Engaged couples often seem to be overwhelmed, exhausted and more than anything stressed in today’s busy world. Having to deal with budgets, time constraints, people pleasing, and conflicting opinions is enough to make anyone want to elope! So, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a simple, accessible and fun way to plan at the tips of your fingers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Well now there is, and not just anyone has developed this new break-through companion for the planning couple; it’s coming straight from the average web-users best friend: Google!
With Google’s new wedding index page Bride and Groom’s can create, plan, document and explore everything they will need for the big day all while sitting in the comfort of their own home! The index offers Google Sites where couples can create their own pages for family and friends to interact in their journey; use Picnik to edit photos, create cards, invitations, save-the-dates, etc.; and the most-valuable tool of them all: Google Docs which allows you to create budgets, schedules, seating charts, guest list spread sheets and much more!
When planning an event as important and as special as a wedding you want to know that you can trust your planners and that the services offered are more than just the basics. That’s why The Adams Pointe Conference Center takes pride in being an All-Inclusive venue with packages for every kind of bride! Providing more than just the basics; our All-Inclusive wedding packages include complimentary tables, chairs, your choice of colored cloth napkins and table linens, centerpieces, dance floor, staging, head/cake/gift tables, black-tie servers, discounted hotel rooms, and so much more! Our in-house Executive Chef prepares amazing dishes from hors d’oeuvres to plated meals and bountiful buffets; Adams Pointe covers a variety of menus and it’s up to you which selections you would like! The best part is- the only thing you pay for is the food and beverage; it’s our job to take care of the rest and make sure everything is nothing less than perfect FOR FREE!
So while you’re at home lounging in your pajamas letting Google Weddings plan your big day, let us here at Adams Pointe bring it all together and take care of making the stress of being a bride – simplified!
Taryn Wright
Social Sales manager
Adams Pointe Conference Center
816.220.4467
twright@adamspointecc.com
Adams Pointe Conference Center
1500 NE Coronado Drive
Blue Springs, Missouri 64014
816.220.4400 | www.adamspointecc.com
"Making Things Easier!"
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Choosing The Right Hotel For Group Travel
I recently returned from a trip to Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri where we watched our daughter compete for Central Methodist University in the Heart of America Conference Cheerleading Championships.
On the drive home, I could not compare our trip to the VISA commercials of late…
8 hour in the car, two tanks of gas, overnight stay in a hotel, and 5 meals on the road for the family. Doing all this for two 3-minute cheer routines: Priceless!”
Those of you that have children in cheer, gymnastics, dance, and other sports know what parents do to support our kids in their endeavors. All our efforts, time, and money spent are simply in the hopes that our kids will say to their children, “I remember when my mom and dad came to see me do this.” Needless to say, it is worth it.
You cannot put a price tag on being present at all those special moments in life. But, as most parents know, you can sure put a price on getting yourselves to those momentous occasions! We all are witnessing rising gas prices, and please let me know if you hear of a movement for restaurants to lower menu prices across the board. Combine these fixed costs with events that can span 3, 5, or even 7 days. Now more than ever before you want to be confident in your choice of hotel.
Here are some things to look for when you are booking a hotel for your group:
• Space – A good size lobby and pool area that opens to the outside where your people can hang out and not be confined to rooms or hallways during your stay.
• Conveniences- Hotels that provide FREE refrigerators in their rooms, spare toiletries, and other amenities will be a lifesaver and save you money when something is forgotten.
• Internet Capabilities – In our ever-growing digital world, FREE high speed and/or wireless internet will prove invaluable when passing the time and allowing mom and dad to stay current with their responsibilities from the road.
• Comforts of Home- Guest use washers and dryers with free detergent can be the difference between a trip to the department store for a new shirt, or saving some money while still looking good throughout your trip.
• Local Attractions & Services- A hotel’s proximity to department, grocery, and drug stores should never be overlooked when traveling with the family or a group. Invariably, someone will leave something behind or be in need of a convenience item at some point in your travels.
• Parking – Let’s be honest, group travel usually means a lot of coming and going in your personal vehicle. Ample, well-lit, safe, and FREE parking is a must.
• Hotel Room Proximity- When traveling together, most want to stay together. Group rooms in close proximity are needed…..no one wants their group spread out amongst multiple floor and wings of the hotel.
