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Europe's Trouble Could Mean Opportunity…Things Won't Get Worse
A column written by Gary Grimmer featured in KONGRES magazine Autumn Issue (VOLUME
VI, ISSUE 4, OCTOBER 2012)
Europe is going through some tough times, but often there is opportunity in adversity.
The key is finding it and taking advantage of it at the right time. In a lot of
ways, this may be the right time for South East Europe.
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Meetings with many views!
Interview by MIM Europe Magazine with Gary Grimmer
The meetings industry needs people like Gary Grimmer. At the head of Gaining Edge,
a specialist firm focused on the international events industry, he's been helping
setting up convention bureaus, offering consultant services on bids, organizing
education sessions… and way more. In fact, no matter where you go, it's hard
not to see the extent of Gary's contribution to the industry. Here he tells us more
about his company, the way the world has changed and where to look for growth.
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Forget Loyalty, Relevance is the New Reality
by Gary Grimmer
Perhaps one of the most fundamental recent shifts in the association world is the
decline of loyalty.
In days gone by, members were loyal and felt a deep sense of belonging. Today things
are more about relevance and ROI. Before people felt a need to be part of the community,
while today the communities are battling to maintain audience. Think about it. That's
a 180 degree wind change. That's why the smart money today is moving away from communities
defined by membership and moving toward "audiences" and "relevance."
How is this all playing out and what does it mean for associations?
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Buying is 100% Emotional – Even When It Comes to Destinations
by Dennis Campbell
Can it be true? The complexities and dynamics of choosing a destination are so involved.
The bid brief is based on objective criteria. The association or corporation has
clear goals. Are you thinking that it's not very emotional? Yes, lots of people
are involved in making a decision about where an event will be held. The decisions
are often characterized as "political." Politics is VERY emotional; need we say
more?
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How To Come Back from Disaster
by Gary Grimmer
When it comes to recovering after a natural or man-made disaster, at least in terms
of the meetings industry, Japan is probably the most dramatic case study in recent
times. So, what exactly do you say to a world that thinks you are radioactive and
how do you say it?
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Moving the Brand Wheel
by Dennis Campbell
Many Destination Marketing Organizations engage in "tweaking" or completely changing
their brand architecture and messaging. This is a natural reaction to changes in
customer behaviour patterns and the continual effort to "Edge" the competition's
brand messaging.
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Welcome the Dragon
by Gary Grimmer
In Asia, this is the Year of the Dragon, and the biggest dragon of them all is China.
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The Convention Industry – What Business Are We Really In?
by Gary Grimmer
I think a lot about the fact that the convention industry is dysfunctional in so
many ways. Our challenges are many. Perhaps the greatest is that we are confused
about what business we’re in.
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Conventions = Tourism? (Not Really.)
by Gary Grimmer
Most people don’t understand the convention industry. That’s especially so with
the government tourism offices and policy makers meant to be supporting it. Part
of the problem is the view that conventions are just another form of tourism.
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3D Printing may change your world
by Gary Grimmer
Will 3D printing cause revolutionary change in the business events industry?
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Who Needs a Mentor Now?
by Gary Grimmer
Perhaps the biggest market transformation occurring in the convention and tourism
industry today is generation change. Baby Boomers (people born in the two decades
after WWII) are approaching the ends of their careers and the 30-40 somethings (Gen
X) are taking their place with the 20-30 somethings (Gen Y) following close behind.