Friday, December 16, 2011

The World of Water


Water is the oldest resource used in the meeting planning business, but it also provides one of the newest food and beverage options. With all the choices for water today: still, sparkling, bottled, tap? None of the former possibilities offer the taste bud excitement of the newest food and beverage trend. Infused water- water infused with real fruit, spices, and herbs, is the newest trick in the meeting planning industry for a low cost, delicious, and aesthetically pleasing treat for your reception.

At your next meeting, get creative and ask the venue for infused water at the water station instead of the usual plain water station set up. Infused water set ups include at least three carafes of different infused flavors. Flavors can include lemon-lime, pineapple-orange, mixed berry, cucumber mint, with an additional touch of flavors such as basil, cilantro, rosemary, and even habaneros. The choices of flavors are endless and stop only with the limitations of your imagination!

These tasty flavors provide a healthy and low cost alternative to sodas and coffee for your reception. The infused water also provides décor for the room with the array of fruit floating colorfully in the carafes. With all the healthy and yummy fruit floating around, your attendees will want to try all the possible flavors adding some spice to your reception. The new infused water trick cuts the need for plastic water bottles and soda cans helping make your meeting more environmentally friendly. Using carafes and glasses for the reception water station helps your meeting reach its green meeting goals.

When planning your next meeting, try this new trick for enhancing your reception by adding flavor and color to the usually boring water station. Your attendees will love the tasty and healthy alternative you provided, and your clients are sure to appreciate the earth-friendly, cost cutting benefits of serving this yummy treat.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Travel to Cape Town, South Africa

Sawubona! That means hello in Zulu, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. In the past decade, South Africa has transformed from a struggling nation to a country with a prominent influence on the world’s economy. There has never been a better time than now to visit the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa’s second most populated city. Whether for work or vacation, Cape Town’s vibrant culture and exquisite sights are sure to create an experience of a lifetime.

Cape Town is the perfect location for any meeting. With a citywide room count of around 32,000, this bustling city has more than enough space to accommodate any type of meeting. For the past two years, it has held the top ranking spot for global gatherings in Africa and the Middle East for the International Conference and Convention Association. The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup proved that this coastal city can accommodate all types of travellers and a variety of meetings.

There are many reasons why Cape Town should be on everyone’s trip list. In one day you can relax on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay, take a trip up Table Mountain to see the breathtaking views, and have a true South African experience in one of the many craft markets around town. For business professionals looking for the perfect venue, try the One & Only Cape Town or the RadissonBlu in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront harbor. For a team building exercises, why not go wine tasting in the Stellenbosch wine lands or try Great White Shark Diving? It’s obvious that no matter what the purpose of your visit, Cape Town is bound to exceed every expectation.

For more information, please click here.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Cruising to Your Next Meeting


Looking for an exciting location for your next meeting, corporate retreat, or incentive trip? How about the big blue sea? Having a meeting on a cruise is an affordable, exotic, and refreshing alternative to the usual hotel venue.

More and more companies are catching on to using cruises as venues for their meetings. Interest is growing due to the significant cost reduction of using cruises. When comparing prices, an all-inclusive cruise event can save up to 30% of overall cost. All inclusive of meals, entertainment, presentation equipment, and meeting space in one package, a cruise not only offers saving but added convenience. Attendees have access to many amenities such as nightly entertainment, happy hour, and personally chosen meals. All-inclusive packages reduce a budget significantly.

Cruises also offer incredible team building experiences, incorporating social events and excursions that give attendees enough time to refresh and energize their minds between meetings. Combining leisure and business can produce magnificent results for a company. A comfortable environment enhances teambuilding, and the fact that there’s nowhere for anyone to go creates a captive audience. Companies can book a private charter or part of the ship depending on their size.

Want to learn more about a corporate cruise? Click here.