If you’re a meeting planner (or one who plans meetings, whether that’s your official title or not), you’ve likely noticed the buzz lately in defense of the value of meetings. (If not, check out KeepAmericaMeeting.org.) There’s a great article on that theme in the February issue of Incentive magazine specifically related to incentive events (imagine that!).
“The Road to Recovery” addresses some of the challenges of planning an incentive program in the midst of a recession, and also offers some possible solutions to create a “well-planned, well-executed” event. If you plan such events, it’s worth a read. There was one quote in the article, though, that really jumped out at me:
“Ask what is it you need to get done this year. Are you still trying to engage loyal customers? Do you still need motivated, engaged and knowledgeable employees? These are not going away.”
– Fay Beauchine, Executive Vice President of Carlson Marketing
That, to me, says all that needs to be said about why meetings remain important – and dare I say even more important – in an economic crisis like we are facing now. Your employees, your sales force, your leaders, your customers – everyone connected to your organization – is challenged right now. What better way to encourage, educate and build synergy than through a meeting? (And better yet, a meeting with a dynamic, relevant, well-informed keynote speaker or workshop leader!)
Should you schedule meetings and speakers right now? If it’s a program packed with fluff and formalities, then absolutely not. But if it’s a program that is well thought out, on target, and well executed, how can you afford not to?
