07 Jul 09 In Support of Meetings

It may sound like a self-interest broken record, but meetings are good for the economy despite what many may think. The next time someone maligns your line of work as a meeting planner and tells you meetings are a waste of taxpayer’s money (in the case of bailout companies), here are some arguments in your favor.

“I’m helping local communities.”

When a meeting comes to town, money is spent. It may not be evident right away, but there is more changing hands than the money you as a planner dole out for meeting space, hotels, and details. The participants will visit local restaurants, they will shop, they buy souvenirs, they leave tips, they go on short expeditions within the town–all this an more contributes to the local economy.

“I’m helping the environment.”

No doubt you are aware of the green meetings that are becoming more and more popular. The government is trying mightily to induce “green” ideas in many forms, and by being a “green” event planner you are supporting government efforts to save the environment as well as lots of money.

“I’m working within government guidelines.”

There are many government “suggestions” for the bailout companies to follow, but other companies feel they have to comply as well to retain a good public image. Planners know these guidelines sometimes better than the companies who are subject to them–it’s your job to know. So you can help companies stay on the good side of Washington while still improving their services and products through meeting time.

“I’m helping the government protect our future.”

Because you are helping them have their meetings so they can increase sales, develop new marketable technologies, etc., you are helping protect the future of American services, products, and jobs.

If anyone objects to any of these services you perform, there isn’t much else you could have told them anyway. These are the highest and best uses of the real estate between the ears of a good meeting planner–don’t let anyone take squatting rights in your head.

Tags: Bailout, Changing Hands, Ears, Economy, Event Planner, Expeditions, Government Efforts, Government Guidelines, Helping The Environment, Local Restaurants, Lots Of Money, Meeting Planner, Meeting Time, No Doubt, Participants, Planners, Public Image, Real Estate, Self Interest, Souvenirs