Each year it gets more difficult to produce a meaningful gift for those who have everything. The ads that speak of the price of various items that represent a sign of caring and then the one that is marked “priceless” is the quest each year  … and this year we accomplished the goal.

   2010 was a year of many great losses with family, friends and loved ones. Encouraging words and silly memories have kept our spirits alive and contagious. We actually discovered our humble beginnings created the foundation for drive, determination and success. Each person sharing their own special memory ignited ideas of new ones that had been lost. The gift was a gift from the hearts of many and everyone shared in the gift meant for two.

Write down YOUR memories and share them with those you truly love. Create a tradition to add to the memory box each year and create a priceless gift of your own. Build a bucket list of memories to attain in 2011. We found this box and printed our memories on business card stock. It made each memory consistant in size, on a good card stock and easy to punch out rather than lots of cutting and flimsy strips of paper. After the gift was prepared with photos to accompany many of the memories, every contributor got a copy of the finished memories from all involved. Some members did not contribute at that time but have time to contribute as they desire … the gift keeps on giving.

I tried the concept out on a few friends from Southwest Florida. The email string became deep and wide and before you knew it, there were hundreds of good times that we had lost touch with that were revived like buried treasures. Keeping relationships alive can be work but work that pays in rich benefits. This is a meaningful gift for friends, family, colleagues and clients. Help expand on this idea so we all continue to enrich one another!

Memorable Meetings & Exceptional Events is a passion at A2Z Meetings & Events. Creative ideas and proven concepts will keep your attendees talking about your meetings and events. Let them know they are special. Tell them why you are taking them away from their friends and family and what they will gain as a result of their investment.

Contact us at http://www.a2zmeetingsandevents.com/ to save time, money and stress in the new year.

The holidays are a time for gift giving but gifts are not always measured in dollars. Before the event you can announce the goal of sharing an inspirational message that may be unique to each attendee or it may be something general. Guests can prepare their message prior to arrival or wait until they arrive to get inspired. This may work differently depending on the size and relationships on the guest list.

Throughout the event you have a table with bags that have each attendee’s names on them. There are index cards and pens so you can write an inspiring message to any or all the guests. You may choose to spice it a little over the holidays and make the cards on gold stars or in the shape of ornaments so they can be  hung on the Christmas tree.

Telling someone what makes them unique and fabulous or a way they have touched your life will create a lasting bond and may give them just enough of a boost to send them flying. Make your message memorable whether you choose to deliver your it anonymously or sign your name. It is inspiring to both the giver and the receiver. As each guest departs, they take their bag and have an opportunity to enjoy the “gift” of inspiration that lasts throughout the season.

Associating with positive people is at the core of success. People who stretch you and ask you to share your expertise force you to dig inside to be sure you reach the roots of what makes you unique, so accept every opportunity to dive into self-discovery. Lisa Kraus with Plan Your Meetings is one of those individuals who turned my sour grapes complaint into sweet wine endorsements.  Because of that experience, I have become a raving fan and speaker whenever she needs me to help out. Be sure to use them and their suppliers as a resource. They are committed to education, extreme customer service, relationship building and collaboration. Check out their Knowledge Series www.planyourmeetings.com/pym-knowledge-series/ and their town hall meetings on You Tube.

 These are just two samples of some great partners that have touched my life and I invite you to experience them as they are worthy of special attention in the world of meetings and events. I promised affirmations that are guaranteed to make you smile when you repeat them, live them and believe them.

Ten Affirmations for Abundance and Prosperity:

• My day is filled with limitless potential in joy, abundance and love.

•  I always have more than enough of everything I need.

•  The more I give away, the more it multiplies and is returned to me.

• As my commitment to help others grows, so does my joy and wealth.

• Thank you for all the blessings in my life!

• I am open to the flow of great abundance in all areas of my life.

•  I allow the universe to bless me in surprising and joyful ways.

• My grateful heart is a magnet that attracts more of everything I desire.

•  I exude passion, purpose and prosperity.

• I am always led to the people who need what I have to offer. 

  Keep coming back for more!       

The job of a meeting planning professional is to plan and execute a successful meeting or event. We are not audio visual, website or catering experts. We utilize preferred vendors and trusted suppliers to put the pieces of our events together. Hotels will usually have a one stop shop approach and keep as much as possible in house but you can never assume that they will be able to do it all. Relationships with trusted suppliers will streamline the process and increase the professional polish to your meeting or event.

It is so critical to treat these relationships like family and be sure to communicate the goals and outcome as it relates to their performance so the end result is well orchestrated. If the venue treats your suppliers like they are “second rate” it WILL have an impact on your guests. Meet with your suppliers to see what special needs they have and how they will be able to perform best for you.

I have to extend a special THANK YOU to my friends at AVI-SPL Twice they have come to my aid in very difficult situations and the outcome was seamless to the audience. Steve, Jim and Ivy are incredible ambassadors and seasoned professionals. AVI-SPL has several locations throughout the country and they are involved in taking the meeting profession to a higher level.  The audience EXPECTS a seamless production and that doesn’t always happen with the wave of the magic wand. Be sure to treat your suppliers right and say thank you for a job well done.

