Part-Time Meeting Planners?

Perception issues, declining attendance, lack of sponsorships: all reasons why some association customers are being pushed by their board to cancel.

As a former recruiter, I’ve seen numerous, well-qualified meeting planners lose their jobs recently because organizations are consolidating and looking for ways to save money. Some companies are asking non-experienced administrative staff to help plan events. Others are turning to third-party planners or intermediaries to help organize meetings. As hoteliers we must be aware of these trends and react accordingly.

Do you have a strategy in place to educate and sell differently toward a staff member whose main responsibilities originally did not include planning meetings?

What is your approach to the importance of "outsourced" departments and third-party planners who have become increasingly more prevalent and influential?

I am hopeful that as the economy rebounds these meeting professionals are able to find appropriate employment in a field that requires extreme professionalism and knowledge. Perhaps some of them may join the outsourced roles that exist today. In the meantime, understand the trends and react immediately.