WEST PALM BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - June 7, 2010) - Even in today's wireless world, the value of face-to-face meetings continues to be a key ingredient in establishing solid and lasting business relationships, according to Plan Ahead Events. The impact of human contact in the business world has been studied in depth by research organizations, demonstrating that a handshake and a smile go a long way to create rapport, comfort and trust with a client or supplier.
A survey of 400 executives by the Kellogg School of Management showed a direct relationship between a company's investment in business travel (including meetings, trade shows and conferences) and its ability to keep existing customers, convert prospects and build relationships. Top executives estimate that roughly 40 percent of their prospective customers are converted to new business with face-to-face meetings compared to only 16 percent without. In fact, more than 75 percent of customers require, or prefer, face-to-face meetings. Executives from around the world confirm that 28 percent of their business would be lost without in-person meetings. Additionally, trade show participation is particularly strong; business travelers stated 5 to 20 percent of new business resulted from trade shows.
While virtual meetings are becoming commonplace and can sometimes save time and money, the personal interaction of a face-to-face meeting is more effective when participants need to express feelings, coordinate tasks or persuade others.
Plan Ahead Events specializes in organizing and planning corporate meetings, trade shows, conventions, and retreats. Plan Ahead Events can help companies establish a positive image by creating perfect events for face-to-face contact with important clients. For executives who haven't met with clients in person recently, now is the time to plan a corporate function or exciting event. Face-to-face meetings and introductions gain more importance in our technologically driven society, and Plan Ahead Events will coordinate, plan and execute networking events to their full potential.
About Plan Ahead Events: Since 2007, Plan Ahead Events has grown to more than 50 locations across the U.S., Canada and Australia. The company is a division of the United Franchise Group and specializes in event planning for trade shows and conventions, corporate meetings, retreats and promotion of new products or strategies. PAE's event specialists can also assist with planning and procuring products for company branding and recognition programs. To learn more about Plan Ahead Events, visit: http://www.planaheadevents.com.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Christine Marion, MAS
cmarion@ufgcorp.com
P: 561.713.2503