Connections Newsletter

The Connections Newsletter, published several times per year, offers news, trends, case studies, plus strategies and tips for engaging and inspiring audiences at your events. If you'd like to receive this free newsletter, please sign up now!

Current Issue: Fall Newsletter 2009
In this Issue:

Coming Together

Three Divisions, One Great Convention

Meeting Planners Utilize Meeting Management Services

Attendee Management Takes the Stage

Managing Costs and ROI Per Attendee

RBC Wealth Management Builds Bikes for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Packing Up CARE for Our Troops

A Menu of Holiday Options to Please Any Planner’s Palate

Meet & Greet Invaluable during Lions Clubs Convention

FCCLA’s Biggest and Best Program Ever

Take a Ride on the Holiday Lights Express

Opening Productions That Motivate

Venue Feature: Rosen Shingle Creek

Coming Together

As we kick off this fall season, I'm reminded of how strong we are when we come together. Classmates reunite at homecomings, families reconnect at holiday celebrations, companies gather for strategic planning and in the end, we gather for a common purpose.

This past summer has been an inspirational one. We have seen companies come together for their annual meetings despite a wavering economy. They have turned networking events into charitable giving exercises. Some have built bikes, others have written heartfelt letters of gratitude to soldiers and it's all in the name of giving back.

As I reflect on our summer, I am proud of the work we've done. A highlight was when we joined forces on one of our biggest conventions in metroConnections’ history. It was 'all hands on deck' for 10 days in July and we came together as one company to provide conference, event and transportation services to a treasured client, the Lions Clubs International.

Please enjoy a slice of the inspiration we're serving this season and let us help you grow in your next gathering.

Sincerely,
Sam Thompson, President and CEO

Three Divisions, One Great Convention

metroConnections Takes Pride in Services Provided to the Lions Clubs International

When all three divisions of metroConnections come together, magic happens. Nearly 150 full- and part-time staff assisted in servicing the national and international delegations of the Lions Clubs. From June 29 to July 10, metroConnections provided transportation, events and tour registration services as part of the convention activities.

“We needed five times the number of staff for our transportation services alone,” said Sam Thompson, Founder and CEO of metroConnections. “That's about 60 people per day - to guide the convention attendees to their shuttles, 'spot' buses, meet and greet them at the airport, get them to their hotels, and arrange tours and accessible transportation.”

As for metroConnections' Event team, they tripled the number of people they needed for a typical conference. The team managed 16 VIP events during the six days prior to the convention and provided production, entertainment and décor services for a variety of events.

The Lions Clubs estimated attendance at around 12,000 attendees. The members stayed at 28 Minneapolis and Bloomington hotels with metroConnections providing shuttle service to those hotels through 10 shuttle routes. With the assistance of 12 transportation carriers, metroConnections utilized more than 400 vehicles throughout the convention.

metroConnections also provided group tours and tour registration during the convention. More than 40 tours over 10 days were conducted. Attendees from all six continents enjoyed the sights of the Twin Cities metro area including Fourth of July fireworks over the Mississippi River and a Minnesota Twins-New York Yankees baseball game.

“Our Conference Services division worked onsite at the tour registration desk. This was a company-wide effort,” comments Thompson. According to Meet Minneapolis, the Lions' 92nd international convention contributed $17 million to the local economy.

“Our sincere thanks to you and your very capable staff for a convention we shall remember for quite some time.” Renée Aubin, CMP | Manager, Convention Division | Lions Clubs International

Meeting Planners Utilize Meeting Management Services

metroConnections offers a professional and streamlined way to manage the attendee from start to finish through its Meeting Management services. The Meeting Management team makes your goals central and assembles all elements to make your meeting, program or incentive work for you and your organization. Services include, but are not limited to, the management of: Budget, Site Selection/Negotiation, Attendees, Travel, Food and Beverage, Onsite Operations, Events, Exhibits and Incentive Travel. This fall, metroConnections provided full meeting management to National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), National Utility Training and Safety Education Association (NUTSEA), and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), all within weeks of each other.

“From start to finish, our experience was terrific. I was always kept informed about every aspect of our event and the attention to detail was amazing. The metroConnections staff felt like they were part of our own staff family by the time we ended our conference. I'll be relying on them for their expertise again next year without a doubt!” Laurie Vanderboom | Director of Programs | National Eating Disorders Association

Attendee Management Takes the Stage

Tastefully Simple, Inc. hosted their annual National Convention in Minneapolis in August and enlisted the help of metroConnections to manage their attendees from start to finish. The attendees were directed to a Web site (designed by metroConnection's custom Web site team) and implemented a powerful PCI Compliant online registration site for attendees, vendors and staff. From there, registration specialists managed the housing for all 2,100 convention attendees, in addition to their special rooming requests. While onsite, metroConnections provided staff to assist with registration and to distribute attendee badges branded for the theme of the conference and printed by metroConnections.

“I can't thank you enough for the GREAT job you have done with managing all this. Your professionalism, reliability, accuracy and responsiveness are impeccable. I love working with you!” Claudia Bursch | Site & Contract Manager | Tastefully Simple, Inc.

Managing Costs and ROI Per Attendee

What is your cost per attendee? Do you have a magic number that you must stick to in order to remain under budget while proving the meeting's ROI? New for 2010, metroConnections, through the power of its AttendeSource® solutions, can help meeting planners forecast, budget and track their spending. As meeting planners are continuing to do more with less, metroConnections continues to develop new offerings to let meeting planners plan faster and manage logistics easier. To request more information about this exciting new offering for 2010, please contact Tom McCulloch at 952-767-2902.

