Over the years at this job, I have organized conferences, seminars, symposia ranging from 20 to 100+ participants. And what I find the most challenging aspect of it is dealing with the institutional restraints that a medical school presents.
I can deal with caterers galore, sales staff at hotels, do room blocks at hotels and work with prix fixe or a la carte menus. I can arrange travel from any corner of the world. But paying for it all? Ahh, there's the rub. Pain in the ass.
I'm thinking this has to be easier in a private corporation. Not that I want to go work for one, I'm just sayin'. Blah. Though, I really oughta quit my bitching 'cause the annual scientific symposia I arrange in January was cancelled this year. So really, I've gotten off light this year. Wait, I take it back! I just remembered that I'll have an important industry meeting AND the scientific symposia in next January to arrange. ACK! Hmm, not going to enjoy a leisurely Christmas this year I think.