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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

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