Debunking the Myths Around Strategic Meetings Management

 This blog isn't intended to be the meeting and event industry version of Snopes, but every once in a while we'll hear some chatter (repeated time and again)  and realize there are a few myths we may want to dispel. Specifically, around Strategic Meetings Management (SMM). SMM is the evolving practice of applying sound business practices to the enterprise-wide management of meetings and events. SMM as a methodology has seen tremendous growth and development over the past 10-12 years and along the way several myths about SMM have developed. However, by understanding each of these myths, the facts about them become clear.

Fact: By identifying a clear path, identifying logical phases and taking it

step-by-step, SMM can be a simple, logical process.

Fact: Most organisations realize a savings of 10–15% within 18 months after the

implementation of technology to facilitate the process, making it expensive

not to consider.

Fact: SMM best practices, such as centralized meeting registration, strategic

sourcing and delegate registration management, can benefit any size/type

of organisation.

Fact: Many SMMPs have found success without an executive mandate, simply by

rallying internal stakeholders toward services and solutions that make their

jobs easier.

Fact: Technology cannot act alone – it is the facilitator of SMM and at the center of the entire process.