Events, Evolved: What Experience Has Taught Us About Resilience

By: Tom Hubler​​​​, Chief Operating Officer, CSI DMC; Shelly Archer, Managing Partner, 360 Destination Group; Hope Valentine​​​​, President, CSI DMC; Trevor Hanks, Managing Partner, 360 Destination Group

When economic uncertainty clouds the forecast, corporate event planning is often among the first areas to feel the pressure. Budgets tighten. Teams shrink. Questions swirl about whether to move forward, scale back, or cancel altogether.

But those of us who’ve weathered this before—through 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic—have seen time and again that connection is the thing you don’t cut. In fact, moving forward with purpose can become a powerful competitive advantage.

Tom Hubler often recalls a favorite quote: “The world is not interested in the storms you encountered, but did you bring in the ship?” – William McFee

“That’s what we do,” Tom says. “We bring in the ship. We help our clients stay steady and deliver exceptional programs, no matter what the world throws at them.”

That mindset has become a guiding principle for how our teams show up when the pressure is on. Events may shift in size, shape, or scope. With the right partner, they can continue to make a powerful impact. Let’s get into the good stuff: insights from our leadership team to help you move forward with confidence, creativity, and just the right amount of calm.

The Case for Continuing: Why Cancellation Isn’t a Cost-Saving Strategy

When budgets tighten, events can quickly land on the chopping block. But cutting a program altogether doesn’t just save dollars—it can cost you culture, momentum, and trust.

Incentive trips and recognition events aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re proof that leadership is paying attention. They celebrate wins, reinforce company values, and show your team they’re worth investing in. Taking those away—especially during periods of uncertainty—can leave employees feeling overlooked and disengaged. 

The same goes for sales trainings and internal meetings. These touchpoints don’t just move the business forward, they rally your people behind a shared goal. And when they disappear? It can take months (or more) to rebuild the connection and clarity they provide.

“Momentum is hard to regain, and the culture takes a hit,” says Hope Valentine. “When employees are feeling uncertain, that’s when the corporation has the most opportunity to show up for them.”

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to go all-in to keep going. Strategic adjustments often do more good than full cancellations ever could. The companies that keep showing up, thoughtfully, creatively, and consistently, are the ones that maintain stronger loyalty and a lasting competitive edge.

How a DMC Helps You Navigate Uncertainty

In unpredictable times, even the most experienced internal teams can find themselves stretched thin; especially if they’ve been downsized or asked to do more with less. That’s where a DMC becomes more than just a logistics partner. We’re your on-the-ground support system, your local insider, and your built-in safety net.

With teams embedded in key markets, DMCs have a real-time pulse on what’s actually happening, not just what’s on paper. We know which vendors are financially solid, which venues can flex with your needs, and where the hidden costs tend to creep in. That kind of intel keeps you ahead of the curve and helps you make smarter calls with your budget.

And let’s talk about volume. When you partner with a DMC that manages hundreds of programs a year, you don’t just get access to great vendors, you get preferred pricing, built-in trust, and buying power that stretches your budget further than it would on your own.

“We work with trusted and vetted vendors,” says Shelly Archer. “Clients working directly with suppliers may not have insight into their financial stability, which can be risky during economic downturns.”

We also bring creative options to the table. That might look like using local staff instead of flying in Travel Directors, streamlining airport shuttles, or recommending prefab builds that cut costs without cutting corners. Whether it’s adjusting staffing models, finding alternative transportation solutions, or recommending cost-saving substitutions that don’t sacrifice impact, an experienced DMC knows how to balance financial caution with creative execution.

In some cases, we’ve helped clients break big programs into micro-events across multiple cities—great experience, smaller spend. We’ve also developed strategic sponsorship packages that allow clients to offset costs by inviting brand partners to share in the experience. Programs like these lean into authenticity over extravagance, focusing on what truly resonates with attendees.

“DMCs are your insurance policy for excellent experiences,” adds Trevor Hanks. “We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to deliver within the reality of today’s constraints.”

Actionable Tips for Planners Feeling the Pressure

When budgets are tight and expectations are high, event planning can feel like a balancing act. But with the right approach and trusted support, it’s absolutely possible to deliver meaningful experiences without overspending, or overextending, your team.

Start conservatively, scale smart. Many planners feel pressure to “go big or go home,” but that mindset can lead to tough decisions later. Starting with a streamlined version of your program creates room to build as circumstances evolve. A flexible plan gives you options, not limitations.

Lock in early, but build in wiggle room. Pricing fluctuations, tariffs, and vendor capacity are all harder to manage last-minute. Securing contracts early can help protect your budget, but it’s equally important to include flexible terms. DMCs can guide these conversations, ensuring your contracts are both cost-effective and resilient.

Be transparent with your partners. Sharing concerns about shifting budgets, changing attendance, or program duration upfront gives your DMC more time to adapt creatively. The earlier they know, the more proactive they can be in protecting your goals.

“Lean on your DMC for cost-cutting ideas that don’t noticeably affect the quality of your program,” says Shelly. “From sourcing local staffing and vendors to simplifying logistics behind the scenes, there are often opportunities to save without compromise.”

Hope also reminds planners to stay plugged into real-time updates: 

“Regular check-ins with your DMC or global partners can provide insight into tariffs, customs, and political climates. It’s our job to keep you informed.”

Smart planning is always in style. By focusing on adaptability, clarity, and partnership, you can confidently move forward. Even when the path ahead feels a little less defined.

Trust the Crew That’s Been Through It

Economic cycles may shift, but your client’s mission doesn’t. Companies still want to energize their team, connect with clients, and move their business forward. The question isn’t whether to keep going—it’s how.

Together, 360 Destination Group and CSI DMC have decades of experience navigating the highs, the lows, and the completely unpredictable. We’ve seen it all. Every challenge has shaped us, and made us better partners for you.

“360DG has lived through many economic roller coasters dating back to 1978,” says Trevor. “Pick the right DMC partner: one with experience, financial stability, and staying power.”

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being ready. Being steady. Being the partner that helps you adapt, adjust, and keep delivering when it matters most.

“Things always work out,” says Shelly. “If we can get through a worldwide pandemic, we can do anything.”

And that quote Tom loves? It’s stayed with us for a reason.

We’re here to help you bring the ship in. Whatever weather’s ahead, we’ve got you. Give us a call and let’s set sail ⛵