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Meeting Etiquette That Will Make You a Gold Star Attendee!

Posted on by Kelly Treadway

We know that AMA Executive Conference Center blog readers aren’t always the meeting planner…sometimes they’re the meeting attendee! Being a good meeting guest is just as important a task as is planning a meeting. To help you become the attendee that gets a ‘gold star’ for being both professional and productive we’re sharing 5 etiquette tips on the blog today:

ARRIVE EARLY
There’s a saying used by professionals in the theatre industry, ‘If you’re not 15 minutes early then you’re late!” This philosophy fits perfectly into the timely arrival expectations that a planner has for their attendees on meeting day. If at all possible, arrive slightly early or at the latest, arrive when the meeting is scheduled to begin. Never arrive late. The beginning of a meeting is important time as the structure for the day is set, the agenda is discussed and expectations for results that day are shared. By arriving late you put yourself at risk for missing valuable information and disrupting the flow of the meeting once you do arrive. Do yourself, and the meeting planner a favor…arrive early.

COME PREPARED
Always come prepared with something to write with and something to write on. Whether you’re an ‘old school’ note taker with pen and pad or a Millennial that loves taking notes on the iPad, be sure that when the meeting begins you have all items in place so you’re not disrupting other attendees. If handouts are provided in advance then be sure that you have each organized and accessible. There’s nothing more distracting during a meeting than an attendee that consistently fidgets through their briefcase trying to locate handouts or other items needed.

REFRAIN FROM ELECTRONICS
Best to keep all electronic devices on ‘silent or ‘vibrate’ mode as having devices ringing or beeping in the middle of a meeting is most definitely considered rude and unprofessional. Interruptions by electronic devices have the ability to break the pace of the meeting which becomes a disservice to both the speaker and the other attendees. Keep in mind that it’s always best to answer calls, texts or emails on your mobile devices in private when you’ve been given the green light to ‘break’ from meeting activities.

BE A GOOD LISTENER
Be attentive and be a good listener by ‘being present’ at all times. To do so, you’ll want to listen to what the speaker has to say, listen to what other attendees share, and based on all the feedback access whether your question or statement is appropriate at that time. When asking your question (or making a statement) be sure that you communicate your thoughts clearly and politely – there’s never a need for combative or negative tone. And for side conversations with other meeting attendees, be sure you hold them until after the meeting is adjourned – so as not to seem inconsiderate to the speaker.

FOLLOW UP
Be the guest that’s in attendance for the entire meeting. And once it’s adjourned know that it’s the ideal time to have those side conversations with other attendees – without lingering longer than necessary in the meeting room of course. A brief ‘thank you’ to the speaker and planner for the meeting is always a professional and impressionable gesture. And once you’re back into the groove of working at your desk, don’t forget to complete any assigned tasks as requested.

These are just a few etiquette actionable items that seem to rise to the top with meeting planners and guests at AMA Executive Conference Centers. It’s true that meetings are an important vehicle for moving business forward. And we find that the most productive meetings are those where the attendees arrive with a professional mindset, armed with proper business etiquette!

AMA Is Now New York City’s Largest Conference Center

Posted on by Editor

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.

Top Leadership TED Talks To Listen To During Your Work Commute

Posted on by Editor

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

Posted on by Editor

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.

Four Favorite Museums In AMA Conference Center Cities

Posted on by Editor

The opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide range of visual arts – from traditional media to contemporary approaches – is one of the best parts of traveling and visiting different cities. For example, Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. , in addition to hosting our AMA Executive Conference Centers, also are four of the country’s prized cultural epicenters, offering an abundance of artistic experiences. We’ve narrowed the cultural cornucopias for each to present you with our team’s favorite museum in each city that is a must-see when you’re in town.

ATLANTA

The High Museum of Art, also known simply as The High, is a cultural centerpiece in Midtown Atlanta’s ‘village for the arts.’ Dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists, The High is a leading art museum in the South and houses more than 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection. With something for every art lover, the museum also supports an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk art and African art. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14.50; children younger than 6 are free.

