MCI, a leader in association solutions, meetings, events and conferences, has announced the launch of a new virtual consulting product to future-proof associations through strategic transformation: 

AIM Group International, a company specialized in congresses, events and communication, published a new white paper titled "Virtual and Hybrid Events: A Guide to Success," signed by the senior expert Annalisa Ponchia, director of innovation and customer experience, AIM Group International.

More and more in-person and virtual events are coming together in the form of seminars, incentives, product launches, congresses and other gatherings. In addition, an increasing awareness in terms of health and safety goes hand-in-hand with a growing demand for events that are more sustainable. To meet this demand and to remain a pioneer in B2B services, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group has set up a hybrid events think-tank.

Several convention centers and lodging facilities across the United States have recently secured GBAC STAR facility accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. By providing third-party validation, GBAC STAR’s 20-step, performance-based program helps facilities of all sizes establish and maintain an effective system of cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention.

Recently accredited facilities include:

As signs of recovery continue in the business travel sector, travel procurement professionals are prioritizing the health and safety of employees, according to a new poll released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

The Cairns Convention Centre announced it is undergoing a $176 million refurbishment and expansion project. The major project will deliver an extra 107,000 square feet of meeting, banquet and exhibition space when completed.

Bonnie Carlson, president and CEO of the Bloomington, Minnesota Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be inducted into the Destinations International Hall of Fame this week. This designation is the highest honor that Destinations International can bestow and will be presented during the organization’s virtual conference. Carlson was the second female chair of Destinations International’s board of directors when the organization was known as the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus.

To address safe group travel practices and evolve today’s event experience, Hilton has announced a global cleanliness and customer service program specific to meetings and events. "Hilton EventReady with CleanStay" is the next phase of the company’s recently launched "Hilton CleanStay" and was shaped by extensive research and feedback. 

The key tenets of the "Hilton EventReady with CleanStay" program include:

Over the past few months, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) staff and leadership has considered "every option possible" to proceed with the association’s 2020 Convention set for November in Denver, CO; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to spike globally and the Denver Convention Center dedicated to a temporary medical facility, the convention center cannot be made available for November dates and, so, they had to cancel the event.

A survey of event professionals by etc.venues during its first hybrid event since lockdown revealed that almost three-quarters (73 percent) of them are planning a hybrid event before the end of the year.

A fifth (19 percent) of planners said the biggest barrier to choosing a hybrid event is a lack of experience, followed by concerns over cost (17 percent), risk of failure (17 percent), perceptions of low attendance (17 percent), confusion with technology (16 percent) and getting stakeholder buy-in (15 percent).