event “fires on all cylinders” and delivers the experi- ence that changes people. MM: What challenges do you feel meeting and event planners face today and what is your approach to those challenges? RL: Generally speaking meeting and event plan- ners, particularly managers or directors of meeting or event departments, still struggle to gain a “seat at the table” or be a part of the leadership group of many or- ganizations. I think part of the issue is that sometimes leadership does not understand how including plan- ners can positively impact the objectives of the orga- nization. Planners need to show an interest in those objectives, take the initiative to help solve organiza- tional problems and not be afraid to speak up. MM: Any interesting challenges you’ve faced and overcome over the years? RL: LOL! Sorry – don’t mean to laugh. I think I


could write a book on this. Unfortunately I’ve had to deal with a lot of “emergencies” or “incidents” be- fore or during events. I have encountered everything from power outages to a major medical emergency in another country. I have learned first-hand how important it is to have a plan and revisit that plan before every event. One of the most challenging situations I have encountered was after Hurri- cane Katrina. The convention I was working on was eight weeks away and suddenly we had to move the program. I reached out to sev- eral CVBs and within 48 hours we were re- viewing ten different options. A week later we were doing a site visit and signed con- tracts with all suppliers while there. The convention was moved to Kansas City that year. I learned how important it is to lean on and trust the suppliers you hire. MM: How do you keep up on industry


trends?


RL: I read every day, but not just about the meetings/events industry. I read about technology, business, leadership, non-profits, design and of course, Detroit! MM: What’s the newest, freshest ap- proach you are bringing to your job/the indus- try?


RL: I’m not sure this is the newest or freshest approach, but I try to look at the event from the


12


“I have learned first-hand how important it is to have a plan and


revisit that plan before every event. One of the most challenging situations I have encountered was after Hurricane Katrina.


The convention I was working on was eight weeks away and suddenly we had to move the


program. I reached out to several CVBs and within 48 hours we were reviewing


10 different options. A week later we


were doing a site visit and signed contracts with all suppliers while


there. The convention was moved to Kansas City that year. I learned how important it is to lean on and trust the suppliers you hire.”


MIDWEST MEETINGS WINTER 2014


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