Frequently Asked Questions What is a meeting planner? A meeting planner is a professional who is hired on a contractual basis to fulfill the needs of a client planning a convention/congress, conference, meeting, incentive travel program or special event. Why should I hire a meeting planner? Working with a professional meeting planner will save you time and money. We pull the strings together so seamlessly that people forget IMP was involved. What are the benefits of hiring a meeting planner? Meetings are a primary communication vehicle and a critical component of an organization's success. Professional planning and management skills are required to accomplish your organization's goals and deliver a substantial return on investment. How do I work with a meeting planner? You utilize a meeting planner like you would any other professional, such as a lawyer or an accountant, to accomplish your goals. What is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)? To become a Certified Meeting Professional, you must qualify to take an examination given by the CLC (Convention Liaison Council), a consortium of 26 organizations representing the convention, meeting, trade show and exposition industry, and travel and tourism generally. Recertification is required every five years. What services does IMP (International Meeting Planners, Ltd.) offer? IMP offers an array of services ranging from a one-time consultation to complete event planning, on-site management and post-event evaluation. Specifically,
What does IMP offer that other planners don’t? IMP has experience with managing meetings most everywhere in the world. It is the acknowledged experts on international meetings, worldwide destinations, and incentive and conference facilities. How much does it cost to hire a meeting planner? Meeting planners employ billing structures similar to other professional consultants. They may charge on an hourly or daily basis, by the project or based on a retainer. How much lead-time do you need? As little or as much time as you can give us. It is preferable to have 3 to 6 months for a small to medium size meeting (500 or less) and 6 to 12 months or longer for a large meeting (over 500). What size meetings do you plan? No meeting is too small or too big. Our smallest program was for 10 people, and our largest was for 6,000. What qualifications should I look for?
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