RBC Wealth Management Builds Bikes for Big Brothers Big Sisters

In September, 40 children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities (BBBS) received a surprise they'd enjoy for years to come - their very own bike. The bikes were built and donated through RBC Wealth Management's Bike Build event - an interactive team-building exercise designed by metroConnections for 500 RBC Wealth Management financial consultants, home office employees and strategic partners. “RBC Wealth Management's culture is deeply rooted in supporting and making a difference in our local communities. We are extremely proud to be able to turn our team-building exercise into an event that 40 deserving kids will never forget.” Kevin Ketelsleger | Director of RBC Wealth Management Minneapolis and BBBS board member

Packing Up CARE for Our Troops

Recently at their national sales summit, the Individual Life Division of the The Hartford hosted a teambuilding event, which followed a keynote speaker who had served as a Navy Seal. The corporate meeting planner requested an event to tie in with the dynamic speaker, so metroConnections developed an interactive concept where the attendees were organized into units in order to create 300 care packages for troops in Afghanistan. The teams also wrote personalized notes for each care package. According to the meeting planner, the sales field was genuinely touched by the experience.

“This is the first year we've done a Give Back service event and it was one of the highlights of the conference for our attendees. Many participants have commented that we should do this every year as they felt the experience was both fun and moving and gave them a great opportunity to network with others at the meeting." Heather Voight | Assistant Director, Marketing | The Hartford, Individual Life Division

A Menu of Holiday Options to Please Any Planner’s Palate

Are you putting off the planning of the office holiday gathering? Why, when you can review the metroMenu? Planners can order up a serving of props or theme décor with ease, pick from an assortment of entertainment options, or serve your group the perfect interactive activity that is sure to please even the pickiest palate. Contact your metroConnections wait staff today, or visit the Web site for a complete menu of a la carte options including casino parties and entertainers.

Meet & Greet Invaluable during Lions Clubs Convention

The meeting planners for the Lions Clubs International Convention, held in Minneapolis in July, requested metroConnections to execute the Airport Meet & Greet service for 1,600 International District Governors and VIPs. Before arrival, metroConnections worked on group manifests to ensure all arrivals and departures were covered. Upon landing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, VIPs were greeted by a friendly metroConnections team member who collected their baggage, colorcoded each parcel for the appropriate hotel shuttle, and loaded their baggage with Skycaps. Then, the guests were led through the airport by another guide to their respective motorcoach or sedan. Whether your large group needs motorcoaches or your small group needs private sedans, we can accommodate your wish list.

FCCLA’s Biggest and Best Program Ever

From absolutely stunning events to sold-out tours (through a custom-built online tour registration site), metroConnections was the only DMC to service FCCLA’s 2009 National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., from start to finish. Events included a private alcohol-free party at the Wildhorse Saloon, the Lakeside Beach Party for 3,000 (complete with floating bonfires at sunset); and the Fabulous Music City Gala for 4,000. Ground transportation for the events was also coordinated by the transportation experts at metroConnections. FCCLA recently signed on for three more years of partnership with metroConnections. Chicago, Anaheim and Orlando: here we come!

"Thanks for another great FCCLA conference in Nashville. Such a fantastic program of tours, special events and gala (as always)! Appreciate all that you do for us." Marla Walls, CMP | Director of Conferences | Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.

Take a Ride on the Holiday Lights Express

metroConnections announces its annual Holiday Lights Tour; an opportunity to celebrate community spirit and the warmth of the season with family and friends. Now celebrating its 20th year, Holiday Lights Tours are made available to the public on two prime Saturdays before Christmas; December 12 and 19. Holiday Lights Tours also make a great activity in conjunction with the office holiday celebration. Please contact metroConnections to arrange your public or private group tour today. Plan in advance as tickets go fast. Reservations are required by calling metroConnections at 612-333-8687. Photo courtesy of the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Authority.

Please visit http://www.metroconnectionstours.com/tours/tourdetail.aspx?cid=68bda143-4706-402e-854c-6ab9f5ee4642&tid=368

Opening Productions That Motivate

Attendees were introduced to a theme for their recent national sales meeting during the opening session. The meeting planners introduced GROW to their attendees, first through the sights and sounds of nature, then with symbolic images of ways to grow personally and professionally. Attendees experienced an opener like no other as the giant “wall to wall” projection screen dropped to reveal the stage environment featuring the world and one lone didgeridoo player. Then, one strong voice began to sing. While giving another interpretation of the growing theme, the voice was joined by another and then another. The sound grew louder then stronger, and so on, until the Minneapolis Gospel choir sang the inspirational message for the morning.

Let metroConnections provide the guidance or assistance you need to cultivate a motivated audience. Also, see our stage set and décor services to further enhance your opening production.

Venue Feature: Rosen Shingle Creek

Both HelmsBriscoe and metroConnections have partnered with Rosen Shingle Creek, one of the largest fullservice convention hotels in Central Florida. The 230-acre hotel offers 1,500 guest rooms and suites, and 445,000 square feet of dedicated, state-of-the-art meeting/event space that includes one of the nation's largest column-free ballrooms at 95,000 square feet. Awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation for 2009, the hotel offers an array of amenities such as The Spa at Shingle Creek, a full-service, 13,000-square-foot spa with nine treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, and an 18-hole, par 72 (7,228 yard) championship golf course ranked as one of the “Top 40 Best New Courses in the U.S.” by Golfweek Magazine.

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