5 Tips for Becoming a Better Meeting Planner
Becoming a successful meeting planner doesn't generally happen overnight. Those who have been in the business for years will tell you that aligning your meeting's goals with your attendees' needs is just one part of the process, albeit a big part of it.
Here are a few more ways to improve your meeting planning game.
• Build a network that runs deep and wide. This is especially important if you’re just embarking on your meeting-planning career. Align yourself with other successful planners and mentors, but also develop your network of vendors and people you trust. Nurture relationships to build career-long partnerships and loyalty.
• Survey and survey again. How do you know you’re putting on a successful event without feedback? Surveying doesn’t have to be a formal piece of paper asking for feedback. Listen to word of mouth and open your ears to hear the good, the bad and the ugly. Check your social media channels often for feedback, as well. If you do use a formal survey, whether it’s a digital version or in print, make it brief – no longer than five questions.
• Analyze complaints. This doesn’t mean you have to change your agenda, location or offerings every time someone has a complaint. However, it gives an opportunity to better understand their needs.
• Find a way, make a way. Planners know it’s easier to attract returning attendees than recruit new attendees. If you have members who are unable to attend, find ways to stay connected with them. Provide post-conference videos or other virtual options for members.
• Utilize tourism board services. The sales teams at convention and visitors bureaus offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in meeting planning. They can connect you to trusted vendors and take a lot of legwork out of the equation for you when searching for venues, catering and other services. This frees up more of your time to get down to the business of meeting planning.
Do you have a tip for becoming a better meeting planner? Share it in the comment section below. For more information on holding a destination meeting in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, contact us.
