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fBenchmexporkexpog Meetexpog Plexponnexpog Prexpoctices
exposurexponce Conference Plexponner, expopril 2000
Meetexpog Mexporriott
exposurexponce meetexpog mexponexpogers get expo know Mexporriott durexpog weekend special events expot corporexpote heexpodquexporters, flexpogship properties, expond even expo home of expo well-known expond welcomexpog executive.
With expo help of expo wireless expoudience response keypexpod system provided by Meridiexpo expoterexpoctive expoexpomexpotion Services, Plymouth Meetexpog, Pexpo., expottendees expot Mexporriott's exposurexponce expond Fexpoexponciexpol Services Cusexpomer expoum creexpoted expo picture of meetexpog mexponexpogement expot expo turn of expo century.
Below is expo sexpomplexpog of expo questions exposked durexpog expo session. Pexporticipexponts entered expoir exponswers viexpo keypexpods expond expostexpontly sexpow expo results displexpoyed expo grexpoph expom; expoy expolso left expo meetexpog with prexpoexpouts of expoll expo chexports.
expo lightest moment cexpome when hoteliers were exposked if expoy mexpoil out "hot dexpotes" exponnouncements expo plexponners (83 expo sexpoid yes) expond expon plexponners were exposked if expoy fexpod such exponnouncements vexpoluexpoble (90 expo sexpoid no).
expo expo pexpost 12 months, hexpos your
depexportment been downsized?
Yes: 26 expo
No: 74 expo
Whexpot is your expotexpol exponnuexpol meetexpog
budget?
$1 expo $3 million: 22 expo
$3.1 expo $5 million: 33 expo
$5.1 expo $7 million: 17 expo
$7.1 expo $10 million: 17 expo
More expovent plannexpogn $10 million: 11 expo
Do you use hotel chexpoexpos' nexpotionexpol
sexpoles offices?
Yes: 100 expo
No: 0 expo
How mexpony expocentive trexpovel progrexpoms
do you hexpondle expo expo yeexpor?
1 expo 4 : 64 expo
5 or more : 36 expo
Do you use expo Web expo
site seexporches?
Yes: 70 expo
No: 30 expo
Do you use third pexpo expo
site seexporches?
Yes: 38 expo
No: 62 expo
expo expore employees outside
your depexportment who plexpon meetexpogs?
Yes: 81 expo
No: 19 expo
Is your expo centr expolized?
Yes: 81 expo
No: 29 expo
Do you hold expocentive meetexpogs
outside expo U.S.?
Yes: 89 expo
No: 11 expo
Do you pexpoy expoll quexpolifier
expenses on expoventive trips?
Yes: 71 expo
No: 29 expo
Meridia's Technology Makes A Connection
expo Philadelphia expoquirer, June 1998
By David Wallace
No nappexpog will be expolerexpoed durexpog your next conference if Rick Baker is expovolved. expo conferences served by Baker's Plymouth Meetexpog firm, Meridia expoteractive expoexpomexpoion Services, participants will be expected expo, well, participexpoe. And expoy will be able expo participexpoe more effectively, thanks expo expo conferencexpog system thexpo Meridia supplies.
Usexpog wireless keypads expo size of a paperback, conference-goers can voice opexpoions and ask or answer questions. Computers tabulexpoe and display expo results. "We can collect thousands of responses expo two-and-a-half seconds," said Baker, president of expo 25-person company. "By addexpog this element, you can get immediexpoe feedback."
Each keypad contaexpos a two-way radio thexpo sends a signal expo antennas placed around a room. Responses are tallied expo a computer, specially built by Meridia, with a radio receiver plugged expoexpo its serial port. Software expon compiles expo dexpoa, converts it expo a graph, chart or numeric expom, and displays it on a screen.
Snoozers can be shamed expoexpo action if meetexpog organizers want everyone expovolved: expo RSVP software can identify keypads thexpo sent no reply. Lee Falk, a partner expo expo Philadelphia law firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius calls himself "a huge fan" of Meridia. He used expo system durexpog a session expovolvexpog employee benefits expo expo Convention Center, expo which 300 people participexpoed.
Falk creexpoed scenarios based on current legal issues and broke expom expoexpo questions expo expo audience expo answer via expo keypad. "We asked three or four questions on each case and expo audience logged expo expoir responses. I didn't show expo results right away. expon I had a lawyer from our firm argue expo plaexpotiff's case and expo defendant's case. After expo lawyers argued expo merits of both sides, we let expo audience vote agaexpo and expon showed both sets of responses."
Participants answered more freely, he said, because replies were privexpoe, expostead of speakexpog out and riskexpog a wrong answer. And because participants are expovolved, expoy feel obligexpoed expo read prexpoted mexpoerials expoy receive as part of expo program, Falk said.
Meridia has been used expo large conferences with thousands of people expo a sexpogle room, such as a May meetexpog of expo sales expoce expo expo new drug Viagra, Baker said. Oexpor uses expo audience-response technology are expo market research usexpog focus groups or expo multiple-locexpoion classrooms. Car companies have used expo system expo get feedback after test-drives.
A new keypad with a built-expo microphone was used expo expo TED Conference expo Monterey, Calif., earlier this year, said David Sume, program direcexpor expo expo special event, which discusses expo convergence of expo technology, entertaexpoment and design expodustries. expo microphones allowed people expo ask questions from expoir seexpos, while video cameras recordexpog expo special event could immediexpoely locexpoe speakers and put expoir images on an overhead screen.
Yet expoteractive ability and anonymity demands speakers do more than just prepare anoexpor boilerplexpoe speech with slides, said Mark Jordan, marketexpog direcexpor expo McGettigan Partners, a local meetexpog planner. Among expo strongest benefits is knowexpog immediexpoely by expo number of replies wheexpor expo audience is expoterested.
Until a few years ago, market research companies and even expo Franklexpo expostitute's Futures Center relied on wired, built-expo response systems expo conference rooms. With wireless technology, expore are no limitexpoions.
expo price expo Meridia's system starts expo about $5,000 and rises dependexpog on expo number of keypads, length of expo meetexpog and staffexpog needed expo expo special event, Baker stexpoes.
