To ensure that meetings flow smoothly and achieve desired results, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Ultimately, it is the most senior executive present who has the ability to support or pull the plug on a meeting. A carefully crafted agenda delivered at an appropriate venue are keys for the success of any meeting. Bearing this in mind, here are some common pitfalls to avoid when designing and running meetings.
Failing to Stage Manage the Senior Management Team
This is a major #fail. If the meeting planner does not get buy-in from this level of management, executives who just turn up for the meeting can easily derail it. They can make comments that undermine the facilitator, agendas can be set aside, ;and they can make last minute changes in food and beverage arrangements that disrupt the flow of the meeting. It is important to remember that the most senior person present is the meeting sponsor.
Setting Unrealistic Time Frames
Time frames that are unrealistically short are one of the most common reasons that meetings go off track. If participants feel rushed and pressured, their level of engagement will decrease.
Packing the Agenda
Yes, the pressure to design shorter meetings is real but it is important to have realistic expectations about what can and cannot be accomplished in a given time-frame.
Failing to make meetings interactive
With all of the research available about adult learning, this is inexcusable.
Skipping Site Inspections
When budgets are tight, clients often try to cut corners by foregoing site inspections for foreign meetings. Here are some alternatives:
Selecting the Wrong Venue
All too often, the venue is selected before decisions are made about the meeting content and design. This can present a number of challenges. For example, space may be insufficient for breakout exercises. If the room is to small, then set-up may be restricted to theater style set-up. This brings us to the next meeting mistake.
Using the Wrong Meeting Room Configuration
If the goal is to encourage interaction between meeting participants, opt for half rounds or squares. Rectangular tables are rarely used but they work really well for group exercises. Alternatively, use a U-shaped configuration and break-out rooms or tables for group exercises.
Failing to Identify and Accommodate Special Needs
There should never be surprises in this area. Well in advance of the meeting, it is essential to:
Giving Poor Attention to Audio-visual Requirements
Don't assume that the supplier knows what you need. Review all requirements and identify clearly when and how projectors, microphones and other event technology will be used. The day of the meeting is too late to find out that audio-visual is insufficient for the needs of the group.
- take advantage of the time you spend at foreign destinations to do site inspections
- engage an event planner or DMC at the destination to conduct the site inspection
- involve the tourist board or convention bureau (some will do site inspections)
- ensure accessibility for all participants
- identify participants with allergies or special dietary needs and work with the chef to accommodate their needs
Written by Anne Thornley-Brown
