Meetings Today Content Engagement Director Christoph Trappe caught up with MPI Head of Meeting Innovation Jessie States following one of several sessions she led as a speaker at IBTM World 2018. This particular conversation revolves around States’ presentation about event flexibility and being prepared for meetings emergencies titled “It’s an Emergency: What Will You Do When Everything Goes Wrong?”

As catastrophic hurricanes, unprecedented flooding, massive fires, deadly earthquakes and even disruptive volcanoes dominate the headlines, it’s impossible to forget the indelible images and stories of personal hardship that follow natural disasters. But with every story of loss there are also uplifting stories, and in the hospitality world some of those stories have been about renewal.

Hotel worker labor union UNITE HERE and hotel company Kyo-ya, which owns several hotels operated by Marriott in Hawaii, reached an agreement on a new union contract on November 27, ending a 51-day strike. The contract was ratified by a 99.6 percent vote by members of UNITE HERE Local 5.

Content marketing for event planners is a strategy in which conference organizers create specific content that is relevant to their target audience (the prospective attendees) and presented in a way that is informational and educational to those prospects. Then, of course, the created content for your event or meeting also offers calls to action to attend the conference, buy a video pass or move down the funnel in some other manner.

Washington, D.C.-based meeting planners are being offered free shuttle service to PCMA Conventing Leaders.

Las Vegas’ Park MGM announced that its Ideation Studio and Madison Meeting Center (MMC) are now members of IACC, making them part of the association’s group of 300 conferencing venues in 26 countries. 

While security threats in the physical world understandably grab most of the headlines, cybersecurity breaches have also impacted the meetings and events world, from corporate espionage over insecure Wi-Fi networks to credit card hacks and data theft at major hotel chains.

Golf resorts are staying in the game for the next generation by offering innovative new ways to play and other features. Incorporating the latest technology, moving away from traditional play and even taking the game off the course are among the trends leading the way for golf events in 2019.

Carol McGury, executive vice president, event and education services for association services company SmithBucklin, has been elected as chair of the PCMA Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees, which governs the organization. McGury will assume the role following PCMA’s Convening Leaders meeting January 6-9, 2019, in Pittsburgh. She will replace Maritz Global Events President David Peckinpaugh.

Want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills for Thanksgiving? Check out our list of featured recipes we’ve gathered from some of the top chefs in the hospitality and meetings industry! Compile your shopping list, gather your ingredients and put on your apron, because that Thanksgiving meal ain’t gonna to cook itself! Below are just a few of our favorite side dish ideas for the big occasion.