The findings, published recently in the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, states "using instant messaging led to more conversations on the computer, but the conversations were briefer than telephone conversations". Moreover, "employees are quite strategic in their use of instant messaging. They [use] it to check in with their colleagues to find out if they’re busy, before interrupting them in a more intrusive way".

Case in point: its new A321. The supposedly first class experience is anything but. The seats are not leather; they even removed the padding in the armrests. They have removed video screens to save weight―OK for an overnight flight, but during the day on a five-hour flight, passengers will want to be distracted. Or, if you're in first class, you will expect to be able to work on your computer. Not on this aircraft. Along with the lack of video screens, there are no computer hook-ups.

It is obvious they see Southwest as their competition. We, as frequent travelers, don't. There's a reason why I have not flown Southwest in five years.

Last month, the airline eliminated the bonus miles for elite status. What were they thinking? I have been at the highest level of elite status with US Airways for almost 10 years now―it might even be more. I am seriously thinking about switching allegiances.

Looking Forward. . .

Joyce Gioia-Herman

My most recent return from Southeast Asia was not so pleasant. Singapore Air's 747-400 has 232 coach seats and really packs 'em in. The seats are narrow and do not recline very much. It was a very difficult flight, during which I didn't sleep much.

Lesson learned: upgrade with points to Business Class or make sure I'm on an A380!

The thing about the lap of luxury is that being there is addictive; once you experience higher levels of service, you don't want to go back.

 Looking Forward. . .

Joyce Gioia-Herman

By the year 2030, 86 percent of US adults could be overweight with an obesity rate of 51 percent. "Obesity" is defined as weighing 20 percent above the recommended weight for height and age, while "overweight" is defined as weighing "more than is healthy for your age and size". If the trends continue, by 2048, all US adults could be at least mildly overweight.

The study projects weight problems will be most severe among selected groups, notably African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. All African-American women and more than 90 percent of Mexican-American men could be overweight by 2034.

"Genetically and physiologically, it should be impossible" for all US adults to become overweight", said Dr. Lan Liang, a researcher on the study. However, the data suggest, "that is the direction we’re going. This is really intended as a wake-up call to show what could happen if nothing changes", she said.

I interrupted her and said, "You are looking at this situation from the wrong perspective." We should be talking about how to increase attendance by marketing more effectively, rather than shrinking your conference. She further shared that they have a lot of new competition now from copy-cat conferences. I put on my marketing hat and went into consulting mode.

"What we need to do", I said, "is to add value". "Add value for each of your 'customer' segments: delegates, of course, but also speakers, exhibitors, and high-level delegate attendees. (Having high-level attendees has a high perceived value to the speakers and adds to the delegate count and therefore, to bottom line profit.

This morning I am in the second smallest living/sleeping space I have ever attempted to inhabit. It is a standard room at the 1929 Hotel in Singapore, a boutique, hip hotel in a convenient area of the city. It is not possible for a person and a suitcase to get through the door at the same time; the best is too close.

The desk is a shelf, already filled with stuff. The commode is in the shower! That is a first for me. I chose this hotel to keep expenses reasonable for my sponsor who has scheduled appointments for me here tomorrow. I keep dosing off, slumping over and awakening with a start. I can not do this to my body any longer.

The next morning: it is not surprising that Singapore is so expensive (at least for Westerners); it is a thriving city. My day will be filled with meetings with business executives and media. I hope I can be brilliant like last week, but why not? I lead an exciting and blessed life. I leave for San Francisco at 5:50pm. The adventure continues.

 Looking Forward. . .

Joyce Gioia-Herman

From Brazil’s drug gangs in and out of prisons to the corruption and violence in Paraguay, from the outright terrorist attacks in Argentina, to the kidnappings in numerous countries including Columbia, criminal activity with ties to Islamic terrorism is a growing threat.

Alexander points out numerous ties between illicit activities and terrorist groups, citing specifics, e.g., A US State Department report affirms “The United States remains concerned that [Hezbollah] and HAMAS were raising funds in the TBA [infamous Tri-Border Area of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil] by participating in illicit activities and soliciting donations from extremists with in the sizable Muslim communities in the region. . ."

My first trip to KL, it lead to my having been taken to the wrong hotel at 1am. . . several kilometers away from my correct lodging with no local currency in hand. (Some lessons are more difficult to learn than others.)

The radio is blaring Top-40 tunes―from the US―back in the 60s. I am sitting silently in the backseat, consciously commanding my eyelids to stay open. Finally, as I succumb and close my eyes, even the plastic ballpoint pen feels heavy in my hand. Over 20 hours in the air is taking its toll.

