Paul Cook

The business of meetings and events isn't easy to define, and planners are still struggling to get a seat at the board table. Is that about to change?

To assume a virtual speaking experience is the same as in-person is a mistake. However, including remote speakers does not make a meeting any less successful.

Higher lodging costs are complicating the already tricky task of planning an event.

Some planners believe recorded conference sessions should be uploaded ASAP. Others feel the material should be repurposed, which takes time — weighing the pros and cons of sooner versus later.

Strikes, acts of terrorism, or extreme weather, as demonstrated this week by the wrath of Hurricane Ian, are potential disruptors when a group gathers. What can cities do to help event planners when disruption hits? 

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has set in motion ten days of mourning during which much of London will be paralyzed. So how are meeting and incentive groups coping?

Planners of in-person events aren’t seeing the attendance levels that they want. Are they being unrealistic, or are other factors at play?  Is their communication strategy on target?

Clients want as much value for their event spend as possible. That has always been the case, but global economic uncertainty adds greater pressure on planners. It may be hard to turn work away, but when does enough become too much?

Staffing shortages continue to hurt the event industry, and employers across the globe are scrambling to fill jobs. In the U.S. alone, there are around 10.7 million vacancies. Can apprenticeships help the event industry find the staff it needs?

Speakers are tired of being treated like babies and they do not want to have to promote their own sessions as that is the event planner’s job. They want respectful, timely communication and have only a few expectations that many planners seem to ignore.