Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc

Mobile Attendee Management ~ Death of the Binder!

2014-06-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

I just returned back to my office a few weeks ago from attending a major tradeshow for event planners; this was my first time at the event so I was prepared, extra bag to pack materials I received and any other items the conference was supplying.

The week before we were sent an email to download the mobile event app and we were told when it would go live. Now as a planner I have managed them for my client but this was the first time using as an attendee. It was great! Within the event app I had my scheduled, map, speaker information and social media feeds at my finger tips and to top it off I did not have to take one piece of paper; all I had to do was scan the suppliers barcode and presto I had access to their information.

Well; over the past few months I have been discussing the benefits of Mobile apps and how they can increase efficiency, productivity as well as improve the overall bottom line.

That is where Mobile Attendee Management comes into play! By getting rid of heavy three ring binders and folders crammed with all of your event information. By using Active Network’s mobile event app your attendees can now can easily access all event information from your mobile device or tablet and your make quick updates wherever and whenever you need to. You can also easily handle registration and session check-ins

Embracing mobile event apps will not only allow you get relevant real time information to attendees, but it will also allow you save money by not having to print and ship materials to your destinations, allowing the event manager to make changes to materials quickly and efficiently without having to reprint materials. Also this helps build a reputation of implementing green practices and protocols.

Mobile Attendee Management:

Environmentally friendly - not only are you saving trees, but less paper is less pollution
Saves space – reduce storage for collateral
Easy access – can be accessed from anywhere
Reduces Cost of Printing & Shipping of materials
Reduces Stress – you no longer have to worry about possible shipping delays or last minute edits to materials

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

What I’m Reading

2014-05-27T23:44:00.001-04:00

Yes; I know this is my business blog; however if it was not for God and all that he has seen me through; there would be no business.

So take a look at what I've been reading to keep me going!

I’m been out of the reading circuit for a while. But when I got back in I went full tilt. The book that I am currently reading is by Beth Moore it is titled: Jesus: 90 Days With The One And Only. The book is apart of the personal reflections series that she did a few years back and to be honest I have had the book for about three years.

But will all that is going in my life personally and professionally I knew it was time to get my spiritual being grounded and centered.

I want to be ready for all the success that is coming my way, so I’m preparing and enjoy the process while I do!

Favorite Social Media Platform

2014-05-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

My Favorite social media platform without a doubt has to be FACEBOOK!!

Facebook has allowed me to reach more potential clients and convert them to paying clients versus any other platform to date.

It’s like a secondary portfolio for Ellegant Affairs by Juanita and my clients, friends and family love the updates and to see what I’m doing.

But these social medial platforms below have been very key to my business success as well.

Twitter: EllegantAffairs

Instagram: EllegantAffairs

So follow us to stay in the know!!

Toot Toot!

2014-05-25T23:08:00.000-04:00

When you most people start to discuss themselves and their accomplishments people tend to think that they are egoistical and self-centered. Well I beg to differ; if you don’t toot your horn and promote your talents how else are your current and prospective clients going to know what you can offer them in solving an issue that they have.

There are many things that I love about myself personally and professionally. But today I am going to talk about the one trait that is truly prevalent in both arenas and that is: My innate attention to detail.

Yes I take attention to detail to levels and heights unknown. In my world there are just things that my family, friends and even clients never have to worry about. When I say I have it, I have it. No (t) will go uncrossed and no (i) will be left undotted. My overall mission is to allow you to do what you do whether that is run your company, encourage your department, or enjoy your event; the minute details are my job not yours.

So the next time you need the details managed call me; and let me worry about the small details so you can focus on the BIG PICTURE.

Give Me What I Asked For & How I Asked For It!

2014-05-20T18:09:00.000-04:00

Being an event planner, designer & manager for the past twenty years you come to realize all the small details that come together to make an event a successful one. Over the years technology has made a lot of our day to day easier; but it has also made it harder.

How you say? People have become lazy and complacent and no longer pay attention to the minute details that are needed to make the process smoother.

Which leads into my main pet peeve within my industry: Suppliers not paying attention to what is sent to them.

Scenario: I have just landed a new client; I am now sourcing for a venue and other items for their event. I create a detailed RFP (Request for Proposal) with every possible thing the client may need and finally how to contact me. I’m specific with my contact instructions; “after your review of the proposal should you have any questions or would like to set a time to speak please email me at (email address)”. That should be it right; wrong! Within hours of hitting the submit button I am receiving phone calls left and right saying they received my proposal and would like to speak with me regarding my needs. After speaking with a salesperson I realize that they have never read the event specifications that I have sent them.

Most suppliers don’t realize that I just mark you off my list and keep it moving; because if you can’t be bothered to follow details prior to an event; I am not convinced that you will follow them during my client’s event and that is not a chance I’m willing to take.

I sent a request to your company because my client was interested in utilizing your services; so help me help you, please, please, please give me what I asked for and how I asked for it!!!

