Technology has helped us circumvent COVID-19's challenges by permitting online meetings but it will never completely replace our desire to meet each other in person and relish a great event. These unprecedented times have forced us events planners to come up with new solutions to offer great group meetings amid this brave new world and all of its new demands. READ MORE
HOTEL BUSINESS REVIEW
September FOCUS: Hotel Group Meetings
As pent-up demand for in-person meetings and conventions continues to gain momentum following the availability of vaccines, hotels are challenged with ways in which to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. To meet these challenges, venues need to focus on communication, technology, food and beverage service modifications, enhanced safety measures, and the questions surrounding mandated vaccines. READ MORE
In this article, Patrick Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cvent, takes a look back at the recent transformation of the $1 trillion events industry, which was driven by an wide-spread embrace of technology. He also takes a look forward towards the opportunities that are now possible due to this transformation, and what this evolution in meetings and events means for the hospitality industry. READ MORE
The key to meeting now and in a post COVID world successfully is flexibility and creativity, in addition to implementing all recommended safety guidelines, from health and cleanliness standards, to hybrid meetings and alternate F&B plans. Hotels are partnering with 3rd party organizations and vendors to simplify events for planners and attendees. READ MORE
Focusing on the ideal that "change creates opportunity," corporate travelers should view the setbacks they have faced since the onset of the pandemic as unique openings to innovate the way they engage with clients and do business, from conducting smarter meetings – and who should be involved in those – to making shrewd budgeting decisions and more. READ MORE
When was the last time you lost a top performing employee to a key competitor? This fixable problem costs businesses trillions of dollars every year. Businesses in hospitality and leisure find it increasingly challenging to retain and recruit the skilled talent required. Here we provide an overview of the state of the industry and some key differentiators to set your business apart. READ MORE
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After three decades in the hospitality business, one of the biggest shifts I have seen has been in the role of the meeting planner. Long gone are the days of just booking a location, setting up the AV and rolling out the buffet. Today's meeting planners are big idea people, technical wizards, curators of culture and deliverers of WOW experiences. The realm of group meetings has become competitively charged, keeping planners on their toes, as they must address the rapid evolution of technology and continuous flow of new trends. Here are some trends, tips and best practices for planning your next group meeting to create pathways to inspiration, memorable experiences, and lasting connections. READ MORE
The meeting and event industry faces one of the toughest times in its history. Meeting Professionals International's quarterly Meetings Outlook survey predicted the lowest meeting and event growth on record, with only 36% predicting favorable business conditions over the next year. For organizers that are planning live events during this pandemic, we have a powerful opportunity to demonstrate how events can happen safely. READ MORE
