MEEC Chapter One Introduction to the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions Industry

Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) An initiative of the Convention Industry Council (CIC) to create and enhance efficiencies throughout the Meetings, Expositions, Events and Conventions (MEEC) industries. Source: Retrieved from Convention Industry Council, Accepted Practices Exchange, Web site: http://www.conventionindustry.org/apex/FAQ_file.htm

APEX Forms Available APEX Industry Glossary APEX Event Specifications Guide APEX Request for Proposals (RFP) Forms APEX Housing & Registration Accepted Practices APEX Contracts Accepted Practices APEX Post-Event Report APEX Meeting and Site Profile Report Source: Retrieved from: http://www.conventionindustry.org/apex/apex.htm

What is a Meeting? A gathering for business, educational, or social purposes. Associations often use the term to refer to a combination of educational sessions and exhibits. This can include seminars, forums, symposiums, conferences, workshops, clinics, etc. Source: Convention Industry Council (2001, December 21). Preliminary Report of the APEX Terminology Panel. Retrieved from Convention Industry Council, Accepted Practices Exchange, Web site: http://www.conventionindustry.org/apex/Panels/Terminology_Prelim_Report.htm

Industry Terminology & Practice Meeting Domestic Meeting, National Meeting Expositions Event Convention Trade Show Seminar Workshops Conference Clinic

Industry Terminology & Practice Break-out Sessions Assembly Congress Forum Symposium Institute Lecture Panel Discussion Incentive Travel

Organizational Structure Six Major Divisions Lodging Food & Beverage Transportation Attractions Entertainment Shopping

Background of the Industry 1895 – Detroit businessmen form first CVB. 1910 – predecessor to the American Hotel and Lodging Association is founded. 1916 – predecessor to the American Society of Association Executives is founded. Post-World War II travel and meetings expand. Hotels build and expand state-of-the-art meeting facilities. 1949 – Convention Industry Council formed.

Industry History 1957 – Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) founded. 1960s – The Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago establishes first convention service manager position. 1972 – Meetings Professional International (MPI) is founded. 1976 – first academic meeting planning program established at Metropolitan State College in Denver. 1979 – Georgia State University begins convention services management and meeting planner classes.

Industry History 1985 – Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program established. 1989 – U.S. Department of Labor adds job title of Meeting and Convention Planner to National Code Directory. 2000 – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adds Meeting and Convention Planners (13-1121) category to Standard Occupational Classification.

Scenario Planning Use when: Uncertainty is high Many costly surprises have occurred Insufficient new opportunities Quality of thinking is deemed to be low Common language is desired Major differences of opinions exist Competitors use scenario planning Source: Meetings & Conventions Magazine, Meeting Market Report

Scenario Planning Six-step process for formulating strategies in uncertain conditions: Consider general scenarios Examine the organization’s market Assess the organization’s internal core capabilities Put the pieces together Identify tactical initiatives to support strategic directives Implement Source: Meetings & Conventions Magazine, Meeting Market Report

Why Have Meetings and Events? People prefer to meet face-to-face People meet with and learn from peers Includes all forms of communication - verbal and non-verbal

Why Have Meetings and Events? Build “Communities of Practice” Strengthen skills Impact change Observe accomplishments Renew acquaintances Learn new products/services

Employment Event Planner Meeting Planner Wedding Planner Hotel or Conference Sales Restaurant Sales Entertainment / Sporting Venue Sales Destination Management Hotels Convention Centers Exposition Services Contractors Destination Marketing Organizations

MEEC Relationships What affects or impacts meetings: The Meeting Sponsor The Facility The Destination All Others Who Provide Services for Meetings

What Planners Do Logistics Strategic More than counting coffee cups Support the work toward an organization’s bottom line Anticipate changes

What Planners Do Types of Planners Association Corporate Independent

What Planners Do Overview of Site Selection Transportation Arrangements Function Rooms Guest Rooms Exhibits Food & Beverage Negotiating & Legal Considerations Speaker Arrangements Marketing On-Site Management

Predictions for the Future A steady market Year over year increases External issues and trends Conservation and environmental concerns Labor shortages Budget increases Technology availability Webcasts Globalization

Review What is a Meeting? Terminology Organizational Structure History Economic Impact Why Have a Meeting? Employment What Planners Do