I was thinking about how tough it must be for those young people who are just finishing college. Imagine how discouraging it must be as they attempt to enter the workplace, only to find minimal employment opportunities. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune stated that the jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds is 18.5%. Although my kids are now in elementary and high school, if they were in junior or senior year of college, I would tell them to stay in school and work towards a graduate degree. I mean, what else would they do if they left school in today’s job market? I suppose they could volunteer their time with some worthy cause, but then again there’s probably a good chance they’d sit around the house, eat, and bum money.
I think there’s an analogy for those of us in the meeting, tradeshow and special events industry. Unemployment continues to rise, the job market is dismal, and growth in events is slow. Why not make the best of it by using our time to educate ourselves about important issues within the industry, and participate in the activities our industry associations offer?
The industry associations I belong to, i.e., Association Forum of Chicagoland (The Forum), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), and the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), all offer education and other ways to get involved too.
The cool thing about utilizing industry associations is that we can accomplish these two things, education and participation, for free…or at least at a reasonable cost. For example, The Forum recently offered a very informative session, titled, “Pushing Your Vendors: How to Get Affordable Local, Organic Foods for Your Meetings and Events.” It was free and was an excellent session. They have another free upcoming session for members, “Protecting Your Organization from Fraud.” Not only can you learn something at these sessions, but you can network and meet people. Whether you’re a planner or supplier, meeting new people or reconnecting with those you already know from the industry is a must.
PCMA, IAEE and GMIC hold educational sessions every other month or so. I’ve seen all types of good topics including; “Virtual Events: Fad or Fabulous?”, “Calculating the Return on Your Show Using the ROI Toolkit”, “Top Industry Leaders on the Future of Meetings – Where is our Industry Headed Today?”, “Creating Surveys to Maximize Effectiveness”, and the all too familiar and mysterious for some “Social Networking.” Although half or full-day programs run a little more, the cost for breakfast or early evening association-produced sessions is usually very reasonable. The presenters I’ve seen are very good, and the attendance is a nice split between planners and suppliers, which produces great networking.
Nothing against Webinars…which are great and allow remote access to education, but in our business…nothing is better than face-to-face interaction. Some other things we all should be doing more of while things get back up to speed is getting more involved with our industry associations by volunteering for committee work, or involvement with an association’s special interest groups (SIGs). I made a conscious decision at the end of last year to get more involved in the groups I belong to. I joined the Chapter Relations Committee of my local chapter of PCMA. I also have volunteered to join the Golf Tournament Planning Committee (maybe a little selfish indulgence here) of my local chapter of IAEE, and I’m serving on the board and membership committee of the local chapter of GMIC.
You’re probably thinking…either this guy must not have any work, or he’s independently wealthy. Well, let’s set the record straight that the latter is definitely not the case. And, my “regular job” is doing fine, except like all of us I could always use a few more accounts.
In terms of time commitment to get involved with your industry associations, done correctly, i.e., everyone does a little; committee, board or SIG participation in these groups does not have to be an overwhelming obligation.
Through these opportunities, we can give back to the industry and the associations by sharing our talents and connections. We also reap the benefits of new friendships with other members, and gain exposure within the industry by participating. What a win-win for everyone.
Hopefully we’re on the road to economic recovery, but we can use the slower time wisely. I suggest we take advantage of this time to get educated, participate, network and make good use of the membership dollars either you or your organization pays the industry associations for your membership.