No matter what hotel you choose for your next group travel event, be sure and give some consideration to the facility features listed above. The Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs is proud to offer our guests all of these services and amenities. We understand what group leaders are going through when assigned the duty of finding a host hotel for their group or team. We are dedicated to one thing: ‘Making Things Easier!’
Contact the group sales office at the Courtyard by Marriott of Blue Springs at 816-220-4400 for help arranging affordable and convenient group travel.
Barth Burgin, General Manager
Courtyard by Marriott - East
Blue Springs, Missouri
On the drive home, I could not compare our trip to the VISA commercials of late…
8 hour in the car, two tanks of gas, overnight stay in a hotel, and 5 meals on the road for the family. Doing all this for two 3-minute cheer routines: Priceless!”
Those of you that have children in cheer, gymnastics, dance, and other sports know what parents do to support our kids in their endeavors. All our efforts, time, and money spent are simply in the hopes that our kids will say to their children, “I remember when my mom and dad came to see me do this.” Needless to say, it is worth it.
You cannot put a price tag on being present at all those special moments in life. But, as most parents know, you can sure put a price on getting yourselves to those momentous occasions! We all are witnessing rising gas prices, and please let me know if you hear of a movement for restaurants to lower menu prices across the board. Combine these fixed costs with events that can span 3, 5, or even 7 days. Now more than ever before you want to be confident in your choice of hotel.
Here are some things to look for when you are booking a hotel for your group:
• Space – A good size lobby and pool area that opens to the outside where your people can hang out and not be confined to rooms or hallways during your stay.
• Conveniences- Hotels that provide FREE refrigerators in their rooms, spare toiletries, and other amenities will be a lifesaver and save you money when something is forgotten.
• Internet Capabilities – In our ever-growing digital world, FREE high speed and/or wireless internet will prove invaluable when passing the time and allowing mom and dad to stay current with their responsibilities from the road.
• Comforts of Home- Guest use washers and dryers with free detergent can be the difference between a trip to the department store for a new shirt, or saving some money while still looking good throughout your trip.
• Local Attractions & Services- A hotel’s proximity to department, grocery, and drug stores should never be overlooked when traveling with the family or a group. Invariably, someone will leave something behind or be in need of a convenience item at some point in your travels.
• Parking – Let’s be honest, group travel usually means a lot of coming and going in your personal vehicle. Ample, well-lit, safe, and FREE parking is a must.
• Hotel Room Proximity- When traveling together, most want to stay together. Group rooms in close proximity are needed…..no one wants their group spread out amongst multiple floor and wings of the hotel.
No matter what hotel you choose for your next group travel event, be sure and give some consideration to the facility features listed above. The Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs is proud to offer our guests all of these services and amenities. We understand what group leaders are going through when assigned the duty of finding a host hotel for their group or team. We are dedicated to one thing: ‘Making Things Easier!’
Contact the group sales office at the Courtyard by Marriott of Blue Springs at 816-220-4400 for help arranging affordable and convenient group travel.
Barth Burgin, General Manager
Courtyard by Marriott - East
Blue Springs, Missouri
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Planning A Meeting? Get To The Point(e)!
I have participated in a lot of retreats. By a lot, I mean three or four annual, all-day planning sessions each year over the past five or six years. Our business holds an annual sales retreat, and I sit on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations in the community and each of them holds an annual retreat. Some of these retreats have been very productive, but unfortunately, half of these meeting marathons have me scratching my head as I walk out the door at the end of the day wondering "did we just accomplish anything?"
Is it a coincidence that the most grueling experiences seem to occur when an "expert" moderator is in charge? I think not. Often, the hired professional moderator has just been a bad fit for the group. A qualified expert with no industry experience, poor preparation or lack of topic knowledge can very easily sidetrack the group from the point of the meeting. If the purpose of the meeting is setting priorities and objectives, is a two-hour team building exercise really necessary? Does the group need to spend the whole morning doing an exercise to enhance listening skills? I am a "get to the point" kind of guy, and it really drives me nuts when these retreat agendas do not schedule the heart of the topic until after lunch is over! Inevitably, the whole group loses focus after a few cycles of caffeine-carbs-caffeine-carbs during the meeting day, and most participants are more ready for a nap than for talking business after lunch and the afternoon cookie break. By that time of day, the moderator is usually trying to rush through the meeting agenda before the numb-minded, barely quorum, and as the day ends suggestions are made to set a follow-up date to finish the business at hand.
