February 28, 2013 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Attend our exclusive networking event for meeting planners and you will:
Meet in one-on-one appointments with premier properties
Stay educated on cutting-edge industry topics for CEU credits
Network with senior meeting planners and leave with new friends
Gather ideas for your programs from our unique thematic live elements
Simplify your life by completing your site research in one place
Get a chance to win giveaways from luxury resorts and suppliers
Details about The Georgia World Congress Center
The Georgia World Congress Center is Atlanta's world-renowned convention center. Its unique 200-acre campus is designed to exceed your convention, trade show, sporting and special event needs for groups of all sizes. Equally important, a dedicated and experienced staff is eager to assist you in every way to guarantee the success of your event.
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center features 3.9 million sq. ft. with 1.4 million sq. ft. of prime exhibit space, 12 exhibit halls, 106 meeting rooms and two grand ballrooms. Complemented by the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, the three facilities comprise one of the finest convention, sports and entertainment complexes in the world.
The Smart Event at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013
8:45–9:30 a.m. Registration & Welcome Reception
9:30–10:30 a.m. Educational Session
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. One on One Appointments
1:30–3:00 p.m. Networking Luncha nd Grand Prize Raffle
3:00-4:00 p.m. Behind the Scenes Tour of the Georgia Dome (optional)
Testimonials
"Smart Mart events are a great way to find hotels and suppliers you didn't know existed, and a great way to meet the sales person before you start a business relationship."
-- Diane Herrmann, JNR Incorporated
"When your time is precious and your need for information from a diverse variety of options is required...go to a Smart Mart!"
--Sharon Cohu, T-Mobile USA
"This was my first experience at a Smart Mart meeting and I really enjoyed it. I met some great contacts!"
--Annette Ruiz, In-N-Out Burger
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John S. Foster, Esq., CHME
Hotel Contracts Boot CampYou can be the best negotiator in the world, but the bottom line is whether your contract is legally clear, inclusive and enforceable. Understanding hotel contract basics is critical to both planners and suppliers. This session is for novices and pros that need a refresher on the basics. It will cover legal tips and pitfalls that every meeting professional must understand to survive in today’s business climate and avoid expensive lawsuits.
Topics will include Foster’s golden rule of contracting; breach of contract issues, penalties vs. damages and what’s enforceable; the importance of understanding profit margins in hotels; the two methods of calculating guest room attrition damages and a recommended formula; the audit clause and privacy; cancellation vs. termination; and much more. The session will be interactive and your questions will be addressed.
About John Foster
John S. Foster, Esq., CHME is an attorney and counsel whose firm—Foster, Jensen & Gulley, LLC of Atlanta—specializes in the legal aspects of meetings, conventions, trade shows, events and association management. Since 1986, he has been an associate or general counsel for more than 400 national and regional associations and companies. His peers in the Georgia Society of Association Executives have named him “Corporate Member of the Year,” and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) members named him “Author of the Year” for his frequent contributions to Convene magazine. Foster has also been selected as a Subject Matter Expert for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) peer-to-peer assistance program, a select member of the MPI Advisory Panel, an MPI Platinum Speaker and a Best in Class Speaker for PCMA.
Foster is currently MPI’s outside legal counsel for industry contracts and handling other legal issues. His professional experience includes 12 years as a director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn, and he holds a Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME) designation from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.
Foster has been an adjunct professor at Georgia State University and a guest lecturer at the University of Oklahoma, Arizona State University, University of North Carolina and Kennesaw State University in their respective meeting management programs. He handles in-house legal training as well as contract preparation and negotiations for corporations and associations nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who attends The Smart Event?
2. How do I qualify to attend The Smart Event?
3. Where do I register for The Smart Event?
4. How much does The Smart Event cost?
5. What exactly do the one-on-one appointments entail?
6. Can more than one meeting professional from a company attend?
7. When and where should I plan on arriving/departing?
8. May I arrive early or extend my stay?
9. I’m a planner. Should I bring an RFP?
10. What should I wear?
11. May I bring a guest?
12. Whom should I contact with any questions?
1) Who attends The Smart Event?
People like you—highly qualified meeting professionals and highly recognized hotel partner properties in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
2) How do I qualify to attend The Smart Event?
Are you a meeting professional who:
–Has a verifiable history of conferences, meetings, events, incentives, training/conference programs or conventions?
–Contracts hotels with an average room rate of $150 or more per night?
–Plans groups of 10 or more attendees with room nights yielding a minimum of 30 room nights?
–Is considering planning a meeting in the U.S., Canada or Mexico in the next two years for which you haven’t yet contracted a hotel or destination?
Answered “yes” to these questions? Register above to attend.
3) Where do I sign up for The Smart Event?
Meeting Professionals: Apply online by clicking on the “Register Now” button above. Submit your application today as space is limited!
Suppliers: Call 415-339-9355 or email advertising@smartmeetings.com to contact your local sales representative to discuss participation in this event and/or future events.
4) How much does The Smart Event cost?
Meeting Professionals: Smart Meetings provides parking at the host hotel, meals as outlined in the agenda and registration materials. Attendees are responsible for incidental charges and transportation.
Suppliers: Contact your local sales representative at 415-339-9355 to get the best deal! Base rates are available online. Suppliers receive meals as outlined in the agenda and registration materials. Attendees are responsible for incidental charges, transportation and accommodations, although Smart Meetings has secured a special event rate, which can be redeemed through reservations when mentioning The Smart Event.
5) What exactly do the one-on-one appointments entail?
Our one-on-one appointments are set up as a convenient way for you to research multiple properties, destinations and other services in one place, at one time. Each appointment lasts 12 minutes and you will have 15 pre-scheduled appointments.
6) Can more than one meeting professional from a company attend?
Our policy typically only allows one meeting professional to attend per company; however, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the events staff at 415-339-9355 or events@smartmeetings.com to inquire.
7) When and where should I plan on arriving/departing?
Information to come.
8) May I arrive early or extend my stay?
The hotel has provided a special pre/post-event room rate for those attending The Smart Event. Please ask the events staff at Smart Meetings for more information by calling 415-339-9355 or e-mailing events@smartmeetings.com.
9) I’m a planner, should I bring an RFP?
All planners are encouraged to bring open RFPs with them, as suppliers are ready to book during the appointments.
Recommended attire is business casual. Please, no jeans.
We suggest that you and a guest enjoy the city together before or after The Smart Event. Unfortunately, our policy does not typically allow guests to participate in The Smart Event activities; however, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
12) Who should I contact with any questions?
Please contact the Smart Meetings events staff at events@smartmeetings.com or 415-339-9355.
