So You Want to Be A Meeting Planner?

by lisa ~ September 17, 2009

Sept. 17, 2009 - The $40.8 billion professional event planning industry is having a tough time. Still, it’s cognizant of the value of maintaining positive public relations and presenting a united front - something of which other industries should take note.

Some of the industry’s potential clients, especially those that have accepted government bail-outs, are wary of a public backlash over lavish parties. Other clients are cutting back due to economic considerations.

The August 2009 Business Barometer survey by trade group Meeting Planners International (MPI) found that a negative public perception of meetings and conventions is still negatively influencing company plans but the economy was equally important. “Lower budgets are still having a significant impact on travel and education, meeting attendance, sponsorship commitments, exhibitor counts, length of meetings, size of meetings and venue selection, compared to a year ago,” the report said.

MPI notes that there are some bright spots. “The three market segments showing net growth over the past year have been domestic associations (13% net), international associations (3% net), and governments (20% net),” according to the report.

Despite the assertions of Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, that the recession has ended, a national unemployment rate that is projected to go above 10% means that Americans will continue to be sensitive to any corporate or government events that seem frivolous. Even social plans such as wedding are being scrutinized. So far, the meeting planning industry is doing an excellent job of maintaining a realistic outlook.

One potential trouble spot is the industry’s apparent popularity. Event planning is increasingly seen as a desirable career - and one that doesn’t require intensive training or come with significant start-up costs. Many news stories, such as this article from Examiner.com, position event planning as an easy home-based business. Even Entrepreneur magazine offers a free “start-up kit.” Legitimate certifications as well as non-industry certifications and courses of dubious value abound.

The industry should continue to educate both the social and corporate worlds about the value it provides, while looking out for untested planners.

Lisa Tibbitts  is the principal of Tibbitts Creative, a public relations and marketing service that emphasizes corporate communications. She has an extensive background in financial services and an MBA in marketing. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FinancialPR.

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