Social Media and Compliance with Life-Science Meetings
San Francisco, CA – February 07, 2011 – In anticipation of the Federal Physician Sunshine Act, Polaris Meetings Group has worked diligently over the past year and half to make sure our company had the education and the tools necessary to work with our life-science clients to support their meeting compliance. One department that remains a grey area is social media and compliance. Polaris has attempted to tackle this issue by listening to our clients’ needs, understanding the dynamic that ultimately, it is the patients that my clients serve and the research that is gathered that also need fierce protecting. Successful Meetings Magazine’s editor, Agatha Gilmore approached Polaris for their insight. “We are pleased to be recognized as an important resource to companies that are concerned both with staying abreast of the current technologies and social avenues that take place inside and outside of their meetings, and who also want to make sure that their interests, especially the interests of their patients are protected and secure,” said Moki Evans, President of Polaris. “That there is a conversation about this is an important first step and one that I hope shapes how medical meetings and meetings overall take responsibility in keeping up with our social platforms.” To see the article, please visit: Successful Meetings Magazine.
Polaris Gets To Know Colombia
San Francisco, CA – December 13, 2011 –Polaris Meetings Group is thrilled to report that the cities of Cartagena and Bogota, Colombia are truly wonderful places to have meetings. We were thrilled to be given the opportunity and the invitation by the Colombian government (ProExport) to attend the Colombia Fam trip in Cartagena and Bogota, Colombia, this December. “Both cities were incredible and the people and the hotels and venues we visited were warm and welcoming. I was able to have some time to myself to explore and see what made these two cities so great. Not knowing a lot of Spanish, I was concerned that there would be some communication barriers. The people I interacted with in various situations – street vendors, restaurant servers, hotel staff, local folks, and tour operators alike were all very patient and kind. I never felt awkward or unsafe or out of place,” said Moki Evans, president of Polaris. “The history, colonial architecture, ethnic diversity, and warm temperatures of Cartagena and both the exciting urban and the traditional countryside venues and cooler temperatures of Bogota were memorable and striking. Meetings in either city depending on group size and needs would be well received and there is plenty of interesting group activities to do. A definite must see.”
To learn more about either location, please contact us or visit our facebook page or contact ProExport, Colombia’s tourism department at www.proexport.com.co/en.
Polaris Attends Destination Reviews and Gains More Destination Knowledge
San Francisco, CA – July 7, 2011 –Polaris Meetings Group is pleased to have qualified to attend several dynamic destination reviews including Smart Meetings in Laguna Niguel, CA, Successful Meetings in Newport Beach, CA and M&I Forums in Palm Beach, FL. Valuable educational content such as considering new seating arrangements, to technology, software and social media in the meetings industry were discussed. Each forum allowed Polaris to meet and make important contacts with hotels, DMCs and other industry vendors in various locations nationally and internationally. We also made fast and lasting friendships with other corporate and independent planners.
Chris attended the Smart Meetings at the host hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. One on one appointments with over 20 southern california destinations were made. A wonderful way to get to know properties and places.
Moki attended the Successful Meetings event which showcased Newport Beach. The host hotel was the Marriott Newport Beach. Similarly, over 20 one one one appointments with properties and vendors state wide were present allowing Polaris to broaden its knowledge base.
Moki and Charmaine attended the M&I Forums destination review which showcased international hotels and destinations at the Breakers Hotel in Florida. Destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Monaco, Mexico, Columbia, Sweden, The Netherlands (to name a few) were represented. What made it so memorable were the fun social events including teambuilding with both planners and suppliers to create the best salsa, the best margarita and the best team members face using a box of noodles.
Following this, a wonderful whirlwind with Riann Jimenez from the Palm Beach CVB allowed Moki to revisit hotels that had undergone multi-million dollar renovations and newer properties in the Palm Beach area such as the Brazilian Court, the Palm Beach Ritz-Carlton, the Omphroy, the Four Seasons Palm Beach, Juniper Beach Resort and more. We were treated to fantastic local Cuban food, visited some fun and tropical local haunts and peaked at some of Palm Beaches biggest residences.
While these meetings were a terrific reminder of why this industry can be so fun, more importantly, it was a great way to connect and meet other industry professionals interested in providing their clients with the best knowledge and services available.
Polaris to Attend 7th Annual Pharma Forum
San Francisco, CA – March 24, 2011 –Polaris Meetings Group will attend the 7th Annual Pharmaceutical Forum in Philadelphia in it’s continued effort and commitment to continued education in the life sciences industry and specifically in meeting planning. We are pleased to be able to bring our new Director of Business Development with us. Our goal is to continue to build relationships with other planners and hotel and vendor representatives in the industry.
NMSDC Grants Polaris MBE Certification
San Francisco, CA – February 1, 2011 –Polaris Meetings Group announced today that they have been granted MBE (Minority-Owned Business Enterprise) certification by the Northern California Chapter of NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council).
“We are honored that NCMSDC determined that Polaris met their business model standards and processes,” said Moki Evans, President. “Receiving this certification will provide supporting resources and create opportunities for Polaris to work with corporations who have not had the opportunity to get to know our company and the services we offer. We look forward to working with the council, its members, other MBEs and corporate sponsors going forward.”
NCMSDC is an affiliate of NMSDC, Inc., a national organization charted in 1972 and considered the gold standard for MBE certification. Their mission is to provide access to contracting opportunities between certified MBEs and corporate purchasers. This business membership organization also assists certified MBEs in developing business opportunities with corporations, universities, healthcare entities, and government agencies.
IATA Grants Polaris Accreditation
San Francisco, CA – January 12, 2011 –Polaris Meetings Group announced today that they have been granted accreditation by IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) which recognizes meeting professionals who sell travel and travel related services. This program allows Polaris global recognition by industry stakeholders and networking opportunities with over 200,000 active travel professionals. It also helps to recognize the number of travel-related sales that Polaris identifies. Finally, the program gives Polaris the opportunity to have a stake in promoting professionalism within the travel industry.
Local Businesses Rally to Help San Francisco High School with Prom
San Francisco, CA – May 25, 2010 –Polaris Meetings Group announced today that they will donate their time and consultation to International Studies Academy (ISA), a small public high school in San Francisco after being contacted by the Northern California Chapter of ISES. (Read more here)
Polaris Rebrand Is Complete
San Francisco, CA – April 7, 2010 –Polaris Meetings Group is pleased to announce the launch of our rebranded website! The project began in December, 2009 and was completed April 1st, 2010 with the help of design services from Loetus Creative Designs and Lisa Dunmeyer Designs in San Francisco.
Our vision for the future is to continue to create exceptional meetings and events for our clients and grow strategic alliances with diverse companies to further expand our reputation as a trusted provider of meeting and event planning services.
We appreciate the great work and congratulate all on our successful finish. We invite you to visit us online at www.polarismeetings.com for more information.
Sixth Annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Management Forum
San Francisco, CA – March 18, 2010 – Polaris just returned from attending the Pharmaceutical Meeting Management Forum in Philadelphia. Over 800 planners and suppliers were in attendance. Moki Evans, President and Charmaine Evans, Polaris’ Travel Director were there to learn about the state of the Pharmaceutical industry (including the latest regulatory proposals and new industry trends). The keynote speakers confirmed the need for companies such as Polaris to perform important meeting services, especially with investigator meetings and other clinical programs. Professional development workshops and networking opportunities allowed Polaris the opportunity to meet independent and corporate planners alike, as well as potential partners in vendor suppliers from all over the country.