During times of crisis, people come together. Here are the uplifting tales of how destinations, hotel properties, planners and neighbors have come together to help their communities during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Plus, an opportunity to put your planner skills to work in the fight against the virus.
How the Events Industry Is Helping Itself Get Back on Track
Some 75 people showed up to George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston this week to call on Congress to pass the RESTART Act, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate in May and has yet to be passed. This act would offer much-needed economic relief to those working in the live events industry
How to Meet Live During a Pandemic for a Good Cause
While everyone else is talking about the pros and cons of different virtual meeting streaming platforms, Imagine, Create & Celebrate (MC&A) Destination Management Company hosted a social spacing soiree July 8 for 75 guests to honor the Hawaiian island of Maui’s first responders.
A Coronavirus Silver Lining?
So what’s the coronavirus silver lining? An uptick in virtual meetings; improved online meeting tools; and a greater appreciation for face-to-face events. Adrian Segar, author of Conferences that Work, goes in-depth with readers on why.
How to Support the Mental Health of Event Planners
Mass meeting cancellations have wrought financial and personal havoc in the events industry. Just when we need the support of our peers the most, we are banned from coming together. Smart Meetings reached out to three emotional health experts for suggestion on the best way to support our teams until we can come together again.
DMOs’ Creative Marketing Boosts Consumer Ties During Coronavirus
Stuffed teddy bear hunts for locals, and virtual cooking and visits to Harry Potter filming locations for out-of-towners, are among the creative approaches that destination marketing organizations throughout the world have been taking to engage people during the coronavirus pandemic.
7 Ways Meeting Professionals are Uniquely Suited to Help During Coronavirus Pandemic
In a matter of weeks, the world flipped upside down and daily life changed for meeting planners. With hotels closed, events postponed and financial strains increasing anxiety levels, a little bit of time from list-making pros can go a long way toward helping a community cope.
Destinations Lend Support During Coronavirus Slowdown
Destinations are finding creative ways to help their communities and industry during the disruption of meetings due to social distancing. Louisville Tourism is working with local hospitality teams to donate food while properties are vacant.
Humanity Rocks: Helping Each Other in the Time of Coronavirus
As you may soon discover, being confined to home offices and virtual meetings can feel…limiting. Fortunately, times of crisis also tend to bring out the better instincts in people and corporations. Cynics can attribute some of the following wholly to smart marketing—but a more hopeful interpretation is that we have begun the process of coming together again.
At Last, A Little Good News About COVID-19
Even in health emergencies and natural disasters, there can be silver linings. After the general public was barred from watching a major sporting event in Columbus, Ohio, because of fears of COVID-19, a satisfying meal appeared for more than 2,000 first responders in tornado-stricken Tennessee.
For more, head to our all-encompassing Coronavirus Resource Guide.
