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: Stephanie Ritter
Company Name: The American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
Job Title: Meeting Manager
Years of Experience: 16
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?
It's important to accept that virtual and hybrid meetings/events are here to stay. The best thing a company can do to position themselves for success in this new landscape is to find an extremely talented audio visual company to partner with. I had to accept that I didn't know everything about what technology was available and that I needed the support of our virtual platform provider. That relationship is essential.
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?
Firstly, I'm thrilled that in person events are coming back, but as I mentioned, relationships are key. Now is the time for the meetings community to really understand the value of the partnerships between hotels and planners. Both parties need to acknowledge that flexibility is key to having business be back and successful. I find that if there are interruptions with the contract during the planning phase that transparency and communication are crucial.
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?
I love the value of face to face meetings with your peers and I feel that interaction is indispensable, however, I also believe that Hybrid is here to stay. After holding a successful Hybrid Annual Meeting for the American Society of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ASHI) this past fall, there is no turning back. We were able to reach attendees around the world that otherwise would never have had the means to travel to our meeting due to the pandemic or alternate restrictions. At this point, Hybrid is essential moving forward, because we cannot deny the access to our International audience after welcoming their presence last year.
In your opinion, what do you think the biggest value for your attendees is in regards to returning to live events?
Live events are the perfect setting for having a meeting of the minds or that perfect brainstorming session. You cannot ignore the value of networking or an impromptu discussion over a coffee with a colleague. I've witnessed problem solving, company creation and strategic plans be implemented between sessions! I've always felt that personal connection is the biggest reward for attending live meetings and events.
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?
I hope that the true cooperation between hoteliers and planners continues. I would like both parties to realize the fluidity of planning meetings and events that the pandemic has taught us. Flexibility and communication about the planning process should be expected and welcomed so that outcomes for both parties are rewarding. The RFP is a perfect place for that partnership to begin.
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.
