GBTA thinks outside the box...

The forum, called The Meetings Lab, is being held at the Principal Hayley Château Saint-Just, just outside Paris, on 10 and 11 November.

As the name suggests, organisers have come up with new and whacky session formats to help delegates discuss relevant issues, such as remuneration, effective policy and processes and the importance of meetings architecture. 

Session formats include ‘the collaborative distraction’, where delegates work collaboratively while discussing issues; ‘pass the problem’, where delegates pass issues to other participants to contribute potential solutions; and ‘the Freudian walk’, where delegates are divided into small groups to walk outside and discuss contentious issues affecting the sector.

GBTA also intends to measure energy levels throughout the event to check on delegate engagement.

Paul Tilstone, managing director of GBTA Europe, said the event has attracted interest for its innovative approach to content and format and was put together following feedback from a steering group of meeting and event buyers.

Tilstone said: ‘We wanted to create something new for the sector which buyers and suppliers would get real value from. This is an experiment in conference formats which could change the way we all meet when those attending take lessons back to their companies. 

‘I’m particularly excited about the Freudian walk, which will happen in the grounds of the château.’

Full event details and registration will open in early July, but those with an interest in the event can register with Katharine.blakemore@gbta.org for priority updates.

 

Source: Travel and Hospitality Industry Digest, 2011,  www.e-tid.com