The Best Advice I Ever Received

2014-05-19T18:18:00.002-04:00

Top 5 Essentials for Long Flights

2014-05-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

For my road warriors; this one is for you!

As an event planner I am constantly traveling across the United States and the globe as a matter of thought and for those long flights (LA, Hawaii, Canada, Madrid) there are just some things that you will need to have in your arsenal to make your flight comfortable and enjoyable.

Surviving long hours of travel requires a few aides. Like the ones listed below. (Alcohol & Valium not listed – nor recommended, if you can avoid them!)

Noise-canceling headphones drown out crying babies & loud passengers. These also can be charged via USB, have tangle-resistant cords, and come with their own carrying case.
A luxurious travel blanket that gives your economy seat a touch of first class. Tip – do not use the airline-provided blankets unless it comes packaged in plastic. They are the germ magnets and will put a dent in your trip very quickly.
Kindle - perfect when the movie selections are less than stellar.
A portable charger; my personal preference is the Energizer® XP4000; It was my lifesaver in Madrid. To be honest, it should be a permanent fixture in every work bag and purse.
Snacks; airplane food is well blah, bringing snacks are essential especially if your have food allergies or need to eat a specified times. Tip – Eat a hearty meal either before you get to the airport or after; and purchase a bottle of water after you clear the security check point. No caffeine or alcohol while traveling. In-flight hangovers are drastically worse than those on the ground.

So what item must YOU take with you on a long flight? Share below.

What Motivates & Inspires You?

2014-05-17T16:38:00.000-04:00

As an entrepreneur there are many things that motivate and keep me going in regards to my business, my social connections and my personal life.

No matter who you are you are motivated by something; if you are a business owner you were motivated by a speech a colleague or mentor gave in regards to growing your business or you were given a thought on the next conference you would like to plan for your stakeholders or existing clients.

On a personal level you were given motivation and inspiration to plan a dinner party or a special outing; or to take a thought to the next level. Motivation and inspiration happens in all aspects of life.

Below are just a few quotes that motivate and inspire me to take my dreams to the next level:

Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.
Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. –Napoleon Hill
We become what we think about. –Earl Nightingale
The mind is everything. What you think you become. –Buddha
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me. –Erma Bombeck
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work – Thomas Edison

So what quotes motivate and inspire you? Share below!! Until tomorrow!

Five Things Every Woman Entrepreneur Needs To Know

2014-05-17T00:24:00.000-04:00

Being a woman entrepreneur there are some things that I have learned in the 20 years of being in business.

There may never be a right time ~ You may be waiting for the "perfect" time to start your business, but the truth is, it probably doesn't exist. The economy might be crap. You're too young, too old or your children are too young or too old. You'll make it work.
You can ask for help ~ Use your friends and family as much as you can, for support, babysitting, feedback. You don't have to do it alone, and really, you aren't supposed to. It’s not a weakness to ask for help, it's a strength.
Your online presence is your storefront ~ You can’t just have a strong website. You have to be active on Twitter, have Facebook pages, video content and online communities of client feedback. Branding is carried out through a multitude of platforms beyond business cards and logos to social networking profiles and hashtags. Remember every channel is an opportunity to make an impression on someone.
It will be 1000 times harder than you already think ~ There will always be challenges, but they are meant to be hurdles, not barriers. You need to pick yourself up and carry on when you get a knock back. You get tougher. Your skin gets thicker.
Be fearless ~ It takes guts and determination to be about this life, but the payoff is worth the risk.

We need more women putting their passions and dreams on the line. Job creation is a dire need in the current economy, and women have great potential to help turn things around.

The Woman Behind The Business

2014-05-15T21:55:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago; I was sitting and contemplating about how to bring excitement and great content back to my blog and saw a post regarding a blogging challenge for entrepreneurs. So I signed up!

Just Blog It 30-Day Challenge for Entrepreneurs starts today and I can’t wait to share new and exciting content with all of you over the next 30 days and beyond.

So today we are going to discuss yours truly.

My name is Juanita Gaynor, born and in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Boston, MA I moved to Atlanta about 5 and a half years ago. I started my event planning career at the age of 14. I was modeling at the time and was frustrated at the delays and the disorganization of the process. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, I set a meeting with the organizer and said to them, “I can plan this where you can get the most for your money and be on budget and on time.” And the rest is history.

I was 20-years-old, when I founded Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc., my goal was to help people visualize their dream events, and then assist them in seeing that event come to fruition. For me, establishing my business was about taking creativity to a new level and challenging the status quo of what an event should be.

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita; which is a full service special event and meeting management company that designs innovative event solutions for small to large businesses, associations, community benefit and non-profit organizations. EABJ organizes all the logistics that go into planning an event; from start to finish we will work with you to create an event that is truly reflective of your style and personality. EABJ also offer wedding planning and design services; no event is too small or too large! Allow us to show you how “Ellegance” & Efficiency meet so that you can focus on the “Big” picture instead of the “Small” details.

