MPI
Bruce MacMillan, President & CEO
What major trends could affect meeting planners in 2009?
With the global economic challenges facing us, the year ahead will not be an easy one. Nevertheless, we are confident that the meetings and events industry will weather the storm and continue to drive business success. Our confidence stems from individual perseverance and because, as a community, we understand the importance of using our education and training opportunities to provide businesses that much-needed edge in times of global uncertainty and fierce competition. In fact, the MPI Foundation/George P. Johnson "EventView" study reveals that Fortune 1000 chief marketing officers view meetings and events as having the highest ROI of any marketing channel.
There are, however, daunting statistics pervading the industry. MPI’s most recent Business Barometer indicates that 34 percent more of our senior meeting professionals see the next six months with increased uncertainty. This is a true reflection of what is happening in our economy and its effect on our industry. Additionally, 60 percent of our respondents tell us they anticipate a decrease (anywhere from 1 percent to 2 percent, to over a 10 percent decrease) in meeting spend compared to a year ago.
What is your advice concerning how meeting planners should cope with the recent economic downturn?
The bringing together of individuals and organizations to share ideas, learn new skills, co-create solutions and craft new business initiatives are crucial to business success—even more so in a dynamic, global economy. In an increasingly faceless world, effective human connections remain a powerful business weapon. Meetings and events are valuable to the individuals who participate, the organizations they work in, and the customers they serve. This global economic challenge will provide a great leadership opportunity for the meetings and events industry to step up and unify our message. It is time to educate others about the value of meetings.
What steps is your organization taking to address how the current economic climate affects your members?
Through our MPI Cares Program, we are aggressively responding to this very real crisis, offering support for our member community, our growing chapters and our industry. We have dedicated ourselves to providing the support needed to successfully navigate these daunting times.
MPI now offers a six-month extension for members who are unemployed and up for renewal. This keeps members connected to their profession by providing critical access to the meetings and events industry.
The MPI Foundation has increased the number of scholarships it is awarding. Our student community can seek tuition assistance. Members can apply for grants for MPI programs and events and/or scholarships to finance CMP or CMM certifications. By offering additional resources, the MPI Foundation pledges to help members achieve their goals despite economic restrictions.
I have issued a "call-to-action" for business leaders to reconsider efforts to cut events and meetings. I am leading frank conversations about the value of sales events, educational conferences, trade shows and performance incentive programs across the globe.
The MPI Foundation supports the largest and longest-running annual survey of corporate sales and marketing executives, "EventView," and we regularly sample business conditions through bimonthly surveys of industry leaders for our "Business Barometer." The annual MPI "FutureWatch" survey, sponsored by American Express, provides our members and the industry with a critical forecast of the anticipated business climate for [the coming year] and the actual business realities of [the present year.]
What is your advice regarding how your members can increase their job security?
In order to remain a viable force in today’s society, you must stay abreast of the latest trends and technology, build on to your education credentials and maintain and develop strong relationships with industry peers. These are all vital skills and talents for one to have in this competitive industry. Attend industry events that will help advance your knowledge and open doors by meeting fellow industry peers. Study for your CMM or CMP. All of these actions will give you a leg up on your competition.
PCMA
Deborah Sexton, President & CEO
What major trends could affect meeting planners in 2009?
While there currently are and will be peripheral trends everyone should have their eyes open for, the elephant in the room is obviously the economy. The realities we have to deal with appropriately are the following: reduced budgets, potential layoffs and reduced staffs, possible contract cancellations, and attrition and the related legal issues. It’s going to be a very busy year for everyone in this business.
That said, I do feel that challenges have always brought out the best in the members of the hospitality industry, allowing for creativity and innovation. Although these challenges are a reality that we will have to tackle, I believe many positives can still result.
What is your advice concerning how meeting planners should cope with the economic downturn?
Be creative while working harder. We still have to stick to the basics that have made us successful, but we need to be more innovative in everything we do in order to catch people’s eye. We’re at a time where it’s going to take very hard work—and a lot of creativity—to win the day.
What steps is your organization taking to address how the current economic climate affects your members?
We have been very focused on delivering relevant and timely education to our members. At our Annual Meeting in January, we have added new sessions addressing the economy and markets, the new U.S. administration and how meeting professionals can bring more value to their organizations during uncertain economic times. We also added new sessions focused on budgeting and important legal issues. I’ve urged that all of our sessions take our new realities into consideration in terms of how information is both presented and structured.
Additionally, during the first half of 2009 we will be focused on what our members need to succeed. The most critical areas for surviving and thriving in 2009 will be delivered through face-to-face meetings, our Webinar Series, the PCMA Online Learning Center and Convene (which is also available online). We are truly taking time now to revamp our education to ensure what we deliver in 2009 is relevant and timely for our members.
What is your advice regarding how your members can increase their job security?
Our members need to continue the shift from logistics to strategy. They need to be a part of the decision-making process—be more involved in the rationale and development behind any and all meetings. Negotiation skills are also going to become even more crucial. I’m very proud that in New Orleans our Executive Edge program—"Master Real-World Negotiations," led by Professor Deepak Malhotra from Harvard Business School—will fully address this timely topic at the level our members require.
ASAE&TheCenter for Association Leadership
John H. Graham IV, President & CEO
What major trends could affect meeting planners in 2009?
There are several big challenges right now, but the global economy is certainly the one that we should pay close attention to. With the recent economic turmoil on national and international levels, associations and nonprofit organizations will most likely be affected.
It’s difficult to determine exactly what will happen, but I think it’s safe to say that some meetings and trade shows might experience lower attendance numbers and elevated costs associated with travel and lodging for attendees, and elevated rental and booking fees for meeting professionals.
Wallets are tight right now and consumers want the most for their buck. Meeting professionals will have to find new ways to attract folks to attend their events. This might also bring less revenue to organizations hosting events in the upcoming years.
What is your advice concerning how meeting planners should cope with the economic downturn?
Plan ahead and do your research. Planning in advance and notifying potential attendees about events could save a lot of money down the road.
I think the current economy will also test meeting professionals’ negotiation skills. Now is a good time to bargain with venues and service providers to get the best deals. Meeting professionals will have to negotiate the best rates for their organizations, which will ultimately affect the attendees.
What steps are your organizations taking to address how the current economic climate affects your members?
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership are known for exceptional events and thought-provoking educational sessions. This does not mean that we can stand still when faced with the new challenges posed by the current economy.
We are implementing cost-saving business practices and offering learning sessions presented by the most knowledgeable speakers, and discussion topics that matter the most to our members.
We understand that our members are certainly feeling the pinch right now and we want to make sure that the services and events offered by ASAE & The Center will be valuable to our members and help them excel in their association and nonprofit management careers. It’s all about the value, especially in these challenging times.
