Behind the Scenes of Meetings and Events

Author(s): Bomi Kang

Edition: 1

Copyright: 2026

Pages: 435

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Ebook

$90.00 USD

ISBN 9798319717115

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Behind the Scenes of Meetings and Events provides a comprehensive introduction to the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions (MEEC) industry, covering its structure, key stakeholders, and operational practices. It examines the roles of event organizers, destination marketing and management organizations, venues, exhibitions, trade shows, service contractors, and special events professionals. The book also explores food and beverage management, legal and ethical considerations, contract negotiation, risk management, and emerging technologies that shape modern events. Through industry examples, best practices, and professional standards, the text prepares students to understand and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of meetings and events within the global hospitality and tourism industry.

Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions Industry (MEEC)

  • What Is the MEEC Industry?
    Industry Terminology and Practice
    The Organizational Structure of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: In Support of the Global Business Events Industry and How MEEC Fits In
  • History of the Industry
  • Evolution and Maturation of the MEEC Industry
    MBECS
    CMP International Standards (CMP-IS)
    Use of the MBECS and CMP International Standards
  • In Support of the Industry
    EIC’s APEX Commission
  • CMP Code of Ethics
    Careers in and Around the MEEC Industry
    Which Career Is Right for You?
  • Trends in 2023
    The Impact of Unforeseen Calamities
    Transforming Role of Technology
    Pivot From Event Logistics to Event Strategists
    Sustainability and Social Impact
  • References
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 1 Assignment
    Assignment Instructions

Chapter 2: Meeting, Exhibition, Event, and Convention Organizers and Sponsors

  • Who Holds Gatherings?
    Corporations
    Associations
    Government
    Other Organizations Arranging Gatherings
  • Entities That Help Organize Gatherings
    EMCs
    Association Management Companies (AMCs)
    Meeting Management Companies
    Independent Meeting Managers
  • Trends and Best Practices
  • Summary
    Professional Preparation for a Career in the MEEC Industry
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 3: Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs)

  • The Role and Function of DMOs
    What Is a DMO?
    The Purpose of a DMO
    If DMOs Do Not Charge for Their Services, How Do They Make Money?
    Attracting Leisure Travelers
    Promoting the Destination
  • What a DMO Can Do for Meeting Professionals
    What Meeting Planners Need to Know About DMOs
  • Activities of DMOs Relative to Convention Marketing and Sales
    Sales Processes
    Site Review and Leads Process
    Site Inspections
    DMO Services for Meeting Professionals
    Changing Scope of DMO Responsibilities
  • Destinations International (DI)
    DI Professional Development Offerings
    Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME)
    Professional in Destination Management (PDM) Program
    DI Research and Advocacy
    DI Destination Tools
    Event Impact Calculator
    Accreditation
    Destination and Travel Foundation
  • Trends
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    Websites for Reference
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 3 Assignment
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 4: Meeting, Expositions, Event, and Convention Venues: An Examination of Facilities Used by Meeting and Event Professionals

  • Hotels
    Physical Characteristics
    Financial Structure
    Negotiating Your Event
    Room Rates
  • Convention Centers
    Financial Structure
    Negotiating for Your Event
  • Conference Centers
    Meeting Room Spaces
    Associations and Consortia
    F&B
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Cruise Ships
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Specific Use Facilities
    Financial Structure
  • College and Universities
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Retreat Facilities
  • Unusual Venues
  • Outdoor Events
    Outdoor Venue Challenges
    Outdoor Tents
    Outdoor Venue Permits
  • Trends
  • Summary
    Case Study Assignment
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors

Chapter 5: Exhibitions and Trade Shows

  • History
  • Types of Shows and Exhibitions
    Trade Shows or B2B Shows
    Consumer Shows or Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Shows
    Consolidation Shows (Also Called “Combined” or “Mixed” Shows)
  • Exhibition Management: Key Players
    Exhibition Organizer
    Facility Manager
    OSC
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) of an Exhibition Manager
  • Considerations in Managing the Show
    Location
    Shipping and Storage
    Marketing and Promotion
    Technology
    Risk and Crisis Management
  • Exhibitor Perspective
    Why Exhibit?
    Exhibit Design Principles
    Staffing the Exhibit
    Measuring ROI
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 5 Assignment
    Assignment Instructions
    Choose One Trade Show and Answer the Following Questions
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 6: Service Contractors

  • Definition of a General Services Contractor (GSC)
    GSC Responsibilities
  • Labor/Trade Unions
  • Evolution of Service Contractors
  • Organization of a General Services Contracting Company
  • Types of Service Contractors
    Specialty Service Contractors
    Exhibitor-Appointed Service Contractors
  • Relationship Between Contractors and Event Organizers
  • Resources in the Service Contractor Industry
  • How Does It All Work?
    Best Practices
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 7: Destination Management Companies (DMCs)

