP platform was designed to serve as a centralized hub for innovation and collaboration across our customer’s congress projects. The hub was purpose-built for congress-related activities – going beyond collaborative workspaces, offering specialized tools, insights, and resources tailored specifically for congress projects. It served as the focal point for information, guidance, interconnection of resources, and a comprehensive approach to congress-specific events. The platform centralized resources, fostered seamless teamwork, and provided a comprehensive roadmap for success in global congress planning for our customer.

In summary, leveraging our expertise in technology, project management, strategic planning, and creative services, the Miller Tanner Associates Team designed an innovative platform to serve as a hub collaboration, providing specialized tools and resources tailored for congress projects. This platform development positions MTA Congress Services as a leader in innovative solutions for global congress planning.

Customer Feedback

“I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to this team for all your work over the past few months. This evolved into a larger beast than we initially anticipated, and you all pivoted and took it in stride. Really appreciate the partnership and support in building this site, it will be a huge value add to our company and I am excited to roll it out in the new year.” – Customer

“I wasn’t part of the day-to-day but heard all about the effort from [my colleague]. I want to thank you all and acknowledge the great partnership that has been developed this year with the team. The organization has really benefited from the elevation of this work.” – Customer

Blog

Virtual Training Best Practices

Virtual training is simply training that is offered over the internet. It allows universal training, regardless of your employees’ locations. That is one of the reasons that it has become so popular. The other reason, of course, is that it is easy on the budget. No travel expenses, logistical challenges, or conference room rentals and meal planning. Virtual training is effective, economical, and versatile.

So why isn’t everybody using it? The main reason that virtual training has been unsuccessful in the past is that it can easily become boring, allows for too many distractions, or inhibits engagement.

By providing your virtual training with engaging content, enhancing the learning environment, and facilitating effective communication, you can combine employees with training that offers consistent and effective training at a fraction of the cost of traditional training sessions.

Engaging Virtual Training Content

If you have tried virtual training in the past and felt it was not providing what you need in a training program, it may be because employees did not find it engaging. if the training is boring, it becomes less effective and employees will not willingly engage. As a virtual trainer, you can not engage with your audience with eye-to-eye contact, and participants may begin to feel that they are receiving a lecture rather than training. To avoid this, at appropriate, regular interviews, stop for questions. Without making participants feel like they are being tested, ask what they think about the topic just covered or if they have had experience with the situation before.

Though you are training through technology, humanize the experience by greeting each participant as they join the session, asking for feedback, and asking open-ended questions that require more than just yes or no answers. Use participants’ names to further personalize the experience.

Enhancing the Virtual Learning Environment

It can be easy to get distracted when participating in a virtual learning environment. Participants may be at their desks at work, at home, or in a hotel. With employees working remotely or with large companies with several locations, participants can face distractions such as work announcements and meetings, and interruptions from other technology such as their phone or other devices.

Though you may not have complete control over distractions, you can provide virtual learning that is engaging, educational, and, yes, even enjoyable. In addition to personalizing the training, keep the participants engaged by offering different modes of communication to enhance their learning experience. Try alternating between videos, slide presentations, and Q&A sessions. Offer information in a format that is conversational and easy to understand. Give examples. Tell a joke. Keep them listening.

Facilitating Effective Communication

Effective communication means that not only are your participants listening, they are also interacting, and you are listening. Depending on the size of your training session and the logistics, you may be able to promote discussions among groups within your larger training group. When respondents feel comfortable, they tend to ask questions and contribute opinions.

Often, by presenting scenarios, participants must use their training to find solutions to problems. Use examples to promote understanding. Ask questions to facilitate effective communication between yourself and the participants and among the participants.

Implementing Best Practices for Optimal Virtual Training Outcomes

Implementing best practices for optimal virtual training outcomes starts with the trainer. The facilitator or virtual training must work to engage the participants while keeping them focused and interested. They must be tech-savvy enough to work with different modes of media presentation and skilled in all phases of training and effective communication.

Miller Tanner Associates has created an innovative approach to virtual training that offers the optimal outcomes for your organization. With our years of experience, MTA knows the exact approach to finding what works and tailoring that program to fit your needs. Contact us today to find out how we can make your virtual training successful.

Image Source: insta_photos/Shutterstock

Blog

Meet MTA: Natalie Frohlich, Global Experience Designer – Events

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 customers. Today we introduce you to Global Experience Designer – Events Natalie Frohlich. Natalie’s role serves as the project manager for events to guarantee the successful execution of each and every experience.

