Since the arrival of COVID-19, a lot has changed. The way we work. The way we communicate. The way we live. And yes, the way we eat—especially at corporate gatherings, meetings and functions which are just now, in 2022, starting to resume to somewhat normal pre-pandemic standards. And while the end-result remains the same—providing meeting-goers […]
Over the past two years, many of us devoted quite a bit of time to gazing into our crystal balls, desiring to see total industry recovery. Thankfully, lots of our wishes did materialize in real life. But a few? Not so much…at least, not yet. Because here we stand, well into 2022, still contending with […]
Last week, the Dana team traveled to Las Vegas for IMEX America, the annual MICE industry trade show—back in person this year after going virtual in 2020. It was great to be on the show floor, soaking up everything this best-in-class event offers. After being hosted at Sands Expo for 8 years, IMEX moved down […]
“The new normal.” Whether we like it or not, this phrase has become a mainstay in our lexicon in recent months. It applies to many facets of life—meetings and events included. For the time being, events have moved online. But there is value in face-to-face meetings, and planners and venues have been brainstorming how we […]
Nothing beats the energy, inspiration and connections found at live events. But for now, while quarantined and planning your way forward, take advantage of the many available virtual event platforms to supplement your programming. Just as Zoom has changed weekly staff meetings, these platforms will help you through this transition phase—and they feature plenty of […]
Believe us on this one: Nobody really likes the ridiculous trust fall craze. Unless, of course, you’re checking out those epic trust fall fail videos that are all but crashing the Internet. But! Team-building has repeatedly been proven to impact—in a good way—the companies and groups who proactively embrace it as a strategy for connecting […]
The news that Marriot, Hilton and now IHG are cutting third-party meeting planner commissions from 10% to 7% has provoked quite a reaction within the industry in 2018. A new lobbying group for indie planners, Meeting Planners Unite, has taken off to tackle this and other issues. Disney has stated it will stand firm at […]
Experiential meetings continue to be one of the industry’s top trends for 2018. Meeting participants demand immersive, collaborative and memorable experiences. But, according to the recent Meetings Today trends survey, the biggest challenges for planners this year will be either “lower budget” (22.3%) or “increasing costs” (36.7%). And in Europe, notes the American Express 2018 […]
Planners are always on the lookout for cool, unique venues for their meetings and events. Leverage this trend by selling meeting rooms that are outside the traditional conference room or ballroom space. Here are six ideas for your consideration: 1. Park your meeting here. Social Tables suggests several unique venues that hoteliers can sell as […]
What storms are brewing for the meetings industry, or are calm days ahead? As the industry ramps up for a new year, we’re gauging current trends and predictions to develop a meetings industry forecast for our clients. Here are four patterns we’re watching now: Costs will continue to rise. The meetings industry is certainly more […]