Introduction to the Meeting, Events, Expositions and Conventions Industry

Edition: 6

Copyright: 2021

Pages: 638

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The meetings, expositions, events, and conventions (MEEC) industry continues to grow and garner increasing attention from the hospitality industry, colleges and universities, and communities.

Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry provides a broad overview of this thriving and expanding industry. This publication serves as the basis for college courses, orientation sessions for new employees, or anyone looking to gain knowledge on the MEEC industry. It is comprehensive, covering a wider range of MEEC topics than other books on the market. With information on Venues, Exhibitions, Food and Beverage, Legal Issues, Sustainability, and more, it is an excellent resource for students, educators, and practitioners alike.

NEW TO THE SIXTH EDITION:

  • The inclusion of COVID-19 impacts on all sectors of the MEEC industry

  • Comprehensive updates of all data

  • A plethora of new images

  • cutting-edge updates on technology in the MEEC industry 

  • A wider, more global focus on the international aspects of MEEC

  • Newly updated teaching materials including a new test bank and PowerPoints 

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 2020
     The Impact of Unforeseen Calamities 
     Transforming Role of Technology 
     Pivot From Event Logistics to Event Strategists 
     Sustainability and Social Impact 
Summary
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Chapter Contributors 

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
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Segments of the Industry   
Summary 
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 
     Accreditation 
     DI Research
     Event Impact Calculator
     Destination NEXT
     Destination and Travel Foundation 
Trends
     COVID-19 The Effect on DMOs
Summary 
      Questions 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Websites for Reference 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

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
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 
     Consortiums
Retreat Facilities 
Unusual Venues 
     Associations & Consortiums 
Outdoor Events 
     Outdoor Venue Challenges 
     Outdoor Tents 
     Outdoor Venue Permits 
Trends 
COVID-19’S Impact on The MEEC Industry   
     United States of America   
     People’s Republic of China
     The Republic of Korea (South Korea) 
     The Republic of Singapore 
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 Show 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 
     National Association of Music Merchants 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     References
     About the Chapter Contributor 

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
COVID-29 The Effect on Service Contractors 
Summary 
     Review and Discussion Questions 
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 
COVID-19 The Effect on Destinations 
Summary 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

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 
     The Impact of COVID-19 in 2020
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 
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 
COVID-19
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 
     Bandwidth 
     Wired Versus Wireless 
     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, Chat GPT, 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 

CHAPTER 12: SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS AND EVENTS 
Introduction to Green & Sustainable Meetings 
Why Do It? 
     The Triple Bottom Line 
     Benefits of Sustainability 
Sustainable Meeting Standards and Guidelines 
     Sustainable Meeting Standards 
     United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 
     ISO 20121 
Greenwashing 
Creating a Process for Sustainable Practices 
     Best Environmental Practices 
Evaluation of Sustainable Efforts 
     MeetGreen® Calculator 2.0 
Sustainable Meeting Professional Trends and Best Practices 
Summary 
Key Words and Terms
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Recommended Websites 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

CHAPTER 13: PLANNING MEEC GATHERINGS 
Needs Analysis 
     Setting Goals and Objectives 
Event Budgeting 
     Establish Financial Goals 
     Identify Expenses and Revenue Sources 
Budget Assembly
Program Planning 
     Program Types 
     Program Content 
     Session Scheduling 
Logistical Considerations 
     Registration 
     Housing
     Refreshment Breaks and Meal Functions 
     Speaker Arrangements 
     Inclusion Through Speaker Selection 
     A/V Equipment 
Marketing and Promotion 
     Types of Promotion for Events 
COVID-19 
Summary and Best Practices 
Keywords and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 14: PRODUCING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 
On-Site Management 
     Registration and Housing 
     F&B 
     Function Room Layouts 
     Common Issues Faced On-Site 
     Speakers and Entertainers 
     On-Site A/V 
     Ancillary Events 
     Meeting and Event Specification Guide 
     Controlling Costs 
Managing the On-Site Team 
     Employees 
     Temporary Staff 
     Volunteers 
On-Site Communications 
     Personal Communications 
     Technology 
Public Relations 
     What Is Public Relations? 
     Develop and Manage Media Relations
     News Releases 
     Attract and Accommodate Media 
     Media Outlets 
     Select and Manage Spokespersons 
Preconvention Meetings 
Postconvention Review 
     Evaluation 
COVID-19
Summary and Best Practices 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 15: INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS IN MEEC 
How MEEC Varies Around the Globe 
     Europe 
     Asia 
     Australia 
     Africa 
     Middle East 
     Latin America 
Ownership, Sponsorship, and Management Models 
     Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) 
Important International Meeting and Trade Fair Associations 
International MEEC Considerations 
     Lessons to Be Learned 
     Methods of Exhibiting 
     Terminology 
     Contractual and Procedural Issues 
     Customs Clearance 
     Protocol 
COVID and Its Effect on International Aspects in MEEC
Virtual and Hybrid Events 
     ESC Congress 2020—The Digital Experience 
     Canton Fair 
     UFI Global Congress 2020 
Summary and Best Practices 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 16: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER 
The Association 
Goals 
Budget 
Income 
Request for Proposals (RFP) 
First Site Inspections—Exploring Two Possible Conference Locations 
     Day 1 
     Day 2 
     Day 3 
Destination Selection 
Second Site Inspection: Finalizing Details 
     Day 1
     Day 2 
     Day 3 
Marketing Committee 
Creation of the Conference Program 
Partnerships 
Contracts 
Meeting Timeline 
     1 Year to 6-Month Countdown 
     6 Months Before to Day of the Meeting 
     Meeting Day Activities 
After the Meeting 
     Immediate Postmeeting Activities 
     2-Month Postmeeting Activities 
COVID-19 The Effect on Putting it All Together 
Budget 
     Expenses
     Income 
     RFP
     Sight Inspections 
     Marketing 
     Contracts 
     Meeting Timeline 
Conference Program 
     Speaker Selection and Preparations 
     Digital Advantage 
     ROI
Summary 
Review and Discussion Questions 
Key Words and Terms 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

