Most meeting planners have probably already read about how companies want more value than ever before from their conferences. While this can create more work for you, there are some things you can do to work out the kinks long before they happen.

Think Replacement

If you need to help the company keep expenses at a minimum, replace these meeting parts:

* Replace the reception with a working lunch – this will let people meet and network, as well as enjoy a meal together. * Replace the open bar idea with team building exercises or mind storming training-these programs have a much better chance of improving the ROI than a bunch of drunk employees blowing off steam. * Replace entertainment with a spa wellness trip. You will have more refreshed folks ready to work. * Replace land based venues with a cruise meeting, and save as much as 40%. Cruising is all-inclusive, so planners may be surprised to know that meeting rooms, meals, A/V equipment and luxury accommodations are all included in one low price.

Think Reduction

What if the customer says, "Okay, these cost savings are great, let's get rid of the reception, evening entertainment, and and welcome reception open bar meet-and-greet! So what do we do on the last day, then?"

Get rid of it. Tell your client that not only will she not need to make the usual expenditures that don't improve ROI on the cost of the meeting, she can eliminate the last night's hotel bill as well.

By just replacing the non-ROI generating activities and events, you have already increased the value of the meeting. Your client will be grateful for that for a long time. And happy, satisfied clients translate to more meeting planning business for you in the future. So, it pays to find every way to cut out unnecessary expenses and increase meeting ROI for your clients.

Explode meeting ROI with a cruise event. Cruising offers a savings of as much as 40% of the cost of hotel venues, since a cruise is all inclusive.

An all inclusive cruise event can save you up to 40% compared to land based venues since so much is included. Meals, meeting rooms, A/V, coffee breaks, activities, entertainment and even room service are part of the all-inclusive cruise fare.

It is no secret that not every staff loves team building exercises, events and travel. Once they have attended the same old team building workshops or participated in their twentieth trust exercise, some folks will understandably balk at the announcement that yet another team building experience has been added to the calendar. It is up to the person planning the team building or incentive experience to find new, enticing ideas that will appeal to employees and get them excited about the upcoming event.

This is actually much simpler than it may sound, particularly once you begin to explore the wide variety of options now available for incentive and award programs, corporate entertainment events and team building opportunities. Stock car tracks and racing schools are a prime example of just how exciting incentives and team building can be, and are a fun option that can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for a half-day event or a multiple-day program, taking your team to the track is sure to provide them with an exciting new experience with opportunities for everyone to participate.

Stock car racing schools offer ride-along programs for folks who may not be ready to get behind the wheel, classes to teach your team how to drive race cars and pit crew activities that offer a whole new take on team building.