One of the first (and most important) questions people ask when exploring webinar options is, how much will it cost? Understanding the expenses associated with a webinar is key to being able to project and manage your return on investment. Webinar Platform The most obvious cost associated with running a webinar is the platform. Some simple platforms are free up to a certain number of attendees, while more advanced technologies typically require that you pay a monthly or annual fee…
Two of Alberta’s largest convention centres have received the event industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery certification, GBAC Star. The Calgary Telus Convention Centre (CTCC) and BMO Centre at Stampede Park join an exclusive group of international leaders who have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in their facilities. “We want to ensure clients are comfortable and safe hosting events in our venues and for that we need to meet the highest standards…
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has updated its essential considerations for safely reopening exhibitions and events during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised white paper includes enhancements in insurance and travel considerations. It features new content on improved risk assessment and force majeure — a common contract clause that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance occurs beyond their control that prevents either or both from fulfilling their obligations under the…
The global association of the exhibition industry, UFI, has announced its worldwide conference will be digital-only this year. “Our members have been telling us they want to connect, learn and have the global UFI community brought together,” says UFI president, Mary Larkin. “Since COVID-19 will not allow us to do this face-to-face, we are moving online to host the most accessible UFI Global Congress ever. Quality content, flexible timings and accessibility — these are the best ways to serve the…
Have you accidentally come within two metres of another person during COVID times? The answer is no doubt yes. People are social beings who seek closeness with others. It’s human nature and therefore bound to happen. So how can we help attendees comply with social distancing rules at events? While it’s an event planner’s responsibility to ensure a venue allows for physical distancing, simply having that space does not guarantee it will occur. Here are four products that can assist…
In a year when hotels are facing unprecedented challenges, Hyatt forged ahead to open a new hotel and convention centre in Mississauga, Ont. “We are excited to introduce Ontario’s first Hyatt Place hotel to the area,” says general manager, Celso Thompson. “With our smartly designed social spaces, including adaptable, state-of-the-art meetings and events spaces, and rooms with separate work and sleep areas, guests can easily multitask and accomplish what they need to do while on the road.” Located in the…
Ecocity Builders and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Ecocity Centre are the recipients of the 2020 Incredible Impacts Award in recognition of an event they hosted that excelled in areas such as sustainability, accessibility and ecology. The announcement was made Sept. 24, by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the BestCities Global Alliance. “There’s never been a more important time to showcase the major milestones our industry can overcome, and we hope this year’s winners provide…
Event Leadership Institute (ELI) has partnered with McVeigh Global Meetings and Events (MGME) to launch a mentoring program for business owners and operators seeking strategic support and guidance to navigate the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Event business owners, agencies and third-party suppliers went from a banner year in 2019 to a full ground stop of work in March,” says ELI founder, Howard Givner. “Now they’re scrambling for survival and resources to help them chart a path to…
COVID-19 has, without a doubt, taken the world by storm. It’s halted industries and stopped most social gatherings. Beyond this, it’s created a new normalcy. Some might say the pandemic has been the biggest driver of change in recent decades (or even a century). But what does this mean for the sampling and promotions industry? Take-Home Method The days where you simply walk over to a counter for a sample are gone. As consumers prioritize health and safety, smart sampling…
Event technology and digital solutions provider Giant iTab has launched the world’s first hybrid sanitizer smartphone to keep attendees of live events safe during the pandemic. The kiosk has health and safety features, including auto hand sanitizer and a temperature reader. Visitors offer their wrist to the infrared monitor and will be given a green or red indicator light to confirm they are safe to enter the premises. It also has analytics to show how, where and when it was…
