In a matter of days, the Alberta government will lift all remaining COVID-19 public health restrictions that have been in place for most of the pandemic. As of Aug. 16, masks will be completely optional except in certain settings like acute care or continuing care facilities, and people who test positive for COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine anymore. Isolation hotels and quarantine support will also no longer be available and by month’s end, COVID-19 tests will only be…
News & Articles - coronavirus
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Venues Host What Could be Most Important Event of 21st Century
Hard-hit by COVID-19, convention centres are once again seeing lines of people eagerly waiting to gain entry. But unlike in ‘normal’ times, they’re not there to attend a ‘typical’ event. Rather, thousands are flocking to these facilities to take a jab in the arm to protect themselves from the potentially deadly virus. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is among several events venues across the country that have pivoted for the public good. Canada’s largest convention and meeting facility opened…
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Nearly Two-Thirds of Businesses Most Impacted by COVID will not Survive
Sixty per cent of Canada’s hardest hit businesses will not survive to the end of the year if the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) supports are not renewed beyond their June 5 deadline. This is according to a March survey released by the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, an industry-driven group of more than 100 stakeholders representing a variety of sectors, including tourism, travel, arts and culture, events and festivals, accommodation and hospitality. “Our…
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Canadian City Seeks Accreditation as Safe Destination for Travel, Business
Edmonton will soon be the first Canadian destination with a health and safety designation. Explore Edmonton is collaborating with its tourism and hospitality industries to pursue a city-wide Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accreditation. “Edmonton’s tourism, hospitality and events industries will play an important role in our region’s post-COVID recovery, getting people back to work, welcoming travellers back to the city and delivering important economic and social benefits to our region,” says Maggie Davison, acting CEO of Explore Edmonton.…
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Toronto Pearson takes Top Honours for Best Airport, Hygiene
For the fourth year in a row, Toronto Pearson has been named the best large airport in North America. The win comes as part of Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, which recognizes airports across the globe that deliver the best customer experience in the opinion of their own passengers. New this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is a survey category on airport hygiene. As chosen by passengers, Pearson has also received the…
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B.C. Convention Centre Re-envisions Space for Safe Return of Events
In anticipation of the return of in-person events, the Vancouver Convention Centre has put together a ‘safe events’ plan. Called ReDesign, the convention centre worked with industry partners to create a live demonstration space that highlights how event aspects could evolve amid the changing industry landscape. “We took a proactive step to explore what events will look like and how they can function so our clients are able to host meaningful experiences with the assurance that decisions are informed by…
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How to Drive Online Engagement with Gamification
Virtual events aren’t a new concept but they have stepped into the limelight because of COVID, and it’s clear they’re here to stay. Grand View Research projects the virtual events market will increase 10-fold over the next decade, to be valued at $774 billion US. The most innovative event planners are already adapting and working to perfect this medium. Their goal, of course, is to ensure attendees are engaged and satisfied, especially from home. The Challenges of Going Virtual Online…
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Live Events to Rebound in Big Way, Survey Says
In-person business meetings and events will surge in 2021, according to a recent Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) poll of its members — the fourteenth of its kind since the onset of the pandemic. “What we’re seeing in this latest poll is a number of reasons for the business travel industry to be optimistic about 2021, especially toward the middle of the year,” says GBTA’s interim executive director, Dave Hilfman. “As the vaccine rollout gains momentum and if we see…
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Three Lessons from Catching COVID-19 for Event Producers
I caught COVID-19 in early October. It was considered a mild case and I have since recovered. I never experienced shortness of breath or worried about my long-term health, for which I am very grateful. Here’s where it gets interesting. My symptoms started exactly six days prior to the start of a three-day in-person client event — one with a need for high-touch execution across multiple venues on back-to-back days. I want to note that our client’s main focus through the…
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Survey: 2021 will be a Hybrid Year
Nearly three-quarters of meeting planners are moving their face-to-face events to virtual or hybrid next year, according to the most recent Meetings and Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners. This despite the majority of surveyed planners predicting the return of in-person events in the first half of 2021, though 57 per cent believe events will be downsized in the future, with the largest events topping out at 250 attendees. A majority also believe average event attendee numbers will…
