Beth Surmont, CMP's Page

How are you involved in the meeting and events industry?

Association Planner

What is your company, assocation or affiliation?

IEEE

What is your position?

Manager, Meeting Planning

How long have you been in the meetings and events industry?

5-10 years

What is your favorite meeting or event destination?

Chicago

What is your funniest event or meeting planning experience

Working as a "meeting concierge" for a week-long 3,000 person telecon sales conference, I was in charge of the hotline for any meeting that had problems. I sat in a booth all day, with two ringing phone lines and long lines of people in front of me. In the afternoon of the peak day, I received a call from a meeting room that had requested room service to bring them a bucket of ice. They complained that the ice cubes were too big for the tongs provided, and wanted me to send a new bucket or find bigger tongs. Thinking quickly, I told them the hotel sends the ice up that way on purpose, as the cubes melt between the kitchen and the meeting rooms. I explained that they had received very efficient service, as the ice had gotten there too quickly, and if they just waited a few moments, the ice should be fine. It worked, and they did not call again!

Activities and Interests:

Green meetings, non-profit, volunteering for community, management principles, employee and attendee engagement, meetings technology

About Me:

I am an association planner who started as a community organizer for a non-profit, then spent a stint as a third party corporate planner, for pharmaceutical and telecoms, until I ended up at the association I work for now. I have over 8 years in the industry, with a background in governance meetings, special events, and exhibits.