“We try to make a game out of certain things. Like coming up with a fun name forthe office like the ‘Pig Pen’ that is used on walkie-talkies. Orduring set-up, we bring an iPod and speakers. Things can be way too quiet in a convention centerlate at night.”

“I post signs around the war room. Some are silly, fun sayings that have come from past events and/or motivational messages. I also leave short notes of thanks at their work area each morning prior to their arrival.”

“Letting them vent about things that are going on that day. Reinforcing the fact that people getting emotional on site is not the measure of them as a human being. We have to keep things in perspective.”

“After a large event I give staff a ‘Derrière Repair’ certificate that must be used within a week or two of the event. This makes them take time off and re-energize.”

TREATS! Nearly 67 percent keep special snacks on site to keep the energy level high—everything from healthy trail mix to chocolate, ice cream, and protein and granola bars.

TRAVEL TIME Respondents use work-travel time at airports and on airplanes to catch up.

How do you spend your time in airports and on

airplanes while on business travel? Catch up on personal reading in print Listen to music

Read industry magazines in print

Work on my laptop

Catch up on personal reading on my tablet or e-reader Watch movies

Work on my tablet

Read industry magazines on my tablet or e-reader Hobby Other

0 www.pcma.org 6% 3% 20% 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 pcma convene April 2012

83

14% 30% 26% 61% 47%

40% 40%

TABLET USE: Nearly a quarter of respondents use a tablet for work, and 32 percent use one for personal use. Nearly 80 percent of tablet users have an iPad.