Meeting and Event Planning and Management Services
The Ad Hoc Committee is the result of the proven successful experiences of Harvey Paul Davidson, CHME, CMP Emeritus
Mr. Davidson started out as a physical education teacher and athletic coach. This led to employment in the business world with leading international corporations and associations involved with training, meetings, conferences, events, trade shows, incentive trips, and related activities.
His initial experience with the Visual Products division of the 3M Corporation contributed to his knowledge of audiovisual equipment used for meetings and events. Afterward, he was employed as a conference manager for Price Waterhouse where he was involved in starting its continuing education program that included planning and managing over 400 conferences and seminars yearly. This brought him in contact with conference centers, hotels, transportation companies and other suppliers of services. During this time he was active in the creation of Meeting Professionals International and was commissioned to design the “Meeting Planner Template” that is used universally by meeting planners and conference managers in setting up room arrangements.
Davidson later worked for Newsweek, where he traveled the world creating, organizing, directing and managing logistical and marketing support for special events and related activities including: national and international meetings and conventions for senior management, staff and clients; trade shows and exhibits; sporting, entertainment and cultural events; recreational outings; company travel services and incentive travel; and audiovisual presentations. Also, he directed Newsweek’s famous Top of the Week, where world newsmakers and known business leaders dined and convened, and a separate employee-dining facility.
Other meeting planning and event experience with associations included the Luggage and Leather Goods Manufacturers Association, National Pest Control Association, Retired Coaches Association and Risk Insurance Managers Association. Also, as the tourism program manager for the Canadian Consulate General in New York, he worked extensively with organizations holding meetings and conventions in Canada.
In addition, he has appeared as a speaker or panelist at numerous hospitality industry events and he has written articles on various aspects of meeting and event planning and management including topics on budgeting and site inspections. This has resulted in adjunct teaching and guest lecturing assignments at New York University, Cornell and The George Washington University, as well as other local colleges. His awards and honors are indicated here.
All of the above has led to the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee, where Davidson as its chairman, consults and freelances with organizations requiring his expertise and services.