Author Archives: Dave Lutz

Creating Planned Serendipity For Your Conference Success

Tweet Networking: there’s more to it than business professionals speed handshaking while exchanging business cards. It’s an opportunity to connect and link with others as you share information, services and ideas with each other. Attendee Networking Expectations Increase There is no doubt about it. Conference attendee networking expectations are on the rise! Your conference is…

Jeff Hurt Promoted To Executive VP

Tweet I’m excited to announce that Jeff Hurt has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Education & Engagement at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting! Jeff has been an indispensable contributor to the VCC team over the past 27 months. His fresh ideas on the future of conferences and learning have been instrumental in helping our consulting clients…

Are You A Risky RFP Abuser?

Tweet Our profession is at risk. More small meetings, shorter lead times and RFP abuse are on a collision course for commoditizing our industry. It shouldn’t be commoditized! Hotels react by throwing technology and lower-level sales professionals against the problem. The model is not sustainable. Group Meetings Are Big Business Even a small meeting of…

Deal Or No Deal: Overcoming Barriers With Hotel Contracts

Tweet You’ve found the perfect hotel for your meeting. It’s a great location. You were able to negotiate a good room rate. The concession package and your meeting space flows well too. The Contract’s T&Cs Cause You To Pause The hotel sends you a contract to secure the deal. As you review the 14-page document,…

Leveraging Professional Speakers For Conference Impact

Tweet Most conference expense budgets are tight and limiting. Technology innovations, including Skype, Snagit, DIY screen capture and affordable video editing tools, can help you bring more thought leaders to your conference experience. Increasing Conference Value With Professional Speakers Professional speakers are often the most remembered, valued and polished elements of a conference. Typically they…