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Planning a successful event is a massive job in itself. Getting the details right between vendors, logistics, timing, food, budgeting, etc. is always chaotic and stressful. So something that often gets forgotten is the safety of any event. Unanticipated safety concerns like the flooding at Burning Man or the huge crash at Tour de France 2023 caused by a fan on the sidelines getting a little too close, highlights the importance of emergency response planning.
If you want to host a webinar, you’ve got some work to do. But don’t worry! You’re in the right place. We’re here to prep you for success. True to its name—a portmanteau of ‘web’ and ‘seminar’ — a webinar is a virtual event where knowledge sharing, teaching, discussion, and networking takes place online in real-time.
“We’re looking to use this investment and this event to help drive our business objectives. We’re really hoping to connect with consumers, locally, in this Texas market as a way to localize our national and global Coke music campaigns. We want to figure out how to make that more relevant to the fans and consumers, and while doing so, use this event as an asset, as a platform to engage other parts of the business like customers, retailers and our internal employees, as well.R
You’ve probably noticed or have heard over recent years, the increasing number of people hiring private chefs for their at-home gathering or intimate special event. Needless to say, there are quite a few reasons for this! Apart from providing hosts an opportunity to enjoy their own parties (a huge plus!), a private chef can also dramatically elevate your special occasion to new heights, all while providing that extra personal touch and attention to detail that many culinary enthusiasts are
Speaker: Aja Bradley Kemp, Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Conversate Collective
In a world where every brand is vying for attention, how do you make your events stand out? ✨ From creative swag strategies to immersive brand experiences, the key lies in fostering real connections that inspire action and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're planning a large-scale conference or an exclusive executive gathering, this session will explore how to elevate event engagement, strengthen brand perception, and maximize ROI.
Why aren’t unconferences more popular? Events and media consultant Julius Solaris shared at the Unforgettable Experience Design Summit that he was initially very enthusiastic about unconference format events. He thought conferences would eventually adopt unconference models. But Julius didn’t see them catch on and now focuses on other aspects of the meeting industry.
Give a shout out to your partners! The annual Platinum Choice Awards serves as the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for your favorite hotels and CVBs. All votes are entered to win one of three $100 Amazon Gift Cards. The deadline to get your votes in is Sept. 30. Winners will be announced in the December Smart Meetings Magazine. Vote Now! Take a look at last year’s Platinum Choice winners here.
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Event Pro Update brings together the best content for event, conference, and meeting planning professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Give a shout out to your partners! The annual Platinum Choice Awards serves as the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for your favorite hotels and CVBs. All votes are entered to win one of three $100 Amazon Gift Cards. The deadline to get your votes in is Sept. 30. Winners will be announced in the December Smart Meetings Magazine. Vote Now! Take a look at last year’s Platinum Choice winners here.
“In this industry, everybody’s a participant. They’re not just fans or consumers, they’re actually enthusiasts, they live this lifestyle. With outdoor recreation, it’s all about touchpoints. You have to meet the consumer where they’re at and let them be part of that process.” –Sean Smith, Show Director, Outdoor Retailer OR’s 2024 format will include a Hosted Buyer program, Design + Innovation Show and Outdoor Adventure X festival. 2024 is set to be a year of growth for Outdoor Retail
Many of our clients have had to navigate unchartered waters as venue contracts (that were secured years ago) are now being questioned and challenged by members in states that have adopted discriminatory and women’s health laws that go against the mission and values of the association. In response, we posted this article back in April to provide decision-making resources and examples of communication strategies for boards facing these very difficult decisions.
Skift Take: A new SEC disclosure ruling requires all U.S. public companies to disclose cyberattacks. This adds a new level of complexity to risk management for any planners working with or for these companies.
Profiles on five woman chefs of color leading the culinary industry Chef Alice Seo, DM of Wolfgang Puck Catering in Seattle, was one of five incredible woman chefs of color in a leadership position who spoke to Smart Meetings about their careers. In her interview with Smart Meetings, she recalled watching an interview of Madeline Albright, the first female U.S.
Speaker: Alexa Acosta, Director of Growth Marketing & B2B Marketing Leader
Marketing is evolving at breakneck speed—new tools, AI-driven automation, and changing buyer behaviors are rewriting the playbook. With so many trends competing for attention, how do you cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves the needle? In this webinar, industry expert Alexa Acosta will break down the most impactful marketing trends shaping the industry today and how to turn them into real, revenue-generating strategies.
Drone performances have become more affordable and, thus, ubiquitous, across the landscape. But as criticism grows over the potential of advertising “swarms” taking over precious skyline views, event marketers are returning to the foundation of authentic brand experiences for drone show performances worthy of this most epic of venues. Premium freeze-dried raw dog food brand Stella & Chewy’s took its message for thoughtful pet parents to the skies when it hosted a “silent fireworks” drone sho
What do you hope your members feel when they think about your organization? Perhaps excited about an upcoming event, proud to contribute to your successes, or grateful to be part of your community. Excitement, pride, gratitude—all of these emotions can stem from a positive member experience! So how do you improve your member experience? In this post we’ll explore: Why member experience matters What makes a great membership experience How to improve member experience How event management software
The need for change in travel and tourism The hospitality industry is continuing its efforts towards improving sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) with cross-sector discussions and in-person activities. The Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit (POPS) is taking place in Richmond, Virginia, on Oct. 15th through the 18th is a collaboration between Tourism Cares, Cultural Heritage Alliance, Inc., The Travel Foundation and the U.S.
