Complete Idiot's Guide to Meeting and Event Planning

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely necessary for starters
Review: I think this is the best guide for event and meeting planners. there is a lot of source references (especially internet sources available for professional event planners or prospective event planners) It is fun and easy to follow. Everything is clearly explained. There is not too many jargon words used.
I am yet in the middle of the book and I can't wait to see the later parts of it. I am getting all the necessary information I need.

Rating:
Summary: New to Meeting & Event Planning? Start with this book.
Review: This book is a great value for any individual who is just starting out or think about joining the industry. For the seasoned professional you will find a few things you may not have thought about or simply forgot about. In addition, it's a great piece to give to your superiors to explain, in a fun way, what exactly you do. The book expresses that those in the industry are professionals and that we are much more than mere "party planners." At times it can be a little too cute, but with a title like The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meeting and Event Planning some leeway should be given. Again, its a great start for an introduction to the industry. I would recommend for additional information check into some established organizations such as Professionals Convention Management Association, PCMA; Meeting Professionals International, MPI; and the Convention Industry Council, CIC. These organizations offer additional materials, at a slightly higher cost, but worth investigating if you are interested in a career planning meeting and events.

Rating:
Summary: New to Meeting & Event Planning? Start with this book.
Review: This book is a great value for any individual who is just starting out or think about joining the industry. For the seasoned professional you will find a few things you may not have thought about or simply forgot about. In addition, it's a great piece to give to your superiors to explain, in a fun way, what exactly you do. The book expresses that those in the industry are professionals and that we are much more than mere "party planners." At times it can be a little too cute, but with a title like The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meeting and Event Planning some leeway should be given. Again, its a great start for an introduction to the industry. I would recommend for additional information check into some established organizations such as Professionals Convention Management Association, PCMA; Meeting Professionals International, MPI; and the Convention Industry Council, CIC. These organizations offer additional materials, at a slightly higher cost, but worth investigating if you are interested in a career planning meeting and events.

Rating:
Summary: Good book to understand meeting planning, but not events
Review: This is a comprehensive introductory book for anyone starting out in the meeting planning industry. The title is a bit misleading (Meeting AND Event Planning) as there is very little information on event planning itself - about 10 pages. The event planning section mostly concentrates on the events that would be part of a meeting (golf tournament, fundraiser, final night gala, etc.) but doesn't go into great detail. There are, however, concepts and information presented about meeting planning (checklists, timelines, vendors etc.) that can be easily transferred to the event planning process.

If meeting planning has recently become part of your job responsibilities, this guide will help you understand the basics. If you are looking for information about becoming an independent meeting planner or event planner (i.e.: getting clients, starting your company) you might need to continue looking for other resources.

Overall the book is well written, has plenty of examples and explains the underlying concepts to organizing a meeting.