News & Trends

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

In a Brand-New Role, Sonya Bradley Looks to ‘Make a Bit of a Mark’

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.

BY Michelle Russell September 15, 2021

12 Takeaways From HIMSS’ Successful, Fully Vaxxed Conference

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.

BY Jennifer N. Dienst September 13, 2021

Anne Daly Heller, Publisher and Executive Editor of USAE, Passes Away

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

BY Convene Editors September 12, 2021

Meetings and Your Brain: Human Connection Under the Microscope

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

BY Barbara Palmer September 10, 2021

The Dark Side of Contactless Check-in

The front desk is where hotel guests may have their only exchange with an employee. But digital check-ins, a trend that has taken off during the pandemic, does away with that interpersonal aspect — and makes it easier for potential human trafficking to occur.

BY Michelle Russell September 10, 2021

Don’t Skimp on Images in Your Event Marketing During COVID Times

During the pandemic, the strategic use of images can do everything from conveying your event’s welcoming-to-all culture to quelling participants’ concerns over health and safety — as long as you follow through on those messages.

BY Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes September 9, 2021

Remembering 9/11

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we’re republishing two accounts of that horrific day, told by event professionals and published in Convene in the months following the attacks.

BY Convene Editors September 9, 2021

A ‘4 Cs’ Framework for Omnichannel Events

On Maritz Global Event’s podcast, Google’s global events account manager, Megan Henshall, outlined four pillars for designing engaging events — digital, in person, and hybrid.

BY Michelle Russell September 2, 2021

How Planners Are — and Aren’t — Approaching the Non-Binary Gender Question

Spoiler alert: Most event organizers say they don’t ask about gender on their event registration forms, but a study examining attitudes toward non-binary gender identification indicates that’s a missed opportunity.

BY Curt Wagner September 1, 2021

How Planners Are Customizing Hybrid Events

Responses to our COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard surveys show how models for hybrid events continue to evolve while one thing remains the same: One size does not fit all.

BY Barbara Palmer August 30, 2021

Industry Suppliers Identify Their Achievements During the COVID Crisis

The latest COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard asked respondents to call to mind their wins over the past six months of uncertainty. Suppliers’ write-in responses highlight their focus on building and maintaining industry relationships — and underscore their grit.

BY Curt Wagner August 30, 2021

PCMA’s Visionary Award Winners Announced at Ceremony

The PCMA Foundation honored the business events industry’s brightest during a August 26 black-tie ceremony in Washington, D.C.

BY Curt Wagner August 28, 2021

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