Many people who know me are aware that I'm a huge fan of live meetings. But the Tourist Office of Spain is sponsoring Conexcion Spain,  an online virtual trade show for people interested in traveling to Spain, including the meetings industry. Because it seems unique and I'm cautious about adopting technology to replace my live meetings, I decided to attend via my laptop.

The virtual trade show began today and continues until July 13. There were  29 visitors on the site when I checked it out (but that also included people who are part of the site developers). Event organizers indicated a total of 1500 total visitors were on the site as of earlier today. And there's an impressive number of companies within Spain that are giving this marketing technology a try.

The site is certainly attractive, and they've created a virtual exhibition floor for users. It relies on interactive chat technology. While not all exhibitors may be live, there's an option to leave a message. Still, if you click "users online" and view the exhibitor list, that allows you to know who is available to talk to you immediately.

Of course, it's certainly worth checking out for a little while either way. After all, they are giving away two free trips to Spain, and I suspect the odds are favorable. Let me know if you win! And please share your thoughts and comments about when/if you would rely on a virtual trade show for your future meetings! Comment here.

Learn about the benefits of face-to-face and virtual meetings.

The MLB All Star Game is scheduled in July, and this reminds me of the fact that hundreds of employee activities and events take place at baseball fields everywhere. Planning group events at baseball stadiums are a great way to convey employee and customer appreciation. Looking to find a baseball field in your city? Check out our list of event contacts for MLB baseball teams and fields.

July 2011 Holidays and Events

• July 1 (Friday), Canada Day (Canada)
• July 4 (Monday), Independence Day (U.S.)
• July 6 (Wednesday), Running of the Bulls in Pamplona (through July 14)
• July 12 (Tuesday), 2011 MLB All Star Game (Chase Field, home of Arizona Diamond Backs, Phoenix)
• July 14 (Thursday), British Open 2010 (Royal St. George's Gold Club, Kent, England, through July 17)
• July 14 (Thursday), Bastille Day (France)

Check out our 2011 Calendar of Holidays and Major Special Events.

And please send your suggestions about March holidays and events that could be added to the 2011 or 2012 calendars! Thanks.

I recently received a letter from a young event planner who asked about what they should know when hiring outside event management.

My suggested was to focus on building an effective agenda and project plan that includes as many details as possible. The Convention Industry Council has developed event planning resources that everyone should know about.

I also encouraged the individual to hire an experienced planner who can provide a detailed plan and make sure that the terms are outlined in an agreement. Also, for most situations, large ticket items -- such as hotel proposals -- should be contracted and paid directly by the organization, not the third party (note: frequently, the services of a qualified DMC may be an exception to this process). In addition to the actual program itself, the planner should be responsible for providing regular updates about the status of the event -- before, during and after the program.

What advice would you give to a new planner who is approaching event management for the first time? Feel free to comment here. Thanks!

Wedding music is an integral part of the success of every wedding, and the selection of certain dances and music is key to that process. The groom's dance with his mom is one of the most special parts of the wedding. A great mother son wedding dance song is nostalgic, sweet and full of love. Here are suggestions for tender songs for the mother and son dance. Get out the tissues! Check out these five songs for mother and son dance.

The father and daughter dance is equally important. Check out these songs for the father and daughter dance, too.