Here are some quick facts about me:

I love music (singing, listening, etc.) ~ It keeps me balanced
I love to cook
I’m actually a home body and very kept to myself
I have a strong IT and Accounting background.

I could go on forever, but you will learn more about me, my businesses and the things that make this all come together over the next 30 days. Hope you join me for the ride!

The 2014 #StilettoThrive Conference is a necessity for those brave enough to build a legacy.

2014-05-09T10:06:00.005-04:00

You have just 24-hours.

Meet a dozen speakers.

Just a few bucks for a day of powerful connections.

#StilettoThrive http://is.gd/E4sAqA

Mobile Event Apps are here to Stay!!

2014-04-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mobile apps are not simply attractive tools to make a meeting or conference seem forward-thinking, but are real value enhancers that attendees are becoming more accustomed to using because they are using apps in their daily lives. So when you are considering whether or not an app is the right fit for you, don't be afraid to think outside of the industry for examples and confirmation of their benefit.

How many apps do you have loaded on your phone? How do they make your life easier and what features do you see in consumer apps that might translate to an event app?

Mobile technology allows event organizers not only to push information out to attendees, but also to listen to attendees to help them craft their programs on the front end, as well as make adjustments during the event to provide more value.

If you are still wondering about how to use mobile event apps for your event; here are a few tips from Active Network’s case study 20 Ways to Use a Mobile App for Events: Before, During & After ~ to help you to started:

Using mobile event apps before your event:

Encourage attendees to view session and speaker information online.
Promote the mobile event app often and early to encourage downloads and access.

Read more

And during the event:

Easily provide information in the palm of their hand – sessions, speakers, maps, personalized schedules, etc.
Push real-time updates and announcements, e.g. changes in schedule, news, bus schedules, etc.

Read more

Then after the event:

Post presentations, Q&A transcripts and other content from sessions.
Load ad more video snippets from sessions – or “behind the scenes” speaker interviews.

Read more

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

Let Madrid Host Your Next Meeting!

2014-04-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Madridwill host in September the World Congress of Psychiatry, the ESMO Congress of medical oncologist and in October they will host the HUPO congress on biology & disease.

Located in the middle of Spain, beautiful Madrid is the capital and largest city in the country. The city's geographic location denotes its central role in Spanish politics, economy and culture, as it serves as the residence of the Spanish monarch, the richest region in Spain, and the home to many of the country's – and Europe's – top museums and attractions. With over seven million residents in the metropolitan area, it is also the 3rd largest city by population in the European Union, after London and Berlin.

Madrid is a world-class meeting destination. It comes as no surprise that the city hosts more than 4,000 conventions and meetings each year and attracts over 700,000 business visitors annually. After all, it boasts nearly 80,000 hotel rooms, more than five convention centers and expo facilities, and a never-ending list of cultural attractions. Plus, Madrid is home to the offices of 90 percent of the major companies operating in Spain, making it the obvious choice for showcasing products and services.

Visitors discover that Madrid is full of green spaces and parkland. Take a walk through the romantic and whimsical El Capricho Park, the former artistic retreat for 18th century cultural icons. Enjoy the fragrant blooms of Royal Botanical Garden, home to more than 30,000 plants and flowers and 1,500 trees. Or spend a day exploring the city's largest park, Casa de Campo. However if your attendees are more into the Arts the Art Walk Madrid will work wonders for them. During this stretch of just over one kilometer you will find the Prado; one of the world's finest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia, as well as a number of other institutions that will peak their interests.

Of course at the end of the day, there's no better way to make memories in Madrid than by soaking in its dining and nightlife scene. Snack on tapas, the traditional small plates of Spain, at taverns and bars such as Taberna de Antonio Sánchez or Baco y Beto. Or, enjoy classic favorites such as cocido, a hearty stew, and callos, or tripe, at restaurants such as La Gran Tasca and Restaurante Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world. After dinner, hit the streets of Grand Vía, which comes to life at night with bars, clubs and entertainment venues.

So when you need world class destination for your event, meeting or congress, Madrid is the place. For more information on Madrid and other available activities, please visit: http://www.spain.info

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

Smartphones for $200…Alex!!

2014-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Wondering how you can begin the process of incorporating mobile event app for your next event? Active Networks Mobile Playbook guide is a great resource to get you started on the right path.

I’m guilty, I can’t live without my cellphone!! I have driving all the way back home for a forgotten cell phone. You can have everything else just leave my cellphone and all will be well with the universe. As a planner my primary focus is to help my clients to create and valuable and lasting experience and my mobile is critical in helping with that.

