2010 January |

Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Tech Resources: Password Generators

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on January 31, 2010

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Whether we’re lazy, stupid or too trusting (or a bit of all three), many computer users tend to use the same passwords for logging onto their PC, e-mail, banking sites and social networking accounts.

PC Magazine has compiled a list of the 10 most commonly used passwords by computer users today. Some are understandable – like numbers 1, 2 and 3 (see below) – while others (such as 6 and 9) are just plain odd.

Here’s the Top 10 list of most commonly used computer passwords:
1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. abc123
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. myspace
8. password 1
9. blink182
10. (your first name)

If you have any of these, change them immediately. Better yet, use PCTools online Password Generator to generate a strong and secure password.

For Real Relationships Think Real World

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on January 28, 2010

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Real relationships are most often the result of face-to-face encounters in the real world according to a new study by Oxford University anthropologist Robin Dunbar. Good news for those of us in the meetings and events industry where real people meeting in real places is our raison d’etre.

Back in the 1990s, Dr. Dunbar carried out research showing that the part of the brain responsible for thinking and language cannot accommodate more than 150 friends — defined as a people a person cares about and makes contact with a least once a year. That figure has since been known as “Dunbar’s number.”

Now, Dr. Dunbar’s new reasearch suggests our ability to maintain friendships is just as limited on the Web as in the real world.

“People obviously like the kudos of having hundreds of friends but the reality is that they’re unlikely to be bigger than anyone else’s.” Dr. Dunbar says.

Dunbar’s study is due to be published later this year.

iPad Ideas For The Meeting and Event Planner

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on January 27, 2010

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As had been widely expected, Apple released a tablet device today. Called the iPad, it falls between a laptop and smartphone and is capable of doing many of the same things an iPhone can but on a larger, 9.7-inch LCD screen.

Now, I know that many meeting and event planners are PC people. But I can’t help but think how the iPad could be “game changing” or at least “program changing” for busy event and meeting planners.

Think about site inspections, for example. Whether virtual or in-person they could take on a whole other dimention with the iPad.

The device could be used to:

* Conduct real-time research — from finding contact names and phone numbers for key venue personnel (sales manager, general manager, director of catering, director of convention services, convention services manager, etc) using the built-in browser and a reputable online database (such as our companion directory — wttc.com) — to checking routes and distances from the airport using the Maps application.

* Access documents such as floor plans so that seating capacities and breakout configurations are right in front of you.

* Access photos of videos of the meeting room you’re standing in, to show and review various set-ups.

* Access industry-specific apps, such as room capacity calculators, to instantly determine whether or not changes can be made to the set-up.

* Record meeting notes with the Voice Memos app and snapping photos with the built-in camera for reference later back at the office.

* Replace hard copies of contracts with digital copies that can be easily accessed for on-the-spot agreed changes.

* Make changes to proposals on-the-spot based on information gleaned during the site inspection.

The iPad can be carried in a handbag (ladies!) and will retail at an affordable $499 US.

Time Management Resources: Managing Your CC Mail

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on January 25, 2010

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If you’re the point person for a busy event, you probably get a lot of e-mail.

Some of that e-mail is really important. And some of it is … well … not so important.

Most of that e-mail that is not so important may be arriving in your inbox in the form of CC or “carbon copy” e-mail.

The general rule of thumb on CC e-mail is that it is simply for your information — no action is required. That seems simple enough. But mixed in amongst more pressing e-mail CC mail can easily become a major productivity block.

If you receive a lot of CC e-mail and you’re having difficulty managing it, this tip from organizing expert Georgina Forrest may help.

She suggests creating a message rule that diverts messages where your address shows up in the CC field to another folder. You then have the option to check them when you have down time. Note: You can find the the “rule” option in the Tools menu on Microsoft Outlook or in the Mail “Preferences” tab in Apple mail.

For more time saving tips, visit the “Resources” section on Georgina’s site or follow her on Twitter @smartwerks

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

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on January 25, 2010

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It’s the product that every meeting and event planner loves to love — Bubble Wrap. From PriorityPaks® to cell phone protectors and stress relievers to pop-able place mats, Bubble Wrap has made our jobs easier and our lives better.

Today is the 10th anniversary of Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day and the 50th anniversary of the invention of Bubble Wrap. And, there are lots of fun ways to celebrate the event.

“Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day” is already the 8th most popular search on Google. But you may want to start with Bubble Wrap Fun, a Website filled with online games, trivia, and more, all related to Bubble Wrap.

There are also hundreds of bubble wrap Facebook groups, and lots of bubble wrap Twitter chatter. For the mobile types, there is a Bubble Wrap iTunes app (a personal favorite) available through the iTunes store. And to celebrate the golden anniversary, Sealed Air, makers of Bubble Wrap® brand are conducting a special limited run of gold Bubble Wrap® cushioning. For one day, the factory lines in the company’s Saddle River, N.J. facility will change from the popular clear to gold to commemorate the historic occasion.