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5 Best Apps and Programs To Help You Manage Email In 2020

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A McKinsey analysis, as quoted in the Harvard Business Review, revealed that emails take up as much as 28% of a professional’s time in the office. Another survey by Adobe puts the figure at 50%, suggesting the reading and reacting to emails could be more time-consuming than we think. However, taking much of a professional’s time in the office isn’t the only problem: emails have a negative impact on one’s attention, emotions and productivity. Here are 5 best email apps to help you avoid these challenges.

Microsoft Outlook

Compatible with both iOS and Android, Outlook helps you to coordinate your emails, contacts, attachments and calendars. This app is most suitable for handling piles of emails, courtesy of its quick swiping controls. Microsoft is constantly updating this email app with new features, such as cloud integration, making it suitable for both businesses and individuals.

Gmail

Gmail comes preloaded on Android devices, but you can buy it for iOS as well. Considered the most versatile, this email application brings together a host of useful features that include Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Hangout. These features allow you to access your emails and documents from anywhere. Gmail also lets you create folders, star emails, and tag emails so you can make follow-ups later.

Dispatch

If you are handling high volumes of mails, Dispatch is the way to go. The app lets you sort and organize emails quickly. You can also create standardized responses to help you reply to several emails at once. Dispatch works with 55 other apps, including Fantastical, Evernote, Pocket, Twitter and Chrome, as well as a variety of most Google apps.

ProtonMail

Based in Switzerland, this app enjoys Swizz privacy laws. Emails sent or received are protected with end-to-end encryption, so no one can snoop around on them. Proton claims that these encrypted mails can never be shared with third parties. If you are concerned about your privacy and security, consider checking out ProtonMail.

Trove

Need an email client with AI? Trove is one of the smartest emails you should consider checking out in 2020. The app studies your behavior and learns which messages you consider important – a swipe will get rid of the rest from your inbox.

For meeting and event planners, reading and organizing emails can be so exhausting, impact negatively on your mood and productivity…and may even reduce your profits. Consider the above apps to stay ahead of the email curve – and click here to connect with us when ready to book your next meeting in Atlanta, New York City, Washington DC or San Francisco!

 

AMA Is Now New York City’s Largest Conference Center

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AMA Executive Conference Centers, a leading provider of professional meeting and conference spaces, announces the completion of a 13,000 square foot expansion and renovation project of two floors of the New York Center. This Center is now over 90,000 square feet and features 43 meeting rooms in total – making it the largest conference center located in New York City.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW SPACE

• New Meeting Rooms – A variety of rooms have been added, with access to new lounge area, built-in beverage stations, and customer service desk. Several rooms have natural light.

• Business Reception Lounge – This new sixth floor space is 2,500 square feet that features arched windows overlooking Times Square and a modern customer service desk that’s perfect for meeting registration. Offering lots of natural light, the reception lounge is perfect for post meeting and conference cocktail receptions.

• Private Executive Meeting Suite – The 900 square foot, stand-alone suite includes two meeting rooms, food and beverage area, a lounge area and restroom. This private meeting space is perfect for small focus groups, board meetings, and can be used as a hospitality suite.

AMA Executive Conference Centers is a premier network of meeting and conference centers with locations in four convenient U.S. cities: Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and the Washington, DC area.

For more information about the AM New York Center, call 212-903-8060 or email: nyccenter@amanet.org and visit us at www.amaconferencecenters.org.

Five Tips To Help You Perfect The Art Of Thinking On Your Feet

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Experienced event planning and meeting professionals know that it is impossible to plan for everything. Even with weeks of preparation, a talented support team, and multiple contingency plans, it is inevitable that something – a last-minute change, a weather event, or an unreasonable request from a client – will derail your carefully laid plans, even if only temporarily.

In a profession that requires planning for the unknown, one of the most valuable skills to have is the ability to perform well under pressure. Here are five tips to help you perfect the art of thinking on your feet:

1. Develop a pre-event ritual.
Putting yourself in the right mindset before a major meeting will help you to keep your cool and power through any challenges that may come your way. Think about actions that are energizing and familiar to you, and build them into an event-morning ritual that will get you ready for a successful day of work. Your ritual might include a workout, your favorite breakfast, or an extra half hour to enjoy your morning coffee.

