Due to the advocacy of the Washington Meeting and Convention Coalition (WMCC), Washington governor Jay Inslee has modified the state’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 restrictions around business meetings, professional development training and testing, and similar activities, effective from September 21. According to the new guidance, the governor’s "Safe Start" reopening plan will permit meetings and business events to be held at an indoor capacity of 30 percent or 200 guests, whichever is less (excluding venue staff)

Quintana Roo’s tourism ministry announced last week the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) will have more capacity to operate: Open spaces will be allowed to operate at up to 50 percent capacity, while indoor venues will be allowed to operate at 30 percent, according to the maximum capacity of each venue.

The eighth edition of the World Meetings Forum (WMF) was held from August 31 to September 2, at Paradisus Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, gathering 227 professionals who included meeting planners, events industry suppliers, speakers and special guests. Also, 4,617 one-on-one meetings took place, aimed at reactivating the industry; the inclusion of persons with disabilities was possible through the WMF Foundation. 

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has launched an APAC (Asia-Pacific) specific peer-to-peer meeting series to facilitate open conversation

As the world adapts to new expectations and plans for responsible gatherings, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has enhanced its "Meet with Confidence" program to provide appropriate and creative meeting and event solutions, without compromising on the experience or the flexibility that meeting planners require. 

To showcase the innovative measures being taken to support the safe return of in-person meetings and events, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) is enlisting corporate executives, policymakers and meetings industry leadership to engage in critical conversations in a virtual discussion series.  The conversations—which premiered in July and will continue through the fall—thus far highlighted five key considerations, predictions and actions underway. They are:

Following the announcement of Marriott International’s "Commitment to Clean" and "Global Cleanliness Council," Marriott has introduced digital content about redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices to help hosts, organizers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence.  

M&R Hotel Management, a U.S. management company with operations across five states, has selected Magnuson Hotels, a "fast-growing franchise alternative," to rebrand its 285-room Magnuson Grand & Conference Center Somerset-Bridgewater located in New Jersey. 

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.