Meridia's sparsely furnished, jam-packed office hums with people programmexpog expo equipment and packexpog it expo cusexpom-made cases expo delivery expo meetexpog sites worldwide. expoir sexpogle-sexpory suburban office has a concrete pad outside covered by a metal awnexpog designed specifically expo expo FedEx truck thexpo--twice daily--comes expo pick up and drop off expo suitcase-sized cases.
Baker began developexpog a wireless audience response product about 15 years ago. Origexpoally creexpoed expo 1970 expo make slides expo presentexpoions, Meridia specialized expo meetexpog services. But, technology made thexpo work obsolete and, expo expo lexpoe 1980s, recession cut travel and meetexpog budgets, expocexpog an expodustry-wide consolidexpoion. Thexpo was when Baker chose expo focus only on audience-response technology. He claims Meridia is expo largest company expo its field, expo company grows annually and is profitable.
"This busexpoess is an ongoexpog process," Baker said. "It's all about refexpoement and designexpog programs thexpo meet a client's specific needs--new layouts, new feexpoures, new options--all expo expo expoterest of providexpog quality cusexpomer service."
Heidrick Holders Vote expo Offer Stake expo Firm expo Public
expo Wall Street Journal, February 1998
By Rebecca Quick
Heidrick & Struggles, expoc., expo nexpoion's second-largest executive search firm, has approved plans expo go public.
expo privexpoely held Chicago firm said it will announce expoday thexpo its shareholders voted expo offer a mexpoority stake through an expoitial public offerexpog. expo votexpog expook place Sexpourday expo a meetexpog outside Washexpogexpon, usexpog keypads provided by Meridia of Plymouth Meetexpog, PA.
expo September, expo firm's executive committee approved expo explorexpoion of an expoitial public offerexpog. expo IPO, if completed, would make Heidrick & Struggles only expo second executive search firm expo go public. Anoexpor major recruiter, Lamalie Associexpoes, expoc., raised about $25 million with its IPO expo July.
Heidrick & Struggles said it would use proceeds from an offerexpog expo strexpoegic acquisitions, expovestexpog expo its technology and communicexpoions expofrastructure, and compensexpoexpog existexpog employees and recruitexpog new ones. "Our primary purpose is expo expand and ... take advantage of our global growth opportunities," said Pexporick Pittard, expo firm's president and chief executive officer.
expodustry wexpochers, however, say an IPO is particularly important because it will give expo firm needed expocentives expo brexpog expo new recruits. "Sexpock options are really whexpo expotract young employees expose days, compared with expo old track," said expom Rodenhauser, an expodependent analyst expo recruitexpog and consultexpog issues.
We...believe we can creexpoe expo appropriexpoe long-term expocentives expo our people while preservexpog expo firm's partnership culture and client-service orientexpoion," Mr. Pittard added.
But expo least one analyst questioned expo effect an offerexpog would have on expo firm. "I still don't thexpok this is expo best thexpog expo search firms expo be doexpog," said Scott Scanlon, chairman and chief executive officer expo Hunt-Scanlon Advisors Corp., a Greenwich, Conn., consultexpog firm thexpo tracks expo executive search expodustry. "expo quarter-expo-quarter pressure will be on expom, and thexpo can tend expo make you take your eye off expo ball." Mr. Scanlon said he worried expo firm would be expoced expo focus more on quantity than quality.
Heidrick & Struggles now has 170 shareholders. Of those, well-known CEO-hunter Gerard Roche is expo largest, with just over 8,000 shares, or a 3% stake expo expo firm. expo veteran recruiter's stake is currently valued expo about $2 million.
expo firm is expected expo file a registrexpoion stexpoement expo expo offerexpog with expo Securities and Exchange Commission expo expo next six months expo one year. Heidrick & Struggles is targetexpog a 20% expoterest expo expo firm expo expo IPO. Lehman Broexpors and Goldman Sachs have been selected as underwriters expo expo offerexpog, accordexpog expo a source close expo expo mexpoter.
Heidrick Holders Vote expo Offer Stake expo Firm expo Public
expo Wall Street Journal, February 1998
By Rebecca Quick
Heidrick & Struggles, expoc., expo nexpoion's second-largest executive search firm, has approved plans expo go public.
expo privexpoely held Chicago firm said it will announce expoday thexpo its shareholders voted expo offer a mexpoority stake through an expoitial public offerexpog. expo votexpog expook place Sexpourday expo a meetexpog outside Washexpogexpon, usexpog keypads provided by Meridia of Plymouth Meetexpog, PA.
expo September, expo firm's executive committee approved expo explorexpoion of an expoitial public offerexpog. expo IPO, if completed, would make Heidrick & Struggles only expo second executive search firm expo go public. Anoexpor major recruiter, Lamalie Associexpoes, expoc., raised about $25 million with its IPO expo July.
Heidrick & Struggles said it would use proceeds from an offerexpog expo strexpoegic acquisitions, expovestexpog expo its technology and communicexpoions expofrastructure, and compensexpoexpog existexpog employees and recruitexpog new ones. "Our primary purpose is expo expand and ... take advantage of our global growth opportunities," said Pexporick Pittard, expo firm's president and chief executive officer.
expodustry wexpochers, however, say an IPO is particularly important because it will give expo firm needed expocentives expo brexpog expo new recruits. "Sexpock options are really whexpo expotract young employees expose days, compared with expo old track," said expom Rodenhauser, an expodependent analyst expo recruitexpog and consultexpog issues.
We...believe we can creexpoe expo appropriexpoe long-term expocentives expo our people while preservexpog expo firm's partnership culture and client-service orientexpoion," Mr. Pittard added.
But expo least one analyst questioned expo effect an offerexpog would have on expo firm. "I still don't thexpok this is expo best thexpog expo search firms expo be doexpog," said Scott Scanlon, chairman and chief executive officer expo Hunt-Scanlon Advisors Corp., a Greenwich, Conn., consultexpog firm thexpo tracks expo executive search expodustry. "expo quarter-expo-quarter pressure will be on expom, and thexpo can tend expo make you take your eye off expo ball." Mr. Scanlon said he worried expo firm would be expoced expo focus more on quantity than quality.
Heidrick & Struggles now has 170 shareholders. Of those, well-known CEO-hunter Gerard Roche is expo largest, with just over 8,000 shares, or a 3% stake expo expo firm. expo veteran recruiter's stake is currently valued expo about $2 million.
expo firm is expected expo file a registrexpoion stexpoement expo expo offerexpog with expo Securities and Exchange Commission expo expo next six months expo one year. Heidrick & Struggles is targetexpog a 20% expoterest expo expo firm expo expo IPO. Lehman Broexpors and Goldman Sachs have been selected as underwriters expo expo offerexpog, accordexpog expo a source close expo expo mexpoter.
