Finding rest for the wicked

It is necessary to spend time to make time – that was one of the poignant statements made by Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI’s) director of operations, EMEA, Joyce Dogniez, during a recent interview with MIME.

‘I don’t have time’ is a very common phrase used by many the world over, but in the UAE, it is uttered all too often.

I’m not suggesting people are lying when they say this, but they should be aware that by spending a few extra hours a month getting together with other meetings industry colleagues, they can ultimately free up more time.

By discussing best practice, collaborative schemes and sharing contacts, life can suddenly be far easier.

Take time out for a quick cup of coffee and a chat and you may have saved yourself 10 hours a month having learned a technique or made a useful contact.

For those among us who have many aspects to their jobs, it is easy to feel you are not necessarily part of the meetings industry and rather meetings and events are just something else on your never-ending to-do list.

But I urge you to take a little time to discover how much easier that part of your working week could be and how enriching becoming involved in a meetings community can be.

The industry is young in the region, but that means ideas and opinions are fresh, people are eager and the possibilities are exciting.

So the next time you have a free evening during the week, try and meet up with some meetings industry colleagues.

You never know, you may learn something that will allow you to free up two evenings the week after.

Gemma Greenwood is the senior group editor of ITP Business' travel & hospitality magazines.

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