So it is 2023, COVID responses worldwide are winding down, we don’t have to wear our masks anymore and the world is returning back to normal. Everyone wants to be back in person and virtual events have bitten the dust, right? Well…maybe. The truth is there is still a market and a need for virtual events but virtual fatigue is definitely real. The event type you ultimately choose is going to depend on many things: Your event goals What…
After two years of remote and hybrid arrangements, most event professionals are optimistic and expect in-person events and budgets to increase in 2023, according to the 12th annual Global Meetings & Events Forecast, produced by American Express Meetings & Events. The 2023 Global Meetings & Events Forecast is based on a survey of 580 meeting and event (M&E) professionals across the value chain in 23 countries, as well as interviews with industry leaders. Key findings from the report include: 77 per cent…
Cvent has extended its partnership with the largest global meeting and event industry association, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), through to 2024. “MPI has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a community that advances the industry and the careers of the people in it,” says Cvent CEO and founder, Reggie Aggarwal. “After what’s been a difficult last 18 months for meeting and event professionals, it’s more important than ever to continue this mission. We’re proud to support MPI and their…
Amid uncertainty of the fourth COVID wave fuelled by the Delta variant, research shows attending in-person business events is safer than daily activities like going to the grocery store, and that hosting the events does not increase local COVID-19 case rates. In fact, for recent August events, the infection rates were as much as 95 percent lower than the U.S. at large. Modelling found risks of infection at events to be as much as eight times less than the metropolitan…
A recently published study by EventMB found an overwhelming majority of event organizers (81 per cent) believe they have to design and execute separate, dedicated experiences for in-person and remote audiences when hosting a hybrid event. Fortunately, with the right production technology and expertise, you don’t have to plan two separate events when going hybrid. Here’s how. Focus on Content Hybrid formats allow you to produce one event with two outputs. Take Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The five-day event…
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…
Toronto experiential agency Event Circle has launched rapid COVID-19 testing for corporate and private events. The company says the goal of introducing the Health Canada approved testing is to help clients ease back into the world of events safely now that Ontario is in Stage 3 of its reopening plan. Trained on-site nurses will collect and complete SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleoprotein antigen tests for all staff and guests as they enter an event. The process consists of a painless, shallow nasal…
As hybrid models gather momentum, many event planners are becoming increasingly concerned about one issue that has no clear answer: pricing. Here are five key questions to help you determine how to price your next hybrid event. 1. What is the hybrid event makeup? When producing a hybrid event that combines in-person and virtual attendees, you can choose where to place the emphasis on pricing. This will be determined in part by your communications strategy and what level of profit,…
As pandemic restrictions continue to lift, many trade shows are committed to returning to in-person operations. This is exciting not just for attendees but also exhibitors. There is a lot to coordinate before you hit the show floor for your next big event. Given it has been quite some time since large face-to-face gatherings have been allowed, this guide provides a refresher to make the experience seamless and minimize stress. It’s also a great tool for first-time exhibitors. Pre-Show In…
Recently, Black in Events Network hosted an online event with Kimberly Corbin, co-founder and managing partner for Meeting Shields, LLC, the largest 100 per cent woman and minority owned full-service protection and emergency management preparedness firm globally. Corbin also has 14 years of senior level experience in the hospitality and meetings industry. As we move into live, in-person events again, wherever you are in the world, what matters most is making sure you follow protocol and listen to whatever the…
