News
Mar 16, 2020
As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.
According to the statement: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but… more
Mar 12, 2020
Last updated March 14
The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Live Nation and AEG are suspending all concert tours. Schools are closing. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings — all in the name of halting the spread of the virus.
What this means for event professionals is that in many (and most likely, soon to be nearly all) locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a… more
Mar 12, 2020
The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control. On top of that, experts promoting “social distancing” — or maintaining a bubble of personal space to help stop the spread of COVID-19 — feels threatening, at the very least, for the meetings and events world that thrives on face-… more
Mar 11, 2020
Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation.
Sad to announce IMEX in Frankfurt cancels
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (due to take place 12-14 May).
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not… more
Mar 10, 2020
The events industry is filled with a lot of uncertainty right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent event cancellations.
“I don’t think there’s a single event scheduled for the next 90 days that isn’t currently fielding concerns about coronavirus from attendees and stakeholders,” says Alex Plaxen, vice president, experience strategy for Nifty Method Marketing and Events.
Plaxen, who has been educating the events industry on crisis communications for the past two and a half years, stresses that if you have an event scheduled anytime in the coming months, you need to be… more
Mar 09, 2020
More than 2,200 event professionals attended the Events Industry Council live webinar, “COVID-19: Discussion of Critical Insurance and Legal Considerations for Event Professionals” webinar on Friday, March 6.
The webinar featured hospitality attorney Barbara Dunn, a partner in the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and Tyra Warner, department chair of hospitality and tourism management at College of Coastal Georgia. Alisa Peters, senior global account manager for Experient, a Maritz Global Events Company and chair-elect of EIC’s CMP Governance Commission, facilitated.
EIC CEO… more
Mar 09, 2020
At Convening Leaders in January, PCMA announced a strategic partnership with CEMA. As one of their first joint projects, the two associations have planned a series of interactive webinars to educate the industry on the novel coronavirus, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to react.
“CEMA is proud to partner with PCMA to bring timely and actionable insights on COVID-19 to the event marketing community,” says CEMA President and CEO Kimberley Gishler.
She continues, “The PCMA webinars cover a range of useful topics from scientific fact, to risk management and contractual preparedness,… more
Mar 06, 2020
The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to mass cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news.
IAEE
Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry.
SISO
The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events.… more
Mar 06, 2020
The following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.
We share the concern about the coronavirus and the questions this challenge presents. The health and wellbeing of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information,… more
Mar 05, 2020
In the wake of sudden, severe storms that caused a series of devastating tornadoes to slam through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, the City of Nashville is starting to pick up the pieces. According to news reports, the storm claimed more than two dozen lives and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses, with the East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson neighborhoods hit particularly hard.
But despite the extensive damage, Nashville’s resilient residents, including the Convention Center Authority, are already stepping up to help their community… more
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