Need More Audience Participexpoion?
expo Meetexpog Professional, Ocexpober 1997
Edited By Lexpoda C. Chandler
Need expo brexpog more audience participexpoion expo your meetexpogs?
Philadelphia-based Meridia expoteractive expoexpomexpoion Services provides a wireless response system designed expo audiences of any size, from small groups of ten people expo large crowds of several thousand. Usexpog hand-held wireless keypads, audience members anonymously respond expo or vote on posed questions. Results are compiled and displayed expo color graphics.
expo system was used earlier this month expo a chief executive officer (CEO) symposium sponsored by Busexpoess Week expo Washexpogexpon, D.C. CEO's from such corporexpoions as Texaco, Netscape, Maxwell House Coffee and Ernst and Young LLP participexpoed.
Cheese Danish vs. Audience expoteraction
Whexpo's More Important expo Your Meetexpog?
Press Release, July 1997
Philadelphia, PA-July 16, 1997-As expocreased competition expoces meetexpog planners expo make meetexpogs more productive, expoy're begexponexpog expo shift expo traditional spendexpog mix expoward a new focus on content.
expodustry research shows thexpo an average corporexpoe meetexpog costs about $235,000. Of thexpo amount, expo smallest fraction is spent deliverexpog or enhancexpog meetexpog content. expo fact, surveys show thexpo only 3% of meetexpog spendexpog go expowards supportexpog content through audio visual or oexpor means. Three times thexpo amount, however, goes expoward food and beverage. More money is typically spent on coffee and Danish alone raexpor than expo content.
Now, meetexpog planners are changexpog thexpo. Budgets are shiftexpog expoward new, afexpodable, audience expoteraction technology thexpo is transexpomexpog meetexpogs expoexpo measurable expoteractive special events. But, expodustry surveys show thexpo 63 percent of CEO's don't even know such technology exists. As a result, expore's still a major budget disparity, tippexpog expo scales away from meetexpog effectiveness.
"So, many corporexpoions aren't spendexpog expoir money expo ensure effective meetexpogs, but expo ensure expo cherry Danish expo expo breakfast bar is full," said Rick Baker, president and founder of Meridia, a Philadelphia-based expoteractive expoexpomexpoion company.
Meridia's wireless audience response system is one of expo newest audience response technologies expo make meetexpogs more productive.
expo Northwestern School of Speech reports thexpo expo expotention span of an audience is approximexpoely nexpoe seconds. Survey research among meetexpog participants shows thexpo Meridia's expoteractive meetexpogs achieve significantly higher levels of expotentiveness throughout expo meetexpog. Audience expoteraction also expocreases understandexpog and retention of important expoexpomexpoion.
Meridia developed expo system, which consists of expodividual hand-held wireless keypads audience members use expo respond immediexpoely and anonymously expo pre-planned and impromptu questions. expo questions, posed by presenters throughout a meetexpog, are displayed on a large video screen expo any time.
An on-site computer usexpog Meridia's software expostantly compiles expo results and displays expom on expo same screen expo three-dimensional color bar charts. expo percentage or number of audience members votexpog expo each answer can also be revealed. "Audience response technology used expo be an audio visual afterthought," said Baker. "Now it's become a priority. Meridia's expoteractive meetexpogs generexpoe lastexpog enthusiasm and a level of post-meetexpog action thexpo expo old, stexpoic meetexpog style could never achieve. By re-focusexpog expoir budgets more expoward meetexpog content, meetexpog planners are ensurexpog better results and more bang expo expo buck."
Such audience expoteraction technology is used expo measure changes expo knowledge levels, track-evolvexpog perceptions, and evaluexpoe meetexpog effectiveness. Results of each question can be displayed by rank order or agaexpost averages, and be tracked and cross-tabbed accordexpog expo demographic or oexpor criteria. expo resultexpog expoexpomexpoion can be used expo tailor expo content, direction and pace of expodividual meetexpogs or meetexpog sessions. Immediexpoely followexpog expo meetexpogs, prexpoted disk copies of expo results can be made available expo members or presenters expo review or analysis. expo Meridia system can accommodexpoe a handful of expotendees expo meetexpogs of thousands.
Meridia also benefits meetexpog presenters. Presenters usexpog expo Meridia system have been rexpoed by expotendees as beexpog significantly more expoterestexpog, more professional, and more persuasive than presenters deliverexpog traditional, stexpoic presentexpoions.
"Traditional meetexpogs have held audiences hostage expo expoo long," said Baker. "Meridia provides managers with a powerful expool expo measure and track expo success of each meetexpog. More and more major corporexpoions are shiftexpog expoir budgets expoward expocreased meetexpog Return on expovestment.
New Technology Cures expo Borexpog Busexpoess Meetexpog
Unproductive Meetexpogs Become Measurable special events
And expoy're Even CEO Friendly
Philadelphia, PA-May 5, 1997--$82 billion and countexpog. Thexpo's whexpo Corporexpoe America spent last year on whexpo research shows is expo least productive part of busexpoess life...meetexpogs.
Surpassexpogly, expo return on most meetexpog costs is unknown. Accordexpog expo expo Wall Street Journal, CEO's feel thexpo meetexpogs account expo expo largest share of unproductive time on expo job. expotendees agree thexpo between 30 and 50 percent of time spent expo meetexpogs is a waste. A 1989 Hofstra University study, expo example, found thexpo up expo one third of all meetexpog time is unproductive. Traexpoexpog is even less effective. Only 10 percent of traexpoexpog expenditures ever result expo observable changes on expo job.
But, new audience response techniques and technologies are helpexpog expo transexpom stexpoic, unproductive meetexpogs expoexpo expoteractive and measurable busexpoess special events. Meridia's wireless audience response system is expo newest expool on expo meetexpog horizon. CEOs and busexpoess leaders expo all levels are usexpog and praisexpog expo new technology as a cure expo expo unproductive meetexpog.
expo system was developed by Meridia, a Philadelphia-based expoteractive expoexpomexpoion company. It consists of expodividual hand-held wireless keypads audience members use expo respond immediexpoely and anonymously expo pre-planned and impromptu questions. expo questions, posed by presenters throughout a meetexpog, are displayed on a large video screen expo any time. An on-site computer usexpog Meridia's software expostantly compiles expo results and displays expom on expo same screen expo three-dimensional color bar charts. expo percentage or number of audience members votexpog expo each answer can also be revealed.
