In June 2005, PPG received a call to help plan an international retreat for a large Cleveland-based law firm for the fall of 2005. Although we have assisted other law firms in the past, this firm needed assistance in planning something a little "off the beaten path" since they had held the "same old, same old" meeting for years and wanted something different as their attendee's were flying in from around the globe and the firm was in the midst of announcing a new merger. There were a bunch of challenges throughout the onset of the program, but we managed to make it all work on time and within budget.

At first, we reviewed the agenda and outlined our scope of services based upon their needs. Their attendee's were at the partner level and expectations were set quite high. Their meeting agenda was jam packed for approximately three days and included several breakout sessions and an evening dinner complete with a band . . . . consisting of their own partners! Our one challenge was to acquire all the instruments even as this 'jam session' kept growing and growing!   It finally all came together and they sounded great!

During the final week of the planning phase, their numbers grew . . . and grew quickly. We had to find more sleeping rooms, transportation and order more food in a city where there was almost a complete sellout. We managed to accomplish this task quite well.

Additionally, one dinner brought everyone together at a mansion along the water. We arranged for a large tent with tables to accommodate the group in addition to transporting guests every 15 minutes from the hotel to the unique venue. The theme had an "Asian-fusion" feel as floral arrangements, linens, food and music all reflected the spirit of the new merger. As guests dined, gifts reflecting the Asian-fusion theme were placed in each hotel sleeping room as a thank you.   The weather was stellar, and music, food and entertainment were fantastic. Tours of the historic mansion began after the meal and guests were transported back to the hotel for cigars and cordials to commence the three-day program.   At the end of the program, all were quite pleased and many commented that this was one of the best/most memorable programs they've ever had.

OUR NEXT BIG PROJECT . . . . LONDON, ENGLAND!!