Tell us about the process of launching Meeting Allstars
Chris – The world of live events came to an unexpected and tumultuous halt 12 months ago due to the global pandemic and hundreds of event professionals have found themselves furloughed or out of work. It is this unfortunate situation and our desire to create an opportunity for those so desperately looking for one that led to the creation of Meeting Allstars. The premise behind which is to create a community of event planners, united by the common goal of delivering a personalised and dedicated service to clients requiring global venue sourcing.
Angie – It breaks my heart to see so many hard working, talented and dedicated event professionals – through no fault of their own – abandoned, or left without purpose because of the pandemic. Chris and I are always in tune with each other so the conversation came naturally to us. What could we do? How could we try and redress the balance?
What was the biggest factor behind launching a new venture at this time?
Chris – Live events will return, and clients will soon need to start sourcing venues, but they will likely find that many of their long-standing relationships will have been affected by furlough or redundancies. As part of Meeting Allstars, anyone who has experience of global venue sourcing and has client relationships that need attention can join the company, whilst retaining ownership for their clients, their delivery and their future career path. They won’t just be employees, they will be entrepreneurs, engaged at an Associate or Partner level
Angie – it’s all about solving that frustration problem for the venue sourcing stars that say ‘I have clients I want to do my best for, but I can’t right now because no live events are allowed’ together with ‘I love my clients but due to the pandemic have lost my job so cannot help them’ whilst clients are saying ‘where’s my dependable and trusted venue finder?’
Tell us more about the business and how it works
Chris – Meeting Allstars is a transformative new way of working which enables meetings professionals to become their own boss while trading under a larger global brand. The Company provides its Associates and Partners with all the essential tools, procedural standards, commercial protocols and software to do business. Even more importantly, Allstars will also have access to coaching, support and personal development from Angie and I.
Angie – it’s well acknowledged that over 70% of new businesses survive over 5 years, with a mentor, than those that do not have one (Federation of Small Businesses). Entrepreneurs are defined by their passion, not their ability to do the admin, sort the ‘official stuff’ or spend forever sweating ‘the small stuff’. What Meeting Allstars offers covers all that. Mentorship, guidance, provision of the ‘small stuff’ (which actually is the foundation of any successful business)…and why would you not want this all included in your start up?
How can event planners get involved in the company?
Both – Call us or send us an email. Let’s have a chat about your ambitions, objectives and client opportunities.
Can you explain the differences between joining as a partner or associate?
Chris – Partners are set as limited companies, whereas Associates are employed with a base salary and performance bonus scheme. Established small companies or sole traders would most likely choose to join as Partners, retaining their Ltd company status, but taking a personalised Meeting Allstars name.
What benefits will associates/partners receive?
Chris – Partners and Associates all receive the same benefits and essential business tools. These include one of the leading venue sourcing platforms, Microsoft 365 suite, business insurances, personalised website and social media channels, contract templates, and perhaps most importantly, personal coaching and mentoring to help grow your business. And this is all provided free, without any up-front investment.
How involved will you be in the business?
Chris – Absolutely hands on in the development of each Allstar. I have always loved developing others, and helping them to make their own way to success, and this is something I am particularly looking forward to.
Angie – Like Chris, I take a hands on approach and look forward to working with each Allstar. I take great pride in helping others to develop and improve. I have many years of experience and never intend that to go to waste. I started venue sourcing over 30 years ago. Much has changed but the foundations remain the same. Know your industry, understand and respect the boundaries (but don’t be afraid to push them)…… make sure you have a happy client.
Where do you see Meeting Allstars in 3-5 years’ time?
Chris – As the world fights to emerge from the pandemic, I wanted to bring together those industry professionals who prefer to take control of their own destiny. To plan, source and deliver events for their cherished clients, to build and own their own client portfolio but within the safety and protection of a robust company structure and network. Allstars have the freedom to deliver exactly what is needed by their clients, with the support, guidance and protection that only comes from Meeting Allstars. I hope we can build the biggest community of like-minded meetings professionals in the UK.
Angie – In 3 – 5 years we hope to have achieved our goal to develop a community of successful venue finding and event professionals who look back and know they made a great decision to take control of their success and enjoyed the support and guidance offered in order to support that success. Happy clients, happy associates and partners. A job well done. The ability to sleep at night