NEW YORK

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known better as The Met, is a collection of three facilities that collectively host one of the country’s finest collections of art. Located near Central Park, The Met Fifth Avenue features more than 5,000 years of art from all time periods and cultures. In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the museum puts on a number of daily events and programs for families. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Met Breuer, located in the landmark building designed by Marcel Breuer on 75th Street and Madison Avenue, provides extra space ‘to explore the art of the 20th and 21st centuries through the global breadth and historical reach of The Met’s unparalleled collection,’ according to the website. Finally, The Met Cloisters branch of the museum is dedicated to the gardens, art and architecture of medieval Europe. This facility is located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park.

WASHINGTON, DC.

The world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution is a collection of government-administered facilities that include the National Zoo, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, American Indian Museum, Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Castle and about a dozen other museums, galleries and centers in Washington, D.C. (and a couple in New York City). All the Smithsonian museums in the capitol have free admission and are open every day of the year (except Dec. 25th unless otherwise noted). Among its various collections, the Smithsonian Institution boasts approximately 156 million artifacts, works of art and specimens; 9.9 million digital records available online; and two million library volumes. According to the institution’s website, these collections ‘represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.’

SAN FRANCISCO

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, located in the city’s South of Market neighborhood, provides a notable collection of contemporary masterpieces, along with special exhibitions and interactive events, such as panel discussions, daily tours, film screenings and more. Additionally, the facility – whose mission is to make ‘the art of our time a vital and meaningful part of public life,’ – offers 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are open with no ticket required. The museum is accessible to children and offers free visits for K-12 students. Visitors also can take advantage of the museum’s free, guided public tours through the art collection and exhibitions. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. It is closed each Wednesday, along with Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

If you’re ever visiting one of these great AMA Conference Center cities for a meeting or event, don’t miss the opportunity to splurge on the timeless artistic treasures to be found there. Taking a detour to enjoy these world-class museums that will help you make the most of your stay!

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

Posted on by Editor

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.

Getting Your Team Back On Track After The Holidays

Posted on by Editor

It’s not easy to come back to work motivated after a fun season of holiday cheer, short weeks, and festive distractions. Suddenly workdays seem longer and Friday is so far away. Your team is probably in a slump now that the holiday parties and Secret Santas are gone until next year, so you’ll want to do your part to fight away those post-holiday blues. Consider these 5 tips to get your staff motivated in the new year:

  • Offer healthy snacks in the break room. Encourage healthy New Year’s Resolutions by treating your team to delicious and nutritious goodies. By now, everyone is ready for a break from the endless homemade baked goods and sweets, and any special reward to interrupt the 9-to-5 workday will raise morale in the office.
  • Encourage walk breaks. Studies show that walks during the workday can boost mood and help combat stress. Show your staff that you care about their mental and physical health by prioritizing breaks for getting fresh air and a little healthy activity.
  • Set goals for the new year. Start the new year strong by making sure the whole team is on the same page with goals and expectations. Morale is improved when staff are part of a joint effort and working toward the same purposes. As a plus, include incentives to get everyone on board.
  • Make time for short pow-wows. Bring the whole team together for energizing meetings to update staff on any upcoming changes in the new year or exciting plans ahead in the company. Use these meetings to inspire and empower staff to bring their very best.
  • Schedule an office retreat. If it’s feasible, plan a weekend retreat for team building and relaxation. If only a couple hours can be spared, cater a lunch or plan an in-office activity to show your staff they are appreciated.

AMA Executive Conference Centers are located in four beautiful areas of the United States: Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., perfect for that office retreat or team meeting. To learn more about our state of the art, convenient meeting spaces, contact us today.

