Register your meetings' economic impact

Be a part of the most ambitious attempt I've heard of yet to quantify the economic impact of what you do -- plan meetings. Read about the Convention Industry Council's effort "to collect data on the overall meetings industry—meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and events—in order to quantify its economic contribution to jobs, taxes, and the national economy."

Better yet, if you're one of the planners at CIC's meeting 32 member organizations, fill out your form and make a difference in how your profession is perceived. Once others understand just how many dollars and jobs are at stake, I think the meetings business will get a lot more respect.