Benchmarking is an important aspect of your SMMP because it can provide you the ability to continue to build support for specific aspects of your program with senior level leadership. Through benchmarking you will be able to:  

• Evaluate your program compared to best in class organizations
• Understand how your program compares to that of your competition, which provides powerful information to C-level executives.
• Identify new ideas and potential quick wins
   

Benchmarking with similar companies is one of the most valuable ways to gather data on SMM programs.  I know a number of meeting managers have developed strong relationships with their peers over the years. Not only does this candid sharing provide new ideas; but the specific information you have gathered can help to remove barriers and gain buy-in within your own organization, as senior leadership seems to really pay attention to how they compare against the competition.

In addition to this individual benchmarking, there are surveys, reports and white papers that have been developed recently which provide solid statistics regarding SMMP. An example of which is the April 2010 Aberdeen report on Strategic Meetings Management. Below are some simple steps for starting to gather specific benchmarking data:

• If you don't already have existing relationships with meeting managers at programs of similar size, scope and industry, start to reach out to them now. People are usually willing to share, especially if you reciprocate. 
• Identify specific information you are interested in; think about what you need to help support your current objectives such as meeting policy development or centralized sourcing. Having data on what other organizations are doing in these areas can help to make the business case for your SMMP.
   
• Do they have a meeting policy? What are the repercussions if the policy is not followed?
• Is there a registration process for all meetings? If so, what is it?
• Is there a central sourcing and contracting organization? How is the overall team structured?
• Is there a specific payment solution for meeting and event spend?
• When you get answers to your questions from other organizations' meeting managers, combine that information with relevant industry survey data mentioned above to develop compelling statistics for your senior leadership.  This should result in gaining additional support for your SMMP!

• The PCMA Convening Leaders meeting and the Virtual Edge Summit were co-located for the first in Las Vegas last week. This gave planners easy access to sessions critical for success when planning virtual and hybrid events.
• A highlight from the 2011 MPI Future Watch Study indicates greater adoption of Strategic Meetings Management programs and process in 2011.
• The Venetian and Palazzo Resorts will be affiliated with the Intercontinental Hotels Group under a recently signed agreement.

• Organizational SMMP Needs Assessment / Business Plan For Maximum ROI
• Establish SiMMPle Systems, Processes And Procedures / Enhance Team Productivity
• Metrics To Define & Measure Success / Technology & Reporting Options
• Custom Training & Workshops To Build New Skills Sets 
• SMMP Audit / Elevate Your SMMP To New Performance Levels 
   

Contact Betsy for further information or a complimentary consultation.