1. Best Practices Marty MacKay Douglas Kahler

2. Communication is Key! Bring us in at the very beginning, even if you don’t have much information. Share all you can with us about the client.

3. Communication is Key! Let us help you sell the destination; always include us in the planning for the sites.

4. Communication is Key! Especially internationally as we can advise on Congress dates that might affect availability, etc. Use us to help educate on cultural differences when planning.

5. Communication is Key! Introduce us to the program leads (TD) sooner, that way they can be comfortable with all the plans before they get on site. Let us be part of all the logistical planning; use our expertise.

6. Collaboration at the outset is even more vital to ensure relevance the first time! Collaborate Early and Often!

7. Counsel your customer on Action vs. Progress. Collaborate Early and Often!

8. Schedule a joint conference call with DMC & customer. Share your customer’s previous experiences / likes / dislikes. Ask direct questions and share the answers on budget / priorities /expectations. Collaborate Early and Often!

9. Avoid proposing elements requiring extensive research and customization. Ask us what’s hot! Collaborate Early and Often!

10. Trend Watch Erica Hussey Mark Wells

11. "Destination Immersion” Events Flipping the off-site experience Unexpected twists in traditional venues, warehouse transformations, festival themes and block parties

12. "Destination Immersion” Events Flipping the off-site experience Unexpected twists in traditional venues, warehouse transformations, festival themes and block parties

13. How We Stay Ahead of Trends Blog reading and internet research

14. How We Stay Ahead of Trends Network with top décor producers to see what is new

15. Paying attention to “what’s hot” in pop culture Movies, music, awards shows How We Stay Ahead of Trends

16. Creating the trends is the way to ensure we are ahead of them! How We Stay Ahead of Trends

17. “ARE THEMES BACK?” Yes! We create Themed Immersion! To connect with the Theme in today’s environment, Guests want to attend a Story they can tell others.

18. Guests want to experience something that their friends have not…

20. Guests want to be part of the collective story…

22. Social Networking extends the event!

23. Guests want to have their perspective changed and to be inspired…

26. Does your dog bite?

27. Q & A