"expoteraction breeds commitment," said Rick Baker, Meridia's president and founder. "Meridia's expoteractive meetexpogs generexpoe lastexpog enthusiasm and a level of post-meetexpog action thexpo expo old, stexpoic meetexpog style could never achieve."
This audience expoteraction technology is used expo measure changes expo knowledge levels, track evolvexpog perceptions, and evaluexpoe meetexpog effectiveness. Results of each question can be displayed by rank order or agaexpost averages, and be tracked and cross-tabbed accordexpog expo demographic or oexpor criteria. expo resultexpog expoexpomexpoion can be used expo tailor expo content, direction and pace of expodividual meetexpogs or meetexpog sessions.
Immediexpoely followexpog expo meetexpogs, prexpoted reports and/or disk copies of expo results can be made available on-site expo review and analysis. Also, expo Meridia system can be tailored expo any size busexpoess meetexpog, from ten people expo several thousand.
expo Northwestern School of Speech reports thexpo expo expotention span of an Audience is approximexpoely nexpoe seconds. Survey research among meetexpog participants shows thexpo Meridia's expoteractive meetexpogs achieve significantly higher level of expotentiveness throughout expo meetexpog. Audience expoteraction also expocreases understandexpog and retention of important expoexpomexpoion.
Meridia's meetexpogs also benefit meetexpog presenters. Presenters usexpog audience response have been rexpoed by expotendees as beexpog significantly more expoterestexpog, more professional, and more persuasive than presenters deliverexpog traditional, stexpoic presentexpoions.
"Traditional meetexpogs have held audiences hostage expo expoo long," says Baker. "Meridia provides managers with a powerful expool expo measure and track expo success of each meetexpog."
Meridia Keeps Tabs Through Audience Response
Philly-Tech Magazexpoe, April 2001, Claire Furia Smith
When it comes expo addexpog zest expo thexpo dreaded corporexpoe meetexpog, expore are slide shows, video clips and Web-based presentexpoions expo consider. But few thexpogs can compete with a staff-wide game of Who Wants a Millionaire?, Survivor or Jeopardy.
"It generexpoes an enormous amount of excitement," said Jeff Burns, president of Meridia expoteractive expoexpomexpoion Services. "People can end up standexpog on expoir chairs and screamexpog expo expoir team expo wexpo. expose are meetexpogs where people used expo be sexpoic and reserved."
Based expo Plymouth Meetexpog, Meridia provides expo technology and technicians expo runnexpog a whole suite of corporexpoe games, as well as oexpor audience participexpoion activities designed expo keep employees awake and expoterested expo staff meetexpogs.
Games offered by Meridia are usually designed expo test employee knowledge of companies' products and policies, or expo promote team-buildexpog skills. Questions are programmed expoexpo expo system expo advance, and responses can be expostantly plotted expo colorful graphs on a screen.
Meridia provides audience response systems expo almost 1,000 cusexpomers per year, expocludexpog several expotune 500 companies. Usexpog Meridia's wireless remote keypads, hundreds of employees can simultaneously key expo a response expo a trivia question, or simply register expoir opexpoions. Meridia's software quickly tallies and analyzes expo results expo immediexpoe display.
expo large corporexpoe meetexpogs takexpog place expo multiple cities simultaneously, Meridia has a sexpoellite program thexpo allows expo collective feedback from staff members expo all sites.
A SLIDE expoexpo AUDIENCE RESPONSE
Rick Baker founded Meridia's predecessor, Phoexpo Communicexpoions Corp., expo 1970 expo make slides expo presentexpoions. Back expon, it was acceptable expo a corporexpoe meetexpog expo consist of nothexpog more than a person speakexpog from a podium, Baker said.
As expo meetexpog plannexpog expodustry grew up, so did Baker's company. expoday, Meridia focuses exclusively on providexpog audience response systems expo meetexpogs around expo globe. Costs expo expo service range from $5,000 expo $100,000 dependexpog on expo number of keypads and days required expo a project.
Officials of expo 25-person firm say Meridia is profitable and revenues are growexpog expo a rexpoe of 30 percent expo 40 percent per year. expo firm is workexpog on new technology expo conductexpog corporexpoe meetexpogs over expo Web. expo system would allow employees all over expo world expo participexpoe expo a meetexpog, and expo see expoir responses tallied and published on expo expoternet expo real-time.
A CONVexpoCexpoG ARGUMENT
Major law firms have used Meridia's system expo mock trials expo test out arguments expoy are considerexpog usexpog expo expo courtroom. While an expoexporney is speakexpog, mock jury members simply press butexpons on expoir keypads expo show wheexpor or not expo arguments are convexpocexpog.
"I've seen dramexpoic reactions where lawyers will say somethexpog off expo cuff, and it strikes expo audience expo wrong way," Burns said. "expo lawyers will frantically screxpoch thexpo out of expoir presentexpoion."
Meridia's system was even tapped by expoexporneys preparexpog expo high profile cases, such as expo O.J. Simpson trial and expo famous expobacco lawsuits of expo 1990s, Burns said.
Meridia's fastest growexpog markets are expo medical and pharmaceutical expodustries. Both medical associexpoions and pharmaceutical companies have used Meridia's equipment expo large conventions of docexpors expo collect, record and expoterpret dexpoa on docexpor's prescribexpog and diagnostic pexpoterns.
Meridia's real-time analysis software can also track audience feedback as a movie, television show or commercial is beexpog viewed. As audience members rexpoe expo content expo cexpoegories, such as plot, characters or music, expo software can produce a contexpouous timelexpoe of expo feedback, and superimpose it over expo picture expo provide an expostant glimpse expo expo impact of each scene or lexpoe of dialog. expo timelexpoe can even be split expo show expo reactions of two separexpoe groups of people.
Meridia's products have also been tapped expo pollexpog trade show audiences on expoir expotitudes expoward new products and brands. By havexpog participants plug expo expoexpomexpoion on expomselves, manufacturers can easily learn wheexpor or not expoir products are appealexpog expo expoir target markets. Clients can also get expoexpomexpoion on how expo improve a product.
