We all strive to do our best if we want to succeed and thrive in the competitive field of meetings and meeting services. Those who are most successful have an ongoing goal of achieving the perfect meeting for both the internal and external customers involved.

But is "meeting perfection" truly reachable?

I think not. But even if you think it is, that perfection is extremely fleeting and elusive for good reason. The stakeholders have varying perspectives and measure perfection on different planes. Is it perfection on your scale or theirs?

In our exciting field there always seems to be a way to improve. This doesn't mean anything was wrong with the meeting, program or venue that has just passed. In fact, it may have gone just as you planned and hoped. It might even be considered "a best-ever program."

But there can still be room for improvement. This makes "meeting perfection" an admirable, passionate goal, but a benchmark that gets higher and higher with each meeting or event you plan and execute.

I like the concept of "best-ever program" research. This entails acquiring a quantifiable, complete post-event evaluation with your team, your management or board, your hotel/resort team, your attendees and even with your global sales representatives.

Looking at every aspect of your program to identify ways to improve, and things to avoid, is ultimately your responsibility. Simultaneously, with so many moving parts during a meeting, and with so many varied "perceptions," you can apply the learned experiences (both positive and negative) toward improving future programs to best satisfy your stakeholders.

When it comes to planning your next meeting or program, consider ways to make things different, and take time to view the event with a fresh set of eyes. While it is human nature to want to maintain the status quo if you've achieved recent success, it will keep things fresh for your group if you make interesting programming changes.

This doesn't mean you need to change simply for change sake, but it is important to look for new ways to best get your message across to your attendees and provide an "experience" that will motivate participation in your organization's objectives on an ongoing basis.

Many planners consider a new and unique venue as one vehicle for change. While there is much to be said for staying with a hotel or resort that matches or exceeds your high expectations, it can be something again to consider changing. But most important, don't diminish the quality, as that could negatively impact your result.

Frequently, the venue is a large part of the program's success, which most certainly includes your convention services team. It's OK to suggest to your current CS team that they speak with your last CS team, especially if it was one of those "best-ever programs."

Once you experience that "best ever," think of putting your "winners" on a rotation of every other year, or every third or fourth year. That way, you will have the venue on your horizon and capitalize upon the good will you achieved within your organization and with your stakeholders.

So, while we admirably strive for meeting perfection, maybe we should take steps and simply seek to achieve "best-ever" status with our programs. I'm proud to be part of an industry that always reaches for new heights. I wouldn't want it any other way!