Rather than write a “big check” to a hotel for a canceled event, this planner invited local “COVID essential heroes” to fill the attendees’ spots.

Juliano Lissoni, MCI Group managing director, Canada, on how the pandemic has accelerated the use of AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies to boost engagement and experiences in the metaverse — “a fully realized digital world that exists beyond the analog one in which we live.”

Listening is a critical leadership skill, says Visit Oakland’s new CEO, Peter Gamez, especially in challenging times.

Workers are quitting their jobs in droves. A recent SHRM survey finds that more than two out of five U.S. workers are actively searching for a new job or plan to soon. We’ve mined Convene’s latest Recovery Dashboard results for insights about the Great Resignation and the business events industry.

After stumbling into association management, Mason turned barriers into opportunities and used her platform to elevate others who are underrepresented. She now leads ASAE as president and CEO.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, but Deborah Gardner, CMP, is starting a new celebration: International Hospitality Women’s Day, on Sept. 23.

Since 2015, Microsoft has hired more than 150 neurodiverse individuals to work full-time at the technology corporation.

A June conversation among PCMA Catalyst Community participants about a shift back to virtual events rather than an expected return to in-person meetings underscores fundamental changes in the business events industry.

As Visit Sacramento’s chief of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Sonya Bradley is applying her marketing and communications background at the bureau she has served for 19 years to social justice issues — locally and more broadly.

Expert advice, scenario planning, and clear communication played vital roles in HIMSS’ ability to safely host close to 20,000 health-tech professionals in Las Vegas in August.

Anne Daly Heller, publisher and executive editor of USAE died on Sept. 12 at her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Jacques W. Martiquet, aka “The Party Scientist,” says he has “hacked the code” of bringing excitement and joy to digital events.