A love letter to the industry

Happy Global Meetings Industry Day from all of us at CMEE!

By Monica Ferguson

Matt Forsythe Photography

Listen. We’ve had our ups and downs. Being a professional event planner is no easy feat. We know all too well how much effort goes into organizing and running an event that runs so smoothly it appears effortless. From navigating unrealistic budgets to the constant juggling of priorities, we've become pros at rolling with the punches and remaining calm among chaos.

After all, it's all part of the thrill, isn't it? The thrill of bringing an idea to life, of turning visions into reality, of creating a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget.

If you were to ask anyone outside our industry, they might not fully grasp the intricacies of what we do, perhaps misinterpreting our role as event planners for weddings or birthday celebrations. They might not understand how we seamlessly blend creativity, logistics, and passion into every project we undertake. Yet, it's precisely this blend of skills that sets us apart, that allows us to weave wonders where others see only obstacles.

We are dreamers, relentless in our pursuit of the extraordinary. We dare to dream big, to push the envelope of what's deemed possible, even if it means plunging into uncharted territories.

And let’s not forget the friendship that binds us together. Despite the grandeur of our industry, we find solace and belonging within the tight-knit community we’ve cultivated. There’s something truly special about walking into an event and being enveloped by a sea of familiar faces, each hug and handshake a reminder that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

Of course, there’s always the lingering fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring. Whether it’s the spectre of another pandemic or the need to 'pivot' once again, we stand resilient in the face of adversity. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that our industry thrives on adaptability, on the ability to turn setbacks into opportunities… Let’s just hope that we won’t have to.

There are so many of us who come together to create truly remarkable events. From Event Coordinators, Event Managers, Event Specialists, Event Producers, and countless crucial suppliers working with destinations, audiovisuals, décor, hotels, food and beverage, venues, registration, tech support, show apps, promotional products, and the not to be forgotten accidental planners such as Executive Assistants. Each and every one of us has a place here and we help each other reach our potential by creating events that encapsulate magic.  

So here’s to us, professional event planners, on this special day. Here’s to the late nights and early mornings, to the moments of sheer joy mid-event and quiet reflection post-event. Here's to the bonds we've forged and the memories we've created.

Happy Global Meetings Industry Day from all of us at CMEE. Here's to many more years of making magic together!