Start with the objectives: What should the special programs you are planning accomplish? To entertain, educate, provide a memorable experience for participants - or all three? j Review the guest programs that have been offered at past meetings, and determine which ones were successful, in terms of participant satisfaction and financially. You also need solid demographics on the participating spouses/guests/children to determine what they would find appealing. Make sure that programs are tailored to the unique attractions of the meeting destination in order to create memorable experiences. Don't plan programs that participants can do at home.

Offer flexibility with program choices (e.g., full- and half-day options), and make sure the scheduling is not demanding (e.g., participants can relax and still make it to dinner on time). Actively participating in a program (like adult learning) always makes it more interesting for attendees. In-house programs may work, but typically, guests will want to get out and explore. Make sure that your programs vary each year, as you'll have repeat guests. Common programs include:

• sightseeing/interest tours - focusing on the unique characteristics of the meeting destination
•  educational seminars/demonstrations - this may be difficult to plan when you have a diverse demographic group
• recreational activities - again, focusing on the destination
• cultural events - the facility's concierge can help with ideas; it may be risky to buy a large quantity of tickets before knowing how many will attend
• sporting events - may be good for networking/teambuilding, depending on demographics; again, purchasing advance tickets in quantity could be risky
• golf tournaments - the many different aspects to consider, such as booking the course, providing handicapping, and deciding on a format, make it prudent to work with a golf pro
• service project with local charity - a great way to provide an activity and positively impact the community.

 Provide a welcoming experience for meeting attendees' guests with a hospitality area, featuring comfortable furniture, refreshments, a "host" staffing the area, and city information. You may want to distribute guest badges from this designated area and/or pre-purchased activity tickets and itineraries, offer registration for on-site programs, and post changes to scheduled activities.

Offer as many details as possible about time, location, price, transportation, and recommended attire. The CIC Manual has a complete list on p. 270. Make sure that your marketing message is targeted directly to the guests, not the meeting attendees.

Remember that CVBs and DMCs (including DMCs that specialize in children's' programs) can be worth their weight in gold when planning guest programs.

If you are thinking about providing programs for children during your meeting, make sure you first check into the liability and risk. If you use an outside company, make sure they are insured and bonded, and that parents sign a liability disclaimer stating that the organization is not affiliated with or responsible for outside companies' level of care.

° Vicky Betzig, CMP, is president/owner of Meetings Industry Consulting and has more than 20 years of experience in managing meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, and events. She has extensive experience in the development, production, and facilitation of CMP study programs and is a nationally recognized trainer, presenter, and author (the co-recipient of PCMA's 2004 Author of the Year Achievement Award) on a variety of meeting management topics. She can be contacted at vabetzig@mindspring.com.

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, the foremost certification program of today's meetings, conventions, and expositions industry, recognizes those who have achieved the industry's highest standards of professionalism. Established in 1985 by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), the CMP credential was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in any component or sector of the industry.