If there was a catchcry for Amway when it first began in the United States it may have been “sell, sell, sell!”. But today, as global special events director Craig Ardis explains, it is more likely to be “meet, meet, meet!” with the company citing quality, motivational meetings as the key to its continued success.

Meet, meet, meet!

Q: How long have you been with Amway?
A: 20 years

Q: You head a staff of 26 individuals involved in planning meetings for Amway? Is this correct?
A: Yes, I’m responsible for global special events and corporate travel
 

Q: Is it correct in saying that Amway holds approximately 600 meetings worldwide annually?
A: This would be accurate
 

Q: Why so many? What is the importance of meetings to Amway?
A: This is how we work with our independent business owners [of which there are more than three million globally]. We use these meetings to motivate, as product launches, reward, along with holding corporate meetings to discuss corporate strategies along with operational meetings, etc.
 

Q: Can you give me a run-down on the type of meetings you hold and what significance they have?
A: We have sales meetings, a Founders’ Council meeting, Global Growth Conference annually, Leadership Conferences (held for independent business owners), which are incentive-type meetings and events, strategic planning meetings, and cultural seminars for new Amway members.

Q: What makes a successful meeting?
A: Clear objectives and then a plan to achieve those objectives. You also need to tie all aspects of the agenda into the goals.

Q: You are involved with Meeting Professionals International in the U.S. What are some of the current meetings trends in the United States.
A: It is currently a sellers’ market. Short lead times, and a strong emphasis on security.

Q: Do you (Amway) outsource meetings business? What do you look for in partners in this regard? How can companies become involved with Amway?
A: We do some outsourcing depending on need. We manage this very closely to contain costs. We do a very good screening of suppliers and if they meet our criteria then we offer them an opportunity to bid. We do utilize contacts in the industry. We rely on our local employees to guide us when going to a market we are not familiar with.
 

Q: Can Australia (and New Zealand) expect to see more Amway meetings in coming years?
A: Yes, I believe you will see some of our affiliates come here in the near future and Sydney is always on our radar screen. Sydney has great hotels and great infrastructure, along with great people. Sydney had proven itself perfect for Amway programs in many ways. The city is easily accessed from the main Asian markets, the hotels are excellent and we have few problems moving large numbers of people about. There are many factors involved in the decision to hold a program in a particular country and city, and Australia certainly meets the standards of service delivery we expect.