A recent industry-wide survey from iJET International showed a lower-than-expected focus on preparedness around meetings and events. The resulting report reveals that most organizations and companies in this space are not meeting minimum standards of risk management protocols for attendees.

The survey was sent to approximately 6,000 meeting planners, meeting planning companies, and meeting and event decision-makers from corporations, iJET stated. More than 400 responses were received.

Key findings include:

• Of the 64 percent of respondents currently with a business travel risk management policy in place, only 29 percent had programs to directly support meetings & events
• 61 percent of respondents deflected ownership of risk management policies
• 42 percent of respondents believe the responsibility for risk management rests with third-party suppliers, including companies that produce and/or manage meetings and events

Most notably, the survey shows that more than half of meeting and event industry professionals need further training in applying risk management best practices in order to meet industry standards.

There is a lack of awareness around the risk management responsibilities faced by meeting planners and organizations. It is also not clear who is responsible for the safety and security of event attendees. Without a clear owner, it is difficult for event professionals to develop plans to keep their employees or their attendees safe.

The survey results reinforces a significant opportunity for event professionals: to conceptualize and drive strategic excellence as well as operational excellence for their organizations. 

“Corporations realize that implementing risk management solutions for transient travelers alone is no longer good enough, and that employees traveling in groups or for meetings and events are at an even greater risk when it comes to impacts to their safety and security,” said Theresa Thomas, senior vice president of iJET International.

By taking a leadership role for risk management in relation to meetings and events, planners can fill a critical gap for their organizations by mitigating the risk and impact to their employees, clients and contractors. This will help to optimize the security protocols for all attendees, resulting in increased safety.

“Meeting planners centralize and facilitate the end-to-end meeting planning process, and therefore are in the critical position to partner with suppliers and risk management companies to ensure we close the gap,” Thomas explained.

The report provides detailed information, best practices, and suggestions for ways that event professionals can best prepare for risk at meetings and events.

“As the largest buyer of meetings and events in the industry, providing our clients with the tools and resources they need to conduct a productive and safe event is paramount,” said Greg Malark, COO, HelmsBriscoe.

Malark also mentioned his appreciation for iJET’s survey in bringing the need for organizations to take more action around meetings risk management, stating that HelmsBriscoe values the work being done to help educate clients on the safety and security of their events.

The full report is available HERE.

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