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Game Planning for Meeting Management Athletes
By Chris Brown, CEM, CMP
The meaning of the term “being on top of your game” varies depending upon the audience. To meeting planners, this phrase suggests that your often neglected but essential needs are to be physically and mentally equipped.
Here are five methods that will help you develop this preparedness:
1. Seize today (tomorrow, and the next day). Make decisions today vs. tomorrow, e.g. clothing you plan to wear based upon the weather forecast, or creating a to-do list. Even plan the atmosphere for relaxing after work – especially when traveling. Consider music sources from the hotel’s clock radio, an iPod or CD player. Make time to read economic forecasts, market trend information, business outlooks, and any other resources that make you think differently.
2. Calisthenics Count. Drink plenty of water and get exercise. Keeping hydrated and feeling fit is important to maintain good heath and high energy. The condition of your body fuels the sharpness of your mind.
3. Spice of Life. Plan a treat for yourself following any major accomplishment. Vary your weekly routine. Play—fly a model airplane, ride a bike.
4. Brain Food: Broaden your mind. Read “special interest” or hobby magazines, e-newsletters or newspapers. Read industry publications that speak to your personal and professional life and reaffirm your career. Attend industry events such as chapter and annual meetings and participate in industry blogs.
5. Servant Leader. Guide and mentor your associates. Help colleagues form a favorable opinion of their work and contribution to the company or association. This effort will energize you and help remind you why you became a meeting manager in the first place.
Roger Clemens would not think of pitching without his favorite glove. Venus Williams would not consider playing tennis without first stretching her muscles. (Insert your name here), like these other athletes, would not plan a meeting without “being on top of their game.”
Chris Brown, CMP, CEM, is Senior Meetings, Exhibits, and Trade Shows Manager at
Association Headquarters, Inc., in Mount Laurel, N.J.