I've been gleefully swamped with the planning of a large annual conference but have my 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. time block free to think about how best to prepare for 2014. Because I LOVE to share my thoughts with friends and followers, here are some ideas to get your planning and organization juices flowing!
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1. Ensure you have a Risk Management Plan in place! If you do already, it's time to review and update if necessary. --> http://www.ises.com/docs/2. Is your organization ready to invest in a Strategic Meetings Management Program? It will save your company money in the long run. Make a case, get leadership buy-in, and slowly begin implementing processes across the organization. --> http://www.corbinball.com/
3. Revisit team mission, structure, goals and roles. Has leadership charged your meetings and/or events team with a mission to increase buzz by creating a new social media or virtual events strategy? Is there a team member ready to manage larger events on their own? Now is the time to take inventory and make changes. The most successful organizations evolve and don't allow their structures to remain stagnant.
4. Get organized, save money! Prepare for the upcoming year by doing some much needed Fall/Winter cleaning. Archive old binders, clean out files, back up and secure data, take inventory and replenish supplies. If you're tired of spending ridiculous amounts of money at hotels for small items such as easels and power strips, budget for and purchase them in bulk. Now is the time to take advantage of holiday sales at places like Staples and Office Depot. (Use those corporate account discounts!!)
5. Schedule a vacation immediately because in a month or two, you'll need it :) For many event planners and managers, the start of 2014 signals all work and no play...so for now, enjoy any free moments, treasure the holidays, and store up that energy for a new year!