2. Stay calm and confident.
Remaining calm under pressure will help you project confidence and make effective decisions. Large events are very stressful, but keeping things in perspective can help you keep calm. In most cases, incidents that seem like catastrophes in the moment are really inconveniences that can be easily overcome.

3. Buy yourself time.
When you’re thinking on your feet, you might feel pressure to respond to questions immediately. It is okay to stall and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts before you speak. Some ways to do this include repeating or paraphrasing what was said to you for clarity, focusing on direct communication, and simply pausing the conversation.

4. Save the blame.
In the event that something does go wrong at your meeting, reserve making judgments or assigning blame. In the rush of an event, communications sometimes break down and it is not always clear what transpired until later. As a leader, you should strive to make your team look good and avoid going on the defensive.

5. Review your own performance after each event.
Whether there was a major mix-up or everything was smooth sailing, take the time to honestly review your performance at each event. Identify your strongest areas, and where you could stand to improve. This exercise will build self-awareness, which leads to confidence.

Hosting your next meeting at a top venue can help make your role as a planner less stressful. Contact us today to learn about AMA Executive Conference Center’s convenient locations in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Top Leadership TED Talks To Listen To During Your Work Commute

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TED Talks have given professionals around the world the opportunity to ascertain knowledge from a wide variety of people, all of whom have “ideas worth spreading.” These talks are short, accessible, and offer great insight into a variety of topics, particularly for busy leaders looking to expand their skill set. Here are a few of our favorite leadership TED Talks that are perfect for morning and afternoon commutes!

How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek

In this talk, Sinek discusses the concept of his “Golden Circle” and how purposeful organizations are more successful, inclusive, and inspirational. One of the most well-known TED Talks, this is a great listen for meeting and event professionals, and leaders across all industries.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth

This short and enjoyable talk discusses the psychology of success. Specifically, the speaker emphasizes the importance of determination and work ethic – a great reminder for all of us.

The Surprising Ingredient That Makes Businesses Work Better by Marco Alvera

In this TED Talk Marco reminds us of one of the most overlooked aspects of a company’s culture that all leaders must prioritize.

How to Manage for Collective Creativity by Linda Hill

Hill’s talk focuses on the significance of collaboration in innovation, using a number of familiar examples to illustrate her point. This video is a particular favorite as it addresses the importance of collaboration. Collaboration is a critical enabler for leaders in the meeting and events industry, and we strive to encourage it amongst all business professionals.

Is your company looking for answers to collaborative meeting and conference venue needs? AMA Executive Conference Centers has answers. We’re conveniently located in four of the country’s major metropolitan areas, including: Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Each of our Centers offers multiple setup configurations, packages, and amenities to meet unique meeting needs. Whether you need a location for your next board meeting, or you aspire to hold your own ‘TED’ style conference, we have the capability to assist you. Contact us now for more information – we look forward to helping you succeed at one of our facilities!

Fabulous Times Square is the Heart of New York City

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If you find yourself in New York’s Times Square for a meeting at the AMA Executive Center, you are in luck. It is a bevy of excitement and a neon world of energy. The streets teem with crowds representing nations from all over the world. It is an irresistible hub of interesting venues and activities. Here are a few must-see Times Square destinations.

Caroline’s Comedy Club

Caroline’s on Broadway has been around since 1982 and offers first class live comedy entertainment all year long. It is located at 1626 Broadway right next to many of the famous theaters. Caroline’s impressive 300-seat venue is state-of-the-art and features some of the best comedic voices in America. You can catch a comedy show there seven nights a week.

M & M’s World

M & M’s World is just adjacent to the AMA Executive Conference Center. It is a three-story marvel of chocolate fun. The store is a colorful wall-to-wall world of your favorite candy and signature merchandise. Visitors can create their own customized M & M’s with personal messages or choose from a large variety of images. It’s a sweet foray in the heart of Times Square.

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey is an adventure not to be missed. It’s an interactive ocean journey using immersive technology. It gives visitors up close and personal encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. You’ll meet great white sharks, giant squid and humpback whales. You can find them at 226 West 44th Street.

