The twisting of reality is becoming common practice in the meeting, tradeshow, event and exhibition world. By using an ever-evolving array of technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, users can enter worlds created from scratch to entertain, provide demonstrations and eventually sell a concept or product. But how “realistic” is the implementation of this technology? What is each good at doing and what drawbacks are endemic to which specific medium?

The expert of record for all things meetings tech for more than 20 years, Corbin Ball—owner of Corbin Ball & Co.—has ingrained himself in the meetings industry on a global level. An inveterate traveler—he spends about a third of his time on the road every year—Ball recently received the highest honor in the industry after being inducted into the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Hall of Leaders.

The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the final results of the Global Economic Significance of Business Events report, the first worldwide study on the economic importance of face-to-face business meetings and events.

Unicorns? Check. A wizard? Check. Dance breaks? Check. Bingo pajama party? Check. Game-changing sessions and connections? That’s definitely a check.

In an effort to provide cost-saving choices and advice, SmartAsset, a financial technology company reported the Best U.S. Cities for Conferences in 2018, based on recent data from forecasting company Oxford Economics.

Sustainability and wellness are on-trend and continue to drive the superfood revolution and the whole vegetable movement, according to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ fifth annual Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast. However, the emergence of more adventurous preferences, from offal-based dishes to bold African and Israeli influences hasn’t slowed, according to the 2019 forecast from Kimpton.

Association services company SmithBucklin acquired 360 Live Media in a move that will significantly augment both companies’ meetings offerings in an environment that increasingly demands a high level of experiential elements, immersive attendee experiences and other format disruptions.

It’s official. After two failed attempts, Miami Beach will finally get the convention headquarter hotel that local tourism officials have been angling for over the past several years. Voters approved the project by a super majority in the 2018 General Election Nov. 6, 2018, paving the way for the critical missing piece in the destination’s meetings and conventions package.

Most people think they know how they would react if they were suddenly faced with an active shooter. You’d leap into action, take charge, bar the door—maybe even tackle the assailant—and save the day. Most people are wrong. I was. While active shooter training may be hard to implement during your actual event for all attendees, I believe it is something that would be valuable for meeting and event planners to take part in.

Convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and destination marketing organizations (DMOs0 are becoming increasingly inventive in the ways they assist planners. These entities can be game-changers when it comes to helping stage outstanding meetings and events. Ventura County Coast, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Destination DC and Visit Savannah share strategic ways to utilize their services and some improvements on tools.