It made me aware of how much we have come to rely on mobile technology. It’s convenient and you can have everything that you need in the palm of your hand. Just a few days ago; I went to a venue’s open house and I did not have a clue on how to get there, I just pulled up my calendar on my phone, pulled up the address and plugged it into navigation and I was on my way. The open house was a success and it fit the needs of my client well; so from my cell phone I was able to send all the information to my client while traveling to another meeting and approving invoices.

With so many people relying on mobile technology and the increased offerings that are available, it is not a surprise that an increasing number of meeting planners are developing mobile applications for their events.

If you are still wondering about how mobile event apps can benefit your event, here are 10 key benefits of mobile apps from Active Network to help you to started:

Engagement. Increases engagement for attendees with the event and each other.
Experience. Enriches the overall experience for attendees.
Reports. Increases session evaluations and event survey return rates.
Communication. Improves communication and interaction with attendees.
Results. Attendees see tangible outputs from attending – content, contacts, etc.
Cost Savings. Reduced cost from eliminating or minimizing event guide printing.
Green. Environmentally friendly content delivery.
Real Time Updates. Allows for real-time updates to schedules, exhibitor listings, etc.
Immediate Action. Real-time reporting for onsite corrections/post-event decisions.
Continued Engagement.Persistent engagement with attendees year-round.

To get more information on how mobile apps can work for your event; go to ACTIVE Network Business Solutions’ website, today and download the entire Mobile Playbook for free.

Juanita E. Gaynor

http://i-meet.com/jegaynor

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita http://www.ellegantaffairs.com

eRFP to the Rescue ~ Hotel & Venue Sourcing made Easy

2014-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

eRFP, what is that??? If you have been in the meeting and event planning industry for longer than 10 years, you remember how we used to source and track RFP’s when we were looking to set up an event. Are you still using Email and Excel spreadsheets to send and managing your event RFP’s? Well if you are it’s time to move into the new way to search and source your venues.

eRFP to the Rescue!!! ACTIVE Network and i-Meet conducted a survey of event planners to get a feel on the frustrations that your fellow planners have when trying to set up an event; and the results have been complied and published in an article titled “What RFP’s Mean to SMBs: Turning Headaches into Solutions for Planners”.

As a planner like to handle all the aspects of setting up and managing an event for my client, but the having to work through various tools, is complicated, time consuming and draining. So your question is “Does such a tool exist?” Why yes it does; Active Regonline’s has completely overhauled and redesigned their software adding a robust and expansive Hotel & Venue search feature to it; now you can search, review and source a venue in one location without having to leave the event portal. Active RegOnline has created a datasheet on Hotel & Venue Sourcing; it’s a quick cheat sheet on how you can use the feature.

The Hotel & Venue Sourcing tools offers the following:

A single location to source and track your eRFP’s

An easy to use eRFP Wizard

Access to ACTIVE Network’s Global network that includes expansive hotel & venue locations in more than 200 countries.

Free specialist support for planners who want and/or need assistance during the planning process

Want to see what all the talk is about; visit ACTIVE RegOnline and try it out for yourself for free! This web-based application has no set up costs, no software to install, and no contracts to sign. With RegOnline your event will be up and running in no-time!

RegOnline offers best-in-class Online Event Registration Software and Event Management Software. Turn your next conference, meeting or trade show into a huge success. Event management software includes online registration forms, event websites, badges, event marketing, credit card processing and so much more.

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

i-Meet.com is the worldwide business community for people who plan meetings and events. With over 111,000 members in 175 countries, i-Meet brings professional networking, online marketing, and social tools to create awareness and a voice for the industry.

I’ve Been There is a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Active Network, The New ACTIVE RegOnlineTM is Here!

Innovation In Motion ~ The new and enhanced features of ACTIVE RegOnline

2014-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

In July of 2013 at the Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas ACTIVE Network introduce the new and revised version of ACTIVE RegOnline. Even though I saw the press release and heard about it I did not immediately look into, due to past experiences with the product.

A few weeks ago I was given access to the newly revised RegOnline Event Management Software and I have fallen completely in love with the new interface. If you like me I know what you are thinking, “I have used this before and was an epic fail for me”. Well, I had the same mindset so when I was asked to look it over, I had my reservations, but you will definitely want to look at this tool from a fresh perspective.

ACTIVE RegOnline has completely overhauled and redesigned their product, and I absolutely love it! The dashboard screen has been simplified. The functions are streamlined and centralized in a single location and if you have used the software previously, you will notice dramatic changes, also they have added a hotel and venue search feature. The changes make the application user friendly, effective and efficient. Below are the features that I am most excited about:

Dashboard: with one click you can get the details your event. It gives you the number of registrants, event statistics, revenue, and a variety of ways to promote your event in one location.
Social Function: allows attendees to promote the event to their connections through Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn.
Hotel and Venue Search: (NEW FEATURE). Documents can be uploaded before sending RFP to hotels. Searches can be refined by meeting requirements, “must have” amenities, star rating or vendor type. Other tools are so complicated and with the functionality in embedded within the software I would use to register attendees and promote the event is priceless. It not only saves me time and money but it says my clients as well.
The Analyzing Tool: (The accountant in me LOVES this feature) With a few mouse clicks it give you all the information you will need for you to effectively manage and track your event; attendees report, financial reports, rooming list, lodging and travel selections.
eRFP: A wizard that makes it easy to create and submit RFPs
Customer Support: Free specialist support for planners who want and/or need assistance during the planning process

I am enjoying this process and I look forward to sharing my journey with the new ACTIVE RegOnline. Over the next few months I will give you reviews and insights on the product so that you too can experience the new way to plan & promote your next event.