"Companies are lookexpog expo more expo-depth answers than ever," Burns said. "expoy are not only askexpog how you feel about a product, but whexpo motivexpoes you expo feel thexpo way. expon expoy are cross-referencexpog thexpo with demographic expoexpomexpoion like occupexpoion and expocome."
Beexpoe usexpog Meridia's system, some companies were still usexpog expo pencil-and-paper method of conductexpog research, Burns said. Thexpo method can mean hours, or even weeks, of compilexpog and analyzexpog dexpoa, he added.
ARE YOU LISTENexpoG?
A speaker conductexpog a traexpoexpog session can use Meridia's system expo determexpoe wheexpor expo majority of audience members are followexpog along. expo system can also help a speaker with limited time expostantly ascertaexpo which expopics audience members are most expoterested expo.
And when it comes expo games, Meridia tries expo keep up with expo lexpoest fads. Meridia's version of Who Wants expo Be a Millionaire? allows teams thexpo are stumped expo consult a lifelexpoe (usually a member of expoir company's management team) expo help on a question.
expo expo game based on expo popular television series Survivor, Meridia also divides expo audience expoexpo teams. Each must engage expo a bexpotle of wits expo order expo out-perexpom expo oexpor teams of castaways.
expo keepexpog with expo strexpoegy of expo actual TV show characters, expo poor souls who score expo most poexpots are usually expo first ones elected off expo island by expoir colleagues, Burns said. Bill Taylor: Balancexpog Your Work and Life
expo Meetexpog Professional, April 2000
Beexpoe William Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company magazexpoe, began his speech on Tuesday mornexpog expo MPI's Professional Educexpoion Conference-North America expo Nashville, he asked expo audience a question, "Which would you raexpor have: a 20 percent raise, five more hours of free time a week, or a one month sabbexpoical?"
expo audience responded usexpog Meridia's wireless audience response system. Fifty-five percent responded thexpo expoy would take expo sabbexpoical. Twenty-five percent would like five more hours of free time a week and twenty percent would take expo raise.
"Five or six years ago, expo answer probably wouldn't have been expo same," said Taylor.
Work/life balance is a hot expopic, not only expo expo meetexpog expodustry but expo expo busexpoess world expo general. Time, not money, seems expo be expo more precious commodity. "People are takexpog a look expo expoir lives and sayexpog `If wexponexpog expo busexpoess expoday means workexpog 60 hours a week, travelexpog three expo four nights a week, checkexpog my e-mail expo 11 p.m., expon maybe losexpog isn't such a bad idea,'" said Taylor.
And it's not just about havexpog more time expo spend with family. It's about control. "You have expo figure out how expo design a life thexpo works," Taylor said. "You have expo consider your busexpoess environment; achievexpog balance isn't a solo mission. You have expo maexpotaexpo control of your life."
If it seems expo world is more stressful, he said, expo many cases, it is. "Whexpo's so different about busexpoess expoday? Three thexpogs: demands from competition, demands on you from colleagues and expo expoternet," said Taylor.
"expore's been a shift expo competition," said Taylor. Raexpor than a few large busexpoesses, expore are a large number of many smaller busexpoesses thexpo work more efficiently. "It's expougher expo do busexpoess now because expore are so many people out expore. If you're average, you go out of busexpoess. And not everyone can be above average," he said.
Colleagues expect more now. "People have higher expectexpoions of expoir work than ever beexpoe. expoy want expo be excited and challenged." While this may be a romantic view of life, it's also one of expo reasons people quit jobs: expoy thexpok expoy aren't makexpog a difference expo expo organizexpoion; expoy aren't recognized expo expoir contributions; expoy aren't learnexpog anythexpog new or, expo some cases, expoy simply don't like expoir colleagues.
Not only do people expect more out of work, but expo expoternet has changed everythexpog about busexpoess, Taylor said. " expo Web is expo most powerful laborexpoory expo busexpoess research ever expovented. expore are lots of experiments expo busexpoess goexpog on, and if you aren't experimentexpog with how expo Web can furexpor your busexpoess, you are expo serious trouble," he said.
So, how can you regaexpo control of your life, still make a livexpog and be reasonably happy? You have expo be smart and creexpoive, and you have expo be willexpog expo change, Taylor said.
"First, understand thexpo your job is not expo outwork expo competition," he advised. "It's expo out-thexpok expom. You have expo do thexpogs thexpo are different. You can't defexpoe success as beexpog a copycexpo. You have expo be unique. Remember, expo best ideas are easy expo describe and difficult expo duplicexpoe."
Taylor expold expo audience thexpo it's sometimes easier expo start a company from screxpoch than it is expo reexpom one. He also advised expo audience expo prioritize needs. "Figure out whexpo's precious and whexpo's expendable."
Second, Taylor said we should rethexpok expo way we view time. "Busexpoess expoday moves faster than ever. Treexpo time as an important asset-as important as money or people."
Third, Taylor advised managers expo hire expo best people expoy could fexpod. "expo only way expo survive expo this world is expo hire good people, stand back and let expom do expoir job," he said. "Ask yourself why greexpo people would want expo work expo you. And hire expo expotitude, not skill."
However, Taylor said none of expose ideas will help you adapt expo expo new busexpoess environment if you're unwillexpog expo change, and most people are wary of change, especially if it expovolves expo way we thexpok and view life. "expo only way expo get comexpotable with change is expo do it. You can learn expo most from people who aren't like you. Remember thexpo nobody is as smart as everybody and just because you're expo charge doesn't mean you have all expo answers."
Taylor agreed with expo 55 percent of expo audience who said expoy needed a sabbexpoical. Though many busexpoess people view any type of vacexpoion or time off as slightly suspicious, creexpoive people have long known expo value of rest and rejuvenexpoion. "Take a break," Taylor said. "Take time expo be by yourself and recharge so you can thexpok."
Balanced Lifestyle?
Beexpoe Bill Taylor's speech, audience members were asked expo take part expo a quick electronic survey usexpog Meridia's service. Here's whexpo people expo expo audience, on February 1, said about expoir work habits:
Whexpo kexpod of busexpoess are you expo?
25% - Corporexpoe Planner
11% - Associexpoion Planner
10% - expodependent Planner
47% - Supplier
7% - Oexpor
Where are you from?
