ASIS International is adding some fun to a serious topic with its topical badge ribbons at Global Security Exchange.

Enlisting the services of an attorney is a key step in a plan to prevent and address sexual harassment within an organization and at meetings and events. We checked in with two prominent attorneys who are well versed in and frequently speak about legal issues involving the meetings industry: Barbara Dunn O’Neal and Tyra Hilliard.

October marks a year since actress Alyssa Milano reignited the #MeToo movement, persuading millions of people to take a stand against sexual harassment. While Courtney Stanley, speaker, writer and business consultant at CS Consulting, was inspired to start speaking on the topic well before October 2017, #MeToo further encouraged her, along with her good friend, Sarah Soliman Daudin, president and CEO of Soliman Productions, to move the conversation forward in the meetings and events industry, where they have both continuously experienced sexual harassment.

Marriott International announced the creation of Beyond Barriers, the next phase of its #LoveTravels program. According to Marriott, “#LoveTravels Beyond Barriers” celebrates and supports those who are actively leading unique strategies to promote inclusion, equality, peace and human rights.

CORT Events announced its top event and meeting design trends for the fall season. Art deco, mixing rustic with industrial and an homage to 80’s decor are in demand design elements for events this fall. The furniture, lighting and accessories rental company is seeing clients go for a dramatic feel and lean into fun themes for fall events.

I’m always excited when I see different ways that content is being shared with audiences. Closed captioning is one of those items that showed up on my radar when I was speaking at WordCamp Los Angeles in 2018. It was a nice turnout for my session on how to blog from your mobile phone.

Lori Luna, vice president of events with SaaStr, explains why maintaining your supplier relationships is critical for long-term success in the meetings industry. Hint: it can save you time and money, two very valuable commodities!

Sarah Soliman Daudin, president and CEO of Soliman Productions, offers actionable steps meeting planners can take to address sexual misconduct.