My suggestions to enhance your retreat and get the most productivity in your limited time:
• Choose your moderator carefully. Pick someone that is familiar with your group's mission and objectives and has knowledge of your industry or organization. This may be someone within your organization, an industry expert or a trained facilitator with experience in your field.
• Spend time going over the agenda with the moderator. As the meeting planner, it is ultimately up to you whether your retreat is a success. Minimize the "exercises" and make sure you get to the big picture items early in the day when participants are fresh and creativity is at the peak. It is easier for people to deal with detail and specifics later in the day when the priorities and objectives have already been identified. This also allows your group to go back and modify as the detail is discussed.
• Try to lay off the sugar and carbohydrates when you plan your menus. Provide protein snacks to keep participants alert. Did you know that NASA and the military use diet to help regulate sleep patterns for pilots and astronauts? Carbs slow down the metabolism and induce sleep. Proteins increase the metabolism and promote alertness.
• Allow and even encourage people to get up and move around during discussions. Many people think better when they are on their feet, and standing up will keep people from zoning out or dozing off.
• Make sure you have all your meeting resources on hand. This might include flip charts, markers, pens and pads, internet connections, projectors and screens.
Contact your meeting professional at Adams Pointe Conference Center and the Courtyard by Marriott hotel of Blue Springs at 816.220.4400 or events@adamspointecc.com. We are ready and able to provide the resources, advice, and menu insights that will make your retreat, conference, or meeting a huge success!
Bill Essmann, General Manager
Adams Pointe Conference Center
Blue Springs, MO
Is it a coincidence that the most grueling experiences seem to occur when an "expert" moderator is in charge? I think not. Often, the hired professional moderator has just been a bad fit for the group. A qualified expert with no industry experience, poor preparation or lack of topic knowledge can very easily sidetrack the group from the point of the meeting. If the purpose of the meeting is setting priorities and objectives, is a two-hour team building exercise really necessary? Does the group need to spend the whole morning doing an exercise to enhance listening skills? I am a "get to the point" kind of guy, and it really drives me nuts when these retreat agendas do not schedule the heart of the topic until after lunch is over! Inevitably, the whole group loses focus after a few cycles of caffeine-carbs-caffeine-carbs during the meeting day, and most participants are more ready for a nap than for talking business after lunch and the afternoon cookie break. By that time of day, the moderator is usually trying to rush through the meeting agenda before the numb-minded, barely quorum, and as the day ends suggestions are made to set a follow-up date to finish the business at hand.
My suggestions to enhance your retreat and get the most productivity in your limited time:
• Choose your moderator carefully. Pick someone that is familiar with your group's mission and objectives and has knowledge of your industry or organization. This may be someone within your organization, an industry expert or a trained facilitator with experience in your field.
• Spend time going over the agenda with the moderator. As the meeting planner, it is ultimately up to you whether your retreat is a success. Minimize the "exercises" and make sure you get to the big picture items early in the day when participants are fresh and creativity is at the peak. It is easier for people to deal with detail and specifics later in the day when the priorities and objectives have already been identified. This also allows your group to go back and modify as the detail is discussed.
• Try to lay off the sugar and carbohydrates when you plan your menus. Provide protein snacks to keep participants alert. Did you know that NASA and the military use diet to help regulate sleep patterns for pilots and astronauts? Carbs slow down the metabolism and induce sleep. Proteins increase the metabolism and promote alertness.
• Allow and even encourage people to get up and move around during discussions. Many people think better when they are on their feet, and standing up will keep people from zoning out or dozing off.
• Make sure you have all your meeting resources on hand. This might include flip charts, markers, pens and pads, internet connections, projectors and screens.
Contact your meeting professional at Adams Pointe Conference Center and the Courtyard by Marriott hotel of Blue Springs at 816.220.4400 or events@adamspointecc.com. We are ready and able to provide the resources, advice, and menu insights that will make your retreat, conference, or meeting a huge success!
Bill Essmann, General Manager
Adams Pointe Conference Center
Blue Springs, MO
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