I keep thinking about this topic – and have finally decided to put my thoughts out there to share. Like all of us in the event and meetings industry, I am so tired of having people “shoot us between the eyes” when information about a corporate meeting or incentive program makes its way to the news. Is there one of us who has not experienced significant cancellation of business in 2009 as a response to “perception?" We are seeing dangerous shifts in public opinion and regulatory requirements that are driving change in the ways company conduct business.
An article published by the U.S. Travel Association clearly outlines the risks before us:
• Incentive travel perceived as a symbol of excess
• New regulatory restrictions
• Temporary changes in travel policy that may become permanent
What Can be Done?
What is our realm of influence?
What is prudent cost management and how can we best support appropriate disciplines?
How do we safeguard the reputation of our industry and products?
We must work together to define the issue and distinguish responsible meetings and events from perceived boondoggles. We have to define and educate the absolute importance of our industry’s survival because of the economic impact we have in communities and not to mention,the millions of jobs and families we support. We are an economic and professional force, and we have to work together to make sure our voice is heard...
We have to think smart; think responsibly; think with purpose. How do we maximize the positive benefits of our meetings and events? How do we make sure that every dollar spent has a purpose – and a re-purpose? Let me invite writers from our local paper to see what it is we are doing to ensure the shared benefit of dollars spent in our area of service. It isn’t business as usual – but it is business with intention and purpose. Educate; train; inspire; reward – and do it with conscientious and purposeful planning.
