As my year in review, I thought it would be nice to ask what issue had the greatest impact on the event planning profession in 2009? I would suspect that each of the following represent the top 3, but please feel free to share comments about what challenged you about this field in 2009. Thank you!
Political and media criticism of business events. As a result of intense yet relatively uniformed political and media scrutiny, the business travel industry lost between 20% - 40% of revenue and experienced roughly 12% unemployment within the hospitality sector alone - significantly higher than the overall impact of the recession on nearly all other industries. Criticism went so far as to create a ban on important meeting destinations, including Las Vegas, Orlando and resort destinations.
Cancellation of business events and travel. Because of a combination of political and media scrutiny - along with the impact of the recession - meeting and event planners shifted priorities throughout the year, either canceling meetings and/or rescheduling meetings so that they would plan programs that stay below an artificial radar established beyond the decisions made by host organizations and attendees. Even industry leaders established criteria to defend and justify business practices. This, potentially reducing the long term value of business development, education and relationship management.
White House State Dinner & party crashers. For those who wonder why I included the White House party crashers situation, it's because the story demonstrates the importance of planning event operations prior to any program, and the business rationale that says it's okay to hold high profile events during a down economy - even by an organization that holds tremendous debt.