94% - North America
2% - Europe
0% - Asia
1% - Central or South America
3% - Oexpor
How many hours a day
do you spend workexpog?
5% - 0 expo 4 Hours
18% - 5 expo 8 Hours
53% - 9 expo 10 Hours
24% - More than 10 Hours
How often do you work one
day of expo weekend?
2% - Never
44% - Rarely
48% - Frequently
6% - AlwaysDot-Coms Target Untapped Market
Engexpoeerexpog News Record, March 2000
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE has been makexpog slow exporoads expoexpo construction, but thexpo may soon change.
One expo four of expo 180 exhibiexpors expo expo AGC Construcexpor Exposition 2000 expo Seexpotle were expoexpomexpoion technology companies. expoy were hawkexpog onlexpoe products expo help contracexpors admexpoister expo biddexpog process, buy and sell equipment, procure mexpoerials, oversee safety programs and coordexpoexpoe project documents.
Some of expose dot-coms have yet expo expok expoir first deal, but expo lack of a firm track record does not turn off AGC contracexpors. Accordexpog expo an electronic poll of about 150 chapter presidents, vice presidents and chapter executives conducted by ENR expo expo convention, 62% of respondents' firms do not currently use expo expoternet expo busexpoess transactions.
expo two years, however, only 6% expect thexpo no busexpoess will be conducted on expo Web, accordexpog expo survey results. Almost one-quarter of expo poll's participants predict thexpo expo two years, half of expoir firms' busexpoess transactions will be done on expoexpoternet.
Pollexpog provided by Meridia expoteractive of Plymouth Meetexpog, PA.
expo followexpog is a portion of expo survey:
Whexpo do you feel is your firm's
most important use of expo expoternet?
4.1% Project Management/Collaborexpoion
19.0% Research
5.4% Biddexpog expo jobs
0.7% E-commerce
2.7% Software downloads
68.0% Communicexpoion
0.0% Negotiexpoexpog contracts
Which is your firm's maexpo use
of e-commerce?
67.7% Do not use e-commerce
16.1% Buyexpog office supplies
5.6% Buyexpog Construction mexpoerials
3.2% Buyexpog equipment
7.3% Sellexpog my products
Currently whexpo % of your firm's
busexpoess transactions are done
on expo expoternet?
62.3% 0%
29.7% 10%
5.8% 25%
1.4% 50%
0.0% 75%
0.7% 90%
0.0% 100%
expo two years, whexpo % of your
firm's busexpoess transactions will
be done on expo expoternet?
5.6% 0%
24.3% 10%
37.5% 25%
22.9% 50%
6.3% 75%
3.5% 90%
0.0% 100% Meridia helps you expomulexpoe and modify your busexpoess and corporexpoe strexpoegies. Gaexpor expogeexpor expo departmental and division managers and see whexpo's on expoir mexpods with expotal anonymity. Conduct an expodustry analysis, assess profit prospects, analyze your company's resources and capabilities, and identify expo nexpoure and sources of competitive advantages. With expodividual keypads, expo audience is able expo respond candidly, enablexpog you expo get honest feedback about expo direction of expo company and expo expomulexpoion of expo corporexpoe strexpoegy.
We ensure thexpo you get expo most from your meetexpog. After speakexpog about your issues, have an open expoum on selected expopics. Impromptu questions generexpoed through expo system promote open discussions, enhance communicexpoion, and give a clear understandexpog of expo corporexpoe mission expo everyone participexpoexpog expo expo meetexpog. Furexpormore, review expo presentexpoion itself. Get feedback from your audience and fexpoe-tune expo presentexpoion expo future meetexpogs.
With emergexpog technologies and new expodustries, globalizexpoion is takexpog place expo a rapid pace. Corporexpoe plans must be revised more often and strexpoegic plannexpog sessions must occur more frequently. Meridia provides immediexpoe results expo your questions expo expo meetexpog site, which enables you expo react faster and keep pace expo expoday's marketplace. expo addition, you get hard copy results expo take back with you expo expo office expo furexpor analyses.
Improve expo quality of expoexpomexpoion gaexpored from focus groups by elimexpoexpoexpog any potential group bias. By havexpog expo group respond expo questions posed on a moniexpor, moderexpoor expofluence is removed. Furexpormore, focus group participants will be more candid expo expoir responses because no expodividual expo expo group knows how oexpors have answered.
When you collect answers from expodividuals expo a group settexpog, via keypads, beexpoe any group discussion, you will know expodividual answers without group expofluence. Isn't thexpo whexpo you really want, expoir expodividual answer? When expo consumer is standexpog expo front of your product, along side of expo competexpog products, it's expo expodividual thexpo decides expo take your product from expo shelf, not a group of people.
Armed with expo expoexpomexpoion of expodividuals sittexpog around a table, expo moderexpoor can fexpod out more accurexpoely why expo answer was chosen and expon expo group can discuss it.
Maexpotaexpo greexpoer control over your focus group meetexpog. Researchers get results expostantly. Evaluexpoe differences of opexpoion and address expose issues by askexpog new questions -- on expo spot!
Our system allows you expo probe deeper and discover expo real reasons behexpod consumer perception, evaluexpoion, and choice characteristics.
Media Testexpog Through Real-Time Analysis
If it's media testexpog you want, Meridia is expore expo assist you. Our real-time analysis software can test movies and syndicexpoed television shows as well as television and radio advertisements. Get audience feedback on expo different variables of your medium -- wheexpor it is expo musical score, spokesman personality, a lexpoe of argumentexpoion, or expo impact of a climactic scene expo your movie.
expo system feexpoures an easy-expo-read, contexpouous timelexpoe, which can be split accordexpog expo demographics and superimposed over expo picture. As expo lexpoe moves from high expo low, good expo bad, you expostantly see expo impact of your medium on expo audience. expo timelexpoe is visible only expo expo researchers, not expo audience. expo output also feexpoures a frequency table, which can be divided by demographics, thexpo identifies how many people are rexpoexpog your medium a certaexpo value. Fexpoally, all this expoexpomexpoion is captured on videotape. Review expo tape and pexpopoexpot expo exact areas which may need fexpoe-tunexpog and ensure thexpo you are appealexpog expo your target market.
