Every meeting professional knows they should have an emergency or crisis management plan. But according to a 2006 PCMA survey, more than 50% do not. Do you have one in place?

In the wake of events such as September 11 and Hurricane Katrina, crisis planning and management is more critical than ever. The preparation for an event is not be complete without the anticipation of possible risks, crises, emergencies and the development of subsequent plans. Doing so can help to alleviate stress on the planners, staff or attendees brought on by such events.

A crisis plan should include key phone numbers, a response team, audience communication plans and media response plans and be:

• Specific to the type of emergency
• Detailed
• Shared with all event staff
• Tailored to the event
• Evaluated after use
• Updated when necessary

For more information on emergency preparedness, please contact Donna Karl, Vice President of Client Relations for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Crisis Planning For the Meeting Planning and Convention Industry

Crisis Management 2002

Use the resources on this page for more information on emergency preparedness.

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