He presented three questions to the audience to think through before making any decision, big or small. Each question suggested the need to introduce objectivity or clarity into the process.

1. What would my replacement do?
2. What would a great leader do?
3. What story do I want to tell?

Throughout his talk, Stanley drove home the point that leaders are not always the smartest in the room, or even the ones with all the information, but they are the leaders because they can make—or have to make—decisions when it matters.

“Leaders are important because of the thing we hate most: uncertainty,” he said. “Uncertainty is not indicative of poor leadership; uncertainty underscores the need for leadership.”

Stanley expands on how to balance the fear and motivation question No. 1 can incite in a leader as well as how he has become a better speaker to live and virtual audiences in the video below.

The other Leadercast speakers offered insight planners can implement in their leadership roles, but planners can learn even more from what went in to planning the huge event. Read our interview with Leadercast planner Michael Williams here.

The GRI EOSS is based on corporate social responsibility and helps the events industry demonstrate CSR value to its partners and customers, resulting in improved business practices. “Transparent reporting is fundamental to organization success and growth,” says Sebastien Tondeur, CEO of MCI and chairman of MPI. “GRI provides the most widely used guidelines for sustainability reporting. With the GRI framework, it will be easier for the events industry to provide transparent information on the sustainability strategies and performance of their events.”

The framework helps event organizers report on widely applicable issues including greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and more specific issues such as legacy of the event, attendee travel and sustainability initiatives employed by the event. The EOSS can be downloaded here. MPI will present two webinars on the launch of the GRI EOSS. More information can be found on its website.

“GBTA staff members and volunteer leaders from the GSA have spent countless hours developing the NTF program together,” McCormick wrote in a letter to exhibitors, attendees and sponsors. “And, although we at GBTA firmly believe that there is no more appropriate time for government travel professionals to learn cost-cutting strategies from top corporate travel managers, hear from business and academic leaders, build key relationships with industry suppliers and reinforce ethical behavior standards, we cannot hold this important forum without GSA’s participation.”

1. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
2. McCormick Place, Chicago
3. Las Vegas Convention Center
4. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C.
5. Dallas Convention Center
6. Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
7. Phoenix Convention Center
8. Moscone Center, San Francisco
9. Anaheim Convention Center
10. San Diego Convention Center

Hotel Solamar in San Diego has two spring promotions for groups that stay between now and June 30. For groups of 50 or more, planners can pick a perk from several options such as complimentary event space rental or a discount on audiovisual. For groups of 10 or more that book during the specified dates, guest room rates start at $145 per night, and a perk such as a hosted private evening wine reception is included. For full package information, available perks, rates and photos.

The Meet Me in Paradise all-inclusive package at Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Key West, Fla., starts at $95 per person, per day. It includes morning and afternoon breaks, a reception and Internet access.

The JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Ariz., is offering a Summer Concession Package where meeting groups can pick from a list of concessions if they book a meeting by May 31 that actualizes between June 16 and Sept. 7. The number of concessions available is based upon a sliding scale and includes complimentary Internet in guest rooms, 20 percent discount on audiovisual, 35 percent allowable attrition and 3 percent rebate to master account.

The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with BarkleyREI, an interactive marketing agency, to completely redesign the CVB’s website, visitphoenix.com, based on demographic surveys. A new Special Offers category makes it easier to locate discounts and package deals provided by the CVB’s member businesses, including resorts, golf courses, museums and adventure outfitters. Visitors who access the website from smartphones and tablets are now routed to a mobile website tailored to those devices. Based on a user’s location in the city, the site can suggest hotel, dining and entertainment options. The website features a section for meeting planners that includes information about the convention center, area hotels and resorts, venue options and transportation.