May/June 2022
It’s about time we have a conversation about mental health and wellbeing in the business events industry — how we foster it for each other in our workplaces and our participants at our events.
Cover illustration by Martin Sati
view digital edition subscribeHawaii Canoe Festival Making Cultural Waves
Through its Waʻa Kiakahi Canoe Festival, the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association is teaching many about the ancient cultural practices, celestial navigation, and ‘who the Hawaiian people are.’
Coaster Con — An Event With a Twist
When it comes to interactive conferences, few do them better than the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who get their thrills on amusement park rides during member events.
Workplace Mental Health: ‘A Collective Priority’
It is commonly understood that our emotional wellbeing was challenged during the pandemic. A study conducted last year bears that out.
Championing Connection and Community in Minneapolis
Meet Minneapolis’s CEO Melvin Tennant shares how the DMO is addressing stress from the pandemic, George Floyd’s murder, and other world events with strategies and policies designed to support employees and the community.
Chicago and Midwest Meetings and Hospitality Groups Unite
Eleven meetings and hospitality groups in the region have created the Midwest Meeting and Event Collective (MMEC) to combine advocacy efforts, support each other, and develop a richer community.
How Taking a Walking Break Can Help You Think
Wellness entrepreneur Rebecca Thomas says walking outdoors during work hours is not only good exercise, but can help us unlock problem-solving powers. And science backs her up.
World Championship of Magic Conjures Thousands of Attendees
The International Federation of Magic Societies event, taking place every three years, offers attendees masterclass education, workshops, lectures, and a competition involving various forms of stage and close-up magic.
A Safe Space to Talk About Work and Mental Health
Why event entrepreneur Janice Cardinale is leading conversations about boundaries and burnout for meeting professionals.
Mental Health and the Business Events Industry
In Convene’s latest COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard Survey, we asked planners and suppliers to share how two-plus years of working during the uncertainties of the pandemic has affected their wellbeing.
Calling for a Regenerative Business Events Industry
It’s now or never. That stark assessment comes from the scientists who authored the most recent update to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, released by the United
What the Business Events Industry is Saying About Mental Wellness
In our recent Recovery Dashboard, we asked planners and suppliers about workplace culture, the need for flexibility, social connection, and other issues facing organizations. They had a lot to say.
Conference Shares Prague Congress Centre With Ukraine Refugees
World Environmental Education Congress organizers had no time to plan a formal community service project for the Ukrainian refugees housed in the Prague Congress Centre during the time of their conference, but participants found ways to demonstrate their support.
New Rules for Conference Sponsorship Pricing
Revenue recovery is an urgent priority for organizers of major conferences and trade shows, and sponsorships can help get you there.
Mariana Atencio on the Importance of Authentic Leadership
At CEMA Summit, award-winning Latina journalist Mariana Atencio will take what she learned about authenticity from her experiences as a reporter and apply it to leading teams in a post-COVID world.
Experience Columbus’ Return on (Diversity) Investment
Why a diversity apprenticeship program in Columbus, Ohio, is going all in on expanding access to management positions for people of color in the hospitality, travel, and events sectors.
Mosaic Elevates Recycling to an Art Form
The Monumental Mattie mosaic art installation at the Salt Palace Convention Center puts equal rights, local history, and the power of repurposing on full display.
4 Strategies to Guide Your Return to Live Events
With COVID-19 cases down at the time of this writing, we are now largely mask-free, back in offices — and planning furiously to deliver in-person events. Here’s a framework.
Nice to Meet You, I’m … How to Remember Names
As in-person events return, former U.S. Memory Champ Chester Santos shares science-backed tips for putting names to faces.
5 Lessons for Planners From the SXSW In-Person Experience
Attending this year’s SXSW in person gave Beth Surmont, vice president of event strategy and design at 360 Live Media, some ideas that any organizer can adapt to optimize their events.