My dollars are worth about one-half what they were worth a short year ago. I will have to buy my gifts wisely.

In North America, fewer than one in three (only 29 percent) of employees are fully engaged and 19 percent are actually disengaged. The company also found a strong correlation between employee engagement and retention. An impressive 85 percent of engaged employees expect to stay with their organizations throughout 2008. Moreover, the study found that engaged employees stay for what they can contribute (they like their work), while disengaged employees stay for what they can get (job security, favorable job conditions, and growth opportunities).

The picture in the UK and Ireland is slightly worse; there less than one in four (23 percent) employees is fully engaged and nearly as many are actually disengaged. Also, fewer of the engaged employees than the North America statistics (only 76 percent) expect to stay in 2008. In this region, the most common factor influencing job satisfaction is "more opportunities to do what I do best".

One of the 55 trends revealed relates to the growth of tourism, vacationing, and travel (especially international). Though this study overlooked the 41 million trips avoided by domestic travelers we recently reported (http://www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_6-18-2008.html), we agree, in principal that the future of travel and tourism (especially international) is rosy.

Although US domestic tourism has been growing about 2.3 percent each year, we expect to see a bump this year, as rising fuel prices and other economic challenges have taken their tolls on family vacations. "Staycations", featuring traveling within about 200 miles of home, have increased significantly.

Moreover, with the devalued dollar, Europeans and Asians alike will be attracted to the scenic diversity and grandeur of the United States in record numbers. There had been a decline as a result of the tighter restrictions "enacted in the name of security and from international hostility inspired by the Iraq War", but the lure of value is already having a positive effect. Bed and breakfast owners have already seen an increase in the number of Europeans inquiring about their accommodations.

Fortunately, succession planning is increasing in importance. Too many companies are in a continuous cycle of recruiting and attrition. Turnover is expensive, not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of engagement and productivity as well.

In the words of Executive Consultant Michelle Knox, organizations need to move beyond "succession planning" to "succession management". “Companies think because they have a plan they’re all set, but the challenge is broader and needs to fit into a process that supports ongoing talent development, not only the need to quickly fill an empty slot."

First, the sales of fuel efficient, mostly small, cars are booming. Toyota has only 15-days inventory on its Corollas and in May, Honda's modest Civic became the number one selling car in the United States.

Logistics alternatives to diesel-consuming trucks that are more efficient at moving goods, like railroads, are also doing well. Plus, fed up with increasing delays and cancellations of flights, passengers are choosing rail travel over air. Expect this trend to increase; the US rail lines will borrow experts from Canadian Pacific and Virgin to learn how to deliver extraordinary passenger experiences.

Domestic food producers, especially domestic cheese producers are reaping the benefits of the falling dollar. Rapidly rising prices for imported products are prompting customers to look for domestic substitutes. Farmers now find their products in increasingly higher demand.

Authored by clinical director Todd Prewitt, M.D., the document discusses the challenges that arise during after-hours medical emergencies and reviews issues confronting both patients and employers. Moreover, it validates the role of these telephonic services in providing effective and reliable solutions.

The absence of this after-hours clinical expertise and advice can be devastating for both patients and their employers, causing unnecessary emergency room visits, costly medical interventions, or even serious physical harm. The additional effect on employers is intense, stimulating many organizations to establish nurse line services.

At its annual meeting last January, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Task Force on Sustainability and Accountability for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) held its first meeting to determine how CIC organizations can serve as resources on environmental and social responsibility issues. A short time thereafter, MPI, the Meeting Professionals International association, convened its own group of CSR experts to develop resources for its members. Meeting Planners worldwide recognize that there is a strong trend toward the importance of CSR and green everything (www.hermangroup.com/alert/archive_6-27-2007.html).

Not only are there more programs presented that focus on this vital topic, but hotel chains have developed attractive programs and meeting planners are buying. Throughout North America, Kimpton Hotels has responded with a program called "Great Meetings Great Causes" which offers options from a menu that might include donations to favorite charities and/or help organizing volunteer efforts scheduled during meeting times.

The secretary general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Giovanni Bisignani recently said, "The industry is in crisis, perhaps the biggest crisis we have ever faced." (IATA members account for over 90 percent of air travel worldwide.) According to a survey commissioned by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), US citizens are looking for ways to stay away from air travel because of higher fares, security hassles, and chronic schedule and service disruptions. Ask frequent flyers and they will tell you that not only is air travel not "fun" anymore, but it is a downright chore.