Swiss Tech Convention Center, Thursday 7th May 2015

Content is king: how to develop fresh agendas in-house

Giovanna Lucherini

V.P. Education and President-elect

#ACIE15

#ACIE15

Meeting Professionals International is the premier global association community for meeting and event professionals: MPI was founded in 1972 and has more than 18,500 members, representing 71 countries, from 70 clubs & chapters. MPI issues international certifications according to international quality standards provided by the CIC (Convention Industry Council) in planning, organizing, managing measuring events and conventions, providing contents and innovative communication, marketing and education formats. MPI Italia Chapter is the first chapter born in Europe in 1991 and has more than 130 members (planners and suppliers). It is today the only Italian association in the meeting & event industry authorized by the Ministry of the Economic Development to certify the professionals of the sector and to release to its members quality certifications.

www.mpiweb.org

www.mpiweb.it

#ACIE15 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeyNb7Nft9o

President President elect

Immediate Past President V.P. Communication

V.P. Education V.P. Finance

V.P. Fundraising & Parternships V.P. Membership & Membercare

Secretary Manager

www.mpiweb.it

(requested by MPI Global – valid from July to June) must include at least: - 4 education sessions - 1 annual convention

- 2 international seminars - 8 national seminars - 1 webinar - 1 annual convention

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Connect with MPI: events to network, engage and connect with MPI and fellow MPI members and

guests

Inspire with MPI:

events that are designed to motivate, stimulate and inspire

Learn with MPI: events focused on learning, education and growing your

career

Meet with MPI: events targeted,

smaller in size with a strong interactive

component

Experience with MPI unique events that are

distinctive and innovative

Thanks to MPI Greater Calgary Chapter for the creation of the logos

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• Research of local sponsors (venue, other suppliers etc.) • Involve new stakeholders (not only belonging to the Meeting &

Events industry) and the local press • Propose local speakers to build a fresh and updated education

program (1/2 day sessions) • Invite professionals for their case histories & best practices • Improve CSR by alerting the Chapter board about potential

patronages & partnerships for the support of some local initiatives (i.e. The Movie Charity Party in Venice, Hotel 6 stars for Corporate Social Innovation in Rome)

A recruiting campaign “B-Active for your Chapter!” helped us to get an effective local support (in different regions + main towns) to:

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We have launched a special discount (from € 50 up to € 100 off for planners and suppliers) for new members only attending our education sessions, the national and international trade shows as part of MPI Italia hosted buyer groups or our 2-days annual convention.

Feedback is a MUST-have! We are working to improve our evaluation form to be easier and interactive, for an immediate feeback on speaker(s), venue, food and ROI.

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• Online and paper surveys (with some topics to be chosen) • Polls on LinkedIN group + Facebook pages • Phone calls to members to investigate on main topics to be included in the

education calendar (they often complains but not contribute!)

• Open to other professionals and industries for inspiration, new visions a and ideas, exchanging programs and visibility • Be part of the education program - with seminars and round tables - during

some national and international trade shows • Start to work and promote the national professional certifications

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#ACIE15

Work with other professionals from different associations and industries

Be part of LinkedIN groups or other social discussions (be-active with Q&A!) and subscribe for different newsletters (national and international associations, competitors, universities, marketing, social media, advertising etc.)

Attend webinars and live events

Save the best articles and discussions, then create a list of the best topics to submit to your team

Pick-up from the past years agendas all the topics which were not developed (the presidents and their teams were made from different “minds” and “visions”!) and eventually refresh them for your new calendar

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Ask for a concrete involvement in the education / organizing team any of your sponsors + partners + speakers + students + young professionals: they will be honored and happy to help and suggest for new topics/ideas and visions (they will later engage their audience to attend!) The working team needs to be made of few professionals / members / non-members (possibly with different job/life experiences / age) It has to be clear if the “job” is on a volunteer base (with eventual barter agreements) or paid.

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Create a year in advance your monthly calendar / agenda with a short description of the event (i.e. B2b, networking, coaching, ½ day seminar, full day workshop etc.)

Balance different levels of education (base - advanced etc. = members and non-members always need a continuing professional education)

Be out of the box (sometimes !): dare with innovative concepts, new learning methods and formats but be ready for any reactions / comments

Include case histories and best practices

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CSR and sustainability: attention to these topics are strongly are suggested. Be clear with all the fiscal info: free of charge fee (usually members and sponsors), full or discounted fee, VAT (included / excluded), invoice or receipt etc. Promote and advertise the calendar with the right tools and supports (press release, social media, dedicated newsletter etc.), with the “Save the date” key words Last but not least: formulate focused questions in the post-event evaluations forms to improve the contents of your next event /seminars.

www.youritalianplannersblog.com g.lucherini@youritalianplanners.com

@lucherinig

Giovanna Lucherini V.P. Education and President-elect

Thank you !

General Manager & CEO

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