  • DMC: Definition, Structure, and Services
    Services Provided by DMCs
    DMC Versus Destination Marketing Organization
    Business Structure of DMCs
  • The DMC Organization
    Independent Operator
    Multiservices Operator
    Destination Management Networks
  • Business Model of DMCs
    Clients
  • DMC Operations
    The Sales Process
    Identifying New Business Opportunities
    RFP
    Site Inspections
    Program Development
    Program Execution
    Transportation Services
    Production of Events
    Wrap-Up and Billing
  • Finding and Selecting a DMC
    Association of Destination Management Executives
  • Best Practices in DMCs
  • The COVID-19 Impact on Business Destinations and DMCs
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors
  • Destination Management Company Assignment
    Assignment Overview
    Instructions
    Assignment Requirements
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 8: Special Events Management

  • History and Overview of Special Events
    A Working Definition of a Special Event
    History and Background
    It All Begins With a Relationship
    Examples of Special Events
  • Planning Tools for Special Events
    Understanding Community Infrastructure
  • Special Event Marketing Considerations
    Merchandising and Promoting
    Promotional Mix
    Sponsorships for Special Events
    Working With the Media for an Event
    Understanding the Target Market for Your Special Event
  • Preparing for the Special Event
    Software and Tools for Special Events
  • The Budget
    Rental Costs
    Security Costs
    Production Costs
    Labor Costs
    Marketing Costs
    Talent Costs
  • Breakdown of the Special Event
  • Trends and Best Practices in Special Events
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 9: Food and Beverage (F&B)

  • Catered Events
    On-Premise Catering
    Off-Premise Catering
    Style of Service
    Menus
    Food Consumption Guidelines
    Contracts
  • Beverage Events
    Reasons for a Beverage Event
    Categories of Liquor
    How Beverages Are Sold
    Labor Charges
  • Hospitality Suites
  • Rooms
    Room Setups
    Tablescapes
    Room Rental Charges
  • Service Requirements
    Set Over Guarantee
    Cocktail Servers
    Service Timing
  • Trends and Best Practices Before COVID-19
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors

Chapter 10: Legal Issues in the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Conventions (MEEC) Industry

  • Negotiation
    General Negotiation Strategies
    Negotiating Hotel Contracts
    Naming Names
  • Contracts
    Statute of Frauds
    Parol Evidence
    Key Hotel Group Meeting Contract Clauses
    Attrition
    Cancellation
    Force Majeure
    Dispute Resolution
  • Crisis Preparedness and Management
    What Is Risk? Crisis Preparedness?
    Crisis Management
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Intellectual Property
    Patents
    Trademarks
    Copyrights
  • Labor Issues
  • Ethics in MEEC
    Supplier Relations
  • Trends and Best Practices Regarding Legal Issues in MEEC
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Case Study
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 11: Technology and the Meeting Professional

  • Introduction
  • Virtual Site Selection and Research
    Online RFPs
    Virtual Tours
    Meeting Industry Portals and Information Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
    Websites and Strategic Communications
    Event Websites
    Mobile Websites
    E-Blasts
    Video Marketing
    Room Design Software
    Selling the Show Floor
    Online Registration
  • Social Media
    Primary Social Channels
    Livestreaming
    Blogging
    Podcasting
    Hashtags
    Social Selling
  • Event Apps
  • Desktop and Mobile Tools
    Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX)
    Virtual Trade Shows
  • On-Site Event Tech Infrastructure
    Facial Recognition at On-Site Registration
    Bandwidth
    Wired Versus Wireless
    Streaming Media
    Digital Recordings of Sessions
    Drones
  • Attendee Interaction and Communications
    Beacons
    Near Field Communications (NFC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
    Lead Retrieval Systems
    Audience Response Systems (ARSs) and Speaker Interaction
  • Postconference Technology Applications
    Evaluations and Surveys
    Marketing the Media
  • Mixed Reality
    AR
    Virtual Reality/360° Videos
  • AI
    ChatGPT
    AI, ChatGPT, and Hospitality
  • Virtual and Hybrid Meetings
    Hybrid Meetings
    Online Meetings and Webinars
    Large-Scale Virtual Meetings
  • The Roaring Tech Twenties
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Floor Diagram Assignment
    Instructions
Bomi Kang

Dr. Bomi Kang is a Professor of Marketing, Hospitality and Resort Tourism Management at Coastal Carolina University's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. She holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and brings a truly global perspective to her work, having earned degrees from institutions on three continents. Dr. Kang's research spans hospitality technology, destination marketing, consumer behavior, and the growing influence of Korean culture (Hallyu) on global tourism. 