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)
President & CEO
Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

i-Meet.com is the worldwide business community for people who plan meetings and events. With over 111,000 members in 175 countries, i-Meet brings professional networking, online marketing, and social tools to create awareness and a voice for the industry.

I’ve Been There is a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Active Network, The New ACTIVE RegOnlineTM is Here!

Small Business. Big Game

2013-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

There are 167 million Big Game viewers.

And they'll all be watching Ellegant Affairs by Juanita's commercial on the 2014 Big Game.

How are we going to get an ad on the Big Game, you ask? Easy, with your help, we are going to win it from Intuit.

Intuit is giving a small business a TV commercial on the Big Game. I want that ad to belong to Ellegant Affairs by Juanita. You can help make it happen.

Just click here to vote for Ellegant Affairs http://intuit.me/1a0f8oN.

Thanks. (keep your fingers crossed for me)

Cider Cellar Rules! A new Dimension on Team Building!

2013-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Team-building exercises can be a powerful way to unite a group, develop strengths, and address weaknesses – but only if the exercises are planned and carried out strategically. In other words, there has to be a real purpose behind your decision to do the exercise – for example, improving the team's problem-solving or creativity skills – rather than because you felt like giving your people a nice day out of the office.

Are you looking for a way to start or end a meeting for you top level executives that bring a sense of unity and comradery then the Petritegi Cider Cellar is the place for you.

Petritegi is located in the village of Astigarraga, in the heart of Basque cider country.

Our cider farm is the result of a cider making tradition at the Petritegi farmhouse, which dates back to before 1558.

Today, the Petritegi cider farm offers you an ideal location to enjoy Sagardoa (natural cider): They are located in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by apple orchards, only three (3) miles from San Sebastián; they have a number of comfortable, attractive dining rooms in which they offer a cuisine that suits the characteristics of Sagardoa (traditional menu which includes delights such as : Red sausage braised in cider, codfish omelette, codfish with peppers, T-bone steak, local cheese, quince jelly and walnuts, Almond pastries from Tolosa); their large cider hall has more than 40 barrels and is open all year round. They have more than 70 years of experience of serving their customers. The family style setting and the lively atmosphere make way for sharing and great conversation.

If you would like to surprise your clients with a unique dining experience, Petritegi offers you the cider "tour" all year round. To learn more about the Petritegi or to schedule a tour; visit their website at http://www.petritegi.com/en.

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

i-Meet.com is the worldwide business community for people who plan meetings and events. With over 108,000 members in 175 countries, i-Meet brings professional networking, online marketing, and social tools to create awareness and a voice for the industry.

I’ve Been There is a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Tourist Office of Spain – Chicago - One of 33 worldwide offices of TURESPAÑA, Spain’s government tourism promotion authority based in Madrid, TOS in Chicago is the branch office in the USA responsible for marketing the business, incentive and meeting tourism product. TOS Chicago acts as a liaison between suppliers and DMC’s in Spain and the buyer/planner in the USA.

Pagos de Leza Winery - The Marriage of Tradition and Modern Technology

2013-08-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

Pagos de Leza, more than just a winery ... tradition, represented by the fourth generation of a wine family; wine tourism, with its pairing trends: cuisine, wine, tourism and history; innovation with the development of our Micro-Elaborations, quality winemaking resulting in a high range of wines under our Signature Name; and respect and recovery of the environment, through the planting of native trees.

Pagos de Leza is a winery that was born under the watchful eye of the Sierra de Cantabria, a silent mountain range with its peaks and forest slopes; it has served as the backdrop for several novels by Pío Baroja.

From this amphitheater of mountains you can contemplate our land in detail, as it acts as a natural viewpoint. And we have in it a great ally, because it shelters our vineyards from the cold north winds which favor the maturation of our grapes. Pagos de Leza has a stepped architecture reminiscent of the Sierra silhouette and of the Carasoles, types of sloping vineyard which face south-southwest.

The surrounding areas of our winery are a treasure for the visitor: Dolmens, Chapels, a prehistoric settlement and medieval villages await.

