News & Trends

What’s happening — or coming up next — in the meetings and events world and beyond.

New Hygiene Protocols for Events During COVID-19

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s new STAR accreditation program will distinguish venues that implement the highest hygiene standards in an effort to safeguard against the transmission of the virus. Other initiatives along the attendee journey are focused on the same thing.

BY David McMillin May 13, 2020

AIM Group Survey: Highly Interactive Digital Events Are Key to Gaining Sponsorships

New AIM Group International survey shows pharmaceutical and biomedical companies are interested in sponsoring digital events, but still would rather meet face-to-face for better sponsorship outcomes.

BY Curt Wagner May 13, 2020

Event Professionals’ Tips for Working Remotely

Making the switch from the office to working remotely full time? Event planners shared their best practices with the PCMA Catalyst community.

BY Convene Editors May 12, 2020

Gregg Caren Named President and CEO of the Philadelphia CVB

After more than 20 years in senior leadership positions at ASM Global, Gregg Caren will move into the top position at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau in June.

BY David McMillin May 12, 2020

US Travel Association Calls on Travel Industry to Act Now to Help Secure PPP Relief for DMOs

In an email Monday to industry stakeholders, Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association, called on the travel industry to help shape the next round of COVID-19-related relief package legislation.

May 11, 2020

PCMA COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard Results, Survey 3

Insights from our latest survey — conducted May 4-7 — on how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing business events professionals’ roles and how they envision future events.

BY Convene Editors May 11, 2020

What It Takes to Host a Face-to-Face Event During the Pandemic

The Voice of Healthcare Summit is a 200-person face-to-face event scheduled in Boston in August that’s not going to look anything like its pre-COVID-19 version, and its organizer thinks attendees will be okay with that.

BY Paul Bergeron May 8, 2020

Sponsorship Opportunities for Digital Events

How can digital events create sponsorship opportunities? Event planners explored the topic in a recent PCMA Catalyst forum post.

BY Convene Editors May 7, 2020

Will More Planners Work From Home in a Post-COVID-19 World?

Respondents to Convene’s Annual Salary Survey in February — before public health restrictions forced most workers to work from home — said having the flexibility to work remotely was high on their wish list.

BY Michelle Russell May 7, 2020

Robert H. Elsner Passes Away at 86

The former PCMA Board member was executive vice president and CEO of the California Medical Association (CMA) and enjoyed a long career in association management.

BY Curt Wagner May 6, 2020

Hotels Start Selling ‘Bonds’ to Make It Through COVID-19 Crisis

As hotel rooms sit empty, some properties are offering deals for future guests with a “Buy Now, Stay Later” initiative.

BY David McMillin May 6, 2020

Medical Event Planners Share Their Challenges and Plans During the Pandemic

A small survey of 54 medical meeting planners — the majority of which organize a live annual meeting that draws more than 1,000 attendees — weighed in on how they are handling those events and the prospect of going virtual during the COVID-19 crisis.

BY Michelle Russell May 4, 2020

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