ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the forward to better understand those emerging technologies that will impact meetings and events in the near future. The second model of decision making as stated by Ben-Haim is one that assumes there is a certain degree of robustness of information available and opportuneness. The architect and convention center planners were indeed looking to the future, one that at that time was uncertain in detailing the types of technologies that would be needed, but certain that they must anticipate future needs. In an opportune technology environment, the meeting and event professional would always have the time frame and information needed to make the best decision. A meeting planner in the 1980s decided to design his own customized event management software to solve several business problems. The problems included maintaining a list of suppliers, managing his clients, and controlling revenue and expense.