Meet Barbara Davis From Our AMA Atlanta Executive Conference Center

Posted on by Editor

We’re excited to shine the spotlight on a team member from the AMA Executive Conference Center in Atlanta. BARBARA DAVIS is the Assistant Manager for our AMA Center that anchors conference and meeting activities in the South. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Barbara and learn more about all that she does. Enjoy getting to know more about this “Papple!” (You’ll have to read the interview to find out what that means…!)

AMA:  Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today! Tell us a little bit about your beginnings.

BARBARA:  I was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant Community in the Borough of Brooklyn, New York. Today, I call home the Southwest community of Atlanta, Georgia.

AMA:  As the Assistant Manager for the AMA Executive Conference Center in Atlanta, what is your day-to-day like?

BARBARA:  My primary focus has been supporting the client experience. I function in many capacities and do whatever it takes to get the job done well. June will be eighteen years in this role and I still enjoy and love the work I do. There are few routine days, and I enjoy the difference each day makes. I have an opportunity to meet and talk with people from all over the world. For a curious person like me, I find what I do and the people I get a chance to meet, talk with and ultimately support to be very interesting. The great news is that I have the support of a team who also embraces extending “enlightened hospitality.” We all believe in an excellent customer experience at the AMA Atlanta Executive Conference Center.

AMA:  Eighteen years, congratulations! Before AMA, did you have a different type of career?

BARBARA:  I’ve had many career paths; however, I believe they all led me to where I am today. I have worked in radio, entertainment, advertising, travel, human resources, and food/hospitality. My last career adventure prior to joining the American Management Association, was sole proprietor of a boutique catering company that I started in 1993. My clients were primarily corporate accounts. One year, I was honored to be selected as the Executive Chef for The Alliance Theatre, one of Atlanta’s premiere theatre companies.

AMA:  Sounds like you’ve always had a calling for hospitality. When did you know that working in the meetings and conference industry was what you wanted to do?

BARBARA:  After deciding to relinquish my catering company, I believed my talents could be used best in an environment where my communications, logistics and event management skills would be embraced. I was not sure what industry outside of hospitality would be the fit for me, but when I learned about the American Management Association my curiosity radar was sparked. I believe learning and expanding one’s mind continues the growth of all living beings. AMA provides this through our continuing education seminars to business professionals. I believe that I launched into the best of two worlds that I love…education and events management.

AMA:  What do you like best about what you do at AMA?

BARBARA: I look at what I do as “pre, during and post” planning activities; similar to the catering business I operated for several years. The “pre” is securing and staging the business. The “during” is executing the business. And the “post” is finalizing the exchange of the business. I enjoy the “pre and during” most, as this in my opinion is what determines if a customer has an AMAzing experience and will return with more business.

AMA:  What’s new and exciting in the near future for you?

BARBARA: I believe children are the gift that keeps on giving. I am a better human being, worker among workers, woman and mother because of my son. My son, the love of my life, turned one when I started at the American Management Association 18 years ago. He leaves Atlanta in two weeks to start his career path in the visual arts in New York City. I find it pretty awesome that my son Prince will be starting his journey where I started mine several decades ago. A small little acorn tree that grew in Brooklyn and blossomed in Atlanta. I like to say that I am a ‘Papple’…a peach and an apple!

AMA:  What do you like best about being an Atlanta resident?

BARBARA:  One of Atlanta’s themes is the “City in the Forest.” I absolutely love natural environments and especially trees. The Atlanta area has maintained the beauty of the forest as it continues to design a first-class cityscape.  And for me this is the best of both worlds… a little bit of city and little bit of country!

Celebrating M&M’s in New York City’s Times Square

Posted on by Editor

What better way to celebrate National M&M’s Day this week than at M&M World in Times Square! Candy lovers of all ages delight in this colorful, chocolate wonderland located in the heart of Times Square, and adjacent to our New York AMA Executive Conference Center. The three-story building offers unique and memorable experiences, making it a must-see part of your New York City visit.

