Sat.Feb 26, 2022 - Fri.Mar 04, 2022

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Virtual Meetings Are Missing These Two Things, Meta Is Working on a Fix

Smart Meetings

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), recently spoke to AI researcher and podcaster Lex Fridman about all things Meta, Facebook, Instagram and the metaverse. As it’s still in its infancy, there isn’t much known about the metaverse, although large corporations, such as Nike, Adidas, Disney and Walmart have expressed plans to be a part of the metaverse; JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs believe the metaverse will become a market opportunity valued well into the trillions.

Meeting 279
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European Travel Commission stands in solidarity with Ukraine

ETC Corporate

The European Travel Commission (ETC), representing national tourism organisations of Europe, issued a statement today condemning the military aggression by the Russian Federation and expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine: The European Travel Commission stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The Russian military invasion in Ukraine is in direct opposition to the fundamental.

Travel 246
MICE professionals

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3 Huge Benefits of Sales and Marketing Teams Working Together

Advanced Travel and Tourism

Too many organizations view sales and marketing as two distinct and wholly independent departments. But this type of silo marketing — having specific channels or agencies working separately rather than integrating their efforts or forgetting to include the Sales Managers with a seat at the table — means missing out on a huge opportunity. The truth is that by partnering with a marketing team, sales departments can benefit greatly.

Benefits 246
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Predicting the Near Future of Incentive Travel

Dana Communications

Over the past two years, many of us devoted quite a bit of time to gazing into our crystal balls, desiring to see total industry recovery. Thankfully, lots of our wishes did materialize in real life. But a few? Not so much…at least, not yet. Because here we stand, well into 2022, still contending with continued uncertainty and conditions like major workforce changes.

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COVID-19 Travel Consumer Sentiment Study

TravelBoom and sister agency, The Brandon Agency, release new consumer sentiment study on travel amidst the COVID-19 second wave

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Language Interpretation Is the Next Wave in Virtual Meetings

Smart Meetings

Planning an event in multiple languages can be a challenge for meeting planners. Innovative virtual language interpretation software is making attendee accessibility a reality for everyone involved in creating inclusive meetings. The PCMA Convening Leaders conference this January offered something no other annual mega-gathering of the association has: virtual interpreters.

Meeting 264
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Applications now open for the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2022

ETC Corporate

For the fifth year in a row ETC continues its partnership with the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra and the Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR) to encourage the development of sustainable tourism destinations around Europe. The theme of this year’s edition of Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards is ‘Relaunching.

Culture 210

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The meeting industry new normal – Part 3

Conferences that Work

The old meeting industry normal is long over, and many event professionals are still hoping and waiting for a new normal. In October 2020 I wrote two posts [1 , 2 ] about what a meeting industry new normal might look like. As I write, two years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the world and the event industry. It’s time to take another look.

Meeting 131
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Welcome to the Age of Intelligent Reduction

Smart Meetings

Editor’s Note : This opinion piece is a version of an article first posted on LinkedIn. Several years ago, the Freeman leadership team established a vision for where we wanted to be in 2025, a strategic road map with very specific imperatives attached to each objective. Bob Priest-Heck, Freeman CEO. We embraced a design-thinking approach and, as part of that process, we immersed ourselves in a comprehensive global trends study upon which we’d based not only our expectations, but our business pla

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Sustainable Business Practices vs Business Recovery

EHL Insights

In the current business context, most hospitality organizations are finding themselves wanting to strike the right balance of "building back better" without jeopardizing a speedy recovery and keeping sustainable business practices at the heart of it all.

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Event Technology: Mythbusting Common Misconceptions

Special Events

Technology has been ushered in as the way to do business, and it is here to stay. It’s what Millennials and Gen Z demographics want, and it’s ultimately what is best for business.

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Evolution of the DMC:Renewing Business Relationships with Deeper Trust, Transparency & Understanding

The evolution of the DMC industry requires that it embark upon a renewed relationship with clients that is built upon transparency, trust, and understanding.

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Ask Adrian Anything — a free online participant-driven workshop on the future of events

Conferences that Work

Here’s a rare opportunity to ask me anything about meeting design and facilitation at a unique, free, online workshop. Join me next Thursday, March 10th, 2022 at 12:00 pm EST for Ask Adrian Anything ( AAA ): an online participant-driven workshop on the future of events. Though the central core is the AAA session, this is an active learning workshop.

