Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

In a SWOT analysis, which factors are considered internal to the meeting?

1. Opportunities and threats

2. Strengths and weaknesses

3. Risks and benefits

4. Costs and revenues

The correct answer is: Strengths and weaknesses

In a SWOT analysis, the factors identified as internal to the meeting are strengths and weaknesses. Strengths refer to the inherent advantages or capabilities of the meeting that can contribute to its success, such as a skilled planning team, good relationships with vendors, or a well-defined agenda. Conversely, weaknesses are the internal limitations or areas for improvement that may hinder the meeting’s success, such as budget constraints, lack of experience, or insufficient resources. By focusing on strengths and weaknesses, organizers can effectively analyze and leverage their internal resources while also identifying areas that need enhancement. This internal evaluation is crucial for strategic planning, allowing the meeting planners to develop appropriate strategies that build on strengths and address weaknesses. In contrast, opportunities and threats are external factors that arise from the environment surrounding the meeting. They pertain to potential favorable conditions or risks that can impact the meeting but are not controlled directly by the meeting planners. Risks and benefits, as well as costs and revenues, also encompass aspects that may involve both internal and external evaluations, but they do not specifically align with the traditional components of a SWOT analysis used in strategic planning.