Thus creating a space to enjoy, learn and participate in many activities related to the world of wine, culture and tourism. To learn more about the winery, possible tours or holding your nest evet there visit there website at: http://www.pagosdeleza.com or visit the Rioja Alavesa Wine Route at: http://www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com/en/

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

I’ve Been Thereis a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Bilbao - A New Place to Meet

2013-07-29T17:11:00.000-04:00

Bilbao is the poster child for European city regeneration, thanks to the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Bilbao museum, which opened and was inaugurated on October 18, 1997 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain; single-handedly put this Basque settlement of 350,000 souls firmly back on the travel agenda. The striking museum has been the catalyst for improvements in Bilbao event venues and hotels, with the result that tourism numbers jumped from 25,000 in 1996 to 700,000 today. Bilbao remains the Basque Country's principal industrial center. New developments such as its Abandoibarra and Zorrozaurre areas are continuing to energize Bilbao.

The main travel portal, Bilbao Airport (BIO) had a Santiago Calatrava-designed terminal opened in 2010 and is now seeing more than four million passengers per year. It is six miles north of the city center and has service from all over Spain, as well as the rest of Europe.

Chief among convention venues, Bilbao Exhibition Center, which is in the nearby town of Barakaldo, has 2,702,330 square feet of space in six exhibition pavilions, as well as a shopping mall, two hotels, an 180,000-square-foot conference center, a 415,000-square-foot atrium and the Bizkaia Arena with 18,000 seats.

The meetings-ready hotel at the convention center is the 203-room Novotel Bilbao Exhibition Center, which has eight meeting spaces of its own. Hotel venues in Bilbao central are the 172-room Melia Bilbao, which has five meeting spaces, the largest able to host up to 300 persons; the stylish, 64-room Petit Palace Arana Bilbao, which has one meeting space for up to 50 persons; and the Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (which faces the Guggenheim and the Jeff Koons' artwork Puppy) is trendy and has a stunning atrium for events; is the first five-star and flagship of Silken Hotels. The GHDB expresses a contemporary concept that avoids ostentation and promotes fun. There are 145 rooms offering the maximum possible comfort and a decor created to reflect the history of the finest Interior design. It has a versatile big space which can accommodate 500 people or 20, through which passes from a transparent surface to establish small intimate spaces, through a sophisticated system of partitions.

Unique function spaces in the city include the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, which has a 2,164-seat auditorium, 61-seat theater, a gallery, an exhibition hall and 12 meeting rooms; Alhondiga Bilbao, an events space in a former, 1909 wine warehouse, which has been co-designed by Philippe Starck, opened in 2010 and contains a cinema, library, auditorium and a restaurant, among other spaces; Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, which is a fine art museum with the Chillida Hall for 450 persons, a 206-seat auditorium and Mongrovejo Hall for 120, among other spaces; the 1890 opera house Teatro Arriaga Antzokia, which has a main theater for 1,206 persons, a foyer for 250, a main hall also for 250 and two meeting rooms; and the Museo de Pasos de Semana Santa de Bilbao, which chronicles the history of Easter celebrations in the city, is in another old wine warehouse and has gallery space and a mezzanine for events.

The Basque Country is famed for its cuisine, perhaps most notably tapas, or as it is called in this region, pintxos. It is quite hard to go wrong food-wise here. Great restaurants for pintxos choices include Atea and El Huevo Frito, or The Fried Egg. Other notable establishments include Aizian, inventive Bascook and equally inventive, stylishly designed Extanobe.

So when you are looking for a change in pace and seeking something unique for your meeting or congress, Bilbao is the place. For more information on Bilbao or Basque Country, please visit Bilbao Tourism or Basque Country Tourism

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

I’ve Been Thereis a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Meet In Madrid ~ Take your meetings to the next level!

2013-07-11T13:08:00.001-04:00

In Madrid, the present and future are built on the past. During Spain's Golden Age, Madrid's culture and arts flourished. This period in history introduced the city's breathtaking Baroque and neo-Classical architecture, inspiring Madrid's many artistic geniuses such as Picasso and Miró, as well as its literary heroes such as Cervantes and the "Father of Spanish Playwrights" Lope de Vega. Madrid also served as the home and inspiration to great American writer Ernest Hemingway.

Not only is Madrid an ideal city for pleasure and leisure travel, it's also a world-class meeting destination. It comes as no surprise that the city hosts more than 4,000 conventions and meetings each year and attracts over 700,000 business visitors annually. After all, it boasts nearly 80,000 hotel rooms, more than five convention centers and expo facilities, and a never-ending list of cultural attractions. Plus, Madrid is home to the offices of 90 percent of the major companies operating in Spain, making it the obvious choice for showcasing products and services.

Also benefiting event organizers and business travelers in Madrid is the easily-accessible Madrid-Barajas Airport. Located just 12 kilometers northwest of central Madrid, it was voted Best Airport in the 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Reader Awards, thanks in part to its recently expanded terminal space and top-notch customer amenities. Madrid-Barajas offers service to hundreds of domestic, European and international destinations and handles the majority of Spain's transatlantic flights.

