Plan Your Meetings

How to boost your industry IQ

By Mary German, CMP

How do you get the training needed to excel in your new or existing position? Here are a few no- to low-cost tips for putting your planning skills on the fast track.

Read industry trade publications

Reading industry trade publications, on-line journals and blogs is one of the least expensive ways to boost your industry IQ. Some trade publications offer complimentary subscriptions to meeting professionals.

The Internet has infinite information about industry trends, technology and successful business models. You can access information on the Internet by using key word searches, which will provide information about any topic.

Join industry organizations

There is a vast number of industry organizations for planners offering educational face-to-face meetings, Webinars, chat discussions, blogs, chapter meetings, leadership, strategic planning and public speaking training.

All offer planners the opportunity to learn about industry trends, and new technology, and share best practices with colleagues. Most organizations’ membership consists of suppliers (CVB, hotel, decorator personnel) and planners. Membership dues vary by association, but often local chapter membership dues are absorbed in the national membership fee, and local chapters offer educational programs.

How do you know which organization? How will it maximize your return on investment and objectives? Consider the organization’s reputation for providing quality and cutting-edge programs nationally and on a chapter level, both remotely and through teleconferencing. Research leadership opportunities through committee involvement, board of director’s positions and member resources using member communication exchanges such as chat rooms, Web postings or networking, or other available resources.

Before joining organizations, determine if the organization’s position and member benefits are aligned with your company and your goals, and review budget to determine if the membership will be beneficial.

Get certified as an industry professional

A certification program offers planners the opportunity to broadly increase their knowledge of the multifaceted meetings industry and recognizes and establishes professional credibility for individuals who successfully complete certification programs.

Programs include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), and Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) offered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Most programs have eligibility guidelines and require planners to submit an application outlining their credentials, and offer study and home course review, and exams before the certification or designation is granted. The cost, eligibility and course requirements can vary by certification programs. For information contact the CIC or MPI.

Consider your company’s and your career goals and budget to determine which program is best for you.

The value of mentors

Finding a mentor can be beneficial, particularly if you need guidance in areas where you have limited knowledge or weaknesses. For planners who are new to planning meetings and negotiating hotel contracts, seeking a mentor from the hotel industry or experienced planner could prove helpful to future hotel contract negotiations.

What do you look for in a mentor? It’s important to seek counsel from an experienced, well-respected and connected industry professional with the willingness to help others. Most experts suggest seeking guidance from more than one mentor, either through an informal or formal arrangement.

According to Jack Welch, former chairman and chief executive of General Electric, and author of the book, Winning, a good mentor is one who cheers you on and challenges you with equal measure. In his book, Welch explains the importance of internal mentoring relationships both in senior management and sometimes through experienced subordinates, informal mentoring through public observation or media coverage of industry successes and failures, and amassing several mentors.

Take college courses

There are a number of four-year colleges and universities offering Hospitality Management Degree programs. Aside from four year schools, some community colleges offer an Introduction to Hospitality Management course, and two-year associate degrees and certificate programs (often two to three semesters) for Hospitality Management.

The Introduction to Hospitality course covers an overview of the hospitality industry. “The Hospitality 101 class is a good prep course for anyone interesting in learning more about the many facets of the hospitality industry,” says Margaret Witmer, coordinator, Hospitality Management & Tourism, Tarrant County College (TCC) Southeast Campus in Arlington, Texas. TCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program (68 credit hour program). “On average, two-year colleges charge $42 to $45 per credit hour,” Witmer adds.

TCC has developed a special events certificate program that is pending coordinating board review and approval. If approved, the certificate program could be offered in the fall and include courses in hospitality management, marketing, convention and event management, security and loss prevention, legal issues and 150 hours of on-site practicum study.

For information about TCC’s program, contact Margaret Witmer. For information about college courses, certificate and degree programs in your area, access local college Web sites or contact the school’s counseling office.

Mary German, CMP, is the director of client services for the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. A 19-year industry veteran, she co-authored the PCMA’s 20th Anniversary Edition of the Professional Meeting Management chapter on Convention Services and is a frequent contributor to several industry publications. She is a past president of the Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM).