Larry Anderson

Although Washington officials agreed to a short-term resolution to the fiscal-cliff crisis earlier this year, the country still faces the possibility of sequestration. Despite the nation’s budget issues, meetings continue to rebound. [...] Read more

From the tip of Minnesota to the western New York state line, The Great Lakes region has cities that have been celebrated for years, and others that are steadily gaining recognition in the meetings world. [...] Read more

People come in all shapes and sizes. It’s a planner’s responsibility to accommodate them. [...] Read more

Audience participation has come a long way in today’s high-tech environment. With the latest interactive audience response systems (ARS), attendees can use a keypad or clicker device, or even their smartphones to provide immediate feedback to a presenter. The benefits of using the technology are numerous: It keeps attendees actively engaged in a presentation, it creates a democratic approach to discussions because the least-shy person no longer has the upper hand, and anonymity enables discreet discussions and feedback about sensitive topics. Plus, it’s a greener approach than the old paper-and-pen method, and responses are more candid because you’re gathering impressions [...] Read more