CIC, Tom Peters promote meetings in New York Times ad. (Public Education).

Well-known business author Tom Peters is appearing daily in the New York Times with a special message for the business community: Meetings matter. The Convention Industry Council, McLean, Virginia, enlisted Peters in its new public education campaign, which is designed to "educate business leaders on the importance of face-to-face interaction and to increase involvement in conventions, meetings; and exhibitions throughout the country."

The CIC ad will run daily in the New York Times for a three-month period that began at the end of May, In addition to listing CIC and its Web site, the ad features a quote from Peters that says: "Do you recognize the value of meeting face-to-face? I do. Successful leaders understand the ultimate power of relationships. Paradoxically, in our Thigh-tech world, the speed of change makes high touch and personal interaction more important than ever. That's why face-to-face meetings are good business."

CIC members who want to arrange for sponsored copies of the newspaper for their own meetings and events also quality for a special reduced rate. As of early June, several associations--including the International Sanitary Supply Association, Lincolnwood, Illinois--had expressed interest in the sponsored-copy promotion.

"The New York Times provides an ideal national medium for CIC's needs," says Mary Power, CIC president. "Our target audience includes the CEOs and CFOs who make budget decisions concerning corporate travel to meetings, conventions, and exhibitions."