I'll admit that I'm not a dedicated LinkedIn user. I prefer Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. LinkedIn is last on my list of social media destinations. However, that may all change because of Richard Branson. He's been recently contributing articles about productivity and business. They're great, short reads, and I encourage you to check them out (along with all the other entries by thought leaders). 

His most recent one really caught my eye. It's called "Top 6 Tips to Screw Business Meetings as Usual" (I love the inciting headline). For those on the cutting-edge of meeting design, these tips will be familiar. For those who haven't thought about how to change up the same-old same-old, I thought I'd share the tips with you here: 

1. Step away from the usual weekly agenda and set an inspiring theme. 

2. Bring together a diverse mix people to broaden discussion.

3. Engage thought-provoking speakers to spark ideas and generate debate.

4. A great destination—lose the laptops and say bye to the tie.

5. Surprise the group with something special.

6. Ban slide presentations!

For Branson's thoughts about each tip, check out the article at LinkedIn. And please let us know in the comments which tip is your favorite and why. 

From ABCNews, Kevin Lee, "wedding planner to the stars," has a post citing event budget-tips and trends (and a quick video clip).

Tips
1. Instead of hiring a full band, hire a great DJ accompanied with a couple of live instruments to save.
2. Buffet stations save money compared to sit-down plated service which requires wait staff.
3. Focus flower in one main area. Your display will pop this way and then you can fill the rest of the space with candles, which gives it a more romantic feel.
4. Instead of investing so much money on a wedding gown that you’ll wear once, you can rent amazing high-end designer gowns.
5. Order invitations online.

Trends
1. Color – Popping yellow
2. Design – Retro classic pieces with pops of bright color and reflective surfaces.
3. Tabletop Centerpieces (Events) – Less heavy floral and more accessories and props.
4. Tabletop Centerpieces (Weddings) – Over the top, elaborate and grand floral.
5. Fabric Decor – Mix of patterns with a play on vintage, traditional fabrics with a modern twist.

Attendees at the recent Mashable Connect conference in Orlando were queried on their best Twitter tips. This is a great idea for your next event - poll the attendees for tips such as these or other industry-related tips. Mine would be to embrace the #hashtag.  That's a great way to follow and join a conversation stream on a particular topic/event.