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Hunter Clemens, CMP, Vice President, Meetings Management Group (MMG) |
From Hunter Clemens, CMP, Vice President and Annette M. Suriani, CMP, Director of Meetings Management Group (MMG)
The end of 2008 through 2009 was probably the worst time ever for the meetings and exhibition industry. At no other time in the history of our industry did we see the ADR go down in double digits and the number of meetings get cancelled as swiftly as people used to rush to Las Vegas for a convention.
All of this reduction was in response to the economic recession as well as one very publicized and criticized corporate entity that received government bailout yet continued to hold meetings in resorts and high end facilities.
As a result of the negative media attention, corporate and association meetings and events were being scrutinized.
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Annette M. Suriani, CMP, Director of Meetings Management Group (MMG) |
Consequently, we experienced a decline in attendance of members, exhibitors and sponsorship dollars. Associations struggled with declining membership, attrition from unsold sleeping rooms and cancellation penalties like we’ve never seen before.
We had to reevaluate why we were holding meetings. The most common reason to have a meeting is to discuss something face to face. It could be a new idea, a new opportunity, a problem, to brainstorm something, reach a decision about something or any number of things. But it all comes down to discussion and face to face interaction.
The meetings and hospitality industry fought back by arming themselves with facts--facts that had financial implications.
Businesses, including associations, started seeking new ways to “meet” and looked for new forms of business communications—such as teleconferencing, email, and other informal means of communication. But it didn’t net the same results for their members or the association.
The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is promoting a program called Face Time Matters. The key points that they are promoting are as follows:
- Face-to-face meetings build trust and relationships;
- Education and training are more effective in a live setting;
- Live meetings actually save time and money;
- Live meetings result in a more effective exchange of ideas;
- Face-to-face meetings provide the human connection that powers business;
- Face-to-face meetings create jobs and power the economy.
It is time for all of us to promote the value of Face to Face Meetings to our membership!
According to Meetings Mean Business*:
- For every dollar invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue.
- More than half of business travelers stated that 5-20% of their company’s new customers were the result of trade show participation.
- According to business travelers across all industries, 25% of existing customers and 28% of revenue could be lost to competitors if customers were not met in-person.
Meetings Management Group (MMG) advises its clients that meetings are about finding, creating, and sustaining relationships. The very best way to do this is in person. Face to face meetings is a valuable tool for all types of business. They encourage collaboration, foster better working relationships and help drive the U.S. economy.
- Business travel creates 2.4 million jobs nationally. Meetings and events are directly responsible for 1 million jobs.
- The U.S. Travel Association estimates that nearly 400,000 combined U.S.travel jobs were lost in 2008 and 2009.
- Business travel accounts for $39 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state, and
local levels.
- Meetings and events are responsible for 15% of all travel-related spending. **
So what does all this mean for your members? It’s time to get out there and start meeting again.
You can encourage them to come to your meetings by offering them something they can’t get anyplace else:
- specialized education sessions addressing the unique issues in their field;
- the latest in products, trends, services and technology aimed at their business;
- an opportunity for peer to peer networking;
- make connections; and,
- discover new ways of doing their job.
Since the beginning of 2010, the meetings MMG has managed experienced an increase in attendance, exhibitors and sponsorships. Targeted marketing campaigns, coupled with a broader outreach, provides a significant impact in these areas.
What can you do to increase participation at your meetings?
- Clearly determine the meeting’s purpose.
- Take a strategic approach to your marketing campaign. Understand how your audience likes to be reached (direct mail, social media, tele-marketing)
- Prepare targeted messages to your different audiences.
- Make your meetings accessible (easy locations to reach) and desirable.
- Provide an agenda that meets the professional needs of your audience.
- Make them more interactive with specific case studies.
- Offer incentives (half year free membership, register on-line and receive $25.00 off, etc.)
These are just a few tips. Contact MMG for more information – we can help increase your bottom-line.
*Founded by the U.S. Travel Association and its members to explain the value of meetings, events and performance incentive travel to businesses and our economy.
