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Your Professional Brand: Always On Display In the world of corporate events, your personal conduct is your calling card. This truth hit home as I returned from the ASCEA ceremony in Johannesburg, where Pindulo Logistics joined the crème de la crème of modern logistics. Even in this social setting, every representative exuded professionalism, acutely aware of the corporate undertones. It's a stark reminder: your professional brand is always on display. From your words to your actions, every detail contributes to your overall image. To navigate these waters successfully, maintain a polished demeanor, engage thoughtfully, and remember that networking opportunities are omnipresent. Your conduct at such events can open doors, forge valuable connections, or conversely, close off potential opportunities. In essence, approach every corporate gathering as a chance to reinforce your professional reputation and that of your company. After all, in the business world, someone is always watching – let's ensure they see our best selves. #ProfessionalBrand #CorporateEtiquette #NetworkingExcellence #AlwaysProfessional #LogisticsLeadership

Congratulations! You’ve gathered top executives, sparked insightful discussions, and built relationships. But when the event ends, how do you ensure those connections turn into long-term opportunities? The secret isn’t just in the event itself—it’s in the follow-up and the impact of the conversations sparked. At The Ortus Club - Executive Knowledge Sharing, we do more than bring people to the table. We create memorable roundtable discussions that continue to drive business value long after the event is over. It’s not just about meeting but more on creating connections that last. Unlock the full potential of your networking—join us to transform fleeting interactions into lasting partnerships that propel your business forward! What makes our approach different? Read it here:

Collaborative Visionaries in Diversity Justin Senior Thanks for the fantastic shout-out about our encounter and the journey we've embarked on together in the event planning scene. Your words really hit home, capturing the essence of what we're all about at Debonair Corporate Events - crafting unforgettable moments that bring people together, sparking new connections and opportunities. Your nod to our meet-up and the vibes at the CARICOM: Caribbean Community summit brings back great memories. It was more than just another event; it was a milestone for us, proving that when diverse voices come together, magic happens. Your insights into tackling biases and championing diversity are spot-on and something I hold close. It's about making those tough calls, educating where we can, and always pushing for a space where everyone feels included. I'm all in on your vision for a more inclusive marketing and advertising world. It's folks like you, leading the charge at @RISE and POCAM - People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing, who inspire us to keep challenging the norms and striving for a community where diversity isn't just an afterthought but the backbone of everything we do. Here's to more collaborations that break molds and pave the way for a future where diversity is not just celebrated but seen as the key ingredient to our collective success. If you're reading this and feeling inspired, hit us up. Let's make some waves together in creating an industry that truly represents the world we live in. #EventProfs #DiversityInEvents #InclusiveLeadership #ChangeMakers #DebonairCorporateEvents

Not everyone believes that the government could organise a piss-up in a brewery but the upcoming General Election presents an opportunity for change. As event organisers, we've faced unprecedented challenges during COVID-19, let’s unite to ensure our voices are heard. We need policies that promote recovery, sustainability, and growth. By getting involved, we can shape an industry that thrives. Mina Booth has shared very valid reasons why B2B events should be a key component of not only our industry but the cornerstone of every businesses success and beyond... Over the next few weeks, I will be re-reading and deep diving into a lot of my event management degree module on Policy and Regulation to showcase how we as an industry should be advocating for our industry. #GeneralElection #eventprofs #policyadvocacy #eventindustry https://lnkd.in/eQeDaCCY

Attendees are the reason why many of your events fail and you don’t want to admit it. Here are examples of what a bad attendee looks like at an event Always on their phone Refuse to sit at assigned seat Speaks as if they are 20ft away Leave every session to check emails Show up knowing they did not register Thinks the seat next to them is for their bag Think Event Planners are at their beckon call Head straight to their room versus networking Gets too drunk and touchy at networking events We don’t spend nearly as much time talking about attendees who turn into Gremlins the moment they get a badge. To be fair, most attendees don’t head to events seeking to showcase bad behavior. However, Harvard Business Review states only 10%-15% of people are actually self-aware. What are you doing to ensure people coming to your event will not cause others to never return? Do you: Have a code of conduct Know behavior triggers to avoid issues List your target audience on your website You can plan the best event in the world, but if you have piss poor attendees, they can ruin everything including profit. Have you experienced bad behavior while attending an event?

