The simple answer is yes and no. Of course, you already know that you do not have to be certified to enter the field of meeting and incentive travel planning. While some employers might require a certification in order to qualify for positions with that particular firm, there are plenty of uncertified incentive travel and meeting planners doing quite well in the industry. That being said, industry certifications are almost always a good idea, regardless of your field. Meeting planning is no different.

When you become certified, you will receive recognition of your skills and professionalism from your peers and the meeting and incentive travel planning industry, and will also enhance the first impression potential clients receive when you hand them your business card or they visit your website. People love to see letters after any professionals name when they are considering procuring their services. This alone could be reason enough to seek certification. On top of increased recognition and an improved perception of your abilities, industry research carried out by Meeting Professionals International shows that certified planners earn more than their uncertified counterparts.

Industry certifications include:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) offered through the Convention Industry Council
• Global Certification for Meeting Management (CMM) offered by Meeting Professionals International
• Certified Incentive Travel Executive (CITE) offered by the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives
• Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) offered by the International Special Events Society
• Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) offered by the Association of Destination Management Executives
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) offered by the Destination Marketing Association International

A company website creates a first impression for many clients and it must leave a positive impression. When was the last time that you clicked on your own site and looked it over with a critical eye? It is important to look at the website as though you had never seen it before.

Content is one of the first things you want to look for. What is the purpose of this site? Can you tell immediately? Do all the links on the site work? Most visitors are not going to take the time to drop you a line about a broken link.

Is the site easy to navigate? Do you have more than seven navigation items? One of the reasons that telephone numbers are limited to seven digits (ten if you count the area code) is that seven is the number of items we can remember easily.

Navigation bars should be the same from page to page. Layout consistency makes it easier for visitors to move through your site. Rethink the use of animated splash pages – does it actually add something to the site or is the animation covering up the content. Splash pages are to the amount of time it takes for the page to load; not all users are going to wait on the show.

Do you want to come back to that site? If not, you have some work to do.

Success is often in the small details. What things do you make note of when you visit a location as a potential corporate meeting place? Before you go onsite, evaluate your client’s needs, size of the group, and any special needs that need to be addressed.

Make your appointment for the site inspection and make notes about everything. Have a site inspection checklist ready with important points you want to observe or cover in the evaluation of the venue. Here are a few examples:

• the overall condition of the facility- What is your first impression?
• carpets – Are they in good condition and clean?
• furniture – Is it shabby, worn, or does it smell of cigarettes?
• conference rooms – What is the feel of the room? Is it big enough to suite your client’s needs? Don’t forget to look up; lighting can be critical.
• rooms – Ask to see the best and worst rooms available. Make sure your client isn’t booked into one of the worst rooms. Check the room out thoroughly and don’t forget to check out the bathroom. Turn on the shower and note the water pressure.

Other points such as wireless Internet, teleconferencing capabilities, and audio visual needs will also be covered in the inspection in addition to overall cost.

If you have your own planning business and have suffered over the summer, you’re in good company. Almost every business has reported less business. Even though things are picking up for most people at least to a small degree, things may have changed permanently for planners. You might have to change your methods, advertising, and even your day-to-day business activities to stay lean but productive.

However, one of the best things you can do for yourself–and your clients–is stay positive. Of course you have heard that all summer long. But there is a reason for this you may not have heard from anyone else. Besides keeping yourself emotionally and mentally healthy, it helps you keep your customers. Read the rest of this entry »