**Based on a study funded by Destination & Travel Foundation and the US Travel Association |
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Association News
The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies' (AHAA) new Web site, www.ahaa.org, launched in April and signifies the evolution of AHAA: the progression into a new era of industry leadership for the organization. AHAA will use the Web site as an entry point for advertisers to explore the Hispanic market potential and for members to network and collaborate with colleagues.
AHAA’s new site features an online discussion platform where visitors can create a customized My AHAA networking page. Visitors can post opinions or questions on issues and articles; share blogs, videos and photos; create groups and exchange direct messages with other network members. An AHAA Members-Only section — a first for the organization — allows members to access special promotional offers and discounted rates, exclusive research, and forums.
In March 2010 BRPT launched a new exam, a certificate-level competency based test intended for individuals new to a career in sleep technology. Successful candidates are awarded the Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) certificate. “The CPSGT certificate program underscores the strong commitment to professionalism in our field. The new exam shows an early commitment to professionalism in the field of sleep technology, to the delivery of quality patient care, and to a successful career in sleep,” says BRPT President Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG T.
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) held its 26th Annual NAA Convention in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance and their Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington, D.C. April 19-21. The highly successful event expected 2000 registered attendees including after school professionals, educators, principals, and executive leaders but an overwhelming 2550 attendees took part in sharing best practices by participating in over two hundred specialized workshops and eleven local site visits. The convention also featured 150 vendors in the Exhibit Hall and a star-studded program featuring celebrities including CSI NY’s Hill Harper, television personality Judge Glenda Hatchett and platinum rock guitarist Mark Bryan from Hootie and the Blowfish.
The 2010 NAA Convention attendees took advantage of the nation’s capitol and convened for the latest afterschool policy news and hot topic discussions. Attendees made their voices heard in meetings with Members of Congress at a “rally for afterschool” on Capitol Hill. Overall, the event was a huge success and NAA has already booked exhibitors and received workshop proposals for the 2011 NAA Convention being held in Orlando, FL.
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New at AMG
Meetings Management Group (MMG) launched a new blog that will help event planners navigate the meeting planning process, showcase MMG offerings and give tips and advice to event planners and anyone involved with the meeting planning process.
The blog can be found at www.mmgeventsblog.blogspot.com.
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5 Top Challenges Facing Nonprofit Boards Today*
1. Confusing Tactics with Strategy
During difficult times, it is easy to slip away from strategic thinking and become bogged down in the details of an organization. This common board mistake can negatively affect staff morale and significantly impact the direction and success of an organization.
2. Losing Track of the Mission
Boards are responsible for enforcing the mission throughout the entire organization. Now is the time to focus on what your nonprofit does best. It’s more important than ever to rethink programs that fall outside the mission of your nonprofit.
3. Overcoming Budget Restraints
With increasing budget difficulties, nonprofits can sometimes fall into a survival mentality. Boards must avoid this trap and continue focusing on innovation and the future of the organization. Attention should be on serving your mission in new ways that better use your existing budget.
4. Maintaining Passion and Commitment
Even during challenging times, organizations must continue to share their successes. It’s the stories of your success that help motivate your board, staff, donors, and volunteers. Ensure that everyone involved with your organization knows their purpose and understand the difference their efforts make.
5. Preparing Future Leaders
One of the most difficult tasks facing any nonprofit organization is identifying, cultivating and recruiting new talent. From hiring your chief executive’s successor to adding strength and depth to your existing board, the challenge of developing futures is significant.
*From BoardSource at www.BoardSource.org |
As part of our daily association management practice, AMG often provides guidance and insight to our clients on how to ensure organizations run more smoothly and efficiently. AMG applies the same principles of focus and discipline to our workplace.
AMG staff spent a day in April at The Great Falls Grange in Great Falls, Virginia for a comprehensive staff retreat. Each year, AMG employees take a day to refresh and bring together experiences at their organizations that ultimately help all employees serve our clients better.
From the minute employees arrived at the facility, they were greeted by retreat organizers and handed an icebreaker activity. The goal was to find the person who matches the descriptions written on individual cards. Colleagues learned interesting facts about each other that they may never have known otherwise. This set the tone for the rest of the day as team members collaborated at different tables scattered with toys and objects to bring out their creativity. Activities and presentations included lessons on accepting change, time management and effective communication.
