As part of the Global Event Management section, a featured interview with Todd Thurston, president and CEO of CretiveWharehouse.

Convention Capture is a service offered by Creative Warehouse, Inc. creators of the MarketLearn(TM) design and development model, will create an ongoing return from your event by keeping your message in front of your target audience year-round, while simultaneously promoting next year’s event with their Convention Capture services.

They have serviced numerous Fortune-500 clients. Aspects of their services range from video and audio highlights of events to complete recorded workshops and keynotes. One of their most popular ad-on services is the Convention Highlight video, generally played to attendees during the gala event.

I invite you to check the above links for more information.

1. What cultural characteristics should one consider when planning an event in Atlanta?

Atlanta has a wide variety of cultural opportunities which brings a wide variety of people to Atlanta to live and work but the main thing one should be prepared for is the southern hospitality. Most people you will work with or run into are polite and kind and are willing to help you with what you need. (There of course arealways exceptions)

2. What are the major opportunities of hosting a corporate event in Atlanta?

Atlanta has some of the best, newest, and updated venues such as the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia International Convention Center, Gwinnett Center, and more than 120 more meeting places. Some of the locations such as the Georgia Aquarium and the High Museum are very fascinating and enjoyable locations for events.

The resources to help make your event the best it could possibly be are also found here from catering to AV and from technology to marketing.

3. What barriers could one face when planning a corporate event in Atlanta ?

Most recently the biggest barrier was a tornado that swept through the city but thankfully that is not usually anything anyone has to worry about and Atlanta quickly resolved the problems that arose with that one.

In the summer it does get HOT in Atlanta - that is partly one reason it is called Hotlanta. Depending on the climate you are coming from you will also want to consider the humidity.

4. What special logistics considerations would you suggest to take into account?

If your event or activities are going to be in multiple locations make sure you have a great transportation plan. Many of the activities and locations downtown are close by but if you have to board buses or take transit you will want to watch the time of day because rush hour in the morning and evening can get very heavy, especially if there are several events taking place at the same time.

5. Three attributes one should have to plan successfully in Atlanta.

Open Minded - being able to ask questions and listen to those who know the area can lead you to a better event experience!

Experienced - use it appropriately to make sure all of your details are in place before and after and give credit to those who help you make it happen.

Courteous - being demanding never pays off

6. The day of the event your survival kit should definitely include.

A contingency plan - A back up of your schedule, contacts, etc. (non-electronic) in case something should happen to your preferred gadget. The ability to build relationships prior to your event and comfort in calling on them if you need them the day of your event. The ability to laugh and enjoy your hard work - getting frustrated will only add to any problems that arise - it’ll work out!

If you are planning on coming to Atlanta here is a link to an online press kit

7. What’s the latest trend in corporate events in Atlanta?

One of the interesting trends happening is the idea of building attendance around the destination. The ACVB tells us that “More than ever, meeting planners are requesting destinations to provide value, a unique experience and assist with generating attendance.”

Other noteworthy trends sweeping the industry include green initiatives and the implementation of social media programs (blogging, podcasting, etc.)

The trend that Creative Warehouse, Inc. / Convention Capture is building is helping planners get the most out of their event by letting us help them custom build a marketing and retention tool that keeps their event message alive while at the same time promote their next event!

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We’ll start out with one of my favorite, Paris.

Olivier Magny is the founder and owner of O Chateau in Paris. O Chateau is the pioneer Wine Tasting Company in Paris. The staff at O Chateau is fully dedicated to delivering entertaining ad educational wine tasting events to both individuals and corporations. Wine Tasting Presentations, Wine Games, Wine Casinos, Wine Classes, in a Parisian loft, at a Parisian restaurant, in a medieval castle, on a boat on the Seine, in a secret cellar, on a vineyard in Provence or at a Chateau in Bordeaux … O Chateau does it all, making wine more exciting than ever.

More details on O Chateau’s website: www.o-chateau.com

1. What cultural characteristics should one consider when planning an event in Paris?

The main thing to take into account is that you are dealing with French people!!

With their own views and ways of thinking and reacting to such or such situation.

For that, I believe it’s best to have a French person on the front raw. Someone able to deal with the French!

2. What are the major opportunities of hosting a corporate event in Paris?

Paris is the leading city in the world for corporate events for many reasons. It has so much to offer for and after work: wonderful restaurants, incredible scenery, stunning culture, amazing venues…

But it is also a very well equipped city, well connected with efficient public transportation system and a great variety of hotels and activities.

On top of this, Paris is very central a destination for people from all around the world. It is also always a tempting one: who refuses to go to Paris?

3. What barriers could one face when planning a corporate event in Paris?

For really large events, you have to deal with French authorities. And trust me… you don’t want to have to do this.

For most events though, the main constraint is budget. Anything is possible in Paris but prices rise quite rapidly!

4. What special logistics considerations would you suggest to take into account?

Traffic in Paris is terrible. It is a necessity taking this into account. That means finding the best venues, close to one another and the best times of day for transfers…

5. Three attributes one should have to plan successfully in Paris.

Ability to listen and to understand: Both your clients and your suppliers.

Attention to details: Before the event and during the event.

Experience: Knowing the most adapted format to offer your clients is the best way to guarantee a successful event.

6. The day of the event your survival kit should definitely include.

A cell phone with a battery fully charged, all contact info for all guests, clients and suppliers, back up numbers for changes in plans (transfer companies, clubs…).

Also, an extra shirt & tie.

And for our specific business: extra corkscrews, wine maps, aprons (and a couple of good bottles to offer our clients)!

7. What’s the latest trend in corporate events in Paris?

Catering companies love these little

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