Gulliver’s Gate

Gulliver’s Gate takes you to a land of miniatures like you never imagined could be possible. It’s a 50,000-square foot world of tiny cities including New York. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Central Park, Staten Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. No detail is forgotten and you may even be able to spot your own hotel. You’ll be mesmerized and entertained for hours. Gulliver’s Gate is at 216 West 44th Street.

Did you know that Times Square was once known as Longacre Square? New York Times publisher, Albert Ochs, brought the newspaper’s headquarters to the square in 1904 and the name stuck ever since.

AMA’s Executive Conference Centers are in four U.S. locations (Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC) and offer customized meeting spaces for all business needs. For more information, you can contact us anytime.

Menus for Meetings: Four Trends to Watch in 2020

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Food trends are undoubtedly a focal part of our culture, and they are key to meeting the needs of customers across every industry. As we enter a new decade in 2020, we can expect to see many such trends that will cause shifts for meeting planners as they strive to support their clients’ needs. These are excellent opportunities to add flair to any meeting and express some creativity. Here are four food trends that we can plan to see more of in 2020.

Plant-Based Foods

With an increasing call to action by environmentalists, medical professionals, and healthy eaters alike, plant-based diets are truly catching on. Thanks to the variety of benefits and pure curiosity, many are choosing to eschew meat in favor of this trend. For businesses, this is an opportunity to appeal to a widening demographic, while also offering healthy choices with a touch of ingenuity. Many companies are offering creative and delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional catered food, so expect to see more of this in the coming year.

Responsible Food Sourcing

In alignment with plant-based foods, many people now expect their food to be responsibly sourced – this is one trend we can expect to continue to grow in 2020. While many in the food industry are already working alongside local suppliers and tracing their foods, consumers are now additionally beginning to demand this (and many are willing to pay a premium to know where their food came from). Sustainability consciousness continues to increase across the population, expect an increased focus on knowing where foods came from and how they were prepared.

Allergen-Free Options

As the years have passed, food allergens have become a problem for an increasing portion of the population. Gone are the days of sandwiches or pizza for everyone, thanks to the unfortunate rise of a variety of food allergies and sensitivities. With this, expect to see more transparent labeling of foods, as well as options for those who cannot consume certain things such as gluten or dairy. Luckily, certain chefs and caterers are working hard to increase their ingredient transparency in dishes and providing simple allergen-free options. Many customers will expect this, while others will appreciate the additional options.

Craft Mocktails

While many meetings and events are known for their open bars, expect less of this next year. In conjunction with an increased focus on wellness, many people and companies are moving towards creative drinks without the alcohol. Especially for non-drinkers or those who just aren’t in the mood, inspired mocktails offer an outstanding alternative that decrease the liabilities of alcohol while still adding a touch of fun.

These are just a few of the exciting trends we can expect to see in food as we enter the new decade. As always, our teams at AMA Executive Centers are here to help you better prepare for your next meeting or conference by delivering an outstanding experience to your guests. For more information about our services, click here to contact us.

How to Incorporate Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year Into Your Meeting

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Recently, Pantone announced Classic Blue as its 2020 Color of the Year. The company called the hue reminiscent of “the sky at dusk.” Traditionally, Pantone’s Color of the Year makes a big impact on the design, decor and fashion around the world. It won’t be surprising to see the color show up at weddings, on invitations, conference branding, social media platforms and more!

Yet fashion designers, wedding planners, graphic designers, interior decorators, and social media influencers aren’t the only ones who can employ this color. Here are ways meeting and conference planners can incorporate Classic Blue into meetings and events:

Branding

The branding for your meeting or conference is often tied into the brand of your company (or client’s company). However, no matter how big or small the business is, how you interact with customers, what you’re selling or where you are, one truth is consistent across the board: you need consistent and engaging branding. This year consider bringing the ‘Color of the Year’ into that color mix!

Signage

Wayfinding is an important component of conferences and other multi-room events. Classic Blue would be an excellent alternative to black for arrows and the font on the signage. Another option is to use eye-catching white text and arrows while Classic Blue serves as the background color on the signage.

Digital Presentations

Create a beautiful presentation with Classic Blue as your digital backdrop or the color of your text. It’s subtle. However, for meetings that largely have the same attendees year after year, introducing an unexpected color element can be a refreshing change.

