Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

Periodic musings of one of the Meetings Industry\'s recognized educators.

Stay up to date and in the know on the industry's top issues and events. Joan has over 30 years experience in every facet of event planning and is regularly recognized as one of the most influential people in the industry. Take advantage of her passion for our industry and life-long learning. Bookmark this page today.


Washington, DC - the place I've called home since 1978 - has an often maligned reputation.

It is referred to by politicians and newscasters (and, now, it seems ordinary citizens) as WASHINGTON, the place where all evil happens to harm this country.  I shake my head in sadness every time I hear this since I know that we are a place of people just like any other and the 'evil' people perceive is


The proper place to wear a pin- or clip-on badge is on your right side so that others may, when you shake hands, see it easily.  (This assumes certain abilities; the ADA and people with disabilities has been addressed here and will be again.)  

Lanyards, which are (to my dismay) the rage at all meetings, make your badge land, at best, in the middle of your chest but more often than not, a lanyard


Today, Sat., 13 September, my husband and I and our friend, Bev, had an experience that left all of us a bit drained while also giving us so much food for thought.

The experience was "Resurrection", a play at Arena Stage in DC, that runs until 5 October.  Its playwright, Daniel Beaty, says in the playbill "I have always been interested in exploring issues surrounding black men.  When I read the


It happened again .. at the convention center in a major city just the other day.  It seems to happen almost everywhere. 

 This week it was the 'turkey wrap sandwich' which had that strange stuff on it that restaurants - and even room service in the best hotels - call what they put on a club sandwich.  They tell you it's real turkey when you order - and  when the in-room dining server brings your


that were fighting the US Justice Department about renovating hotels to ensure they'll be accessible under the revised ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act?

When I read that story on a few industry web sites, I shook my head in wonder, sadness, and anger.  How dare they say they can't do these renovations to ensure accommodation for all people when they can continue to put in fancy TVs and more