Behind the Scenes of Meetings and Events provides a comprehensive introduction to the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions (MEEC) industry, covering its structure, key stakeholders, and operational practices. It examines the roles of event organizers, destination marketing and management organizations, venues, exhibitions, trade shows, service contractors, and special events professionals. The book also explores food and beverage management, legal and ethical considerations, contract negotiation, risk management, and emerging technologies that shape modern events. Through industry examples, best practices, and professional standards, the text prepares students to understand and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of meetings and events within the global hospitality and tourism industry.

Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions Industry (MEEC)

  • What Is the MEEC Industry?
    Industry Terminology and Practice
    The Organizational Structure of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: In Support of the Global Business Events Industry and How MEEC Fits In
  • History of the Industry
  • Evolution and Maturation of the MEEC Industry
    MBECS
    CMP International Standards (CMP-IS)
    Use of the MBECS and CMP International Standards
  • In Support of the Industry
    EIC’s APEX Commission
  • CMP Code of Ethics
    Careers in and Around the MEEC Industry
    Which Career Is Right for You?
  • Trends in 2023
    The Impact of Unforeseen Calamities
    Transforming Role of Technology
    Pivot From Event Logistics to Event Strategists
    Sustainability and Social Impact
  • References
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 1 Assignment
    Assignment Instructions

Chapter 2: Meeting, Exhibition, Event, and Convention Organizers and Sponsors

  • Who Holds Gatherings?
    Corporations
    Associations
    Government
    Other Organizations Arranging Gatherings
  • Entities That Help Organize Gatherings
    EMCs
    Association Management Companies (AMCs)
    Meeting Management Companies
    Independent Meeting Managers
  • Trends and Best Practices
  • Summary
    Professional Preparation for a Career in the MEEC Industry
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 3: Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs)

  • The Role and Function of DMOs
    What Is a DMO?
    The Purpose of a DMO
    If DMOs Do Not Charge for Their Services, How Do They Make Money?
    Attracting Leisure Travelers
    Promoting the Destination
  • What a DMO Can Do for Meeting Professionals
    What Meeting Planners Need to Know About DMOs
  • Activities of DMOs Relative to Convention Marketing and Sales
    Sales Processes
    Site Review and Leads Process
    Site Inspections
    DMO Services for Meeting Professionals
    Changing Scope of DMO Responsibilities
  • Destinations International (DI)
    DI Professional Development Offerings
    Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME)
    Professional in Destination Management (PDM) Program
    DI Research and Advocacy
    DI Destination Tools
    Event Impact Calculator
    Accreditation
    Destination and Travel Foundation
  • Trends
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    Websites for Reference
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 3 Assignment
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 4: Meeting, Expositions, Event, and Convention Venues: An Examination of Facilities Used by Meeting and Event Professionals

  • Hotels
    Physical Characteristics
    Financial Structure
    Negotiating Your Event
    Room Rates
  • Convention Centers
    Financial Structure
    Negotiating for Your Event
  • Conference Centers
    Meeting Room Spaces
    Associations and Consortia
    F&B
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Cruise Ships
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Specific Use Facilities
    Financial Structure
  • College and Universities
    Negotiating Your Event
  • Retreat Facilities
  • Unusual Venues
  • Outdoor Events
    Outdoor Venue Challenges
    Outdoor Tents
    Outdoor Venue Permits
  • Trends
  • Summary
    Case Study Assignment
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors

Chapter 5: Exhibitions and Trade Shows

  • History
  • Types of Shows and Exhibitions
    Trade Shows or B2B Shows
    Consumer Shows or Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Shows
    Consolidation Shows (Also Called “Combined” or “Mixed” Shows)
  • Exhibition Management: Key Players
    Exhibition Organizer
    Facility Manager
    OSC
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) of an Exhibition Manager
  • Considerations in Managing the Show
    Location
    Shipping and Storage
    Marketing and Promotion
    Technology
    Risk and Crisis Management
  • Exhibitor Perspective
    Why Exhibit?
    Exhibit Design Principles
    Staffing the Exhibit
    Measuring ROI
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Chapter 5 Assignment
    Assignment Instructions
    Choose One Trade Show and Answer the Following Questions
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 6: Service Contractors

  • Definition of a General Services Contractor (GSC)
    GSC Responsibilities
  • Labor/Trade Unions
  • Evolution of Service Contractors
  • Organization of a General Services Contracting Company
  • Types of Service Contractors
    Specialty Service Contractors
    Exhibitor-Appointed Service Contractors
  • Relationship Between Contractors and Event Organizers
  • Resources in the Service Contractor Industry
  • How Does It All Work?
    Best Practices
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 7: Destination Management Companies (DMCs)