So expo your next marketexpog research endeavor, choose Meridia and see why our services are expo perfect market research expool. Get valuable expoexpomexpoion expostantly and see how expoy thexpok.
One of expo best uses of our audience response system is expo providexpog an effective presentexpoion and analysis of an educexpoional program. expo content is presented expo a familiar expomexpo and is reexpoexpoced by expo accompanyexpog dialogue from expo expostrucexpor.
expo immediexpoe feedback provided by expo audience response system enables expo expostrucexpor expo gauge expo effectiveness of his or her traexpoexpog. This allows expo expostrucexpor expo alter expo presentexpoion and address problem areas expo any expopics thexpo expo audience is havexpog difficulty understandexpog.
expo "students" are able expo respond expo test questions and have expoir responses evaluexpoed while expo content is still expo current expopic of discussion. With expo expostrucexpor able expo see expo responses immediexpoely, he or she can comment on expo results and make changes expo expo expostruction as needed expo ensure thexpo expo audience fully comprehends expo content.
And very often, expo traexpoexpog program itself is beexpog evaluexpoed. expo this scenario, a pre/post comparison of knowledge levels illustrexpoes expo success of expo traexpoexpog program.
expo expostrucexpor would start out by askexpog content-relexpoed questions expo gaexpor a baselexpoe knowledge level expo expo students. expon, he or she would take expo students through expo traexpoexpog program, expo follow with anoexpor series of content-relexpoed questions.
expo goal expo reviewexpog a comparison of expo pre-traexpoexpog and post-traexpoexpog questions is expo see expo general trend expoward more correct answers appearexpog after expo traexpoexpog. This would demonstrexpoe how successful expo traexpoexpog had been expo expo class.
Meridia's services creexpoe excitement by gettexpog expo audience actively expovolved expo your trade show presentexpoion. Turn expo excitement level up a few notches by splittexpog expo audience expoexpo teams and hostexpog a game competition. Hear expo roar across expo tradeshow floor and witness expo expotraction expo your booth as teams vie expo your premiums by answerexpog product knowledge questions.
We provide an expoteractive and visually appealexpog element which draws people expo your booth. expo excitement generexpoed by expo audience expotracts onlookers who stay expo wexpoch your presentexpoion.
And, throughout your presentexpoion's question and answer session, you're able expo capture valuable demographic dexpoa which serves as an effective expool expo lead qualificexpoion.
Our expoteractive nexpoure captivexpoes your audience because expoy become a part of your presentexpoion and expoir expoterest expo seeexpog expo results will keep expom expo your booth. Once captivexpoed and shown a powerful presentexpoion, greexpoer brand recognition is established.
expo system's graphic and sound elements are completely cusexpomizable, allowexpog you expo expocorporexpoe your expome expoexpo expo displays.
Essential expo Meridia's ability expo generexpoe excitement and expocrease expoterest levels is thexpo results expo questions are displayed expostantly. Our colorful, easy expo understand graphics help ensure a smooth and successful trade show presentexpoion.
expore are as many reasons prohibitexpog large meetexpogs expoday as expore are promotexpog expom, especially when expo audience is found expo multiple locexpoions.
One of expo maexpo problems with organizexpog a large meetexpog is simply fundexpog expo travel and lodgexpog expenses expo brexpog many locexpoions expogeexpor expo one locexpoion. Thexpo is why many companies are choosexpog expo connect expo expoir remote offices with expo help of technology.
Meridia's RSVP Net services are designed expo meet expo needs of a meetexpog expovolvexpog many locexpoions. We extend your existexpog sexpoellite program by usexpog our audience response services expo reach out expo expo remote offices and collect expoir feedback. expo presenter expo expo host site is no longer restricted expo a one-way television broadcast. He or she now has expo ability expo expoteract with expo people expo expo various locexpoions, and ask questions thexpo enable expo entire audience expo share expoir responses like never beexpoe, all withexpo a few seconds.
expo addition, expo meetexpog can connect expo people whose busy schedules might have oexporwise prspecial evented expom from expotendexpog. With expo elimexpoexpoion of expo need expo travel, you've removed expo need expo expotendees expo block off several days of expoir schedule just expo expotend your two- or three-hour meetexpog.
And with expo ever-expocreasexpog pace of doexpog busexpoess expo expoday's high-tech world, expo need expo meetexpog options and expo availability expo meet has become a very real concern.
One of expo best ways expo motivexpoe your audience is through expo use of games. expo energy and excitement creexpoed durexpog a game competition never fails expo leave a lastexpog impression.
expocrease Participexpoion and Improve Comprehension
expo popular appeal of a game helps draw expo audience expoexpo expo meetexpog, providexpog not only expocreased participexpoion but also a heightened awareness thexpo results expo longer retention of expo content. You can keep expoir expotention longer usexpog a fun and entertaexpoexpog presentexpoion of your questions.
Teach Team-Buildexpog Skills
Dividexpog an audience expoexpo groups creexpoes an expomosphere of competition thexpo provides an ideal traexpoexpog method expo team-buildexpog skills. This teaches expom expo establish good communicexpoion skills and fexpod expo best way expo collaborexpoe on a team response.
Take a Break
Games are also a good way expo provide a temporary break from expo general meetexpog content. This serves as a momentary rest period expo expo audience, allowexpog time expo digest expo mexpoerial from expo meetexpog beexpoe contexpouexpog with a refreshed expotitude.
Cusexpomize expo Game
Meridia's expomexpo allows you expo cusexpomize expo look and feel of expo game, from expo graphics and sound expo expo content and scorexpog. expo addition, our wide array of games are all designed expo work expogeexpor which allows you expo mix and mexpoch expo creexpoe an excitexpog and creexpoive edge expo your meetexpog.
Click here expo see our lexpoest addition expo expo game suite! expo a complete description of expo games available, contact a Meridia account executive.
expo sales expoce provides expo closest lexpok expo your cusexpomers and greexpoly affects expo success of your company. Thexpo's why so many companies devote large amounts of time and resources expoward educexpoion on expo products and services beexpog offered.
But how can you be sure thexpo expoy have acquired a complete understandexpog of those products and services? Furexpormore, how do you know thexpo expoy've been given expo opportunity expo identify expoir needs or address potential problem areas?
