Smart Meetings

With cases of Covid variant Omicron rising overseas, borders are closing and restrictions are tightening once more. But what does this mean for meeting planners and business travelers? Is it time to “lift and shift” events again?

Events Industry Council (EIC) has started the first phase of its Equity Acceleration Plan. The plan aims to create a foundation on which to measure the industry’s current state of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), so to better challenge racism and discrimination in events. You can help play a part by taking the survey included!

So, you're about to take a flight. When you’re asked to show proof of a negative Covid test, what type of test should you take, and where? International travel almost always requires testing; domestic travel varies from state to state. Here’s the latest on Covid testing.

Considering cancelling an event? Fees and liabilities are just the tip of a very expensive iceberg. Consider these expenses when making a decision.

With so many properties short-staffed, a little kindness can go a long way. We have all heard the horror stories of people outraged by lack of room service or long lines to check in. Spare your event from any "Karen" moments with this refresher on hotel guest etiquette.

Leadership with Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) wanted to set an example. For the group’s 2021 FICP Annual Conference in Arizona, they put a stake in the desert early on that they would hold an in-person event at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa for 500 fully vaccinated people Nov. 14-17.

Denver and Phoenix lead the way in the resurgence of business travel and meetings in the United States, according to predictive data company Adara, which reports that both those Western cities are down only 29 percent for business trips booked in the last two months as compared to same period in 2019.