Meet Natalie Frohlich, Global Experience Designer – Events

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Relator, Empathy, Discipline, Intellection, Learner

Languages spoken: I speak Spanish and German as my native language, as well as Catalan, English, and a little bit of French and Italian.

Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?

I am a global experience designer for events. My main responsibilities are acting as the project manager and the main point of contact for our customers, coordinating between all stakeholders involved to ensure the successful execution of our events.

What did you do before joining MTA?

I have been working in the events sector for more than 8 years. I have worked for different agencies organizing all kinds of corporate events.

What’s the best part of your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is being on site, seeing an event take place successfully after all the effort and preparation always makes me very happy.

What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?

I was lucky that my first event was in San Diego. It was my first time visiting California and I consider it an ideal destination for events. Of course, the good weather always attracts participants.

What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?

I organized the launch of a new car model that lasted a whole month. It was a very intense event because of the duration and because literally everything happened, but to this day I remember it with a smile.

Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?

Whenever I travel I always try to spend some time as a local. For example, sitting in a town square or a park, I try to strike up a conversation with a local to find out more about the destination. The air tag is a must-have gadget because lost luggage is very frustrating when you’re anxious to reach your destination.

What’s the one must-have for every event?

Always have a plan B and be proactive as you never know when something might change from one moment to the next. And of course, comfortable shoes – you are going to cover a lot of kilometers.

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?

From the very first moment, I was very surprised by the friendliness of the team. I have felt welcomed and supported at all times and, of course, I think that the team is the most important thing in a company. Being able to work in a pleasant atmosphere is key.

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?

I consider the workshops to be very important as not all teams have the possibility to see other colleagues throughout the year. I was very privileged and I was very grateful to be able to attend the Workshop in Dublin directly after joining MTA and I got to know everyone beforehand.

What do you do for fun?

I love reading – I devour every book I get my hands on. I have a reading room at my place and it is my favourite corner of the house.

Tell us a little about your background. What do you enjoy most about where you currently live? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?

I was born and raised in Barcelona, but my father is German and my mother is Colombian, a curious family mix. For me, Barcelona is the best city in the world and I have always lived there. I consider that it is a city that has everything – beach, mountains, architecture, and leisure. Whenever I can, I escape to the Costa Brava, specifically to the village Calella de Palafrugell; it’s beautiful!

To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com.

Blog

Meet MTA: Hanii Kwok, Global Experience Designer – Events

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 customers. Today we introduce you to our associate based in Hong Kong, Global Experience Designer – Events Hanii Kwok. As a global experience designer, Hanii works closely with the Global Experiences Team to carefully plan and deliver exceptional APAC events from start to finish.

Meet Hanii Kwok, Global Experience Designer – Events

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Individualization, Analytical, Learner, Arranger, Ideation

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin and Cantonese

Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?

I’m a global experience designer focusing on the delivery of Asia-Pacific events.

What did you do before joining MTA?

I was a conference program producer for biopharma events and event logistics manager for a publishing company.

What’s the best part of your job?

I love seeing an event come together and getting a real buzz from working with everyone together as a team to make it happen.

What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?

Singapore – the hotel banqueting staff are always super helpful and efficient.

I love how all the processes have been designed to focus on enhancing customer experience, making it super easy to say to the customer, “Sure, can do!”

What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?

My most memorable event to date was in Hamburg, Germany. I visited the local Christmas market after the event; not many tourists visit that part of the city. It was truly a magical and fairytale experience!

Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?

I never go abroad without my own peppermint teabags, melatonin, Epsom salt, and hydration face masque.

What’s the one must-have for every event?

I always try my best to add something fun and memorable for the attendees at every event, wherever possible. Simple things like playing upbeat music during welcome dinner, taking a big group photo, or going somewhere fun for the off-site dinner.

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?

I love how all the processes have been designed to focus on enhancing customer experience, making it super easy to say to the customer, “Sure, can do!”

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?

I think it’s super important to spend some time getting to know the people I work with every day, especially colleagues who do not usually travel to events. It’s a lot easier to ask for favours when you know them personally.

What do you do for fun?

I love going to watch stand-up comedy – just never ever sit in the front row!!!

Tell us a little about your background.

I am Chinese with Taiwanese and Hong Kong heritage, grew up in Marylebone, London (before it was hip), and moved to Hong Kong after I got married.

Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?

Definitely go visit Marylebone High Street in London; then go feed the ducks in The Regent’s Park and take a selfie outside 221B Bakers Street.

To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com.