‘Those that fail to plan well-forward – find themselves a plan or more behind’.
The time not understood in the effective planning of a MICE gathering continues unabated. The narrow thinking from a single perspective which implies it is so easy to chuck a MICE gathering together – is clearly for those with many, many barrels of money and endless time on their hands including a devil-may-care attitude that it will all come together on the day. There are many different perspectives when it comes to MICE Time Management.
Day and month
It was not long ago that selecting the day/s of the week and time of the year for MICE gathering was governed by public holidays, various seasons: rain / temperatures or month/year-end and month/year commencement. In 2014 it is important to take a serious look at traffic-flow patterns in relation to venue choice and preference for a very early start or mid-morning to mid-afternoon closure. Due to the economic conditions at this time – long holidays have reverted to shorter time away from the office and year commencement has made way for training sessions with lower venue rates.
Target market appeal
Hopefully there has been sufficient time to ensure that the audience demographics (see ‘Bout our Generation’ Meetings Nov/Dec issue & Academy website pre-test material) are such that high appeal is assured. Although corporate delegates have limited attendance choice – a negative state of mind when the topic is unappealing – can decrease message retention significantly.
Programme topics
Appealing subject matter means that what the programme states will be delivered plus what can be gained by attending which cannot be gained by not attending. So the subjects have to be carefully thought-through together with the type of participation. This takes time to mull over and effectively activate.
Appropriate presenters
Selecting presenters with alternative presenter choices and preparing the briefs is another aspect that cannot be undertaken unless there is time in hand.
Brand identity and conducive sub-contractors
Unless there is sufficient time – one can often be left with little choice or negotiate conducive charge structures plus contractual agreements when the pressure is on because of limited time before the commencement of the MICE gathering.
Failing to heed the essential elements and planning in good time could lead to short-tempers and much worse a dissatisfied audience that may think twice in coming back a second time.