In order to create a successful event, you must: Optimize Event Website and Registration Process Utilize Social Media Platforms Effectively Implement Targeted Email Campaigns Harness the Power of Video Content Benefit from a Mobile App Download now and learn how to simplify this process with Eventpedia.
Reuniting, energising and inspiring the business meetings and events sector will be high on the agenda next month, at the Meetings Industry Association’s first miaSummit. Following a virtual welcome address from Tourism Minister, Sir John Whittingdale, who will be providing a highly anticipated update on the government’s plans to support the sector, the carefully curated programme will challenge traditional thinking.
If you’re an exhibitor at an upcoming trade show, congratulations! Investing in an exhibitor booth is a fantastic way to help your company stand out from competitors. With the right mindset and creative ideas, you’ll be able to set up your booth for success–which means driving foot traffic, engaging potential customers, and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Skift Take: MGM Resorts International was the apparent target of a far-reaching cyberattack on Monday that continues to disrupt hotel bookings, down gambling machines, and hobble guest services.
A thorough procurement process, though often unseen by the end consumer, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that organizations function optimally. It has been widely used by many industries to ensure they are working with quality suppliers. It can also be effectively used by meeting and event teams of all sized to deliver better end products. A properly implemented procurement process directly impacts the bottom line, operational efficiency and the quality of products or services.
The greats learn from the greats. Set yourself and your team up for success with tried and tested strategies and insights from event marketing geniuses at Vanta, Partnership Leaders, Quantum Metric, Rocketlane, and Explori.
This morning in the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP asked the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for Department for Business and Trade whether the department will do more to promote the UK globally as a great business events destination. The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP “As Chair of the APPG for Events, can I highlight the huge benefits this sector brings us in terms of promoting trade, exports and inward investment.
The Conference Buyer’s Guide returns for 2023, a packed edition with input from suppliers, associations, venues, and agencies alike. A must-read for conference and meeting organisers keen to learn more about the latest tech advances including a big focus on AI in events: how to boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences.
Skift Take: California's travel ban is no more. State-sponsored events can once again take place in any of the 26 states previously banned. Instead, California will fund outreach to LGBTQ communities in those states.
Christopher Walling Christopher Walling Walling joins The Salamander Collection as vice president of operations and managing director of Innisbrook in Tampa Bay, Florida. He has worked with The Salamander Collection since 2022, formerly overseeing Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club. In this new role, he will oversee all of Innisbrook’s daily operations and work to further synergize Salamander’s golf properties between Innisbrook, Aurora Anguilla and Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
In this best practices guide, you’ll learn how to tap into the cost-efficiencies of advocacy and word-of-mouth marketing with video. Examples include speakers providing a preview of their upcoming sessions, exhibitors creating “please stop by” invitations and attendees creating “looking forward to seeing you” introduction videos. Learn about best practices and programs created by leading companies and associations including ASIS, AUVSI, SuperZoo, National Restaurant Association, World of Concret
Sophie Croston, Group Business Development Manager at Blackpool Pleasure Beach , The Big Blue Hotel and the Boulevard Hotel , on why event professionals can’t get enough of the seaside resort. When it comes to hosting conferences and business events, Blackpool has been captivating the hearts of an increasing number of event organisers over recent years.
Lambeth Council have said they support the reopening of Brixton Academy “in principle” if a series of conditions are met. The second and final day of a licensing hearing into the venue’s future was held at Lambeth Town Hall today (September 12).
Skift Take: Tourism officials told visitors and groups to stay home after last month's wildfire, but they overcorrected. Maui needs visitors and now it's struggling to get back group business.
The MRN Agency proves diversity leads to success Sept. 15t h through Oct. 15 th , 2023 marks Hispanic Heritage Month and brings more awareness to the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) while emphasizing that celebrating different cultures in the workplace and at your events is an asset. Organizations such as The MRN Agency have dedicated their data-driven marketing and event production company to representing diversity both within their company and through their installations an
Speaker: Jennifer Hodroge, Omni-Channel Strategic Leader, Forrester CX Certified
Marketers know that personalization is the key to engagement—but with limited budgets and time, how do you prioritize what, where, and how to personalize? Aligning your content, campaigns, and buyer experiences requires a deep understanding of customer needs. In this new webinar with expert Jennifer Hodroge, we’ll explore how to leverage insights and customer journey mapping to build personalization strategies that deliver real impact.
RIBA at 66 Portland Place has added another new event space to its inventory following the revamp of its onsite café. The RIBA Cafe has undergone a makeover and the new tranquil space is now available to hire outside of normal opening hours for relaxed evening receptions and as a VIP area for larger events. Situated on the ground floor of the Art Deco building looking out towards the tree-lined Portland Place, the RIBA Cafe is a bright, modern space featuring vintage detailing, clean lines and n
The era of uninspiring virtual events is fading quickly, making way for a new approach that puts attendees at the centre of engaging experiences. No longer satisfied with passive digital content, participants seek more interactive and immersive virtual events that break away from the ordinary.
Skift Take: The recovery of San Francisco’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to be underscored by a narrative of lawlessness and economic demise. The San Francisco Travel Association now looks to Scott Beck to reverse that negative perception.
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