For cabs, I always recommend American Taxi, but 303 Taxi is also good. Neither company offers discounts, but BOTH have flat rates to/from the airports if you call ahead.

And, if you have some folks who prefer a slicker ride, I like A Touch of Class Limousine. They’re very reasonable (if you order a shared ride) and very reliable.

Guess I’m doing nothing but carry on from here on out.

This information contained within an audit will allow exhibitors to begin to really justify their investment and find out just how many people are attending a specific show and if the demographics of those folks actually match up to their sales “sweet spot”. The research provided to the exhibitors by the organizer will enhance this audit data to really give character to the attendees and create a comprehensive profile on which exhibitors and their management can base important budget and marketing decisions.

In the April issue of Exhibitor, Mr. Knight really hits the nail on the head with regards to what is happening with exhibitors and the show attendance data they could so effectively be using.

Print circulation numbers were and are audited because advertisers demanded it and said they wouldn’t buy ad space unless they were given verified, third-party audited figures. Trade shows are the opposite. Exhibitors continue to purchase space in shows that are not offering audited attendance data. The person responsible for the marketing budget may need to decide between a print campaign and face-to-face. If one is offering verified third-party data and the other isn’t, the decision would be an easy one based on justification of the spend, especially in a tight economy.

The AIF and all of the other metrics are amazingly accurate and effective in use, if established through good numbers. One cannot use the metrics being touted in our industry unless verified, third-party audited numbers are being plugged in first. You know what they say, “Garbage in, garbage out”.

Ask your organizers for audited attendance figures and demographics. You’ll be glad you did.

Mike
http://www.grassshackroad.com
http://www.MeetingPodcast.com

I never thought of using Jott in that way, although I do use it onsite to help me remember all the little details that might otherwise go forgotten! I wrote about it here: http://krysslovacek.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/dont-forget/.

What I try to do when things are getting hot is breathe!
Then I usually find a spot and talk out situations on my voice mail and then listen to them and get a perspective of it from all points. I also have used a neat FREE service called http://www.jott.com to call up situations that arise and the service transcribes my voicemail and shoots me an email. Then later after the conference productions I can go back and have a good transcript and log of what happened, keep track of client additions, things that worked creatively for the audience and anything else I want to remember later to improve the next production. It really clears my head and makes me more calm and present for our clients.

Again great post Krys.

Mike

Mike McAllen
Grass Shack Events & Media
http://www.GrassShackRoad.com
http://www.meetingspodcast.com

You’re absolutely right, people are more likely to lose their cool away from the office. I often wondered why. Sometimes it seems to have more to do with the situation than the location. When you’re onsite everything is coming to a head and stress is at it’s maximum. On the other hand, you’re also away from the comforts of home, habit and most of your support system.

Strangely enough, I posted about a related subject today. It’s called “The Valium Bubble” (http://www.breakingmurphyslaw.com/2008/05/08/the-valium-bubble/)