Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

What is "over-the-top" when it comes to meetings and events? 

Do we judge based on the cost of guest rooms?  Travel costs?  Mode of travel (private jet v. commercial; first class v. coach)?

Is it the cost of food and beverage or the specific items served?

How does entertainment play into our view of what is 'too much'?  And if the 'swag' sparkles, is it bound to raise eyebrows?

An AIG incentive trip, held shortly after the US Government bailed the company out, raised lots of questions.  Today, in the New York Times, Maureen Dowd questioned more of the meetings and events that AIG was to hold along with her criticism of the events that had been held.

[Cancel $8M in conferences and events? It may be good for appearances but what about the hit on the hotels?]

In the Discussion Forum here at Meetings Collaborative, there is a good conversation about the economy and our industry.  What we haven't (yet) touched on is how we will all conduct our meetings, incentives and events given the state of the economy and the closer look by stakeholders and stockholders at the destinations, venues, food and beverage and other aspects we all take for granted.

Is it the responsibility of the professional meeting planner to raise the issues of appearance with her/his employer or client, or do we simply continue to plan as we always have?

Is this an ethical or economic issue?  How do we decide what is best .. and for whom?  What do we take into account - other than rates, dates, space and audience profile - to plan events in today's economic climate?

What's your take on all this?