News
Apr 24, 2020
Obviously, times are tough for the events industry right now. It’s something we’re all experiencing, feeling and grappling with as we wake up each morning. So many article direct us all to keep the faith or put on a happy face, but there are some days when we just don’t feel capable of doing that — and that’s OK. One thing you can focus on during this time, however, is working on your own leadership qualities that will help you and your teams emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than before. Angela Raub, CEO of Leadercast, shares her insights on not only surviving this crisis, but also… more
Apr 22, 2020
To bring a smile to your face during challenging times, read on to learn about event organizations, venues and companies that are setting a positive example of human compassion and charitable giving in-action.
GPHA Launches Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association is seeking donations to assist with purchasing gift cards for local grocery stores and pharmacies to distribute to Philadelphia hotel, Pennsylvania Convention Center and Independence Visitor’s Center hourly employees who lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
The program’s goal is to raise a minimum… more
Apr 21, 2020
One-third of all jobs lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19 were lost in the travel industry, and the country is experiencing a total impact nine times greater than the 9/11 attacks, according to a new report by the U.S. Travel Association and analytics firm Tourism Economics.
Declines in travel are projected to cause 8 million jobs to be lost (out of 24 million for the entire U.S. economy) by the end of this month, according to the report. Travel spending losses are also on track to top half a trillion dollars by the end of 2020.
While the news is devastating from all angles, industry… more
Apr 20, 2020
One positive that has emerged during this time of physical distancing is the upsurge in virtual learning and networking opportunities. We've put together a short list of upcoming free virtual events and webinars designed for event marketers:
April 21The Show Must Go On
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT
In this virtual event from Sendoso, representatives from leading SaaS companies share how they are filling demand generation gaps and driving customer engagement during this critical time. You’ll get tips on how to drive revenue growth with unique and meaningful engagement, technologies successful… more
Apr 17, 2020
With so much uncertainty in the world, and with most of us isolating in our homes and feeling concerned about the future, there is no time like the present to establish a meditation and mindfulness practice. While the idea of sitting still and trying to quiet your mind while breathing deeply may seem challenging for many, there are incredible benefits to be had from a regular meditation practice. As many long-time meditators (including yours truly) can attest, a regular practice not only helps relieve stress, increase focus and improve sleep, but also enhances one’s self-awareness and overall… more
Apr 16, 2020
With millions of professionals across the country working remotely, everyone is turning to video conferencing apps such as Zoom to stay in touch with colleagues, along with family and friends. While tools such as Zoom, Webex, Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts are the next-best thing to seeing each other in real life, having back-to-back calls throughout the day can easily become exhausting.
Becky White, MFT, a Los Angeles-based therapist and founder of Root to Rise Therapy, is helping many of her clients navigate difficult anxiety, isolation and relationship issues that have arisen during… more
Apr 15, 2020
More than 13,000 attendees came together online for Virtual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 14. While the message from industry experts was optimistic and hopeful, the celebration was tempered by uncertainty on when it will be safe to meet in person again.
The 30-minute grassroots #GMIDGoesVirtual event attempted to break the Guinness World Record for largest audience for a virtual conference, and while it did not quite hit the 15,000 mark that was needed, the turnout was impressive. Hosts Miguel Neves and Jennifer Spear kept the audience engaged with conversation and polls, and talked… more
Apr 13, 2020
More than 400 event professionals joined the “Ask CEMA Live!” webinar on April 9. The first in an ongoing series from CEMA, the webinar featured a panel of event marketers discussing the current challenges in the industry and how they are addressing events in this uncertain time.
CEMA CEO and President Kimberley Gishler explained the concept of the series as a platform for all to maintain a feeling of community. “You are not alone, we are all very much in this together,” she said. “Now is a perfect time for us to break down the walls and have everyone come together and help each other out… more
Apr 09, 2020
While social distancing has taken hold throughout the world, many convention and visitors bureaus are innovating amongst the current crisis to continue to (tactfully) spread messages about their destinations. Across North America, CVBs and DMOs far and wide are shifting to digital to bring the best of their destinations to homebound audiences via virtual tours, live-streaming experiences, online classes and interactive content, as well as deliver encouraging messages of hope and reassurance. Check out some of the most creative offerings.
Experience Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s CVB offers an… more
Apr 08, 2020
If you don’t yet have a Real ID-compliant license or identification card, you now have another year. The nationwide deadline has been extended to October 1, 2021.
“The federal, state and local response to the spread of the coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline,” said Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf in a statement. “Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts.”
He added that the… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more