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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!

The Human Element: San Francisco’s 2020 RSA Conference

Posted on by Editor

The RSA Conference is coming back to the AMA in San Francisco, and the theme this year is the Human Element. Humanity is the most powerful and comprehensive force in fighting cyber threats, and the RSA offers a unique opportunity to learn about advancements in the field with experts hailing from nearly every corner of the world. This meeting of the minds is an indispensable experience for professionals looking to become vanguards in forging new standards for cyber safety.

Events

This year’s events are expansive, covering crypto and blockchain to anti fraud and machine learning. The extensive list of keynote speakers and featured topics cover everything needed to bring IT security to a new frontier.  The list of events is so large that it’s impossible to visit them all, but every activity is invaluable and there are focused networking opportunities to share knowledge.

Networking

Although the seminars and speakers are a highlight, this is a conference and the attendees’ voices are just as important. Being present in the field and bolstering securities hands on puts the working professional in a powerful position to share a unique perspective. The networking events are placed throughout the day with varying focuses to maximize participation. As an example, there’s the “Welcome Reception” which serves as an opportunity to mingle with peers at the start of the expo, enjoying drinks and light food. Taking it further, there’s a “Women’s Networking Reception” celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in technology, and these are just two examples of many.

Our AMA Conference Centers are easily able to accommodate these momentous events. We offer spaciousness with generous square footage and vaulted ceilings without sacrificing comfort. The executive style seating and complimentary beverage service are just a few of the amenities we employ to ensure our venue caters to your needs. Contact us to book the AMA for your next event.

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

Posted on by Editor

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.

The San Francisco International Airport Serves AMA San Francisco

Posted on by Editor
The San Francisco International airport or SFO at dusk

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States: more than fifty million passengers make their way through its gates each year. SFO is in an optimal location for visits to the West Coast and those visiting the AMA San Francisco Executive Conference Center. It’s also convenient for flights to and from Asia, and an ideal departure airport for mainland Americans traveling to the Hawaiian Islands.

The most traveled-to domestic destination from SFO is just a short flight down to the city of Los Angeles, less than two hours gate to gate. The San Francisco airport is heralded as one of the top energy-efficient airports in the United States, being the first in America to receive a LEED Gold Certification at one of its terminals. Picturesque, SFO has been featured in a number of films over the years, including Four Christmases, Bullitt, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Blue Jasmine and Steve Jobs.

History

The San Francisco International Airport began in 1927 as a tiny airfield called Mills Field. The airport offered limited commercial travel accommodations and was used mostly for storage and mail delivery aircraft, until the early 1950’s when the postwar travel boom began and the airport facilities were updated to accommodate more passengers. In 1954, a new terminal was added to house international passengers. The 1960’s and 1970’s saw enormous growth for SFO, and by the 1980’s, the interior of the airport featured a post office, medical clinic, shops and restaurants.

SFO Today

The San Francisco International Airport has become a tourist destination all on its own, and in 2017, SFO celebrated its 90th anniversary. Today, the airport includes an SFO Museum Gallery, an Aviation Museum, and a convenient BART station. One of the terminals even features a yoga room, where passengers can peacefully seek Zen in a silent room away from the hustle and bustle of airport chaos. Catering specifically to yoga-loving San Franciscans, the yoga room is the first ever in any airport in North America. The airport also features local restaurants to not only give visitors a taste of Northern California but also a break from standard airport fare. The San Francisco International Airport has come a long way from a dirt runway in the middle of cow pasture to the incredible, five-terminal titan that stands in San Francisco today.

Travel through SFO or make a day trip to the impressive airport while attending your next business meeting at AMA San Francisco Executive Conference Center, located just 15 miles from San Francisco International Airport. Our state-of-the-art conference centers include built-in audio visual equipment and spacious seating designed to meet your specific conference needs. Contact us to book your next business meeting in San Francisco.

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!

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!

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.

Get Ready for Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco

Posted on by Editor

AMA Executive Conference Centers is pleased to once again welcome Oracle OpenWorld to San Francisco’s Moscone Center from September 16-19th, 2019. Oracle OpenWorld will bring together an exciting group of decision-makers and influencers focused on leveraging digital technologies and the cloud to further their business goals.

What To Expect At OpenWorld

OpenWorld is sure to draw industry experts from finance, operations, supply chain, human resources, sales, marketing, consumer service, and IT – all focused on driving transformation with cloud technologies.

While attending OpenWorld, you can expect the following:

  • 2,000 unique sessions;
  • 250 exhibitors; and
  • Speakers from more than 90 countries, including CEOs, physicists, and authors.

With this variety of speakers, sessions, and exhibitors, there is no doubt that OpenWorld will provide amazing learning opportunities and unlimited chances to connect with peers and industry leaders.