Conference Badges, Bags and Swag

Classic Blue can work as the color of branded conference bags or the swag that goes in the bag. The shade is a gender-neutral choice if you’re handing out t-shirts or polos as swag. Classic Blue is complimentary to lots of other colors that you can pull from your event’s branding.

Collateral

A calming color that doesn’t bring undue attention to itself like Classic Blue is an option for printed collateral and meeting paper products. Unlike more vibrant colors, Classic Blue won’t be distracting during the meeting.

At AMA Executive Conference Centers, we organize thousands of meetings every year. We have centers in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, and the Washington DC area. Organizations appreciate amenities in our facilities such as complimentary beverage service, free PC use, and executive chairs. Contact us to schedule your next meeting or event.

Planning Steps To Move Your 2020 Meeting Forward

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Planning a meeting can be a complex process, but with the right direction and planning tips the tasks can be paired down into some pretty simple and manageable steps.

‘Big picture’ is the most important thing to consider first – that includes details such as agenda, venue, speakers, food, setup and time of day. We’ve seen that a meeting that is ill-planned will not only impact the planner, but it also negatively influences the goal and purpose of the meeting. Agendas must have a purpose and flow, speakers must impress the attendees, and food must be plentiful and items that the guests enjoy. When essential elements go wrong your meeting can take a fast lane to unproductive-town. Below are a few suggestions from our team on how you can plan for your meeting’s essential elements to go right!

Brainstorm and decide on the purpose and goal of your meeting. Work with others on your team to determine what is being addressed and what should be accomplished. Take notes, get feedback, make checklists. Brainstorm with colleagues to insure the best ideas are taking root.

Have a budget. Find out, or decide what your budget is early on. Without being conscious of financials, meetings can meander or get bogged down in their own procedure. With a budget, your meeting planning will have more focus and will force you to make the best choices. Sometimes when doing research for your overall items the budget will take shape on its own. All in all, it will be your job to make choices that will shape the best meeting from what you’re working with– and then to keep it all under control.

Narrow dates and secure a venue. Much of picking a meeting date and location for your meeting depends on the focus, audience size and availability of the people attending. However, we suggest never scheduling something where people will have to juggle their schedules too much to attend or worse, not be able to attend during the busiest time of the day or during a week that’s in their ‘peak’ work season.

Get your speakers lined up. Not all meetings have speakers, but when they do you’ll need to start organizing this aspect earlier than later. Seek references on speakers in the areas that you want to address from colleagues. Or, work with a professional booking agent if you need to find someone outside your own expertise. Be sure to communicate in advance of the meeting with your speakers regarding their preferred room setup and any technical requirements for their presentation.

Secure the necessary equipment and services. This means food, beverages and technical needs. Meeting facilities like AMA Executive Conference Centers are there to help with many of these details. AMA Center planning staff are available to make suggestions and then help you plan the right choices of catering and technical support for what’s needed for your meeting. We’ve found that having the right snacks and delicious meals during breaks helps to keep attendees focused and their energy up. When it comes to food, beverage and technical planning be sure to take notes and make a checklist. Most venues will have what you need, you just have to articulate those needs in advance of arrival.

Rely on expertise. Aside from help from the venue, don’t forget to ask colleagues who have planned meetings before for their ideas. It’s also helpful to connect with others in a similar role at your local industry association or even another planner that might offer a consulting call to help answer any questions you might have. If your meeting is large enough or has the right budget, you might even consider hiring another planner that can help support you while working through all the details of planning.

Get the word out. Once the planning is out of the way, and all logistical decisions have been made, don’t forget that you still must have people attend. All meetings, whether internal or external to the company, should be publicized in some way. Even if a meeting function is mandatory it’s still a good idea to get people excited with some publicity whether through a special company email or a printed announcement. For functions that have no mandatory attendance, publicity is a must. Without getting the word out no one will be there. So make sure you’ve tackled this important piece of the puzzle early so that news of the meeting has time to travel to your potential attendees and they have time to make arrangements or ask you questions, get answers or register if necessary.

