Formed in 1995, CES provides planning services and logistical support for all Georgia Center meetings, conferences, events, and stage presentations. Audiovisual, sound, and lighting services assistance is available to enhance and raise the level of the educational experience for conferees. All meeting rooms are configured to "best fit" the particular session. Exhibits in connection with educational programs are also arranged by the department's staff.
Part of the Center's Division of Hotel and Operating Services, CES revolves around four main efforts--booking, facilities management, meeting support, and technical support --each a component of the CES mission to "support the various educational operations of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education by providing customer service, technical support, and logistical support."
"The Central Booking Office 'qualifies' all new clients--that is, determines their needs--and connects the client to the appropriate area of the Center," Skelton said.
Through this process, the office links clients with Center resources, beginning the important process of customization. Each conference or function is handled individually, as staff members work with clients to find "just the right mix" of programming and place.
Central Booking has been successful in its brief history. From January of 1996 through January of 1997, the office booked 95 new conferences and 928 non-conference events. By coordinating non-conference meetings and banquets, the department has served some 37,000 people so far this fiscal year (since June 1996).
"The department reflects a type of evolution of service here at the Center. Over the last 10 years, we've tried a number of ways to conduct the booking processes for conference and non-conference functions and events, and meals. They were usually booked separately through different offices. Now, with the Central Booking Office, all three contacts are in one office," Skelton said.
The three other units of the Department of Conference and Event Services--Facilities Management, Meeting Services, and Technical Services--offer essential support activities for the conferences and events.
Facilities Management is responsible for coordinating facilities resources and supplying event information, as well as general information, for clients and potential clients.
Meeting Services sets up all conference rooms, including cleaning and maintenance; coordinates audiovisual support; promotes and manages conference exhibits; and plans and manages all support services.
Technical Services provides large audience event support for a variety of events, including lighting, set design, and sound. The unit also helps stage theater and concert performances.
"Through these vital services, and through the new Central Booking effort, Conference and Event Services has contributed, from the start, to the Center's goal of customer satisfaction. We've developed several important new conference links, and have re-established business with a few clients who had gone elsewhere," Skelton said.
"Our staff's work is a very visible element of Georgia Center customer service. The department is involved from the first contact to the end of the conference to post-conference evaluation. Offering the best service at all times is our goal. Our staff members are trained to do anything that is humanly possible to help our customers have a great experience at the Georgia Center."
For more information about the Department of Conference and Event Services, or to inquire about "anything Georgia Center": F. Mitchell Skelton, manager, Department of Conference and Event Services, Georgia Center for Continuing Education, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-3603; Phone: 1-706-542-2654; Fax: 1-706-542-5990; e-mail: skeltonm@gactr.uga.edu.
Web administrator: webmaster@gactr.uga.edu All contents copyright © 1997 University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. All rights reserved. Last revised: Tue, Jul 8, 1997, 10:22 AM URL: http://www.gactr.uga.edu/GCQ/gcqsum97/ces.html