Collective bargaining is a major component of the meetings, events and tradeshow industry. Those who are part of collective bargaining units—or unions—work in hotels, convention centers, restaurants and arenas. And in nearly every discussion about unions with industry colleagues, there is anger surrounding the many rules in working with them.

In today’s busy world, meeting planners have a unique opportunity to develop programs and experiences that will not only encourage connections and growth, but also provide attendees with some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Dean Jones, CMP, is the director of conferences and events with the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), in Indianapolis. The RCMA recently held its annual Emerge conference in Omaha.

Who wants the same-old, same-old in their meetings? From presentations and breakouts to teambuilding and networking events, attendees are shaking their fists at the heavens and wailing the plaintive cry “quit boring the hell out of me with your cookie-cutter meeting components!”

UNITE HERE Gaming Research, the research arm of the hospitality workers’ union, projected that a one-month strike in Las Vegas could cost the two largest employers on the Las Vegas Strip—MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corporation—over $300 million in operating profits.

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 released the results of a study conducted by UNITE HERE’s Culinary and Bartender Unions of over 10,000 Las Vegas casino workers that reported 59% of cocktail servers and 27% of hotel housekeepers said they had been sexually harassed while on the job.

Neighbors Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, home to CenturyLink Center Omaha and Mid-America Center, as well as a great variety of group-friendly hotels, also offer an intriguing lineup of venues for off-site receptions and banquets.