Upon arrival, guests need not travel far to find some of Madrid's largest and most impressive event facilities. Just five minutes from the airport, the sleek, avant-garde Municipal Convention Centre offers 30,000 square meters of space for conventions, tradeshows, presentations and more. Meanwhile, in the heart of Madrid's Casa de Campo Park, El Recinto Ferial spans over 70,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Additionally, the Palacio de Congresos de Madrid welcomes up to 2,000 guests from a convenient location that's within walking distance of over 10,000 hotel rooms.

Always on the cutting edge, the city of Madrid has plans to expand its inventory of convention facilities with the opening of the International Convention Centre in 2011. Located in the new financial and business area, it will be the largest meeting venue in the country at over 70,000 square meters. Fitting of such a ground-breaking facility, the International Convention Centre will be housed in a massive semicircle-shaped building, symbolizing that the sun never sets in Madrid.

Aside from its large-scale convention facilities, Madrid offers a wide range of unique meeting venues perfect for more intimate events and gatherings. The iconic Reina Sofia Museum is not only home a modern collection of such masterpieces as Picasso'sGuernica, but is also a fantastic venue for private events. With its 600-square-meter screen and room for up to 450 people, IMAX Madrid lends itself well to powerful presentations and seminars. Or, give guests a true taste of the city by treating them to dinner and a show at Corral de la Morería, a widely-known flamenco venue that's also listed in the New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

One of Europe's largest financial centers, Madrid is a major center for international business and finance. The city has also recently experienced major growth in the service sector, with the Madrid-Barajas Airport playing a key role in the economy. Madrid is also home to several public and private universities, including the Complutenese University of Madrid, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the Autonomous University of Madrid, one of the top-ranked public universities in Spain.

So when you need world class destination for your event, meeting or congress, Madrid is the place. For more information on Madrid and other available activities, please visit: http://www.spain.info

Juanita E. Gaynor (http://i-meet.com/jegaynor)

President & CEO

Ellegant Affairs by Juanita (http://www.ellegantaffairs.com)

I’ve Been Thereis a travel history and sharing application for planners and enthusiasts.

Shifts in the Meeting Industry ~ Are You Prepared!

2013-06-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

In the ever evolving meeting world, you always have to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in order to give your clients the best options for memorable and cost effective events. During the recession, meeting planners had to cope with limited resources and demanding stakeholder expectations.

I will explore the shifts in the industry and how we as event and project managers can still to create memorable events for our clients and their stakeholders!

So with that said the question of the day is: What are the shifts in the meeting industry?

Planners and project managers are facing tighter budgets, having to navigate the social media world and become more savvy and efficient in social media, and overall a tougher job for the planner as a whole in getting stakeholder buy in. Here are three items that will be critical to the industry as a whole.

Budgets

Even though there has been some substantial growth in some sectors, budgets will continue to stay tight in 2013, due to these restrictions planners will have to become more knowledgeable and efficient in Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP) development and implementation, having procurement department engagement in the meeting planning process (this can be a good overall; as we educate these departments the relationships can be less volatile and more proactive and productive.), shorter lead times, continued emphasis on cutting costs, possibly more local/regional meetings, unique venues.

Social Media Development

Social Media is here to stay, so it’s best to get onboard and provide your client which the best, not just promote their events/meetings, but also to engage participants before, during, and after an event.

Hotel & Airfare

Hotel and air rates are rising and they do not look like the y are slowing up, and we can expect both to find new and creative things to charge a fee for. Planners will have to work harder than ever to provide compelling reasons to pay increasing costs to attend. Hopefully leading to cutting edge and unique meetings and events that will compel the stakeholder to invest in the event and continue to attend for years to come.

This is the time to show; what we are made of! We have the skill, drive and the resources to do what we do best; PLAN! Remember no one ever plans to fail, but the fail to plan. You want to network and gain knowledge in the areas you may be struggling in then, AIBTM Chicago being held June 11-13 is for you to connect with many of the DMC’s and international suppliers to take you meetings and events to the next level. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.com for more details.

For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and of course on I-Meet.

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm

Get your passports ready!

2013-05-08T12:13:00.000-04:00

The business travel, meetings and events industry continues to evolve, and 2013 will likely reflect some significant shifts that will influence where, when and how we meet in the future.

Even though the economy has been sluggish for the industry 2013 looks promising. Overall spending on business trips is predicted to grow 5.1% in 2013 and Group travel also on increase by as much as 6%, as more will be attending conventions and industry events.

So where are the up and coming locations for business events? London, Shanghai and the Riviera Maya (Mexico) are likely to be top destinations for business meetings in their regions, according to the 2013 Global Meetings Forecast by American Express Meetings & Events. London should gain greater longer-term visibility by leveraging its Olympics legacy status to attract other major events and programs, starting this fall when Olympic Park will become available for private events. Other destinations that made the list include Las Vegas, Barcelona, Singapore and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Barcelona’s moderate winter climate and dedication to hospitality will always attract business travelers. And Singapore consistently appears as one of the top cities for international meetings, having a reputation for a high concentration of business and leisure activities. Other destinations on Business Travel Destinations’ watch list include (but are not limited to) Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, New York City and Thailand.

