Meeting, Expositions, Events & Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2024
Pages: 626
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2024
Pages: 626
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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 SEVENTH EDITION:
- A wider, more global focus on the international aspects of MEEC.
- All data has been updated to reflect the current state. This includes charts, tables and figures. Many new images. All chapter opener images are new.
- The chapter on technology has been totally re-written and updated with discussion of artificial intelligence and big data added.
- In Chapter 15 on international aspects of MEEC, additional regions of the globe are discussed such as Nigeria and Senegal plus cities such as Kazan, Beijing, Sydney and Rio De Janeiro.
- Chapter 16: Putting it All Together is designed to tie all the other chapters together by providing an in-depth and detailed case study.
- The Glossary has been updated to include all key terms found in the chapters.
- 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 2023
The Impact of Unforeseen Calamities
Transforming Role of Technology
Pivot From Event Logistics to Event Strategists
Sustainability and Social Impact
References 1
Key Words and Terms
Review and Discussion Questions
About the Chapter Contributor
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 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 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
Key Words and Terms
Review and Discussion Questions
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
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
The COVID-19 Impact on Business Destinations and DMCs
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
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, 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
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
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
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
Summary
Review and Discussion Questions
Key Words and Terms
About the Chapter Contributor
REFERENCES
INDEX
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, 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).