Chapter 28 Key Terms Event a destination in search of an audience Meeting an audience in search of a destination Meetings and conventions bring people together for a common purpose meeting an event planners work to ensure the purpose is achieved seamlessly Conventions a special type meeting held in specific location Conferences larger business or educational meetings without a trade show Economic Impact of Meetings and Events Significantly contributes to travel and tourism industry meeting convention attendees represent one fourth of all air travel one third of all hotel income 2 4 million jobs 240 billion annually to national economy 27 billion in US wages 16 billion in tax revenue federal state and local level Industry supports over 200 convention centers The Supplier Buyer Relationship The dynamics of the meeting planning industry centers on this relationship Suppliers are meeting planners that represent destination or venue hosting this event always looking to convince groups to have the event at their location supply side businesses also include organizations that provide services Buyers are employed by organizations that plan meetings Meeting Professionals International MPI is the leading international organization of meeting planners membership reflects balance between planners and suppliers Meeting Categories Categories include corporations associations government agencies civic groups and religious organizations Meeting prospects referred to as SMERF Social hobby clubs Military reunions Educational seminars Religious revivals Fraternal groups alumni gatherings Corporate Meetings a successful company meeting includes development of engaged employees improvements in the corporate culture more satisfied employees and increased retention provide settings for educational seminars new product introductions trade cars industry specific conferences and conventions Meeting Planning Function Planners coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions 1st step is determining the purpose what is the message or impression the sponsoring organization wants to send Next choose speakers entertainment and content arrange program to present organization s information most effectively Search for prospective meeting sites primarily hotels convention or conference centers must consider attendees profile Once potential sites are narrowed down issue requests for proposals RFPs requests outline meeting dates outline all space requirements and planners needs Once the location is selected planners arrange support services coordinate with facility prepare site staff set up arrangements for all that is needed Managing the details is a major component Meeting Planning Function On Site Logistics register attendees issue badges coordinate lodging coordinate transportation ensure all supplies are ordered also transported to meeting site on time ensure all exhibits booths are set up properly all materials are printed ensure meeting adheres to all regulations fire labor and food beverage Meeting Planning Function Finances and Success Financial management component negotiate complex contracts oversee finances budgets of meetings conventions facilities suppliers Gauge success by surveying attendees return on investment more precise measurement of success compare costs versus benefits of event results show if worthwhile Meeting Planner s Job Marketing association meeting planners must market meetings to association members this is less important for corporate meeting planners because employees are often required to attend Convention service managers act as liaisons between the meeting facility and planners Specialties exist Conference coordinators handle meeting logistics Registrars handle registration and payment Education planners coordinate the meeting content it is a high profile position and of tremendous Event Tourism well organized event can turn a place into a destination festivals important to communities as the preserve heritage and culture events can build up infrastructure add economic prosperity to city events stimulate investment into service side of hospitality sector sport events lead to new or improved facilities in future can be used to attract events Mega events require extensive investment and infrastructure improvements governments view events as creating employment opportunities chance to rehabilitate run down sections of towns opportunity to survive even thrive during periods of economic uncertainty Requires managers who have skills in marketing promotion entertainment Event Management Organization of events with larger events more traditional methods of management must be used includes the functions of programming and event production combines creativity with operational skills leading international professional association is the International Special Event Society has chapters on 4 continents Opportunities Socio demographics ever changing must be tracked influences how people spend their free time will effect if or how likely someone is to attend a meeting or convention Technology planners must stay at forefront of change can advance operations increase profit margins leads to more existing interesting and successful events Strategic Sponsorship corporations market products image at events benefits the event and helps to brand the sponsor s image give companies a chance to communicate with a specific audience give events the chance to generate revenue exclusive or title sponsor pay premium fee to have name as part of the event In Kind Sponsorship donations of products or services helps lower event expenses Career Choices An exciting and rewarding career awaits meeting planners work on the suppliers side meeting planners work on the buyers side destinations hotel conference centers arenas associations groups corporations government agencies Chapter 31 Cruise Ships The Cruise Industry the cruise industry is growing and expanding guest capacity 14 million passengers annually 18 North Americans have taken a cruise Exponential Growth and Expanding Capacity 1980 s 40 new ships 1990 s 80 new ships today 88 new ships have been introduced since 2000 28 new ships expected by the end of 2012 83 of US adults have never taken a cruise vacation HUGE untapped market Pros to Cruising do not need money for necessities cashless society meals activities and entertainment are paid for in advance of trip What s NOT included in the cruise price alcoholic beverages gambling shopping photos health spa
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