Destination management companies (DMC) have grown from the ranks of ground transportation into their reputations today for serving as destination event experts, known for their ability to create unique experiences at unique venues. With the volume of destination information today, many meeting planners expect this, but are also requiring greater involvement from the DMCs they hire.

Business meetings and events will contribute to the growth of travel industry jobs.
Travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, supporting 255 million jobs and generating 9% of the world’s GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel will to continue to expand annually between now and 2021.

Business travelers and meeting professionals will play a key role in that growth. In doing so the industry will gain greater recognition for its favorable economic impact on local communities and countries around the world.

AIBTM Chicago being held June 11-13 is for you to connect with many of the DMC’s and international suppliers to take you meetings and events to the next level. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.comfor more details.

Join me next month as we discuss ~ What are the shifts in the Meetings Industry!

For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and of course on I-Meet.

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm

One Stop Shop

2013-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Innovative Services in the Meetings Industry

It’s time for meeting planners to recognize that we as an industry have the power to unify to truly create an optimistic future. We touch every industry across the planet from associations to corporations and beyond, all organized groups build community through meetings and events. Now we must be the change we want to see, because if we do not create it and become it, who will?

With that being said let’s discuss what innovation is and how it can be harnessed to create effective and memorable meetings. Innovation is the development of new values through solutions that meet new requirements, inarticulate needs, or old customer and market needs in value adding new ways. This is accomplished through more effective products, processes, services, technologies, or ideas that are readily available to markets, governments, and society.

Long gone are the days where you have to several vendors for different aspects of your event. You now can go to one company to handle everything from your initial site visit to the breakdown of your event.

Freeman Company (http://www.freemanco.com), an Alliance Partner of AIBTM has been a leader in face-to-face marketing since 1927, they offer a full range of face-to-face marketing solutions from sound strategy to compelling creative ideas and, of course, constant innovation. Also, they can effectively and delicately take care of all of the details from exhibit design, rental and transportation, to audio visual and electrical services for your event, worldwide.

How is this innovative? It saves time, money and allows you to think more outside of the box, one contract, and one point of contact. It keeps consistency to your event and it gives your attendees a top notch experience that can be second to none.

What to see and experience the latest products and solutions that can take your event to the next level and beyond? Then AIBTM Chicago June 11-13 is for you. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.comfor more details.

Join me next month as we discuss International Travel!

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm

What do “Smart Meetings” mean to you?

2013-04-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

In the ever evolving meeting world, you always have to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in order to give your clients the best options for memorable and cost effective events. Over the next few months, I will explore these changes and how we as event and project managers use these tools to create memorable events!

So with that said the question of the day is: What do “smart meetings” mean to you? At first thought you might think of Going Green, being energy efficient, social media savvy and have the latest technology of apps for your event. Those things are great and when combined properly they can create a memorable event indeed. However, the definition is something that is a little different.

So what should a “Smart Meeting” mean to you? A Smart Meeting is a meeting streamlined for content retention; by stripping unnecessary information away and putting a laser focus on crucial elements that maximizes learning and engagement. By doing so you create engagement experiences and interactions that make an event more brain-friendly; and also allows for efficient follow-up to keep event messaging alive and actionable.

In order for you to create this type of learning environment and have a successful event you must be:

Specific - Your goal statement for your event should be a clear and specific statement of what you want to accomplish.

For Example ~ On the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM), About Us Page , they are very clear who and what they do and they overall focus of their event. You don’t have to guess who they serve and how they intend to serve them; by doing so they continually have successful events that continually grow yearly because they are laser focused in their goals.

Measurable - There is an old saying that says "what gets measured gets done."

Achievable - This means that the goal should be achievable. It doesn't mean easy, just that you can have a reasonable expectation of achieving it.

Relevant - Good goals are relevant to your organization. Relevant goals are meaningful and significant; they can make a difference in your organization. If a goal is not relevant to the organization, then you need to ask yourself why you are even contemplating it.

Time-Bound - For goals that have a natural ending (like outcome goals), establishing a clear deadline for them adds an element of urgency and motivation.

Trackable - All goals should be trackable so you can see what the organization’s progress is, either in terms of results you are experiencing, or actions you are taking.

So whether you have a board meeting of tem people or a tradeshow with thousands, male sure that you attendees come away with more than just glitz and glam. Let them take away useful sharable knowledge that they are willing and able to pass on, to other staff members, colleagues and top management. Remember you event is your marketing platform, use it wisely.

Join me next month as we discuss Innovation in the Meetings Industry!

For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and of course on I-Meet.

Blog post sponsored in part by:

*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*

Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June 11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm