Deficits in Crisis Preparedness by Meeting Planners

Abstract

This study sought to identify the gaps in meeting planners' crisis preparedness programs. Meeting planners were surveyed to determine the frequency with which they implement each of 40 measures in a core crisis preparedness program for meetings. Respondents' implementation was then compared with the recommended frequency of implementation as determined by a Delphi panel and index scores were calculated. The most significant deficiencies by meeting planner respondents were budgets, post-event and post-crisis reviews, and integration into the organization's business continuity plan. Meeting planners exceeded the recommended frequency of implementation on insurance and financial and legal review.

Keywords:

• meeting planner
• meetings
• crisis
• crisis preparedness