5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Meeting Professional
People want to connect.
Things look much different now than what we all expected. When we asked the events industry about recovery early in the pandemic, most were hopeful for a return to live events in Q1 2021. Yet here we are! Despite the struggles, we know that meetings and events are just as important today as they were at the beginning of 2020.
What’s Ahead for Corporate Events?
We are unsure of what twists and turns lie ahead. But one thing is sure — companies will continue to support their communities, develop company culture, support learning and growth, and project their vision! And these goals are still best served by corporate event planners.
Here are 5 things to consider when looking to host an event in 2021 and hiring a meeting professional.
Physical Dynamics: Travel and Meeting Space
Due to the diverse regulations across the United States and travel concerns, hosting significant, multi-site events is still on the horizon. But there is an increasing number of meeting spaces that can safely accommodate local, smaller meetings.
When researching planners, be sure they are well-versed in the basic guidelines for travel and meeting requirements. Your meeting professional should have a thorough grasp of travel guidelines and restrictions and best practices for meeting locations and have connections with facilities that are creative with outdoor and alternative meeting venues.
Mental Dynamics: Crafting your Message
Whether your potential event is virtual, hybrid, or in-person, the content has never been more critical. People have had so much control over their time and what they choose to participate in; you must give them the spark that lights a fire of connection and intentionality. Reel people in with questions that make them think, panels that bring discussion instead of just a solo speaker, and help the audience feel like a part of the developing storyline.
Emotional Dynamics: Creating a Focus on Community
During 2020, we've seen messaging that supports and encourages and messages that are divided. Today, we have the unique opportunity to find the common ground and rise above yesterday's struggles.
Be sure your planning team understands how to emotionally support people during this trying time. Whether it’s through unique community-building aspects or through inspirational speakers, every event can work to support the attendees with unique and compelling messages that inspire and engage.
Experienced Planners: Virtual and Hybrid Model Proficiency
Meeting professionals (CMP) have gone through intense hours of professional development and certificate programs that support their efficiency and effectiveness in planning meetings and events.
This year has turned the tables on meeting management.
Your best planners have moved with the changing tides and are certified to plan virtual and hybrid events that connect and engage. As they passed the exams, they gained real-world experience simultaneously. And these planners are ready to wow audiences with virtual and hybrid events.
While many attendees are tired of virtual events, virtual will remain for many companies. Online can provide networking, learning, and selling opportunities when done well.
Hybrid, aka omnichannel events, create a unique opportunity as the planner must create two events in one. Whether in-person or online, each audience member must feel a deep connection and benefit greatly from attending.
Keeping both online and in-person attendees on the same page is a challenge. But when you have a planning team that can work together to find the strategic puzzle pieces that fit, it becomes a showstopping event with maximum return potential.
Evaluating the Outcome: ROI Focused
Return on Investment with event planning is more critical today than ever.
Event planners must use every strategy to keep events moving forward, often on slimmer budgets with increased demands. When you're looking for an event planning partner, be sure that the team is well-versed in ROI strategy and is equipped to meet the financial challenges of 2021 and beyond.
We don’t know precisely what corporate event planning will look like next month or 24 months from now, but we do know what we can strategize today. We will continue to support our businesses and communities — looking for ways to innovate and accomplish goals.
Because after this is all said and done, people matter.
Connecting with each other is an essential part of our journey, and we are privileged to continue supporting you and your businesses today and tomorrow!
Looking for help planning your next virtual, hybrid, omnichannel, or in-person event? Contact us today.
