How to plan a “can’t miss” event
There are so many business associations, networking events and seminars, competition for attention is fierce. So, how do you plan an event that people won’t want to miss, unless they are out of the country or in the hospital?
The Ireland Netherlands Business Association hosted one of their semi-annual dinner events last night in Amsterdam. Neither Irish or Dutch, I have been attending these dinners regularly for the past few years, and generally only miss if… I am out of the country. Here are a few of their success factors.
First of all, the INBA focus on a few major events each year. The focus on quality over quantity reflects well on the organization and enables them to deliver the quality without a staff or fixed costs. The scarcity also works in their favor and eliminates the, ” I’ll just go next time,” response .
Ambassador Richard Ryan is the Patron of the organization, and his personal commitment and involvement in each event is apparent. (Of course he adds fair amounts of credibility and prestige too.) The attendees are an eclectic mix from business and diplomatic circles. “Who” you are likely to meet at an event and possibly dine with, is of course important.
The keynote speakers are always high profile. Former Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern was the special guest and keynote speaker last night. Recent speakers have included Dutch Minister for European Affairs Frans Timmermans and my personal favorite,Paul McGuinness, General Manager of the band U2. These special speakers in an intimate setting, make for a unique experience.
Your venue is vital. Last night, it was was the Hotel L’Europe pictured here. The venue sets the tone for the event and this was one was Grande. Your venue doesn’t have to be 5 star, but it should be remarkable. Making guests feel special impacts their overall feeling about being associated with your organization.
How will you make you make your next event remarkable?
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Triple Tall Latte Finally on the Way
Why do I long for Starbucks? What is the secret ingredient? Scarcity, of course. We all want what we can’t have. Starbucks is everywhere except the Netherlands! Today I will go on the record to admit my excitement about Starbucks opening soon in Amsterdam Central Station and beyond.
To be regretted later? Probably. After 2 days in New York City or D.C., I feel claustrophobic surrounded by Starbucks on every block; both sides of the street even! In my hometown of St. Louis, there is a Starbucks drive thru in every strip mall. Even the tiny Venetian town of Chania on the island of Crete, yes Starbucks!
Starbucks’ EMEA HQ and roasting facilities are based in Amsterdam, but their absence in the Dutch market has been mysterious. Only a year ago, Starbucks made a big splash by opening 3 stores…all at Schiphol Airport.
This morning on my Tuesday commute between The Hague and Amsterdam, the urge to jump off the train at Schiphol for a triple tall latte was overwhelming, crushed only by time constraints. Not a morning person by nature, I was busy calculating how many minutes earlier I’d have to get up to make time for a Starbucks stop.
Recently, Starbucks’ expansion plans (or lack there of) have made Dutch headlines and even municipalities and political parties have been incensed and vocal, demanding Starbucks in their city limits.
There are several theories about why Starbucks has been slow to enter the Dutch market, and the company has not exactly gone on the record to say that Dutch people are too cheap to pay Starbucks prices. I have my own theory in addition to the price sensitivity; Dutch consumers do not demand customization or personalized service. In fact few even recognize that it exists in the rest of the developed world. True , the 87,000 drink combinations that Starbucks claims to offer are a bit way over the top, but I love to cram three shots of espresso into the tiny “tall” size cup without any disapproving looks, or the standard Dutch Customer Service Catch Phrase, “It’s not possible!”
The appeal of Starbucks to many people, myself included, is actually the Burger King slogan…Have it your way! So yes, I was excited enough by a glimpse at the work in progress at Amsterdam CS to take this photo and I look forward to my commute next Tuesday, now that a triple tall latte is truly on the way!
Filed under Corporate, Customer Delight, Just Life | Comments (2)
Back to B School
Today, as the 2009-10 school year kicks off at New Business School Amsterdam, I look forward to meeting my new class with great anticipation. Optimistic by nature, I have high hopes for these students and the enterprises they will create in the coming year.
The current climate is difficult at best for businesses large and small. The biggest challenge is yet to come for those waiting for things to get back to normal. Based on my observations this summer, business as usual will be redefined.
My summer began with a trip to St. Louis, where the first signs of decline inmy hometown were apparent as I stepped off the plane into the ghost town that is now Lambert Airport, once a bustling hub. In St. Louis, the retail bubble is ready to burst, but when it does I am convinced that people will be willing to drive more than 2.5 miles from their home to buy new Egyptian cotton bed sheets when the need arises. No need to build more warehouse stores devoted to Linens n Things on every street corner and strip mall. We did our best (shopping) to stimulate the local economy, but the emptiness of vast malls and stores, leads me to believe that many more closures are imminent.
Speaking of closures, driving past the newly automated, state of the art, and now closed Chrysler plant in Fenton, MO, was an ominous example of modernization and innovation not being enough to sustain a business giant. Continue reading »
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Google Lost and Found
I found a bank card on the sidewalk in front of our office yesterday and it did not belong to anyone within shouting distance.
As a frequent misplacer of all things, I considered leaving it in case the person retraced their steps, but then I decided to grab it for safe keeping.
This morning my colleague was on an endless hold with the bank about the card when I suggested that she Google the Guy. The probable match was made within seconds and it turned out that our Mr Ramirez* works at a high-profile and high-security International Organization here in The Hague. This made the process of contacting him a bit tricky, but after initial refusals from security, she was eventually “allowed” to leave a voice mail. A surprised Mr. Ramirez called back within minutes and he was delighted. He simply thought he left his card at home and hadn’t blocked it. He appreciated the extra effort we made to find him. At lunch time he was standing in front of our door with a big smile and a lovely bouquet of flowers.
Mr. Ramirez was reunited with his card and left only to return a minute later. He just had to ask how we made it past security. I assured him they were not forthcoming with any information, but he must realize now how easy it is to be found. That of course can be good or bad!
Unfortunately for my colleague, she had the afternoon off and missed Mr Ramirez by 10 minutes. So, the flowers are mine!
*Name changed to protect his top secret status (at least a little bit).
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