On January 25, travel-related issues brought a temporary end to the partial government shutdown. How? The simple answer—the shutdown was affecting the performance of air travel.

The coldest weather in years will sweep the Midwest and Northeast United States in 2019 due to the impending polar vortex, resulting in windchills as cold as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are five suggestions to help meeting planners and participants better handle the extreme cold and help ensure that big annual meeting can still go off without a hitch, even in subzero temperatures.

Here's a rundown of what's new and incoming on the Atlanta meetings and events facilities scene in 2019.

Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson talks with Mark Vaughan, executive vice president and chief sales officer for the Atlanta CVB, about how the destination is gearing up for the big game, and what it means for meetings and conventions groups in the future.

SmithBucklin Event Director Benjamin Rabe shares his knowledge of the evolving medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare meetings segments and what is in store for the future.

Air traffic controller sickouts related to the government shutdown at three major Northeast airport hubs are greatly affecting arriving flights, according to news reports, resulting in the rerouting of flights. The sickouts are causing significant flight delays at the following airports: LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

The Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) voiced its approval for Senate Bill 5258. According to the Washington State Legislature, this bill will help prevent “the sexual harassment and sexual assault of certain isolated workers.” Senate Bill 5258 was introduced following the Washington State Court of Appeals’ blocking of Seattle Initiative Measure 124, which included broader protections.

Meeting Planners Unite, formed to fight Marriott's commission cuts, changed its name to Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals.

Air travelers may be in for a rude awakening when navigating airports during the government shutdown, as the absence rate for TSA workers is now on a record pace. According to reports, the absentee rate for TSA employees hit 10 percent of its more than 51,000 officers as of Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, compared with 3 percent a year ago.