Yesterday I attended the State of the Industry event hosted by Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal. IVL provided key pads for surveys during the presentations. The key pads had a microphone feature. The sound quality varied on the audience member but it was better than running through the audience trying to get a microphone for comments.

One of the keynote speakers was Joe Pine author of the book Authenticity. It's his second book about the experience economy. We all know people are not just looking for an event but an experience. I thought his first slide showed a great example of taking something ordinary and making it an experience. The picture was a gumball machine that dropped the gumball thorough clear plastic spiral. Each attendee received a copy of his book which I plan to read.

Finally the event was held at the new Westin near the Galleria in Edina. It's a nice looking property. The lunch was tasty and the staff was friendly and really on top of the service.  I liked the green themed break: Green apples, green cans of Immune Nutrisoda, chips and guacamole and an oversize cylinder of all green M&Ms. You can imagine what state everyone left the hotel after eating only green M&Ms.

All the best!
Diane