I love this idea: Some Sheratons have started participating in the Bookends program, where the hotel will have books at the front desk guests can borrow or buy. I’m so book-addicted that running out of reading material on the road is unthinkable and, while I usually load up the book bag pretty well before I leave home, I have been known to frantically crawl the streets of a strange city, desperately seeking a good book. Only a few Sheratons are currently on the bookmobile, but here’s hoping more will participate. While most people probably aren’t such extreme bibliophiles as I am, I’m sure we all appreciate this. I know I do.

When you think about the future of your meetings, whose attendees will come from a different mindset than what has made your meetings so successful so far, contemplate these words by Wired’s Bruce Sterling, in an editorial about the future:

The future of the Internet lies not with institutions but with individuals. Low-cost connections will proliferate, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and telecommuting. The Net itself will recede into the background. If you’re under 21, you likely don’t care much about any supposed difference between virtual and actual, online and off. That’s because the two realms are penetrating each other; Google Earth mingles with Google Maps, and daily life shows up on Flickr. Like the real world, the Net will be increasingly international and decreasingly reliant on English. It will be wrapped in a Chinese kung fu outfit, intoned in an Indian accent, oozing Brazilian sex appeal.

While he’s talking about the Web, I think it’s on the mark when it comes to how people learn, and we better get ready for it. Think about how you integrate Web and live events, how you help attendees create and collaborate, how you will make an increasingly international audience comfortable and welcomed.

You must, must go read these posts on designing more meaningful meetings, written by Jeffrey Caufaude. I can add nothing to his brilliant advice, other than to say after you read it, give what he says a try.

Spicing Up Session Formats

It Isn’t Always Risky Business

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Is Your Meeting Welcome Mat Out?

Let Me Sneak a Peek

Exactly What Is It that Everyone Is Waiting for?

Just do it—you’ll be glad you did. Amazing stuff.