In addition to numerous educational opportunities, OpenWorld makes sure to add some fun into the experience. Attendees can check out the movie night at Oracle Park, with exclusive access to the field and the largest video board in California. They can also have a chance to focus on their health with FitFest.19 at Oracle Park. Both Tuesday and Wednesday morning, conference attendees will be able to get in exercise with a view of the San Francisco Bay.

If the above wasn’t enough, CloudFest.19 will allow attendees to enjoy an evening of inspiration and celebration with the entertainment headliner, John Mayer.

How AMA Conference Centers Helps

With all the activity around OpenWorld, our AMA San Francisco Conference Center is happy to provide a nearby, quiet location for the auxiliary meeting needs for OpenWorld attending companies and professionals. Just minutes from the Moscone Center, you can choose from any of the 13 spacious and comfortable meeting rooms, some of which can accommodate groups of up to 100 participants. Our spaces are filling quickly in advance of Oracle OpenWorld, so be sure to contact us now!

Four of the Top TED Talks About CrowdSourcing

Posted on by Editor

When it comes to crowdsourcing, you probably want to know more. With how interactive the world is, what with the internet and other communication devices, crowdsourcing has become easier than ever. Crowdsourcing is one of the best ways to strengthen your mission, by pulling in new voices and ideas, by creating a space in which others can challenge your work and fortify it. But there’s a way to do it correctly, and there’s so much more that we can learn about it. In order to help meeting professionals better understand the concept and benefits, we’ve put together a few of the top TED Talks addressing the subject.

What Humans Can Learn From Semi-Intelligent Slime by Heather Barnett
Can we, as humans, learn from semi-intelligent slime mold? Heather Barnett speaks on the subject, inspired by the design and organization of the slime systems, to tell us how we can better communicate and create with others.

The Birth of Wikipedia by Jimmy Wales
With Wikipedia being considered a “godfather of crowdsourcing” it’s a perfect example of how to build a proper crowdsourced outcome from a common goal. While it sounds chaotic, Wikipedia works, and Wales explains just how that can be.

Open-Source Cancer Research by Jay Bradner
An example of crowdsourcing at its best, this Talk about a medical firm opening up its research among their peers shows just how much can be gained from accessing the crowd. Bradner speaks about the positives of having more sources to turn to, and more ideas that come from it, when using crowdsourcing in the medical field.

A Virtual Choir 2,000 Voices Strong by Eric Whitacre
A more musical example, Eric Whitacre performs a piece of music with a choir made up of 2,000 people that have never met each other, or even sung in the same room. Using media platforms as his crowdsourcing base, he creates a massive choral piece that sounds amazing, and makes a point on how connected the people of the world really are.

If you’re in need of a venue for your meetings, or would like a venue for your crowdsourced conferences, then AMA Executive Conference Centers is there for you. Please, feel free to contact us to inquire about our centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC, and we will help you have the perfect space from which to expand your business.

Top Tips For Productive Brainstorming

Posted on by Editor

Meetings are a great way to get ideas flowing, and brainstorm together for new and innovative ideas…but how do you ensure productivity? Trying to get everyone on the same page can be difficult, especially when everyone is trying to tap into their creative side.

Though there is no foolproof way to guarantee a productive brainstorm session, here are some tips that might help get things started on the right track, and help you maximize your time together:

Lay Out Aims Early On

Believe it or not, articulating your ideas even before the meeting can really help. It gets everyone in the right frame of mind and sets out expectations early on. A lot of brainstorming sessions tend to be on the fly, and while spontaneity can generate results, why not do some advanced planning.

Before you send out the calendar meeting invite, think about what you really want. Is it just to get some initial ideas, or do you want more concrete actionable steps? Explain this to your invitees in the appointment, so that everyone knows what is expected of them beforehand, and they have some time to prepare.

Ask Everyone To Bring A Few Ideas

On a similar note of advanced notice, ask everyone to come into the meeting with some suggestions or initial thoughts. The key here is to create an inviting, and welcome environment so that everyone is comfortable to share. When you ask for this, make sure to mention that no idea is unwelcome – this will help speed up the ‘sharing’ process a little bit.

With expectations set out beforehand, this gives meeting attendees a clear agenda about what needs to be discussed and gives them time to develop their suggestions for a more organized brainstorm session.

Go Off-Site Every Once In A While

Sometimes, the office can stifle creativity. Everyone is burnt out from their meetings, responsibilities, and tasks…and they just cannot seem to get in the right mindset. If you find that is happening often, it might be a signal that it is time to switch it up.

Go outside for a walk and talk, or for a change of pace all together bring your team meeting to an AMA Executive Conference Center. Sometimes conversations in new environments yield great insight and solutions – why not give it a try?

To learn more about productive meetings and what AMA Executive Conference Centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC have to offer, contact us today.