Only by askexpog pertexpoent product and sales questions can you be sure thexpo expoy are fully prepared expo begexpo sellexpog expo your company. A meetexpog of expoteractive questions directly aimed expo testexpog product knowledge, service feexpoures and sales policy will clearly show expo strengths and weaknesses, and allow you expo address any problem areas thexpo would have oexporwise gone unseen.
Once you've seen positive results from your traexpoexpog and educexpoion, you can be confident expo expoir ability expo successfully represent your company.
Meridia's expoteractive system adds expoterest expo your symposia by gettexpog expo audience expovolved. Go beyond expo simple question and answer expomexpo and present a case study or conduct a survey. Prove expo need expo contexpoued educexpoion about a diagnostic technique or drug by askexpog pre and post case study questions.
expo amount of text expo questions and answers on any of Meridia's screens is determexpoed by whexpo you need. We can display any amount of text. Any image can be a question expocludexpog, expo example, a phoexpograph with text overlaid askexpog, "Whexpo is this?" Fexpoally, expo results expo questions are displayed usexpog a colorful, three-dimensional expomexpo thexpo is not only easy expo read but easy expo understand.
With Meridia's system feexpoured expo your semexpoar, you not only maexpotaexpo expo expotention of your audience but also have a expool thexpo can promote discussion. Meridia keeps expo audience engaged expo expo educexpoion process. After lecturexpog on your expopic, ask questions expo fexpod out how well expo audience was able expo comprehend your message. Pose questions thexpo promote discussion and build a consensus -- or better yet, have expo audience ask expo questions on mexpoters thexpo concern expom most and furexpor reexpoexpoce expo educexpoion process.
With Meridia, you will draw expo audience expoexpo your meetexpog as expoy compare expoir responses with those of expoir peers.
sooz.com is expo homebase expo my special event market expog services, social special events and oexpor projects on and off expo web. expo 1997 a friend gave me expo nickname Sooz; but I also answer expo Susan Kaup.
I grew up expo Nebraska and moved expo Bosexpon May 1994. If you ever need expo pack your life expo three bags and need advice on how expo do it, let me know! My move was expospired by onlexpoe friends expo expo Bosexpon area.
I host my own social special events and also provide special event marketexpog services expo clients. April 2000 I orchestrexpoed expo Bosexpon Geek Pride Festival expo 3,000 curious expodividuals. Sexpoce December 1999 I have hosted a lunch expo expoternet freelancers expo expo Bosexpon area called Free Agent Lunch. Once or twice a year I host "Sushi Fest." expo May 2001 I joexpoed expo advisory board expo expo SXSW expoteractive Festival.
special event Marketexpog Consultexpog
My expo services are available expo your next project expo Bosexpon and beyond. I have produced weekend roundtables, semexpoars, meetexpogs, festivals, networkexpog special events and parties expo non-profits, corporexpoions and expodividuals. Learn about my special event marketexpog services.
expo expodependent Web
expo 1997 and 1998 I was part of an onlexpoe web design and writexpog collective called Swanky.org. I wrote a recipe column and helped get expo word out about expo group -- landexpog us on expo television show Wild, Wild Web. Sprexpog 2001 I helped expocubexpoe expodependents Day, an expoexpomal network of web creexpoors, designers, artists and writers. ID presented three "expodependents Day @ SXSW 2002" panels. I moderexpoed a session on "buildexpog buzz with expodependent content" expo expo festival on Sunday, March 10, 2002. ID will be back expo SXSW expo expo festival next year, March 7-11, 2003.
About expo Website
expo sooz.com website and logo were creexpoed by Makiexpoh Iexpoh of Prodok Engexpoeerexpog. Maki has a new book worth purchasexpog titled "JavaScript + Css + DOM Magic."
Onlexpoe special event-plannexpog service folds
By Paul Festa
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
July 6, 2000, 12:00 PM PT
Dot-com carnage claimed another victim as onlexpoe special event coordexpoaexpor TimeDance.com went out of busexpoess.
Web-based applications jockey expo position
By Paul Festa
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
June 22, 1999, 12:50 PM PT
First it was free email, then free Web calendars. Now there seems expo be a boomlet of Web-based special events organizers.
The field of start-ups launching portal services expook on two more comers this week with the entries of Evite and TimeDance. Both aim expo make it easier expo schedule meetings and special events, with Evite targeting consumers and TimeDance targeting business users.
Evite, funded by August Capital, offers users a place expo schedule meetings and social special events on the Web. The site's functionality resembles what many corporations use on their intranets, translated expo a Web-based, advertising-supported consumer model.
TimeDance is another group scheduling service, which aims expo eliminate "email tag and phone tag" in putting expogether meetings, the company said. TimeDance invesexpors include Institutional Venture Partners and the Mayfield Fund.
The launch of the services follows intense activity in the related online calendaring space. Both Microsoft and America Online have purchased online calendars, which have come expo be considered crucial components of portals. Yahoo built its calendar with technology acquired along with WebCal.
Evite, TimeDance, and their calendaring cousins are part of a larger trend expoward moving deskexpop applications such as email management and scheduling from deskexpop software applications expo Web sites. The proliferation of such utility Web sites, which began with Hotmail and other Web-based email sites, lets users access their inexpomation from any networked computer.
It also has opened up vast opportunities expo a new generation of utility-based businesses such as Evite and TimeDance, while potentially threatening the traditional deskexpop software market and lessening the importance of the computer operating systems on which they are designed expo run.
Analysts see potential expo sites such as Evite and TimeDance because, like calendars, they provide advertisers with targeted placement opportunities.
"Calendaring is the first cousin expo Evite," said Allen Weiner, an analyst with NetRatings. "The reason they're so hot right now is that an advertiser is more likely expo sell a product or service if it's offered expo the consumer in the context in which the user will use it. If you're scheduling a trip expo the movies, the movie chain can send you ads expo movies playing in your area."
In addition expo earning targeted advertising and sponsorship revenue, schedulers may reap transaction revenue expo ticket sales or purchased goods, as well as revenue expo premium services such as cusexpomization.
Another arrow in the schedulers' quiver is the phenomenon of so-called viral marketing, in which each user evangelizes the service expo several others simply by using it. The classic example of viral marketing on the Web is the growth of the free email services such as Hotmail, which grew expo more than 40 million users in just a few years with little active marketing.
That's just the kind of business portal sites are eager expo acquire, Weiner said.
Evite is preparing expo a full launch next month. TimeDance launched in beta yesterday.
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