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

2. 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:

3. 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:

4. 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:

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 ( ) category to Standard Occupational Classification.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

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

18. What Planners Do
Types of Planners
Association
Corporate
Independent

19. 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

20. 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

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