Jon Siegel, Executive Director, TisBestTM Philanthropy
Paul Ellul, Vice President of Operations, SpeakerMatchSM
Robert Rogers, CSEP, Experience Creator, Special Event Designer and President of ISES HK
K
•Trend Alert
“[People are] substituting or augmenting meeting tchotchkes with something more meaningful.” - Jon Siegel
eeping up-to-date with industry trends is a must. In
Jon Siegel, Executive Director at TisBestTM Philanthropy
a changing economic climate, trend watching is of
sees this trend happening more, “[People are] substituting or
the upmost importance, but how you respond to the
augmenting meeting tchotchkes with something more mean-
issues will ultimately determine success or failure.
ingful… We are selling an increasing number of charity gift
Getting Real It only makes sense that people are getting back to the ba-
cards to meeting planners for that purpose.”
Last-Minute Planning
sics in the meetings industry. Gone are the days of flash and
People have been reporting shorter lead times on getting
in its place is something a bit more tangible, a warmer envi-
approval or notice to hold and plan meetings. As a result,
ronment focusing on people, relationships, trust, transparency
they have had challenges in securing the right venue, re-
and partnerships.
sources and speakers. Paul Ellul, Vice President of Operations
As the world continues to heal itself and adjust to the new
at SpeakerMatchSM, is used to working with such time con-
normal, people are searching for events to meet their needs,
straints. “In our business (booking speakers) we have seen the
both personally and professionally. Robert Rogers, CSEP, Ex-
lead time for RFPs shrink to as little as 48 hours. Meeting and
perience Creator, Special Event Designer and President of
event planners seem to put the task of finding a speaker last
ISES HK has found this firsthand from his clients, “From a
on their list, and they give speakers very little time to respond
design perspective in the ‘new economy’... I see people want-
to their call for speakers. On average, speakers have about a
ing realness, more value in an event, less about wow and more
two week window to respond to the meeting planner with a
about how, more learning and inspirational event aspects
proposal,” he said.
rather than drinking and dancing, less champagne and caviar and more wine appreciation,” said Rogers.
Credit Crunch The credit crunch experienced by so many individuals and
In light of increased need across the country and the world,
businesses has trickled down into the policies of many organi-
people are also seeking something more meaningful in terms
zations. Many suppliers, such as hotels and event venues are
of gifts and other related marketing gear that flowed freely in
enforcing stricter credit policies. Hotels that may not have
the past. Gone are the days of spending a fortune on fancy
required deposits are now requiring them.
pens, USB drives and other gizmos; in its place are contribu-
The industry and surrounding factors are continuously
tions to charities. In addition to offering groups an opportuni-
changing. How planners and suppliers react to them makes
ty to donate time or money to a local charity, event planners
all the difference. Keep up with event industry trends with
are also finding unique ways to give back.
Midwest Meetings®.
www.MidwestMeetings.coM
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