Why Is Digital Engagement So Elusive and What We Can Do About It?

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Thu, 06/17/2021 - 16:19

While creating true digital engagement has become critical to our success, we find ourselves in 2021 facing real digital fatigue. We see it reflected in our audiences’ faces and in our attendance stats: registrations and dwell times are down and no-shows are up. 

I recently hosted a CEMA webinar with Jay Acunzo and Shane Snow, two of my favorite speakers who shared insights and practical, innovative approaches to making virtual presentations, roundtables and webinars more meaningful, engaging and valuable.  

An Industry Redefined: Event Day, Your Way

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Tue, 06/08/2021 - 09:53

Water station, pads, pens, candies.... hand sanitizer? Meeting planner “specs” are looking a whole lot different these days.

I’m honored to have reentered the workforce after being furloughed and laid off for over a year. I am now spearheading the event management department at the DoubleTree by SeaWorld Orlando convention resort. The enthusiasm that our operations team has to push forward with rebuilding and preparing the property to welcome meeting planners and convention attendees back is incredibly contagious. It’s exciting to be a part of the momentum. 

Data Drives Better Matchmaking

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 07:57

In my last blog post, I discussed how several virtual platforms and standalone matchmaking services tout the promise of highly effective matching between attendees to attendees as well as attendees to exhibitors. In reference to the data that is available to any matchmaking system and the subsequent value that’s likely to be output, I dug up that age-old saying “garbage in, garbage out.”  

How Corporate Meetings Will Continue to Adapt

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Thu, 05/06/2021 - 16:56

Throughout the last year, the events industry has completely changed from how we knew it. In-person events are happening on a much smaller scale, travel has been restricted and venues closed down, limiting the number of corporate events. Over a year into the pandemic, we are finally starting to see some positive changes happening. Every day, more and more people are being vaccinated against COVID-19 and states are beginning to re-open, showing a promising future for in-person events once again.

Does Your Meeting Have Bleisure Potential?

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Wed, 04/28/2021 - 23:07

Bleisure is combining business travel with leisure activities. Given the 14 months we have been through, there is a pent-up demand for local and regional business travel. And the family has the same need. Bleisure could be your perfect solution! 

According to the Global Business Travel Association, 67% of business travelers state it is essential to build extra free time into their trips. 

The Upside of Change

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Fri, 04/23/2021 - 07:50

Last year put life into perspective for a lot of us. In a previous blog, I talked about being an agent of change. Now I want to discuss how fast change can bring positive results within your business events models. Whether you dealt with navigating through chaos, strengthening your resiliency muscles or just survived, we all did one thing together and that was change.

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is more