First, I should let you all in on my secret, which shouldn't be a secret at all: my avocation is being a Longaberger Independent Sales Consultant. For those of you who don't know, The Longaberger Company is, "the best damned...

First, I should let you all in on my secret, which shouldn't be a secret at all:  my avocation is being a Longaberger Independent Sales Consultant.  For those of you who don't know, The Longaberger Company is, "the best damned basket company on the planet".  You can see their products on my avocation website:  www.longaberger.com/angelastory-krug.  Skilled American artisans weave these durable heirloom baskets in America each day and create beautiful solutions for your home that help with organization, decorating, and entertaining.  I recently got to meet the folks that make the baskets I use in my home every day.  Visit my website.  I'm sure you'll love them too!

Second, let me say it is a rare happening for me to attend a conference without producing it.  Nevertheless, last week I attended the Longaberger Bee for the first time.  I was pleasantly surprised ok, REALLY surprised, at the level of executive participation in roles that are definitely not in their job description and the number of home office employees who participated in whole-hearted fun and foolishness to the delight of a packed arena of home consultants from across the country.  Normally, a convention for a company the size of Longaberger uses a professional "spokesmodel" or "emcee", but Longaberger used their own staff for extensive general sessions and they were amazing!  Many corporations hire high-priced headline entertainment to drive home their message and entertain the attendees.  Instead, Longaberger spoofed a well-known comedian using one of their own executives and he was marvelous!  I don't know if the scripting was done in-house or if a professional writer was used, but either way, the production was outstanding.  Additionally, they knew where to spend production dollars to get the most bang for their buck.  When we were celebrating, it was raining confetti, when they introduced Christmas products, it was snowing.  The staging, lighting, and visual effects were well done.  The only "outside" entertainment was a dance group that supported the "Bee Boys", yet another group of employees who provide hilarious and quality entertainment, and live musicians to support all the stage activity and to get the crowd pumped before a session began.   

With some industries feeling the strain of a tightening economy, my "real" job as the owner of a meeting and event production company has seen a slow down in recent months.  Some clients are canceling annual events in an effort to save money, but they don't realize that their employees and customers need those events in order to stay dedicated and excited about their respective products and services.  I left the Longaberger Bee with a renewed sense of purpose about my avocation.  The baskets I sell keep American workers employed.  I'm going to set higher goals, work to achieve them, and make more money for my family as well as for The Longaberger Company .

Companies who are cutting back on conferences and events can take a page from Longaberger's playbook.  It pays to keep your employees, sales force and customers energized!  While an undertaking like the Longaberger Bee is not a low-cost production, I am confident the company realized a great savings using a good writer, good producer, good production and an in-house team of actors and performers who made the most of the company's convention budget.  Kudos to The Longaberger Company for keeping us excited about your product! 

What is your company doing to keep customers and employees engaged?  The Longaberger Bee is proof that cost-effective production can be done right and still have a mighty impact.  Call us.  Let us create a cost-effective meeting or event to energize your customers, keep your employees loyal, and get your sales back on track!  www.eventsourcepro.com