

Following are some random questions created from my research, topics I cover in the classroom and discussion with professional meeting planners. This is just a small sampling of the many different areas of expertise meeting planners use on a regular basis. Every effort was taken to ensure accuracy in the questions and answers presented.
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
Emily Post describes the type and placement of up to 5 glasses for water, champagne, red wine, white wine and sherry. The water glass is placed directly above the knives, with the champagne flute to the right and the wine and sherry glasses placed in front.
2. The following are characteristics of Banquet Russian food service except:
A. formal and elegant
B. Service is counter–clockwise
C. Food is prepared and pre-cut in the kitchen
D. Food is served from the guests’ right
Food is served from the guests’ left. Advantages to this service include adding a touch of elegance, help guaranteeing equal portions and providing personal attention to guests.
3. Based on the 3:12 slope ratio how long would a wheelchair ramp need to be for a rise of 24 inches:
A. 24 ft.
B. 8 ft.
C. 12 ft.
D. 10 ft.
8 ft. is the correct answer. Divide the rise by 3 to calculate the length of the ramp. The ADA has specific guidelines regarding this and other accessibility issues.

A. The date varies year to year
B. Fasting during the day light hours
C. Considered a blessed month for Muslims
D. All of the above
All of the above are true of Ramadan. As U.S. cities continue to become more diversified an understanding of ethnic, religious and cultural events becomes very important to avoid cultural blunders.
5. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act provides for all of the following except:
A. Protection from liability when donating food to a non-profit organization
B. Standardizes donor liability exposure
C. Does not clearly define “gross negligence”
D. All of the above
The bill does clearly define gross negligence for ease of understanding by all parties. This bill is one of the many ways that planners can “green” their meetings by donating unused food to non-profit organizations without the worry of liability exposure.
6. A lavaliere is:
A. Microphone for a lectern
B. Type of projection screen
C. Lapel microphone
D. Audio mixer
The correct answer is C. There are a variety of microphone types to choose from. It is important to understand the benefits of each type, the number needed and how the microphone will be used to ensure the right choice.
7. ASCAP and BMI are:
A. Certifications for meeting and event planners
B. Music licensing organizations
C. Event planning software
D. On-line registration companies
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and Broadcast Music Inc. are both music licensing organizations. It is a complicated legal question when trying to determine if playing music will result in a liability case. The federal Copyright Act addresses the issue of playing music at a meeting or event. If unsure, it would be wise to consult with someone familiar with copyright law.
As I completed my research for this article I gained a greater appreciation of the wide range of knowledge and skills that successful meeting planners need to incorporate into their meetings. It is important to the industry that young professionals entering the industry and long-time meeting planners realize the value and importance of continuing education to be able to provide a valuable service and well-run effective meetings. How smart are you?

Professor
AIB College of Business
Event, Hospitality and Tourism Associate Degree
As a professor teaching event and meeting planning classes at AIB College of Business in Des Moines, IA for 15 years, I know the value of a strong educational foundation for students desiring a career as a meeting planner. My goal in the classroom is to prepare students to be successful by introducing them to the necessary knowledge and skills meeting planners must know to organize successful meetings. I strongly encourage my students in the Event, Hospitality and Tourism associate degree program at AIB College of Business to continue their education once in the industry through the many certification programs available to meeting professionals.