ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst

Elements that Influence the Implementation of Crisis Preparedness Measures by Meeting Planners

The purpose of this study was to analyze the adoption of crisis preparedness measures by meeting planners. The study sought to determine how crisis prepared meeting planners are for meetings and determine the elements that influence the implementation of core crisis preparedness measures. Professional meeting planners were surveyed and the differences in crisis preparedness based on characteristics of the organizations for which they worked, their professional experience, and the nature of the meetings planned were analyzed. Significance differences were found. Additionally, ten categories of elements influencing the adoption of crisis preparedness measures were identified, as were ten categories influencing the failure to adopt. The findings of this study should be of interest to meeting organizers and professionals who want to identify and overcome gaps in crisis preparedness programs.