INDEX

George G Fenich

George G. Fenich, PhD, is a professor in the School of Hospitality Leadership at East Carolina University. Dr. Fenich worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years be-fore joining academe. He teaches and researches in the area of conventions and meetings, has written over 70 academic articles, a dozen textbooks, and has presented at over 150 conferences—including the International Council on Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Education; the Destination Marketing Association International; the Association for Convention Operations Management; the Inter-national Association of Assembly Managers; AHTMM in Istanbul, Taipei, and Mauritius; the International Conference on Meetings and Events held in Shanghai China; and the Professional Convention Management Association. He is on the editorial board of six academic journals—including editor-in-chief for the Journal of Convention and Event Tourism. He is also the principal of the consulting firm Fenich & Associates, LLC. 

KRISTIN MALEK

Kristin Malek, PhD, CMP, CED, DES, CHE is an event management extension specialist and assistant professor in the Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Malek worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before joining academe and still remains active with industry groups and consulting. She teaches and researches in the area of meetings and events with a focus on engagement, co-creation, and ROI. She has been named as a Top 20 Meeting Industry Trendsetter by Meetings Today Magazine (2016) and has been recognized as an Emerging Leader of the Year by PCMA (2018). She has achieved designations as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Event Designer (CED), Digital Event Strategist (DES), and Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). 

The meetings, expositions, events, and conventions (MEEC) industry continues to grow and garner increasing attention from the hospitality industry, colleges and universities, and communities.

Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry provides a broad overview of this thriving and expanding industry. This publication serves as the basis for college courses, orientation sessions for new employees, or anyone looking to gain knowledge on the MEEC industry. It is comprehensive, covering a wider range of MEEC topics than other books on the market. With information on Venues, Exhibitions, Food and Beverage, Legal Issues, Sustainability, and more, it is an excellent resource for students, educators, and practitioners alike.

NEW TO THE SIXTH EDITION:

  • The inclusion of COVID-19 impacts on all sectors of the MEEC industry

  • Comprehensive updates of all data

  • A plethora of new images

  • cutting-edge updates on technology in the MEEC industry 

  • A wider, more global focus on the international aspects of MEEC

  • Newly updated teaching materials including a new test bank and PowerPoints 

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 2020
     The Impact of Unforeseen Calamities 
     Transforming Role of Technology 
     Pivot From Event Logistics to Event Strategists 
     Sustainability and Social Impact 
Summary
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Chapter Contributors 

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
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Segments of the Industry   
Summary 
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 
     Accreditation 
     DI Research
     Event Impact Calculator
     Destination NEXT
     Destination and Travel Foundation 
Trends
     COVID-19 The Effect on DMOs
Summary 
      Questions 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Websites for Reference 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

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
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 
     Consortiums
Retreat Facilities 
Unusual Venues 
     Associations & Consortiums 
Outdoor Events 
     Outdoor Venue Challenges 
     Outdoor Tents 
     Outdoor Venue Permits 
Trends 
COVID-19’S Impact on The MEEC Industry   
     United States of America   
     People’s Republic of China
     The Republic of Korea (South Korea) 
     The Republic of Singapore 
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 Show 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 
     National Association of Music Merchants 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     References
     About the Chapter Contributor 

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
COVID-29 The Effect on Service Contractors 
Summary 
     Review and Discussion Questions 
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 
COVID-19 The Effect on Destinations 
Summary 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

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 
     The Impact of COVID-19 in 2020
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 
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 
COVID-19
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 
     Bandwidth 
     Wired Versus Wireless 
     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, Chat GPT, 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 

