Why Is Everyone Ghosting Each Other?

It appears ghosting is becoming standard practice between planners and suppliers.

The Stand-Up December 5, 2024 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   Have you heard? Ghosting has officially infiltrated the world of events.   From planners vanishing on suppliers to hotels ignoring RFPs, it seems the industry built on relationships is starting to lose its connection.   Why? It's not just rudeness — it's survival mode.   With staffing still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, professionals are juggling roles and battling inbox fatigue. Emails, Slack, LinkedIn, Teams, sourcing platforms — it's a communication free-for-all. Add to that the pressure for work-life balance; suddenly, ghosting feels almost inevitable.   The same crunch is hitting suppliers. Hotel teams are stretched thin, sales professionals are buried under KPIs, and resources are scarce. Combine this with vague RFPs or generic inquiries from planners, and the cycle of silence continues.   But here's the thing: ghosting doesn't just hurt feelings — it hurts business. A simple phone call or candid email can save a relationship, provide clarity, and keep opportunities alive. Whether it's putting your budget front and center or offering a respectful "no," a little effort can go a long way.   What's your take? Have you been ghosted — or (gulp) done the ghosting yourself? Hit reply and share your thoughts or examples — we'd love to hear your perspective! Top Stories Why Is Everyone Ghosting Each Other? From dating apps to employment websites, ghosting is the new normal – and now it's becoming standard practice between meeting planners and suppliers. Four Ways the Trump Administration Could Impact Medical Meetings Robert F. Kennedy is promising big changes to the healthcare industry if he is confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. When it comes to medical meetings, plenty is at stake. 5 Skills You'll Need to Rise in Your Association   Randall Barney knew he would need to sharpen certain skills, like public speaking and sales, to work his way up at the World Teleport Association. So he made that his mission. MEETINGS INNOVATOR Mary Jo Blythe Forever changing the lives of front-line hospitality workers – one person at a time – is Mary Jo Blythe's mission as founder of The Above and Beyond Foundation. Meetings Innovator is sponsored by Stova Harris Rosen, Founder of Rosen Hotels, Dies at 85 The news of Harris Rosen passing away yesterday at the age of 85 is rippling across the meetings industry. How Can Color Elevate an Event Experience? The transformative impact of color took center stage at a recent event, where design and cuisine merged to create a multisensory experience. The Challenge of Non-Exhibiting Suppliers at Trade Shows When sellers do business on a trade show floor without paying for the privilege to do so, it creates two issues: organizers miss out on revenue, and paying exhibitors feel cheated. A recent show put measures in place to stop this from happening. WOMEN LEADERS IN MEETINGS Monique Ruff-Bell Monique Ruff-Bell exemplifies leadership at TED rooted in strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and bold thinking. She balances vision with empathy, inspiring others. Independent Planners Voice Need for More Support Independent planners are looking beyond their industry associations for the resources and connections they need to build their small businesses. How to Make Meetings Simpler for Exhibitors Created collaboratively with Stova Completing registrations, collecting sponsorship materials, and communicating updates to exhibitors adds time and resources to planners with already-filled plates. Stova's new platform aims to improve the experience for exhibitors and planners. Olympic Lessons in Sustainability, Safety, and Innovation Panos Tzivanidis, director of corporate events and services for the International Olympic Committee shares lessons learned from the 2024 Paris Games.  More From Skift Meetings Meeting Planners Navigate Rising Costs and Shifting Work Models Are You Prepared for a Mental Health Crisis at Your Meeting? One Planner's Generative AI Journey 8 Economic Trends Affecting Meetings From ALHI's Mike Dominguez 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