"Developing a Risk Management Plan for Meetings" By Clint Upchurch, Extraordinary Events
Ahhh…winter time in Southern California. It was a sunny, yet chilly 39 degrees and the mountains overlooking Pasadena were topped with a fresh dusting of snow, clearly visible as I pulled up to December's host hotel, The Hilton Pasadena. After checking in at the MPI registration table, I went to find the meeting room for my communications committee meeting, wandering through meandering hallways decorated in pleasant tones of yellow and white. This hotel was turning out to be as charming as Pasadena itself.
After my meeting, I joined the other program attendees for hors d'oeuvres and networking. There was a large group in attendance and I spotted many new faces. Waiters passed trays overflowing with an array of delectable bites sure to please everyone, while we waited for the ballroom doors to open and the program to begin.
The walls of the nicely decorated ballroom displayed snowflake shaped gobo projections, while the tables were draped with beautiful linens. The chairs featured chair covers and sashes and the centerpieces were a collection of white hydrangeas, sparkly pinecones and tall branches dripping with “jewels,” all which made a nice wintery statement. Before our succulent lunch, we were introduced to the General Manger of the hotel, Mark Davis and congratulated this month's Rising Star Julia Rodriguez, Beverly Garland and this month's Shining Star, Neil Johnson, Las Vegas CVA.
The speaker for the program was Eli Gorin, CMP with train2meet and the subject was something not all of us always prepare for when planning a meeting or event… ”Developing a Risk Management Plan for Meetings”. We learned that we MUST have a plan in place for catastrophic events. So, in the rare instance that one occurs at one of our events, it can be handled in an orderly, professional manner. We must not wait until we have something tragic happen and are not prepared. We must make it part of every meeting and event we plan and be prepared to implement it at a moment's notice.
I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and great 2010!
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