We will never forget

Ask any New Yorker of a certain age, “Where were you?” and they will instantly share in vivid detail the brilliant weather and blue sky that sparkled on exactly where they were on September 11, 2001 when the world watched the two planes attacked the World Trade Center.

I know because I was there.. And every September 11, I wake up and recount the day as if it happened yesterday. The hundreds of stories that are told from this day are important to tell because we can never forget that was the day this country lost its adolescence and grew up.

You see, after the attack, the big question among the industry was, “do we have an event,” “do we keep plans for all the events that were planned in the days and weeks following the event?” The answer was unanimously a yes, we meet. First, we do not let evil, or terrorism stop people from coming together – ever. Second, we needed one another. Period. We needed to be together to share our grief and shock, to hug one another, to share our stories, to touch and to begin moving forward. Everyone’s hearts were ripped open and the need for sheer humanity was a plead that we all unconsciously projected. I remember walking into the ladies’ room at the Marriott Marquis in New York where an event for Cantor Fitzgerald families was being held. A 40-something woman turned to me holding out her shawl and said, “My husband used to love this smell of my perfume.” And then she wept into it and we hugged.

From a meeting and event perspective, a few things became apparent and one significant part of today’s events was born.

Instantly, the luxury brands especially realized that menus needed to change. People were not capable of being self-indulgent and the finer things in life took a back seat to simply being together (the absolute core objective of ANY gathering). Comfort food was substituted for the optional add-ons as mashed potatoes, pasta, macaroni and cheese became in demand choices. This is a good example for planners based on certain criteria in a meeting or event of how to use and be aware of food to comfort people.

The innocence of the events industry was suddenly pivoted into planning Memorials. Memorials after Memorials after Memorials and giving advice to the funeral directors who were overcome with requests. This was the beginning of the Memorial or funeral home including pictures, videos, etc. as event components saturated the funeral homes.

Security awareness erupted. I planned an event the year before and had a security session to which 9 planners attended. After the attack, the next year, the room was standing room only as planners realized the responsibility they held and the importance to include this vital area. Now, security is imbedded into the planning process as a major responsibility for any and all gatherings.

Last and most familiar to many of you, the concept of including a cause-related or charity partnership in a meeting and event began. I recall planning an event for a major hotel chain on 9/18. Because we all wanted to do something, to help in some way, we said how can the event help others? We came up with donating to “Tuesday’s Children,” an organization founded that minute for the surviving children of the victims. This need to give was the catalyst that created the Marketing awareness of the need to use the meeting or event as the nucleus and create partnerships that would both support and benefit from the event itself.

And the vital component of any event, Sponsorship and Relationship Marketing entered the Meetings and Events industry.

Every 9/11, I will text and speak with my circle of friends as we remember this somber day. We lost our friend, Jay Magazine, who was the Banquet Manager at Windows on the World, and my dear industry friend, lost her brother at the Pentagon. Two of my NYU students (Judy and Judy) were two of the last five people who narrowly escaped the Marriott at the World Trade Center before the buildings collapsed. I knew these and more friends through MPI – Meeting Professionals International. Meetings and Events make an impact. Do not take them for granted.

We will never forget.