Return On Investment In Meetings And Events: Tools And Techni

Description:
The Phillips ROI Methodology[trademark] utilizes five levels of evaluation, which are essential in determining the return on investment. At Level 1 - Reaction and Planned Action, attendee and stakeholder satisfaction from the meeting can be measured. Almost all organizations evaluate at Level 1, usually with a generic, end-of-meeting questionnaire. While this level of evaluation is important as a 'stakeholder' satisfaction measure, a favorable reaction does not ensure that attendees have acquired new skills, knowledge, opinions or attitudes from the meeting. At Level 2 - Learning, measurements focus on what participants learned during the meeting using tests, skill practices, role-plays, simulations, group evaluations, and other assessment tools. A learning check is helpful to ensure that attendees have absorbed the meeting material or messages and know how to use or apply it properly. It is also important at this level to determine the quantity and quality of new professional contacts acquired and whether existing professional contacts were strengthened due to the meeting. However, a positive measure at this level is no guarantee that what was learned or whether the professional contacts acquired will be used on the job. At Level 3 - Job Applications, a variety of follow-up methods can be used to determine if attendees applied on the job what they learned or acquired at the meeting. The frequency and use of skills are important measures at Level 3. While Level 3 evaluations are important to gauge the success of the meeting, it still does not guarantee that there will be a positive business impact in the organization or for the attendee. At Level 4 - Business Results, the measurement focuses on the actual business results achieved by meeting participants as they successfully apply the meeting material or messages. Typical Level 4 measures include output, sales, quality, costs, time and customer satisfaction. Although the meeting may produce a measurable business impact, there is still a concern that the meeting may cost too much. At Level 5 - Return on Investment, this ultimate level of measurement compares the monetary benefits from the meeting with the fully-loaded meeting costs as expressed in the ROI formula. All levels of evaluation must be conducted in order to determine the ROI of a meeting or event. The data collected should show a chain of impact occurring through the levels as the skills and knowledge learned (Level 2) are applied on the job (Level 3) to produce business results (Level 4). This title introduces and demonstrates Jack J. Phillips' well-established ROI measurement methodology. It addresses the growing demands from stakeholders to prove the value of meetings through data. It is endorsed by MPI (Meeting Professionals International).

Review:
'This new book addresses perhaps today's biggest opportunity for professional meeting planners: measuring performance and return on investment. It provides details, examples, tools, templates, and many techniques to help capitalize on this opportunity and truly elevate the conversation. It is organized in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step process. Jack, Terri, and Patti have done an excellent job in presenting a complex subject in simple terms. MPI is pleased to support this book as a continuing effort to make our members more successful business partners within their organizations.' Bruce M. MacMillan, President/CEO, Meeting Professionals International 'Although associations generally have an appreciation for the value of conferences and meetings, a tool that can prove the financial viability of meetings will greatly enhance their perceived value, for both the organization and its members. This book spells out in a clearly defined process, what and how to report a quantifiable return on investment for meetings. If put into practice, the ROI Methodology can help an organization identify which meetings are most valuable, which might need a tune-up, and which have outlived their usefulness. This information supports an association's goals of sustaining financial stability and growth, while serving the needs of its members. This book is a must-read for anyone responsible for the development and/or execution of meetings.' John H. Graham, CAE, President and CEO ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership 'This groundbreaking new book provides details, tools, templates, and many techniques to help capitalize on the opportunity to truly elevate the conversation of measuring the return on investment for meetings and events. It is organized in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step format and gives the reader authentic examples of proven ways in which the ROI Methodology has been used to provide substantial value to meetings and events across the globe. It shows how to calculate the ROI from all perspectives-participants, sponsors, exhibitors, and organizers. It is essential reading for every professional involved in meetings and events.' Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, PCMA and PCMA Education Foundation

Author Biography:
Jack J. Phillips, PhD, is a world-renowned expert on measurement and evaluation and chair of the ROI Institute, Inc., which provides consulting services, workshops and keynote addresses for Fortune 500 companies and major organizations around the world. He developed the ROI MethodologyT, a revolutionary process that provides bottom-line figures and accountability for all types of training, performance improvement, human resources and technology programs and is used worldwide by corporations, governments and non-profit organizations. His expertise in measurement and evaluation is based on nearly thirty years of corporate experience in five industries. He has served as training and development manager at two Fortune 500 firms, senior HR officer at two firms, president of a regional federal savings bank, and management professor at a major state university. Phillips is the author or editor of more than 30 books and more than 100 articles.