Not All Thumbs
If you’re getting tired of lugging your 15-inch laptop around and a Blackberry just doesn’t do it for you, check out the Eee PC by Asus. Filling the gap between PDAs and notebook PCs, the Eee PC’s 7-inch screen and hardback-book-sized design offer a real keyboard (no more cramped thumbs!), built-in wireless capability and dazzling color in a ridiculously small package that comes with Intel processor, webcam, three USB ports, SD memory card port, ethernet connection, Windows XP Home, Adobe, Internet Explorer and a lot more. The only sacrifices are no CD/DVD drive and a minimal amount of RAM. But if all you’re doing is surfing the web, handling e-mail, dealing with Word docs and spreadsheets, viewing PDFs and other low-memory chores, this tiny wonder could be the answer to your prayers! Prices start at around $300, making this an affordable alternative to that Sony VAIO you’ve been jealously coveting that costs a cool two grand. Read more at http://eeepc.asus.com
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Terrific Tech Tool
Looking for the ultimate attendee/speaker gift and high-tech handout gadget all rolled into one? Forget the CD-ROMs and DVDs. The Victorinox 2GB SwissFlash comes with a removable USB flash drive, blade, nail file with screwdriver, scissors, keyring, LED mini white light and retractable ballpoint pen. Instead of defoliating the rainforest with reams of paper handouts at your next conference or meeting, put it all on the flash drive of this tiny 2.25-inch pocket tool. Recipients will carry it with them (along with the memory of where they got it) for a lifetime. MSRP: $69; or check out the 4GB version ($80) or 8GB version ($132) if you need more capacity. For more information, go to: http://www.swissarmy.com/multitools
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The Art of the Event
Art of the Event serves as the ultimate guide to designing and decorating events and celebrations, from 8 guests to 8,000. Written by James C. Monroe, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) with decades of experience in special event design and decoration, the book is divided into three sections:
- Principles, Processes and Practices: examines aesthetics, the design process and professional practices
- Decorative Elements: describes the various decorative elements that are used in special events and discusses how to use them in practical and specific ways
- Universe of Special Events: describes various types of events planners are asked to create and discusses the different requirements of each, including nonprofit events, corporate events, social events, etc.
Get this essential guide to making your events extraordinary! For more information, go to: http://www.wiley.com
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Tracking the Top Trends
In December, Benchmark Hospitality International, a worldwide operator of award-winning restaurants, luxury hotels, resorts, conference centers and condominium resorts, released its “Five Top Dining Trends for 2009.” The trends were announced by Robert Zappatelli, Vice President of Food & Beverage, together with his team of 20 culinary professionals. “Fresh and locally produced ingredients, intense rich flavors and, thankfully, the demise of supersizing is where America’s chefs are trending this year,” says Zappatelli, “but we still love our comfort food. And the real surprise this year is offal – making a huge comeback after being out of favor for way too long.” To view the Top 5 food trends (and 5 more on beverages), click here.
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We Want to Hear From You!
Have a great idea you want to share? Write to us at rkern@sellingcommunications.com, and your bright idea might be featured in an upcoming issue of SMERF Meetings Journal.
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