On the Spot 1-1-2003

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts January 2003

January 2003

Short Cuts:
On the SpotDo you start your events with an icebreaker?

“I do not plan an icebreaker, but we always invite our first-time attendees to come half an hour earlier than the starting time of our welcome reception, so they can meet our board members and feel part of the family.”

Susan Shores
Officer Manager
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses
Bethesda, Md.

“My favorite is the one we used at our last trade show. We had ink stamps made representing each of the 50 states. Attendees went to every booth also numbering 50 with a booklet and collected each stamp. The booklets were handed in, we gave away a snow plow as a grand prize, and everyone got to know one another.”

Pam Pelkowski
Program Specialist
Snow & Ice Management Association
Erie, Penn.

“Our association members all know each other for the most part, so icebreaking is not really necessary. Our events start with a grand reception, so I find that good food and wine suffice.”

Jane McEwen
Executive Director
International Packaged Ice Association
Tampa, Fla.