CONTENTS February 2013 Volume 32, Issue 2

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‘Failing is not a point of destination; it’s an intermediate step that allows you to get somewhere else.’

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COVER STORY Embracing Mistakes

Some fields — such as tech startups — have gotten so comfortable sharing their missteps and flops that conferences entirely devoted to them have sprung up. What can organizers of events across all industries learn from what goes wrong? Is incorporating failure into the meeting program the new formula for success? Molly Brennan

Features CMP SERIES

An Invitation to Engage There is no one-size-fits-all set of guidelines to follow to engage attendees — and trying to force interaction can backfire. But, as three industry experts tell us, there are plenty of ways you can set the stage for connection and collaboration at your meetings. Barbara Palmer

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Destination Relations For years, second-tier cities have started — and dissolved — partnerships. But one alliance between three cities has found a formula that works. And it’s based largely on friendship. Jennifer N. Dienst

BOOKINGS

Three Things to Remember In Smart Thinking, Art Markman, Ph.D., shows how we can learn more effectively by understanding the way our minds and memories function. Convene asked Markman to train his thoughts on how participants can get the most out of — i.e., recall and implement what they learn at — conferences. It turns out that the number three plays a key role. Michelle Russell

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