 | We asked planners what is the one thing they wish they could change about the meetings/events industry. Here’s what they had to say. |
Erin Fitzgerald - 9 Years of experience
Director of Conferences + Events, Type A Events - Minnetonka, MN
Director of Conferences + Events, Type A Events - Minnetonka, MN
 | Room attrition! This is a common topic and one that, in my opinion, we don’t want to talk about. Lately, we’ve been noticing a disconnect between planners and hotels on the interpretation of attrition clauses. Negotiations, addendums, and the like obviously have an impact on this, but bottom line - when a planner releases the allowable number of rooms back to the hotel, those should no longer be the group’s responsibility. |
Jennifer Braun, CMP, CSEP - 15 Years of experience
CEO, Festivities- Minnetonka, MN
CEO, Festivities- Minnetonka, MN
| As event professionals, we often hear executives and managers stressing over the cost of the events, chalking them up as frivolous expenditures that take away from the bottom line. Consequently, we find ourselves helping our main points of contact educate their bosses and stakeholders on how well-executed events can be strategic for growth and produce measurable ROIs. Our clients often have to argue strongly for the dollars they are allocated from the department’s budget, and must prove their worth time and time again. We look forward to the day when events aren’t perceived as “fluffy” expenditures, but rather recognized as prime opportunities to educate customers, motivate employees, promote key product features, engage audiences, and, ultimately, serve as revenue generators. |  |
Sean Schuette, CMP - 16 Years of experience
Director of Meetings & Events, IntrinXec Management Inc. - Minneapolis, MN
Director of Meetings & Events, IntrinXec Management Inc. - Minneapolis, MN
 | In attempting to answer this question, I reference something I learned recently at a conference. I was in a session led by Jeff Hurt and learned the phrase “VUCA World.” It stands for living in a world of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. The life and world of a meeting planner is smack dab in the middle of the VUCA world, and I would like to be able to change the lack of seeing this reality for what it is, and how it impacts our work and lives. We are in the top ten list of most stressful jobs, and if we could all take a breath each day as we enter our part of the VUCA world and exude out grace, patience, understanding, and the hardest part which is acceptance of this reality, it would make the challenges often encountered a bit easier to bear. |
Share your Planner Perspective Today. What are your thoughts on the industry, concerns about safety, best teambuilding experience, new technology used, favorite tradeshow giveaway, or tips for new and experienced planners? Email Editor@MidwestMeetings.com or submit your Perspective on the Share Your Story page.
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