Dwayne Rutherford, DES is the Founder and CEO of Debonair Corporate Events, and Vice Chair of MPI Toronto Chapter.  We met via email in 2023, and later on Ottawa, Ontario. For the first time, Canada was hosting a summit in celebration of CARICOM: Caribbean Community. The room was filled with PM's, GO's, and countless leaders from the black community.  As the room emptied, and most hands were shook, only one remained.  We exchanged names, a double take, and realized our night had only just begun. For Dwayne, the business is about creating moments - ones that inspire attendees to reach out and connect with someone new. He had been drawn to the event planning world well before kicking off his own business in 2017, and admits, he was fortunate to have had some amazing BIPOC mentors guiding him through the ups and downs - “My journey hasn’t been solo….They’ve been my go-to for advice when things get tricky.” Dwayne seemingly knows everyone, a thought that crossed my mind, and was later confirmed as we walked the floors at #BFUTR by #BPTN.  His respect for the industry and commitment to building relationships has left him with a network unmatched by most. “It’s not just about the parties and gatherings; it’s about believing that at our core, we all share more similarities than differences.  It’s fascinating, but building trust in this industry, especially with top execs willing to bet on us, is tough and can take ages to finally land that dream client who opens doors you never knew existed.” In dealing with sticky situations related to race, Dwayne takes a practical yet cautionary approach stating “When I bump into microaggressions, biases, or outright  racism, I try to call it out. If someone is genuinely unaware of their bias, I see it as a teachable moment. But, if they don’t get it, I’ve learned it’s not on me to change their mindset”. Dwayne, like much like me, has big hopes for the #Canadian Advertising and Marketing industry - dreaming of an industry that’s truly inclusive, where the BIPOC community isn’t just present but leading and shaping the future. - “Imagine companies really stepping out of their comfort zones to hire folks from different backgrounds, bringing fresh and unique perspectives to the table?” One can always hope, but he is putting these ideas into action as a board member at #MPI by pushing for a more inclusive Meetings and Events Industry in Toronto. He’s even set some personal goals to track his progress - “I’m making sure that at least half of my team comes from the BIPOC community, aiming to not just talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to diversity and inclusion.” If you have not met Dwayne Rutherford, reach out, and follow Debonair Corporate Events. This POCAM #BHM2024 profile was written by Justin Senior, Head of Media + Creative at RISE Integrated Sports + Entertainment, Professor at George Brown College, Chair of the Board of Directors for POCAM - People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing.

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It’s never too early to start planning for 2025 and soon enough we’ll be there. I’ve learned that meeting and developing relationships in person has been a game changer for my career and everyone should take advantage of these opportunities. Recently the top supply chain conferences in 2025 were announced and most of these have dates and locations info available. So if you want to start scratching your boss’s back to allow you to attend, you better start preparing your pitch now since budget season is right around the corner. If your company can’t fund its employees to attend these events, start looking around to see if co-workers or other supply chain practitioners are interested in attending these events as a small group. I think there's a fear in having to attend these conferences alone. But as they say, there’s always safety in numbers. Link in the comments below.

You could invest in a swanky water bottle for 50 people or you could leverage that same investment to pop bottles with our 50 invitees. We've gathered the movers and shakers, you just need to decide who to send. We've updated the Executive Experience event page to reflect the most recent confirmed VIP RSVPs. This gives you time to research who you engage + how to manage your time. Establish Relationships. Share Solutions. Build Your Brand. Strengthen Connections. Executive Experience: https://bit.ly/45a25j9

🌟 Join Us at SMAF's In-Person Networking Event on May 16th! 🌟 📍 Location: SiAmo Napoli Restaurant, 3959 30th St Ste 105, San Diego, CA 92104 🗓 When: May 16th, 4 PM – 6 PM Registration and Ticket purchase closes on May 14th, 2024 Discover a New Way to Network: At SMAF, we're redefining networking. Our in-person events are crafted to foster a thriving community, allowing for open conversations and collaborative growth. Say goodbye to traditional sales pitches and welcome genuine interaction! Why Attend? - Open Conversations: Forget costly consultations; get answers and guidance directly through real interactions. - Collaborative Environment: Participate in group activities that enhance your professional skills and deepen industry knowledge. - Build Organic Relationships: Create lasting relationships with peers in a supportive setting. Escape the Overwhelm: Feel overwhelmed in your professional journey? SMAF events provide clear, actionable insights in a supportive setting, helping you navigate complex challenges with expert advice on sales, finances, marketing, and project management. Expert Insights on: - Sales Mastery - Financial Strategies - Marketing Trends Discover SMAF Services: - In-Person & Online Events: Engage in community-focused networking without sales pressure, either in-person or online. - Workshops & Webinars: From leadership to wellness, our workshops provide all the tools you need for success. - Consultation Services: Benefit from personalized, expert advice tailored to your professional needs. Limited Spots Available! Act now to secure your place and be part of something bigger. Transform your professional life with SMAF! 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/g5gmjSby 👥 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/giq7cAfF 📌 Stay Updated: For more details, visit our LinkedIn page. #SMAFNetworking #ProfessionalGrowth #CommunityBuilding #SanDiegoEvents #BusinessNetworking #LeadershipDevelopment #MarketingTrends #FinancialStrategies