With approximately 65 employees serving various association clients, the retreat was a great way for AMG colleagues to get to know each other. The atmosphere was casual, but the topics are critical to our success and staff took the lessons from the retreat back to the office.
Thank you to the AMG Retreat Planning Team and presenters for a wonderful and productive day!
Denise Clark
Howard Cook
John Ganoe
Maureen Gribble
Teresa Gutsick
Elinor Kinnier
Jen Lurie
Andy Nees
Tristan North
Jennifer Randall
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Association Profile
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Linda Ayers became Executive Director of the The Emergency Department Practice Management Association (EDPMA) on 5 April. Ayers brings years of diverse association management experience with the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Association of American Medical Colleges, as well as direct hospital experience managing all aspects of the Provider Services department within the Physicians Unified Billing Services at Georgetown University Hospital. |
Formed in 1997, EDPMA is a national trade association representing emergency department physician groups, emergency department billing companies, and supporting organizations that make it their business to deliver quality care in the emergency department. Find out more at www.edpma.org.
To advocate for emergency department physician groups and their partners to enhance quality patient care through operational excellence and financial stability.
Linda Ayers, Executive Director of EDPMA, shares her insights and outlook on her new role at the up-and-coming association. During her first 30 days on the job, Ayers already recognizes that at the core of EDPMA are passionate volunteers dedicated to the advancement of the association’s mission. EDPMA is poised to take the next big step in advancing its organizational strategic goals, says Ayers.
- Advocating for policies beneficial to emergency physician groups and educating its members about emerging key legislative and regulatory issues, particularly in the realm of healthcare reform;
- Revamping its website and improving the modes of communication to members, including use of social media tools;
- Providing a platform for members to network with peers and learn about the legislation and regulatory policies that will shape the future of healthcare through its annual conference, the Solutions Summit;
- Growing its membership and increasing each member’s value proposition;
- Finding opportunities to collaborate with other organizations who share its advocacy positions;
- Selecting an association management company, Association Management Group (AMG), to incorporate a forward-thinking vision that will guide EDPMA to providing excellent services and resources to its members and the entire healthcare community.
Leadership Profile
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Randy Pilgrim, MD, FACEP is an Emergency Physician, and is currently President and Chief Medical Officer of the Schumacher Group. He provides executive oversight for the company’s risk management, clinical, and financial functions. Dr. Pilgrim currently serves as the Chairman of the Emergency Practice Management Association (EDPMA). |
Q: When did you join EDPMA and how many terms are you serving on the Board?
I joined the Board on behalf of our member organization, the Schumacher Group, in 2007 when I was elected as Chairman of EDPMA. Schumacher Group has been on the Board since EDPMA’s founding in 1997.
Q: What do you like most about being on the Board?
I love the high level of engagement on the Executive Committee and the Board, and the deep sense of commitment and purpose exhibited by very intelligent, hard-working people. I also love working in a dynamic service industry that’s so important to all of us.
Q: What do you perceive is the biggest challenge for Emergency Medical industry?
There are many threats to sustainable emergency medical care that, if allowed, would result in less access to quality care when patients need it most. The biggest challenge our organization faces is ensuring that the unique role of emergency medical care is well-supported by appropriate systems, processes, and resources, especially in the legislative and regulatory environment.
Q: How do you plan to tackle this challenge?
EDPMA will continue to be intimately involved in federal and state advocacy efforts for legislative and regulatory change. While EDPMA’s efforts are significant, we also coordinate efforts with like-minded organizations such as the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Emergency Nurses Association and others. Our activities primarily involve crafting solutions for reimbursement, quality measures, and the systems that deliver medical care.
Q: What do you envision for the industry and for EDPMA for the next three years?
Clearly EDPMA is already a significant voice for emergency care, a valued resource, and a “go-to” place for emergency medical professionals. My vision is to double the size and significantly expand the scope of EDPMA. I especially see us becoming a bigger solution-maker at the state advocacy level, where many members experience new challenges.
I also see EDPMA providing members with deeper support in education and training, practical problem solving, and social networking for practice management solutions. Ultimately, in three years, EDPMA will have earned a reputation as an indispensible resource in emergency medicine because of our longstanding, determined focus on quality care delivery and sustainability of the ED practice environment.
