This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.
Name: Melissa Thompson
Company Name: Professional Photographers of America
Job Title: Director of Events
Years of Experience: 12
How do you think you are positioned, after months of persevering with the pandemic, to take advantage of our new and disrupted meetings/events landscape?
For the first time in my career the planning process has been 'disrupted' and both myself and my team have been forced to think outside the box. The new way of thinking has really pushed me mentally to expand my thought process as I begin planning for future events post COVID and beyond.
As our community moves forward with planning in-person meetings, what new technologies or processes are you implementing that you may have not looked at before?
One of the processes I've had to begin reviewing in more detail with my network is the cancellation policies. Making sure that is clearly documented in advance will help if/when another pandemic or the like occurs. Fingers crossed it will not, but we will be better protected if so!
As we see virtual meetings transition back to face to face, hybrid meetings are beginning to be the vehicle to return to normalcy. What are your thoughts on hybrid meetings versus traditional fully in-person meetings?
We hosted a fully virtual program in 2021 and went back live in person in 2022. Although I do agree a hybrid format is an amazing option for some in person is the best format for our attendees and we are going to continue in that direction.
In your opinion, what do you think the biggest value for your attendees is in regards to returning to live events?
Our attendees are mostly entrepreneurs so anywhere we can help reduce costs for them to return has been our main discussion and my main concern as I look at contracting venues, hotels, etc., for future locations. Our team is also looking at additional opportunities to enhance their current membership experience.
As the pandemic fades away and we return to face-to-face events what do you hope changes, either for planners or hoteliers, in the traditional RFP and proposal process as a result of all of the learnings from the last 20+ months?
As it relates to the convention hotels, I would hope that there is an opportunity to assist with rebooking (if necessary) under the larger umbrella which will not only support smaller associations but also help build a deeper network for a business relationship amongst the brand.
This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.