  • DMC: Definition, Structure, and Services
    Services Provided by DMCs
    DMC Versus Destination Marketing Organization
    Business Structure of DMCs
  • The DMC Organization
    Independent Operator
    Multiservices Operator
    Destination Management Networks
  • Business Model of DMCs
    Clients
  • DMC Operations
    The Sales Process
    Identifying New Business Opportunities
    RFP
    Site Inspections
    Program Development
    Program Execution
    Transportation Services
    Production of Events
    Wrap-Up and Billing
  • Finding and Selecting a DMC
    Association of Destination Management Executives
  • Best Practices in DMCs
  • The COVID-19 Impact on Business Destinations and DMCs
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors
  • Destination Management Company Assignment
    Assignment Overview
    Instructions
    Assignment Requirements
    Grading Criteria

Chapter 8: Special Events Management

  • History and Overview of Special Events
    A Working Definition of a Special Event
    History and Background
    It All Begins With a Relationship
    Examples of Special Events
  • Planning Tools for Special Events
    Understanding Community Infrastructure
  • Special Event Marketing Considerations
    Merchandising and Promoting
    Promotional Mix
    Sponsorships for Special Events
    Working With the Media for an Event
    Understanding the Target Market for Your Special Event
  • Preparing for the Special Event
    Software and Tools for Special Events
  • The Budget
    Rental Costs
    Security Costs
    Production Costs
    Labor Costs
    Marketing Costs
    Talent Costs
  • Breakdown of the Special Event
  • Trends and Best Practices in Special Events
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 9: Food and Beverage (F&B)

  • Catered Events
    On-Premise Catering
    Off-Premise Catering
    Style of Service
    Menus
    Food Consumption Guidelines
    Contracts
  • Beverage Events
    Reasons for a Beverage Event
    Categories of Liquor
    How Beverages Are Sold
    Labor Charges
  • Hospitality Suites
  • Rooms
    Room Setups
    Tablescapes
    Room Rental Charges
  • Service Requirements
    Set Over Guarantee
    Cocktail Servers
    Service Timing
  • Trends and Best Practices Before COVID-19
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributors

Chapter 10: Legal Issues in the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Conventions (MEEC) Industry

  • Negotiation
    General Negotiation Strategies
    Negotiating Hotel Contracts
    Naming Names
  • Contracts
    Statute of Frauds
    Parol Evidence
    Key Hotel Group Meeting Contract Clauses
    Attrition
    Cancellation
    Force Majeure
    Dispute Resolution
  • Crisis Preparedness and Management
    What Is Risk? Crisis Preparedness?
    Crisis Management
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Intellectual Property
    Patents
    Trademarks
    Copyrights
  • Labor Issues
  • Ethics in MEEC
    Supplier Relations
  • Trends and Best Practices Regarding Legal Issues in MEEC
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
  • Case Study
  • Review and Discussion Questions
    About the Chapter Contributor

Chapter 11: Technology and the Meeting Professional

  • Introduction
  • Virtual Site Selection and Research
    Online RFPs
    Virtual Tours
    Meeting Industry Portals and Information Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
    Websites and Strategic Communications
    Event Websites
    Mobile Websites
    E-Blasts
    Video Marketing
    Room Design Software
    Selling the Show Floor
    Online Registration
  • Social Media
    Primary Social Channels
    Livestreaming
    Blogging
    Podcasting
    Hashtags
    Social Selling
  • Event Apps
  • Desktop and Mobile Tools
    Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX)
    Virtual Trade Shows
  • On-Site Event Tech Infrastructure
    Facial Recognition at On-Site Registration
    Bandwidth
    Wired Versus Wireless
    Streaming Media
    Digital Recordings of Sessions
    Drones
  • Attendee Interaction and Communications
    Beacons
    Near Field Communications (NFC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
    Lead Retrieval Systems
    Audience Response Systems (ARSs) and Speaker Interaction
  • Postconference Technology Applications
    Evaluations and Surveys
    Marketing the Media
  • Mixed Reality
    AR
    Virtual Reality/360° Videos
  • AI
    ChatGPT
    AI, ChatGPT, and Hospitality
  • Virtual and Hybrid Meetings
    Hybrid Meetings
    Online Meetings and Webinars
    Large-Scale Virtual Meetings
  • The Roaring Tech Twenties
  • Summary
  • Key Words and Terms
    About the Chapter Contributor
  • Floor Diagram Assignment
    Instructions

Bomi Kang

Dr. Bomi Kang is a Professor of Marketing, Hospitality and Resort Tourism Management at Coastal Carolina University's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration. She holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and brings a truly global perspective to her work, having earned degrees from institutions on three continents. Dr. Kang's research spans hospitality technology, destination marketing, consumer behavior, and the growing influence of Korean culture (Hallyu) on global tourism.