Online 118
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Kimpton’s Virtual Therapy is Helping Groups Cope with Stress

Smart Meetings

An unfortunate result of the disruption over the last two years is an increase in depression, anxiety and tension in relationships both familial and romantic. An effect of this is more people seeking care, as reported by nine out of 10 therapists in a New York Times piece. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is tackling the issue head-on. In partnership with online behavioral healthcare company Talkspace, the company will provide mental health services to its guests and more than 4,000 employees in

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Statement from PCMA on Unfolding Situation in Ukraine and Eastern Europe

Convene by PCMA

Now, more than ever, the world must come together. The unprovoked and unjustified attacks on the people of Ukraine prove that we, as a society, have more work to do. Social injustice – war – has no place – anywhere. We support UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ position in his call to end this senseless war. “I must say, President Putin: In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia.

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As CDC Issues New Guidance, Travel Groups Call for End to COVID Travel Restrictions

Travel Pulse

U.S. Travel Association, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Airlines for America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are asking to rescind mask-wearing and several other key restrictions.

Travel 105
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European DMCs Face Uncertainty as Ukraine Crisis Deepens

MeetingsNet

Especially for business events in Eastern Europe, the war clouds a promising rebound from the pandemic. The last two years have been a massive challenge for the meetings industry, and few segments have suffered as much as destination management companies. These on-the-ground specialists in meeting locations around the world have been especially vulnerable to Covid-19 cancellations and postponements—managing ground transportation, off-site events, and special activities for groups is their main s

Prospect 105
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Boutique Hotels Riding Mid-Size Meeting Wave

Smart Meetings

One of the long-tail effects of the pandemic could be a downsizing of average meeting attendee lists as some big events go hybrid and bring parts of their audience together in person while larger audiences access content online. At the same time, remote teams are finding that they need to meet in small- and mid-size teams in person occasionally to brainstorm, onboard new employees and build team spirit.

Meeting 246
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Gender Equity: More Than Good Intentions

Convene by PCMA

An attendee at Convening Leaders 2022 speaks during a session. Data from Nature shows that more women participate in conference Q&As when session chairs invite women to ask opening questions after a talk. (Jacob Slaton Photography). In December 2019, after an analysis of gender diversity at its conferences showed that progress toward gender equity was well-intentioned but inconsistent, the journal Nature announced that it was taking a new approach.

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How Can Tourism Be Regenerative?

Solimar International

Last year, Solimar International’s Director of Conservation & Community Development, Chloe King , conducted a first-of-its-kind study of 30 tourism operators around the world. These tourism businesses—ranging from Destination Management Organizations to community-based homestay networks to high-end eco-lodges—were assessed via in-depth interviews and surveys to understand how centering nature within their business models enabled them to shift from “sustainable” to “regenerative” touris

Tourism 98
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What’s on the Menu for 2022?

MeetingsNet

As we move out of the pandemic, the future looks, well, tasty. The folks at MeetingsNet’s sister publication, Catersource, have pulled together the food-and-beverage trends that chefs are talking about for 2022, from global food fusions to yuzu vinagarette. For meeting professionals who are ready to try something new (bao buns, carrot hot dogs, and hibiscus coolers, anyone?

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TWT: IATA Sees Full Travel Recovery, More Destinations Relax Rules

Smart Meetings

Editor’s note : This Week in Travel (TWT) is your essential guide to smoothing the road from here to there for your attendees and yourself. Italy Relaxes Entry Rules, Saint Lucia and New Zealand Announce New Protocols. Italy has ended the requirement for pre-arrival testing but only for travelers who can prove they have been fully vaccinated within nine months or have received a booster shot.

Travel 130
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Around the World, Associations Express Support for Ukraine Counterparts

Convene by PCMA

International library and book publishing groups are issuing strong statements in support of Ukraine over the Russian invasion of that country or advocating for the removal of Russian state-owned institutions at industry events. Last week, the Ukrainian Library Association should have kicked off its international scientific conference, “Modern Library-Information Continuous Education: What, How, for Whom?

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A Guide to 2022’s Top Incentive Travel Destinations

ITA Group

A Guide to 2022’s Top Incentive Travel Destinations. Incentive travel remains a top motivator, and many reward earners are eager for a new adventure (or just a change of scenery). For some top performers, an upcoming incentive trip could be their first time traveling since the pandemic began—a trip they’ve been dreaming about for ages. Our experts are excited as ever to craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences to make travel dreams a reality, as well as help travelers navigate evolving safety guidel

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Is Your Event 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive?

