As a meeting professional in the insurance and financial services industry today, you are in a major quandary. After widespread negative press about meetings, you can’t be seen as spending extravagantly on events. But you still have to inspire and motivate your people. That’s a bottom-line fact.

Ken Kirsh, president, Kirsh Productions, Summit, N.J., has some ideas about where to spend and where to save. “In this economy, your audience craves ideas, motivation, and reassurance. Don’t be thousand-dollar-wise and ten-thousand-dollar-foolish,” says Kirsh, who has spent more than two decades producing live events. “Yes, cut down on dazzling sets but make a strong case for the right speaker and the right message if you’re convinced it will be money well spent. Most attendees have no idea what speakers cost and will not see such an expense as extravagant but rather as valuable.”

Or, if you need to spend less on speakers, consider presenting a panel discussion, which can deliver a lot of information for your dollar.

You could also try video, advises Kirsh. “The right video producer can help you communicate a lot of content in an exciting fashion, even acting as a springboard for meaningful dialog during breakouts and other sessions,” he says. “But video is not seen as expensive and can accomplish a lot at many price points. And its cost can often be amortized when you consider online use or other purposes.”