| "We're planning a conference in Atlanta," he tells | | | | bulk of the credit for having been smart enough |
| me, "so get right on it." When is this conference | | | | to hire you. That might tempt you to do less than |
| for, Boss? A week from Friday (this being | | | | your best. A bit of self-preservation is in ordeer |
| Wednesday)? NO problem. I work miracles (that | | | | here. Remember, if there are hitches in the |
| you get the glory for) all the time! How many | | | | giddyup, hiccups or problems, he's going to step |
| people?! What, only a hundred and fifty, flying in | | | | back and graciously let you be broiled, so even |
| from all over the country? No problem! I've heard | | | | though he may take the lion's share of the credit, |
| all about how you pulled off the feeding of five | | | | you'll still want to make the best choices possible. |
| thousand people with just a couple loaves of | | | | How do you know about the quality of a facility? |
| bread and a few fish, so I should be able to | | | | Start off with previous experiences, independent |
| handle this. I'll get right on finding Atlanta Meeting | | | | testimonials and verifiable reviews. You may not |
| Facilities. | | | | be able to trust everything their public relations |
| There are a number of worthy venues in Atlanta | | | | department puts forward, no matter how often |
| for meetings and conferences. How you select | | | | they may swear it's the Gospel truth. To some |
| the right one depends, in part, upon the nature | | | | extent, you're going to have to go by Star |
| and duration of that conference. If it's just a | | | | ratings, but it's a safe rule of thumb to deduct |
| one-day event that needs a Marietta Banquet | | | | one star from all but the most reliable of hotel |
| Rooms for a hours long event, then proximity to | | | | chains with ratings under 4 stars. Then when |
| the airport may be your only real concern | | | | Murphy's Law applies, you'll still come out of it |
| (assuming people are flying in. But if the attendees | | | | alright. |
| are going to be there a while, then proximity to | | | | Planning a conference really can be a lot of fun. |
| the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | | | | You'll know you're talking to the right venues |
| may not be as important as qualities of the | | | | when they're making an effort to make your job |
| convention environment. | | | | easier, offering to handle details and arrange for |
| The focus of the group may be business, but | | | | catering, assuring you that adding an extra 10 |
| they're expecting to enjoy the stay in other | | | | people will not be a problem, that sort of thing. If |
| ways as well. For some, that may be the | | | | you encounter a very rigid establishment, it may |
| opportunity to enjoy a bit of luxury away from | | | | be wise to keep on moving on down the list. |
| home. For others, it may be the chance to play | | | | Make a point of putting on your best Happy face |
| 18 holes of golf. Is it summer or winter? That can | | | | before you pick up the phone to contact the |
| be a consideration as well, especially if some of | | | | venues, take a minute to relax with your favorite |
| the attendees live in areas of extreme | | | | non-alcoholic beverage, make a list of essential |
| temperatures. In the winter, visitors from colder | | | | requirements, no-nos, and options. Be sure, for |
| climates may want to bask in the relative warmth | | | | example, to provide vegetarian, Muslim and |
| and take some time for the aforementioned golf | | | | kosher meal choices and to ask the attendees |
| or other activities. If it's the height of summer, | | | | their preferences. Do a little homework and find |
| many may be looking for relief from that heat. | | | | out what well-respected public golf courses |
| Atlanta may not be as exhausting as Phoenix, but | | | | maybe in the area, if the attendees are |
| you may still be looking for a complex that has | | | | interested in the game. Make sure the conference |
| everything under one roof, so they don't have to | | | | center has AV equipment available. If they don't, |
| go out. What will the quality of the catering be? | | | | you'll want to arrange for equipment rental and a |
| Will the attendees want to take in some local | | | | backup supplier in case that one proves unreliable. |
| nightlife? What about availability? Longstanding | | | | But with a little planning, some investigation and a |
| reservations for other gatherings may preclude a | | | | few days' footwork, you'll have your boss walking |
| particular venue. It's crucial to find out about that | | | | on water in no time! Atlanta has plenty of facilities |
| before investing a lot of time planning for a | | | | to choose from. Now all you have to do is consult |
| convention based upon a particular location. | | | | that list and find out which of them is best for |
| If you do a great job, he'll look great and get the | | | | you! |