CHAPTER 12: SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS AND EVENTS 
Introduction to Green & Sustainable Meetings 
Why Do It? 
     The Triple Bottom Line 
     Benefits of Sustainability 
Sustainable Meeting Standards and Guidelines 
     Sustainable Meeting Standards 
     United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 
     ISO 20121 
Greenwashing 
Creating a Process for Sustainable Practices 
     Best Environmental Practices 
Evaluation of Sustainable Efforts 
     MeetGreen® Calculator 2.0 
Sustainable Meeting Professional Trends and Best Practices 
Summary 
Key Words and Terms
Review and Discussion Questions 
     Recommended Websites 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

CHAPTER 13: PLANNING MEEC GATHERINGS 
Needs Analysis 
     Setting Goals and Objectives 
Event Budgeting 
     Establish Financial Goals 
     Identify Expenses and Revenue Sources 
Budget Assembly
Program Planning 
     Program Types 
     Program Content 
     Session Scheduling 
Logistical Considerations 
     Registration 
     Housing
     Refreshment Breaks and Meal Functions 
     Speaker Arrangements 
     Inclusion Through Speaker Selection 
     A/V Equipment 
Marketing and Promotion 
     Types of Promotion for Events 
COVID-19 
Summary and Best Practices 
Keywords and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 14: PRODUCING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 
On-Site Management 
     Registration and Housing 
     F&B 
     Function Room Layouts 
     Common Issues Faced On-Site 
     Speakers and Entertainers 
     On-Site A/V 
     Ancillary Events 
     Meeting and Event Specification Guide 
     Controlling Costs 
Managing the On-Site Team 
     Employees 
     Temporary Staff 
     Volunteers 
On-Site Communications 
     Personal Communications 
     Technology 
Public Relations 
     What Is Public Relations? 
     Develop and Manage Media Relations
     News Releases 
     Attract and Accommodate Media 
     Media Outlets 
     Select and Manage Spokespersons 
Preconvention Meetings 
Postconvention Review 
     Evaluation 
COVID-19
Summary and Best Practices 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 15: INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS IN MEEC 
How MEEC Varies Around the Globe 
     Europe 
     Asia 
     Australia 
     Africa 
     Middle East 
     Latin America 
Ownership, Sponsorship, and Management Models 
     Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) 
Important International Meeting and Trade Fair Associations 
International MEEC Considerations 
     Lessons to Be Learned 
     Methods of Exhibiting 
     Terminology 
     Contractual and Procedural Issues 
     Customs Clearance 
     Protocol 
COVID and Its Effect on International Aspects in MEEC
Virtual and Hybrid Events 
     ESC Congress 2020—The Digital Experience 
     Canton Fair 
     UFI Global Congress 2020 
Summary and Best Practices 
Key Words and Terms 
Review and Discussion Questions 
     About the Chapter Contributors 

CHAPTER 16: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER 
The Association 
Goals 
Budget 
Income 
Request for Proposals (RFP) 
First Site Inspections—Exploring Two Possible Conference Locations 
     Day 1 
     Day 2 
     Day 3 
Destination Selection 
Second Site Inspection: Finalizing Details 
     Day 1
     Day 2 
     Day 3 
Marketing Committee 
Creation of the Conference Program 
Partnerships 
Contracts 
Meeting Timeline 
     1 Year to 6-Month Countdown 
     6 Months Before to Day of the Meeting 
     Meeting Day Activities 
After the Meeting 
     Immediate Postmeeting Activities 
     2-Month Postmeeting Activities 
COVID-19 The Effect on Putting it All Together 
Budget 
     Expenses
     Income 
     RFP
     Sight Inspections 
     Marketing 
     Contracts 
     Meeting Timeline 
Conference Program 
     Speaker Selection and Preparations 
     Digital Advantage 
     ROI
Summary 
Review and Discussion Questions 
Key Words and Terms 
     About the Chapter Contributor 

INDEX

George G Fenich

George G. Fenich, PhD, is a professor in the School of Hospitality Leadership at East Carolina University. Dr. Fenich worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years be-fore joining academe. He teaches and researches in the area of conventions and meetings, has written over 70 academic articles, a dozen textbooks, and has presented at over 150 conferences—including the International Council on Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Education; the Destination Marketing Association International; the Association for Convention Operations Management; the Inter-national Association of Assembly Managers; AHTMM in Istanbul, Taipei, and Mauritius; the International Conference on Meetings and Events held in Shanghai China; and the Professional Convention Management Association. He is on the editorial board of six academic journals—including editor-in-chief for the Journal of Convention and Event Tourism. He is also the principal of the consulting firm Fenich & Associates, LLC. 

KRISTIN MALEK

Kristin Malek, PhD, CMP, CED, DES, CHE is an event management extension specialist and assistant professor in the Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Malek worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years before joining academe and still remains active with industry groups and consulting. She teaches and researches in the area of meetings and events with a focus on engagement, co-creation, and ROI. She has been named as a Top 20 Meeting Industry Trendsetter by Meetings Today Magazine (2016) and has been recognized as an Emerging Leader of the Year by PCMA (2018). She has achieved designations as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Event Designer (CED), Digital Event Strategist (DES), and Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).