MeetingsNet

It’s 2022—your event planning processes need to take sexual orientation and gender identity issues seriously. An events coordinator suggests some first steps. 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusivity is no longer a “should” when it comes to event planning; it’s a must for a successful event. A focus on inclusion needs to be weaved into every detail of the event-planning process.

Events 98
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Orlando Leads the Way to Returning F2F

Smart Meetings

Plan with Confidence. Orlando has long been a favorite destination for attendees for numerous reasons, with world-famous theme parks and attractions, ample sunshine, and the state-of-the-art Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) topping the list. And now, business groups have even more motivation to meet in Orlando. From new hotels and enhanced safety protocols to a host of fresh additions, Cvent’s No. 1 U.S. meeting destination has much to offer groups who seek big-city cultural amenities with

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See What’s New in Greater Palm Springs

Convene by PCMA

Greater Palm Springs has always been a meeting oasis for those looking for something off the beaten path. And with more and more attendees eager to trade virtual sessions for in-person experiences, choosing a place as enticing and beautiful as this Southern California destination can feel like an added bonus, especially with all the exciting things happening in 2022.

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Celebrating World Wildlife Day 2022

Solimar International

During its 68 th session in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 3rd World Wildlife Day to address the importance of the protection of the World’s wild animal species and plants. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was founded on March 3rd, 1973 as an international agreement to oversee the exchange of different wildlife species and prevents them from being misused.

Tourism 98
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Heritage Meets Culinary Innovation with Tex-Next Tastes

Special Events

San Antonio, TX’s The RK Group was tasked with delighting the palates of some of the most discerning catering and event executives in the U.S. and abroad.

Meeting 102
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The Only True Luxury Colorado Mountain Meeting Experience

Smart Meetings

For over 100 years, The Broadmoo r has been honoring their guests, tradition, and business so that you can highlight yours. With the addition of Bartolin Hall, The Broadmoor introduces the long-awaited “Convention Center at The Broadmoor.” Broadmoor Hall, International Center, Colorado Hall and Bartolin Hall offer over 200,000 square feet of flexible convention and exhibit space.

Meeting 130
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Partner with the PHLCVB to Create the Perfect Event

Convene by PCMA

From its rich history (you’ll be able to enjoy time in “America’s most historic square mile,”) to the unexpected venues and creative programming opportunities, the reasons to bring a meeting or convention to Philadelphia are vast. As the fourth most walkable large city in the nation, navigating Philadelphia by foot is a breeze. Meeting attendees will find it easy to access and explore the city’s top attractions and restaurants during their downtime.

Fashion 98
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Digital Tools for the Smart Place Marketer

DCI

Twenty years ago, if an economic development organization (EDO) or destination marketing organization (DMO) wanted to market their region it was common to take out an advertisement in the newspaper, TV, radio or billboard, secure earned coverage and pick up the phone for “old fashioned” cold calls or word-of-mouth conversations. Now, marketing has become digital-first.

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12 Key Travel Advisories Announced in February

Travel Pulse

The US State Department issued updated travel advisories for nearly 40 countries over the past four weeks due to COVID-19, crime, war and other potential threats.

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Answering Hybrid Event Production Questions We Hear the Most

Meeting Tomorrow

Our days are spent helping our clients bring their events to life, and answering the many questions that pop up along the way. And lately, no topic brings up more questions than hybrid events. Although we’ve been producing hybrid events since 2008, they’ve exploded in popularity since 2020. In fact, 64% of planners say they plan on hosting hybrid events post-pandemic.

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Why Fixing a Gender Imbalance Won’t Fix Gender Bias

Convene by PCMA

A recent survey shows that in four industries where women outnumber men, women still are subject to a “multitude of biases.” Results from Convene ’s Salary Survey 2020 suggest that, when it comes to leadership roles and pay, a similar outcome can be seen in the majority-female events industry. (Convening Leaders 2020 photo by Jacob Slaton Photography).

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Customer Experience Is More Than Just a Survey. It’s a State of Mind.

ITA Group

Customer Experience Is More Than Just a Survey. It’s a State of Mind. CX Is More Than Just a Survey. It’s a State of Mind. Ever stop to think about whether your brand has a customer experience program, or whether you simply have a survey? Just 12% of CX pros rated their VoC maturity as high or very high, according to Forrester’s recent “How to Build Your Voice-of-the-Customer (VoC) Program” report.

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Hawaii to Lift Safe Travels Program Requirements

Travel Pulse

The state will no longer require proof of vaccines or negative COVID tests, starting March 25.

Travel 105