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10:54

Philly.com - Folks, Jennafer should be joining us in a few minutes. Feel free to start submitting your questions now.

10:57

Jennafer Ross, CMP - Good morning - i hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

11:01

Philly.com - Good morning Jennafer. You're the president of the Philadelphia Area Chamber of Meeting Professionals International. Any idea how many people in the region are employed in this field and how they're doing, given the economic downturn.

11:04

Jennafer Ross, CMP - I can speak directly to our chapter's membership. Currently we have 655 members in the PAMPI chapter and there are many other similar industry associations all faced with their members job loss . We are trying to help what we call "members in transition" connect with potential employers, maintain their membership through financial assistance programsm and continue to gain the education they need during their job search.

11:06

Philly.com - Are there any other related fields they can find work in while waiting for the economy to come back?

11:08

Jennafer Ross, CMP - As a meeting planner in transition its about networking. Offering your services as on-site staff for those still holding meetings aloows you o keep your foot in the door, experience other meetings and events and continue to network. Volunteering is anther great way to stay involved.

11:08

[Comment From Guest]
How are independent meeting and event planners fairing during this economic downturn. Is now a good time to pursue this avenue?

11:12

Jennafer Ross, CMP - Independent meeting and event planners have are in a unique position. While many compnies are reducing their events and meeting teams, independent planners are able to offer similar services as an in-house meeting planner but with no overhead cost to the company. However, as an indpendent planner you now have to create a relationship with a company that has not typically utilized third parties. It requires diligence and great people skills

11:12

[Comment From Raheem]
Hello could you please explain the difference between meeting & event planning if any.

11:16

Jennafer Ross, CMP - Great question. to many people there is little or no difference to planning a meeting or event - to those of doing the planning they are very distinct. My quick answer is what is the objective. Why are you having that meeting - to gain experience, sell a product or launch a new technology(MEETING). If that is the case then you are planning a different event then let's say a fundraiser with a cocktail reception (EVENT) where the ultimate objective is to raise funds. Both scenarios have an objective however they would be planned and implemented very differently

11:18

[Comment From mf]
What course would you recommed for someone who wants to get into the meeting/event planning field? Is this the wrong time to try to enter this field?

11:22

Jennafer Ross, CMP - I do not think its ever the wrong time to enter a new field or change careers - however it would requrie you to be more creative with how you go about doing so. Getting involved with a local association is a great way to navigate, meet people and network - especially in this climate - i think that people, naturally, do business swith who they know, The more expereince and the stronger your reputation the better off you will be, And to do so, requires you to know the who, what and where - so getting involved in a local association, would be my recmmendation. MPI is just one of the many in this region that can help you do that.

11:23

[Comment From Guest]
Where are good yet inexpensive places to advertise your services or business?

11:26

Jennafer Ross, CMP - Honestly it would really depend on your target audience and what products or services your selling. Personally, as an independent planner advertising for me is word of mouth and referral based. Again from my perspective one of the best places for me to advertise my services would be the PCVB - the Convention and Visitors Bureau - not only would my services reach the local community but also companies bringing meetings to the Philadelphia marketplace.

11:27

[Comment From Guest]
How can event planners by trade/profession stand out from those who plan parties occasionally for fun?

11:32

Jennafer Ross, CMP - I feel strongly that there is a distinctive difference - but it all goes directly back to the question - what is the objective of the event? An occassional party planner vs one who is an event planner by profession proceed very differently - a seasoned event planner has contacts, resources and skills that may not have been learned by someone who plans an occassioanl party - they both have different skill sets, contacts and knowledge. Being the utmost professional with both vendors and clients, align yourself with great vendors, and suppliers will set you apart. Publish your events in industry magazines.

11:33

Philly.com - Are there any college courses you would recommend budding event planners to take?

11:35

Jennafer Ross, CMP - I would be remise if i did not support the Meeting Planning Certificate Program at Temple University- i myself took this course as a budding event planner. It was a great foundation and is taught by industry professionals so the valuable tools and guidance is real world and timely.

11:36

Philly.com - What kinds of thing did you study? Accounting? Time-management?

11:37

Jennafer Ross, CMP - Food & Beverage planning, audio visual and technology - not a detailed operations course but a know how course, budgeting , time management, entertainment and decor planning

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