Develop a paper describing a minimum of three current management issues impacting management of your selected HRT industry and setting. HRT industries include hospitality, recreation, recreation therapy or tourism. Some HRT settings are hotel, restaurant, event management, cruise line, airline, youth development program, aquatics, sports, and recreation therapy program.
The goal is to research current peer-reviewed journal articles, trade publication articles and other current, credible academic sources to determine the major challenges or concerns of managers that are unique to your selected industry/setting.
Sample Answer
The event management industry is a dynamic and demanding field, but managers are currently grappling with significant challenges that are impacting operational success. A paper discussing three of the most pressing issues would focus on talent management, technology integration, and risk assessment. These issues are unique to the event management setting because they are heavily influenced by the project-based, temporary, and high-stakes nature of the work.
1. Talent Management and Staffing Shortages
One of the most critical issues in event management is the high turnover and persistent staffing shortages. Unlike a traditional office setting, event teams are often temporary, project-based, and work intense, irregular hours. This creates a "gig economy" environment where loyalty and long-term skill development are difficult to cultivate. Managers struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals, from planners and coordinators to on-site staff and technicians. The nature of the work, which often involves last-minute changes, high stress, and long days, can lead to burnout.
This issue is further compounded by the difficulty of maintaining a consistent talent pipeline. When an event ends, the team disbands, and managers must rebuild a new team for the next project. This constant cycle of hiring and training is a major drain on resources and can compromise the quality of an event. For example, a lack of skilled on-site staff can lead to poor execution, while a high turnover of planners can result in inconsistent client experiences and lost institutional knowledge.
2. Technology Integration and Digital Transformation
The rapid pace of technological change presents a significant challenge for event managers. Modern events, both in-person and virtual, rely heavily on technology for everything from ticketing and registration to attendee engagement and data analytics. However, many managers struggle to effectively integrate new technologies into their workflow. The cost of implementing advanced software, like event management platforms, mobile apps, and virtual reality tools, can be prohibitive.
Furthermore, the lack of a standardized tech stack across the industry means that managers often have to work with a fragmented set of tools that don't communicate well with each other. This can lead to logistical nightmares, such as data silos, inaccurate attendee information, and a poor user experience. The challenge isn't just about adopting new tech, but also about ensuring the team is properly trained to use it and that the technology provides a seamless experience for both attendees and staff.
3. Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Management
Event management is inherently risky, and a major challenge for managers is developing a robust plan to mitigate potential issues. Events are susceptible to a wide range of external factors that are often beyond a manager's control, including bad weather, security threats, technical glitches, and vendor cancellations. A failure to plan for these contingencies can lead to catastrophic results, from financial losses and reputational damage to legal liabilities.