ConventionSouth | October 2008 Issue

October 2008 Update

Latest Meetings Industry News

Read the latest headlines.

Just Launched: ConventionSouth Digital Edition

It's now easier than ever to read ConventionSouth. Now you can get ConventionSouth, page-by-page, at your fingertips through our new Digital Edition. This online version allows you to view, flip through and zoom in on ConventionSouth just as it appears in print. Read special reports, news updates, advice columns, feature articles and our Insider's Guide to the South section—in full color and with pictures.

Plus, the Digital Edition's enhanced features allow you to interact with ConventionSouth through easy-to-use tools, including:
—Quick Find options that allow you to find the areas of interest fast.
—Keyword searches for researching topics—and meeting sites—of interest.
—Link capabilities that transfer you to the websites of meeting sites, suppliers and other resources found in each issue.
—E-mail services, so you can share articles with your co-workers, clients and peers.
—Print features so you can keep a record of ideas and advice found in each issue.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE DIGITAL EDITION OF CONVENTIONSOUTH.

What's Inside?

The October 2008 Issue of ConventionSouth features a wealth on news, insight and answers. Here's what you'll find inside our new Digital Edition.

COVER STORY:

The South Revamped

The last two years have brought a construction boom around the South's hospitality sector and now you will find a host of new, renovated or on the way meeting sites. Find out what particular trends this "build and beautify" phenomenon has brought.

SPECIAL REPORT:

Meeting Pro Kathy Metts Reveals Her Success Story

Now the owner of her own meeting planning firm based in Tennessee, Kathy Metts has used her diversified background in the industry to take on high-profile events—all while overcoming their unique challenges.

FEATURE:

Why University Meetings Are A Smart Choice

College campuses across the Southeast have numerous facilities to hold group events, but that's not the only reason why planners are selecting these sites. Find out what their top advantages are.

ADVICE:

Dealing With Unprofessional Behavior

Lin Grensing-Pophal talks to the experts on how you can best handle business situations in which someone crosses the line and acts unprofessionally.

INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE SOUTH'S MEETING HOT SPOTS:

This month, find out what's new in these destinations:

PLUS, click on each destination above to get more information and a detailed list of meeting sites & capacities within each area.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE DIGITAL EDITION OF CONVENTIONSOUTH.

Finding Relief From Meeting Disasters

Our October issue features the account of one meeting pro's near disastrous event. Read her full story on our Digital Edition. Plus, click here to read the meeting nightmare stories of our top three winners from ConventionSouth's Meeting Disaster Contest.

New & Renovated: A Complete Facilities Guide

While our October issue features a spotlight on much of the South's new, renovated or soon-to-open meeting sites, our online facilities guide is a more complete wrap up. Find out what venues or hotels have recently opened, completed renovations or expanded along with details on future projects. Click here to download the state-by-state guide.

ConventionSouth On The Road
Throughout the year, ConventionSouth writers and editors travel to destinations throughout the Southeast and report on their unique meeting offerings. This month, read about our traveling journalist's experiences:
—Atlanta
—Raleigh, N.C.
—Fairfax County, Virginia

Planning Directory

We are pleased to provide you with this up-to-date database of meeting sites in the South. This service is funded by ConventionSouth's advertisers who are aggressively seeking group events and are most likely to truly earn your business. [Search numerous meeting sites throughout the south.]

Feedback Live:

Give us your input! Click here to answer this month's Feedback Live question!

Planner Forum:

Share your thoughts! Click here to post a comment on our planner forum.

Site Solutions:

Looking for the perfect location for your next event? Tell us what you're looking for (be as general or specific as you like) and we'll connect you with suppliers that meet your site selection criteria. Plus, you'll automatically qualify to win a $200 American Express gift card! Click here.

Hot Dates/Deals

Looking for a last-minute site or an extra special value for your next meeting? Search our database of "hot dates" at Southern meeting sites. Click here.