Industry News

The theme of this year's Meeting Professionals International WEC was, "Stop planning meetings, start designing experiences."

"Designing an effective channel incentive strategy needs to reinforce the sales processes, highlight product information and reinforce the sponsoring company’s value proposition. It’s about helping channel partners and their salespeople sell effectively, while answering, 'What's in it for me?'"

Financial & Insurance Conference Planners has five live events a year focused on industry-specific education.

Make sure attendees traveling from the affected airports are aware of the new regulations so that they arrive at the airport with electronic equipment appropriately stored in hold luggage.

Meeting planners report getting turn-downs or pressure from hotels to commit and limited hold times.

If incentive travel in general or a certain destination in particular did not have appeal, the channel incentive program is less likely to succeed.

Some meeting planners, mostly the CMPs in the group, spoke up for the professionalism of the role. Said one: "How about everyone just know you are a Meeting Professional? Why? Because you deserve that respect!"

When the 338-room hotel transitions to the Royal Sonesta brand, it will provide the same luxury accommodations that once hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Carter back in its hey day.

SITE, which is known for incentive industry education, now has a new offering of 12 online courses.

How exactly does duty of care apply to international travel and meetings?

“Due to the collaboration among our hotels in the Hyatt Convention Alliance, we have seen booked revenue nearly triple from multiyear agreements over the last few years."

The HMCC program is worth 4 clock hours and after completing a 4-hour training course, participants receive a certificate of achievement and hold the designation for two years.

According to a recent member survey from MPI, the average salary of a meeting professional with a CMM is $107,877 for planners and $114,868 for suppliers.

The Connect 2 Meetings promotion gives meeting planners double the rewards points and an up to 5 percent discount on food and beverage.