So A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the world and our industry opening up….
People’s plans keep changing, because their lives keep changing. And that can throw meetings and events yet another curve.
Three months ago when the Meet & Retreat was planned, people were very interested and excited. Truly. People saved the date, were pleased as the content and cost rolled out-----but then people got new jobs that started in July, or had their first large face to face meeting…or had the opportunity to travel and sees family they had not seen in 18 months or more. And this is all good.
So we have postponed the First CMP Meet and Retreat. A first time event is always a hard thing to create ---so many unknowns! In this particular year, more than many other times. We have a great framework for when it does happen, and we are working towards 2022. Do not know where or when, but that is the goal (and we know I love goals). If any venues or geographical locations are interested in partnering (yes we will be looking for some “subvention”) to bring an amazing group of CMPs to their area---contact me. We are creating specs now that we know more what it should be. The first one will be somewhere in the US most likely, but after that…who knows?
Since I did my first virtual CMP class in May 2020 (something I insisted would be a one time thing), I have had to continually change how the next 6 were done---what days, times, formats etc. around people’s lives evolving through the pandemic. I listened to people who were working, not working, had kids at home, had kids out of school, had kids in school at home, had kids back in the classroom---and much more. It has been interesting trying to plan around where we would all be 2-3 months ahead. And that has happened once again with the July 2021 class.
I built it on what appeared to be best for everyone---but forecasting from May. Turned out things evolved faster and differently than I thought, just like with the Meet & Retreat. Marketing was out 8 weeks ahead and registration soon followed. I have tracked for every class how many people (first time paid registrations) registered, 4 weeks out, 3 weeks, out etc. so I knew if things were comparable to previous classes. I am sure many of you do the same for your meetings. At two weeks prior I had one paid registration for the class.
Just like M&R , people were interested, wanted to take it---but again other conflicts had occurred ( a lot of weddings!) because of the world opening up. Some people said maybe it was summer, but I have been doing summer classes for over 2 years…and last July, my second virtual class, was highly attended. So I have cancelled the July class, and the next class will be in September. We are working on getting the registration up in the next few weeks.
I was reluctant to cancel also because of my “Take Agains”---many of you know how important that is and I never want to let you down. If you are a “Take Again” we will be doing 5 Answers Afterwards for you. Only people who are eligible for “Take Again” can be involved. The information and registration link is here!
I believe I am known for my directness, honesty and transparency. It has been a “learning” couple of weeks for me to see the impact on meetings and events---that really had not clicked with me.
How will this effect your meetings and conferences?