Q: EDPMA is a new AMG client. What qualities about AMG attracted your organization to ours?
I’m impressed by AMG’s progressive, forward-thinking culture; our leaders felt this is critical to EDPMA’s future. Also, AMG is comprised of a group of committed, dedicated leaders that get things done when it counts.
Q: What do you feel is the greatest asset of AMG that EDPMA will utilize?
AMG’s attitude of optimism is a great asset for EDPMA. Bringing this realistic optimism and a “can do” attitude to the table will guide EDPMA to achieving mission-critical objectives. I am very encouraged by our new partnership with AMG. I look forward to working together to serve patients with quality emergency care.
Q: What is your greatest passion?
I consider it a privilege to be part of hold a profession whose mission and daily practice is are so grounded in a fundamental yearning we all share—to be understood and cared for by someone we trust, when we need it most. I am passionate about ensuring that every decision, every process, and even our laws and regulations support the precious interaction that a physician has with a patient. And I strive to ensure that emergency medical care is always there for patients in times of crisis and need.
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NEW ASSOCIATES
AMG welcomes our new, talented associates!
Linda brings years of diverse association management and direct hospital experience managing all aspects of the Provider Services department within the Physicians Unified Billing Services at Georgetown University Hospital. Linda’s priorities at EDPMA include actively engaging members in opportunities within the association, and focus on leading her team in the delivery of a successful Solutions Summit in June.
Jenny joined the MMG team in April. She comes from National Fisheries Institute in McLean and has worked for the American Gas Association as well. She brings expertise with the CVENT registration system as well as other database programs, excellent customer service skills, and over 3 years in the meetings registration field.
Elise joined the EDPMA team as administrative coordinator in February. Her background includes catering and event planning as well as business development with LeapFrog solutions.
Diana started with AMG in March. Diana worked with us previously from 2002 through 2004, we are glad to have her back as part of the team!
Sharon joined our team from Ruder Finn, Inc, a public relations firm, where she was the Vice President of Operations. She worked with the corporate team to oversee all office operations including human resources. Prior to Ruder Finn Sharon was with Hill & Knowlton, Inc.
Jen joined the AMG team from her previous position at Jones Lang Lasalle/The Staubach Company where she worked since 2004. In her new role at AMG, Jen will be responsible for the administration of all human resource functions of the company including retention, recruitment and staffing, employee counseling, training, safety, employee relations, recognition programs and professional development.
Prior to AMG, Katie was an executive assistant at Community Financial Services Association. Katie is a graduate of Frostburg State University.
Wendy joined us from Powell Wellness Center in Culpepper, Virginia where she served as Member Services/ Retail Coordinator managing six departments and 30 employees. She received a certification in Healthcare Materials Management from Perdue University.
Ayanna joined us from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Federal Agencies and has a strong background in Marketing and Public Relations. In addition Ayanna has been a contributing writer to many publications over the years.
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teAMG UPDATE
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, AMG hosted a staff luncheon on March 17, 2010 at the AMG office in McLean, Virginia. Lunch was ordered and dessert was provided by entries from the baking contest. Employee submissions ranged from chocolate chip mint cookies to a Guinness chocolate cheesecake. Prizes were awarded to the following winners:
 1st Place – Jen Lurie, Chocolate Guinness Cheesecake
2nd Place – Katie McNealy, Cupcakes
3rd Place – Mac Cannon, Irish Cream Bundt Cake
Honorable Mention – Suzi Letouze, Key Lime Pistachio Bars
The ambiance would not have been complete without some Irish music. Thanks to Scott Hall for facilitating this! The party provided AMG’s several new employees a chance to meet and socialize with other team members and get a feel for the great environment that surrounds AMG.
Cinco de Mayo Party – Wednesday, 5 May
Summer Picnic or Nationals Baseball Game – Event and Location TBD.
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| Behind the Scenes is a quarterly publication produced by AMG, Inc. To include a story in the next issue, or if you are interested in profiling your organization or leadership, please contact Liz Jayankura- Jones at ljones@amg-inc.com. |
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Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA)
Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)
National AfterSchool Association (NAA)