Because conference planning is complex, it needs to be handled with an overall plan in place and specific steps to execution. We’re looking forward to a 2020 filled with productive and successful meetings. Click HERE and let the AMA Executive Conference Centers team know how we can help you plan yours!

12 Top Rinks To Visit in 4 AMA Center Cities This December

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All work and no play…well, you know how that works. With the holiday month upon us, we would like to shift our attention away from business and focus on having fun and relaxing. After all, knowing how to relax is an integral part of any route to success.

We’ve chosen top ice-skating rinks in each of our AMA Executive Conference Center cities to help you take full advantage of the next visit. You can always find an hour or two to do some ice-skating, can’t you?

Conquering the Rinks in Atlanta:

  • Skate The Station – largest open-air ice skating rink in Atlanta. The mind-boggling 10,000 square foot area is already decorated for the exciting holiday season
  • Ice Rink at Sugar Hill – experience an old tradition of skating on natural ice. It’s a small rink with a family atmosphere.
  • Avalon on Ice – another nice outdoor ice-skating rink to help you relax after a tough day. You can even take private lessons.
  • Olde Town On Ice – the oldest outdoor rink in Georgia creates a perfect holiday ambiance as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Breaking the Ice in San Francisco:

  • Union Square Rink – located in downtown, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the city and ice skate at the same time.
  • Holiday Ice Rink – the largest outdoor ice rink in San Francisco is an excellent place for fulfilling holiday fun.
  • Walnut Creek on Ice – it’s a nice small ice-skating rink where you can show off your skills or take skating lessons.
  • San Mateo on Ice – a sizeable outdoor skating rink located in the Central Park of San Mateo (a short drive from Frisco).

Sliding and Pirouetting in Washington DC:

  • National Gallery of Art Ice Rink – skate with an excellent view of the Sculpture Garden!
  • Canal Park Ice Rink – a great place to skate with family, friends, and coworkers. The design is fantastic.
  • Wharf Ice Rink – it’s a wonderful opportunity to skate, shop, and have a hot cup of coffee. Skate while enjoying an amazing view of the water.
  • Rockville Outdoor Rink– located in nearby Maryland, the rink is beautifully decorated for the holidays and open every day regardless of the weather.

Making Memories in New York City:

  • Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – surrounded by a holiday bazaar, this ice-skating rink is a double relaxation experience.
  • Rockefeller Center Rink – this rink doesn’t need an introduction. If you have an opportunity, you should definitely visit it. Consider coming in the morning or you may be struggling through a crowd.
  • Wollman Skating Rink – if you want to skate in the very heart of Manhattan while enjoying an amazing view, this is the right rink to choose.
  • Brookfield Place Rink – a huge outdoor rink with a great view is what you need after a tough day at work.

Make your next visit to each one of our AMA Executive Conference Centers memorable. For information about AMA’s centers, please contact us today.

Making The Task of Decision-Making Easier

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As soon as we’re old enough to understand what options are, we’re faced with the tasks of making decisions. Whether the decision is what flavor ice cream to pick or what major to choose in college, at any age decisions can seem like the most daunting exercise. Here are three education areas that can help you to make the task of decision-making easier:

#1: Make Hard Choices

Making decisions can be very difficult because we always want to make the “better” decision. Ruth Chang, a philosopher, shares in her TED Talk why there is no “better” option when making a decision. She goes on to explain why both choices are on a level playing fields and how this can help you choose what you truly want inside.

#2: Three Lessons on Decision-Making

Have you ever daydreamed about being the best poker player in the world? Turns out, decisions made by the best involve a lot more work than people-reading and bluffing. World Champion poker player Liv Boeree explains that there are 3 things she’s learned about decision-making. She states that the lessons include luck, quantification, and intuition – and these three factors can be used to make decisions in our daily life. Luck and intuition can play a major role in what outcome each decision brings, and quantification is crucial to estimating the odds of something good or bad happening.

#3: Think Like a Computer

Computers always know what to do and they have no understanding of how hard it can be to make a decision. That’s because computers were made to generate the best decision based on numbers and formulas. Humans don’t do that. Tom Griffiths, a psychologist and cognitive scientist, share in his TED Talk that the ways to make better decisions are by thinking like a computer.