The event décor is picture perfect; the music is playing. Wine is flowing freely, and a sumptuous three course gala dinner has just been served. You, however, are hiding behind a screen of pipe and drape hoping that no one notices you stuffing a handful of mints from the hotel front desk candy jar, because you realize that’s all you’ve had to eat in the last six hours. Sound familiar? Event managers are notoriously bad for looking after their…
The event industry is fully on the road to recovery with a rise in bookings and a surge in demand for events. But the significant loss of people to other industries during the pandemic means facing a new set of challenges. Event management companies are struggling to find qualified and experienced individuals, which can negatively impact the quality and success of events. Planners today need to be mindful of increased costs and possible service offering disruptions. They will need to…
Event Operations, Meeting Community, The Business of Meetings, Uncategorized
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…
Why pre-record content? In a nutshell, for your sanity! Pre-recording content ensures that everything will be ready to go on the day, limiting the amount of technical issues that could occur. There’s no chance of speakers failing to turn up, having connection issues, forgetting what time zone they are in or any of the other myriad things that can go wrong with a live event. Another important and often overlooked benefit is that it gives your speakers a chance…
For Lyndsay Munholland, the best aspect of event planning is finally getting to execute an event that she has “poured her heart and soul” into for months and sometimes years. “There’s nothing like seeing and hearing reactions from attendees, especially about little details that are often overlooked. Most people won’t notice that the striped linens are all laid on the tables at a perfect 45 degree angle or that you splurged and went with the safety snap-away lanyards. But…
A Toronto-based association and event management company has made the Globe and Mail’s coveted list of the boldest businesses in the country. Managing Matters is among Canada’s top 400 growing companies, which encompasses various sectors. It placed 377 with a three-year growth of 75 per cent. This is the second year in a row the company has made the list. Launched in 2019, the program’s goal is to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement in Canada, by identifying and amplifying the success of…
Over the past few months, there has been major growth in the percentage of meetings, conferences and other events hosted virtually. The increase in demand for digital experiences shows consumers are willing to adapt in their quest for human connection during the COVID-19 public health crisis. But this doesn’t mean switching an in-person event online will guarantee success. Organizers still need to give attendees what they want and that’s good content. “There is a misconception that virtual events are simple…
The meetings and events industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the social distancing measures aimed at reducing its spread. Companies and organizations have made changes to adapt during this unprecedented period, postponing, rescheduling or moving events online. But are all events suited to a virtual audience? Event coordinator Martha Feenstra says surprisingly yes. She even expects some may remain completely online on the other side of the pandemic. “I never thought I would enjoy a virtual music concert…
By Daniella Bustamante The concept of “sustainable” and “green” events is not new. Over the years, we have seen a shift towards making events more eco-friendly. This has been most noticeable with more hotels and convention centers coming up with detailed eco-friendly initiatives. With venues stepping up to the plate, planners and producers (myself included) need to do our part to prioritize sustainability. Overhauling an event to make it “green” is not an easy nor appealing feat, but even through…
Event Operations, Green/Sustainable Meetings, Meeting Checklists
By Daniella Bustamante In the world of trade shows, you come across numerous companies of varying services, products, sizes and industries – you leave remembering a select few. There is a reason for this. No matter what the company, having an effective booth design makes all the difference. Here are a few tips and ideas to think about when planning your next trade show booth. Maximize space When planning out your booth, you want to maximize whatever space you have…
A/V & Special Effects, Event Branding & Marketing, Event Operations, Social Media & Technology, Speakers & Entertainment
