👎 The Neverending Fam Scammer Nightmare

They're a costly nuisance that the industry can't seem to get under control.

The Stand-Up September 10, 2024 by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   The issue of fam scammers has plagued the events industry for as long as "fams" (familiarization trips) have existed.   Individuals exploit fam trips, either by falsifying their credentials or making unreasonable demands, such as free accommodations or perks for themselves and their (often uninvited) guests. For example, an individual insisted a sponsor pay for his and his wife's stay at a resort. Stories like this highlight how some planners, either out of ignorance or entitlement, take advantage of what should be a professional opportunity.   While inexperienced planners may not fully grasp the ethical boundaries, seasoned professionals and even major planning companies have been known to inflate their importance and expect unwarranted freebies. This behavior can strain relationships between planners and suppliers, and the industry continuously grapples with it.   Efforts to manage this problem include collaboration between CVBs and tourist boards, who share information on problematic attendees. Though past attempts at creating a formal blacklist were dropped, communication within the global events community remains a vital tool in preventing these scammers from tarnishing the experience for everyone involved.   Have you witnessed or been impacted by the actions of fam scammers? Hit reply to share your feedback with the Skift Meetings editorial team. The Neverending Fam Scammer Nightmare As long as there have been fams, there have been fam scammers. They're a costly nuisance that the industry can't seem to get under control. Rethinking Next-Gen Events [Skift Meetings Podcast] For an event to be memorable for younger-generation attendees, it must be meaningful and authentic—not just creative. NEW REPORT Intentional Serendipity: Event Tech and the Future of In-Person Networking Produced in collaboration with Stova   Leaving in-person connections to happenstance is not enough. The most productive networking opportunities combine structure with serendipity. This report explores the pivotal role technology can play in cultivating connections. DOWNLOAD MY COPY Cvent's Spending Streak Continues with Splash Acquisition Cvent has acquired event marketing technology company Splash, the event technology giant's fourth acquisition this year. Beyond the Mocktail: 10 Planners Share Their Favorite Healthy Alternatives Mocktails have been getting a bad rap lately because of all that sugar. Here are some creative alternatives for non-drinking attendees, from kombucha kegs to a water sommelier. Nationwide Hotel Strike Impacts Meeting Groups More than 9,000 hotel workers in nine U.S. cities were on strike over Labor Day weekend disrupting group events. Continued strikes are imminent. Skift Meetings Forum We're gathering the meetings industry's brightest minds for our flagship event. Don't miss our exclusive one-day learning experience on September 17 in New York City.   Tickets are $695; complimentary VIP tickets are available for invited senior planners. Get your ticket now! All This Talk About Planner Stress is Stressing Us Out Could we be making our jobs more stressful by constantly talking about how stressful they are? Some experts say yes, and there's even a term for it. 14 Meeting Pros Share Their Best Packing Tips Who better to ask for packing tips than meeting planners who are constantly on the road? From the 5-4-3-2-1 rule to a portable Nespresso machine, they have all the tricks. CALENDAR   The Washington International Association Forum's core mission is to foster knowledge transfer, peer-to-peer exchange, sharing of best practices, and collaborative initiatives to address common challenges and achieve greater global impact. This year's theme builds on the previous edition, "A World in Motion—Taking the discussion and learnings about International Developments to the next level." September 12-13: Washington International Association Forum in Washington D.C. September 13-15: IACC Europe Knowledge Festival in Surrey, UK September 17: Skift Meetings Forum in New York City Explore our full calendar here. More From Skift Meetings [Skift Meetings Podcast] How the 2024 Election Could Impact the Meetings Industry When Team Building Misses the Mark Why Is Event Catering So Important? 5+ Reasons The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Unveils First Phase of $188 Million Convention Center Renovation To ensure there are no pauses in our communication, please add our email address to your contacts: meetings@skift.com. Skift, 35 W 31st St., Frnt 1, New York, NY 10001, USA, (516) 399-0304 Manage preferences