Personalize Your M&Ms

One of the most fun things to do at M&M World is personalize your own M&Ms using the personalized printer. Visitors start by choosing from 15 colors and one mix blend. Next, they select two images and create two custom messages for their personalized candy. Among the clip art images available for use are: “I Love NY,” the Statue of Liberty, and professional New York sports team logos.

The M&M Wall of Chocolate 

What’s better than a wall filled with M&Ms? How about a two-story wall of chocolate? Pick your favorite flavor or color from the massive wall, filled with thousands of colorful milk, peanut, and specialty M&M Candies. Unsure of which color to choose? Use the Color Mood Analyzer to find the right color for your current mood.

Start Spreading the News

If you love New York, then you’ll love the M&M World experience in Times Square. Shop M&M merchandise and capture a picture with your favorite M&M character. M&M World is open 9 am until Midnight—plenty of time to get a true chocolate fix before, during or after your AMA Center visit.

Candy’s Sweet Economic Impact

According to the National Confectioner’s Association, the candy industry is valued at $35 billion and provides more than 50,000 jobs. The association adds that many of the major candy companies in America are family-owned.

Celebrate M&M’s…Every Day

If you’re not visiting New York City in time to catch the candy’s national holiday, don’t worry…you can stop by M&M World and the AMA Executive Conference Center to celebrate all year long! We offer a unique network of meeting and conference venues located in New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta and San Francisco. For more information about meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center connect with us online.

The Best Ways to Experience NYC’s Central Park this Fall

Posted on by Editor

Fall time in the northeastern United States is welcoming, cozy, and full of beauty. New York City is no exception, with brilliant weather, beautiful scenery, and a plethora of things to do. And as one of the city’s premiere gems, Central Park is the ideal place to catch some of the fall time fun.

Central Park Fun Facts

During the mid-1800s, New York City citizens created a plan to establish public grounds within the city that would rival any other across the world. The project was finalized, passed, and began in 1853 when the city acquired more than 700 acres of land for the job.

Central Park opened to the public in 1859 but continued expanding until 1863. As the first landscaped public park in the country, it is also one of the largest and most beautiful; consisting of an astounding 843 acres. More than 42 million people visit its attractions, events, and general splendor each year. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, Central Park is the place to be in NYC.

Must-See Happenings at Central Park this Fall

Places to Take in the Foliage
With all that acreage and beautiful landscape, Central Park is the perfect place to see the amazing colors and foliage that autumn provides. A few places in particular might be ideal places for finding inspiration, taking a little hike, or planning an event. Try checking out magnificent Belvedere Castleor take a stroll down 38-acres of lush woodlands and majestic nature at The Ramble.

Bring Your Furry Friend Along
Thousands of people walk their dogs in Central Park every day, but when autumn comes around, the dogs come out in droves. Bring your furry friends with you to the park to get in on games, connecting, contests, and more when you attend the My Dog Loves Central Park Fair in late-October.

Visit the Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is open year-round, but fall time is one of the best times of the year to go. Not only is the foliage spectacular, but it’s the perfect weather for walking around and seeing more active animals. Whether you’re there with your family or planning an event for your company, the zoo can offer beauty, fun, and some education.

Get in the Halloween Spirit
Central Park becomes a fall time wonderland around Halloween and if you’re looking for the perfect spooky-cool event, try taking advantage of the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla. A few days before Halloween, you can take part in festivities like pumpkin carving, costume parades and contests, and the Flotilla. People from all over the world come to see the Pumpkin Flotilla, where pumpkin after pumpkin floats across the water and lights up the sky. An ‘Instagram-worthy’ event to attend!

Take a Tour
If you’re unsure of where to go to see the best fall foliage or simply want to see it all, try taking a tour. There is a variety of Central Park guided tours that can work with both large and small groups. It’s the ideal season for these guided tours and each fall tour is designed to show you the very best parts of the park, though personalized tours can be provided.

Our New York AMA Executive Conference Center is the largest conference center in New York City. Let us host your next business meeting, conference, or executive event at one of our AMA Centers in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington DC. Contact us to let us know how we can assist you.