When I needed help navigating the early stages of my career, I would turn to the seasoned event professionals for advice and words of wisdom. Given the circumstances, I think it’s important to shed some light on the collective thoughts of a few of these professionals, some still active and some retired, to get their take on what is happening and how we can make the most of the industry downtime.

These folks have decades of experience with numerous planning certifications and awards; they’ve held positions as in-house hotel planners, trade show and corporate meeting planners, audio visual professionals and travel directors. They have worked through the 9/11 crisis as well as the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and watched as the industry took multiple hits and bounced back time and time again.

First I spoke with Linda McNeil, a CHME and CMP designation holder of 35+yrs. She mentioned how technology and social connectivity make this downturn a bit different from those in the past. “Stay present and stay involved in any way you can! Seek out industry webinars and virtual meet-ups to continue learning and growing and to keep fresh ideas flowing.” Linda reminded me that the events and meetings industry will recover; people may just be thinking differently when we all resurface. What can YOU do now to be a step ahead when the downturn is over?

Change is inevitable. Positions and titles may shift. We will likely alter our sales techniques and the ways we incentivize clients to move forward with events. Regardless of what happens, ask yourself, am I doing what I can to try and make this better? Seasoned meeting planner and trade show specialist, Patricia Graham said, “if you have a true passion for what you do, don’t give up on it now! This industry is and has always been a roller coaster; embrace the slowdown while you have it and then be ready for it to take off.”

After talking with Linda, Patricia, and a few other professionals I noticed a recurring theme: People need to come together, to be kinder, and to really listen. Ask how you can help. Conversely, be brave enough to ask for help if you need it. The older generations are encouraging us to step up and be there for each other. They are rooting for us to make it through this temporary bump in the road.