The Business and Management of Conventions

Citation

Teare, R. (2001), "The Business and Management of Conventions", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 103-104. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm.2001.13.2.103.2

This Australia‐focused text explores the developments taking place in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The aim of the book is to introduce the professional environment of the MICE industry and the approach draws on current business thinking and practice supported by academic analysis. Business applications are featured strongly throughout, with each chapter adopting a specific focus on aspects of the business and management of conventions. As a foundational student text the coverage and analysis of conventions is reassuringly comprehensive. The 12 chapters deal with: the business environment; the business structure; managing suppliers; managing human resources; managing site and venue selection; managing the marketing of conventions; selling and promotion; managing and planning conventions; managing and organizing convention operations; managing quality, financial, budgetary and legal aspects; and strategic management.

As the first book of its kind on the conventions industry in Australia it provides a fascinating glimpse of the kind of modern, professional infrastructure that ensured the commercial and artistic success of the Olympic Games held in Sydney last year. Every chapter contains well researched and clearly presented applications and illustrations with a case study as a reference point for developing key principles, complete with activities and discussion questions.

As a resource book either for library access or in support of courses dealing with the conventions industry, this text is a highly recommended purchase. It has been carefully researched and written and the rich blend of academic overview (key principles) interpretation (industry dynamics) and business applications is both authoritative and engaging. As a text that is primarily intended for student use, the authors and publishers are to be congratulated for presenting the contents of this work in a way that is easy to follow yet detailed enough to provide a firm grounding in the various facets of this industry. The authors have also managed to convey a genuine sense of enthusiasm for their material and in so doing they have made a valuable contribution to the business and management of conventions.