Assume the role of vice president of manufacturing of Eastern Products, Philadelphia. You are thinking about the forthcoming annual retreat of top-level managers of manufacturing, engineering, marketing, and product design to discuss strategic planning. Competitive pressures from several domestic and foreign companies give this year's meeting special significance, and you want to arrange for a truly productive session.In the past, some meetings haven't been as successful as you would have liked. You learned from experience that holding the meeting at corporate headquarters didn't work because the managers were too accessible to their subordinates. It's much better if the group can meet away from home territory, allowing them the opportunity to concentrate and develop camaraderie. You also found that traditional vacation spots are not conducive to achieving the best results. You want your administrative assistant to investigate agencies that specialize in business retreats. Twelve to 14 people will attend the conference. Each will require a separate hotel room. Exercise facilities should be on the premises. Audiovisual support will be needed for video presentations, and overhead projectors and flip charts also will be needed. Light lunches should be arranged. You need to get dietary preferences from those attending. The location for the annual retreat should not require excessive travel costs or travel time. Arrangements must be completed within two weeks.

Compose an email outlining these requirements to your assistant, Armin Joseph. It is his task to investigate possible retreat locations and make all the arrangements.