(Leesburg, VA) – March 2012 -- The National Conference Center released their spring 2012 white paper, "Technology’s Secret Potential to Empower Participants and Make Meetings Better." In interviews with Susan Abrams of IML Worldwide, technology expert Corbin Ball, and David Adler, CEO of BizBash, the white paper explores how planners and trainers globally have implemented new technology into their programs to increase audience engagement.

According to Sarah Vining, marketing manager at The National Conference Center, in new audience response systems with open-ended polling and text messaging, results have included gathering common company themes/concerns through candid responses, increased employee morale at the meeting, increased participation, and the ability for attendees to leave the session with actionable intelligence. On average, only 5% of attendees are willing to stand up and ask a question.

As revealed in the white paper, this new technology demonstrates its potential to gather valuable feedback and give shy attendees a voice in the meeting space.

To summarize our research, the white paper reveals that technology can help to drive strategy in several ways:

1. Technology helps planners and trainers gather a wealth of knowledge
2. Actionable intelligence can create a more profitable company
3. Technology can improve em­ployee morale

The entire white paper is available at:  http://bit.ly/TechnologyWP

More about The National Conference Center
Just 12 miles from Dulles International Airport and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, The National Conference Center, operated by ARAMARK Conference Centers, features a secure, distraction-free setting with self-contained buildings surrounded by 100 scenic acres in Leesburg, Virginia.  One of the largest conference centers in the United States, the entire facility was purpose designed to accommodate larger meetings and conferences that concentrate on training.

Each of the 250 meeting rooms – representing 265,000 square feet of flexible meeting space -- features high-speed Internet access, individual climate control, advanced conference technology, and sophisticated presentation technology with on-site audio/visual and IT support.  The 917-room facility (including 78 suites) can accommodate meetings and events up to 1,800 people.  Dining options include the popular Black Olive Sports Bar, and the 800-seat dining facility which features a wide variety of healthful buffet selections as well as specialty selections.  Recreational options include a fully equipped fitness center along with volleyball, basketball, racquetball, tennis, and more.  A fully staffed Business Center is conveniently located to provide administrative support service throughout the course of each meeting and a professional conference support team is available.  Free onsite parking is provided.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com.