I came across this article on Meetings Mean Business which perfectly sums up the top signs you're in the meeting industry.  I love a good top ten list.  I also love when they have animated GIFs that correlate to the point being made.  BuzzFeed is notorious for having its articles contain these hysterical, yet appropriate animations.  Sometimes you find that someone else can say it best. 

I laughed out loud at this top ten list and thought, yeah, this my life most days.  Being in this industry is rewarding, stressful, important, impactful, growing, and meaningful.  (Yes, my English teacher would have a field day with the lack of parallel structure in that last sentence, but that's how it needed to be said).  I take pride in the work that I do on a daily basis, believe in the mission of my organization, and try to continually put together solid meetings for my clients. 

The organization that posted this article was very witty in its selection of movies and television show references and they should be commended.  However, they are doing work everyday on behalf of meeting planners nationwide.  They are researching the impact that our meetings have on the U.S. economy and showcasing it to just about everyone they can. 

This organization is a coalition created by the U.S. Travel Association in 2009 to showcase the importance and value that business meetings, events, and travel bring to the U.S. economy.  It has a vast board of directors which includes a variety of hotels, event service leaders, audio/visual companies, and professional organizations for meeting planners. 

It is this kind of research and campaigning that will keep the meeting industry alive and flourishing.  Below is a post from another industry professional I know in Raleigh. 

So yes, I had a great laugh at the top ten list, but it is what Loretta describes that keeps me excited about the meeting and events industry.  I greatly appreciate the work that Meetings Mean Business is doing on a daily basis: campaigning for the importance of meetings!