I have a related article about an incredible public speaker that you can access through my blog on my Linked In site http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=22499504&trk=tab_pro listed in the website area under My Blog. Please take the time to view this to hear the miracle of how far reaching random acts of kindness to suppliers can be. Treat each other right!

It has been a little chillier than we Floridians are used to but it is giving us the time to stay cozy and get those New Year Resolutions accomplished … My primary goal was weight loss and I am pleased to report I am down 11.5 pounds in 5 weeks! I’ll be happy to share my success formulas if you have an interest. Basically, it is about eating healthy and doing exercise … imagine that! The greatest deprivation has been eliminating my favorite adult beverage but the detoxification of all Caffeine, Refined sugar, Additives and Preservatives (CRAP) has been essential. It has been fun to invent new recipes that are creative, quick and easy. How are YOU doing on YOUR primary priority?
With regard to business, I promised to step up my game on writing about the things that will be most helpful to you. Your comments have been so important … there was a time when I thought I was casting thought to the wind! I appreciate the energy that comes back from you as you inspire and ignite more energy. Think of how that makes people respond to your requests when you feed them praise. WOW! It creates a power that can make mere mortals move mountains! We cannot motivate anyone other than ourselves but we can inspire others through affirmations. So go find the stars in your life and let them know how they have impacted you.

 This month I am focused on a fundraising event and awareness for an organization known as Dress For Success. This group restores dignity and hope for professional women in search of a new job. Women are referred to the agency and have a set appointment to meet with a volunteer that will help them select 2 suits, 2 blouses, a pair of shoes and a briefcase from the donations at the boutique. They will also assist with resume writing and have a computer lab to investigate opportunities to go out on interviews and launch their new life. Visit their new location at 1705 North Howard AvenueTampa during their OPEN HOUSE:

Thursday, February18th 11:00am to 2:00pm
Friday, February 19th 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday, February 20th 9:00am to 12:00pm

Please plan to attend the fund raising Fashion event at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE February 25. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Details are found at http://bit.ly/9frpI7 .You will be in good company!

Also in the news … http://bit.ly/dvTzj7 … the latest on the Sustainable Business Conference & Expo. The topics will be announced later this month but mark your calendars!
Finally, the video intro to the website is on line! I am learning ways to improve memory techniques and to get noticed in cyberworld so I will be sharing those items along with ways that work to improve YOUR networking and meeting sizzle. Keep coming back for more!

Planes are still leaving our area every Friday and the greatest current need is for diapers and baby formula. Food is still a top priority. THANK YOU to everyone who donated. Laurie was able to locate an Xray machine and several medical supplies. Simple bandaids and ointments are easy to pack up and will be useful. Rewards greater than riches are yours to enjoy! The contact information listed in the initial blog is still valid so let your heart lead the way.

THANK YOU!!

Hi Everybody,
We all want to help in some small way and now we have a chance! The biggest challenge isn’t getting donated goods, it is getting donated transport to Haiti. A colleague has arranged by partnering with a local charity that is organizing medical flights into Haiti. They are willing to accept cargo on their DC-3s, and the first flight leaves on Thursday. If you want to help, these are items we want to get to Haiti ASAP, in order of priority:
1. Medical supplies/first aid supplies- everything from gloves, masks, gowns, ER drugs to OTC items such as gauze, bandages, band-aids, peroxide, antibiotic ointments, rubbing alcohol, disinfectants and cleaning supplies. Also, there is an URGENT need for X-Ray equipment. Right now broken bones are being set w/o the benefit of x-rays. Casting supplies are also needed.
2. Baby formula, food, bottles and diapers …. Lots of diapers!
3. Survival items (think camping) – sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, tents, cots, etc. Most people are living and sleeping out of doors, under sheets.
4. Toiletries – soap (liquid is preferable to bar soap), toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
5. Nonperishable food and water
6. Just a quick update on my previous list: I need to move food up to a 1 or 2 priority. Think big bags of rice and bags of dry beans! Cheap, easy to store, easy to transport, and relatively nutritious. Cans are heavy and bulky and people may or may not be able to open them.
If anybody would like to donate any of these products, please get them to me by the end of Wednesday. I will be attending the Manatee Chamber business after 5 event this evening and in St. Pete tomorrow attending the Meeting Planner International meeting at Suncoast Hospice if anyone would like to participate or you can drop it off at:

Remmel Wellness Center
6416 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. No.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(t) 727-525-1141
Because of the space constraints and logistics, we have been asked to hold off on donations of clothing and building supplies. Please pass this on to everyone in your contact list. Laurie Puckett of Remmel Wellness Center will collect, sort and box the donations and get them to the planes. The transport that she has arranged will have security and will be bringing our supplies in directly to two missions working in Haiti – MVI and Mission Haiti.
Also, if you know anyone with a medical background (doctor, nurse, surgical tech …) who wants to go to Haiti and volunteer their time, have them contact her and she will get them in touch with the folks organizing the medical side of things.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer and God Bless!