What you’ll find and learn within these pages:
- Current AV RFP landscape
- What’s missing in today’s RFPs and how that impacts responses and your event
- How to write – and what to include – for an effective RFP
- Key take-aways
Imagine walking into your association’s annual meeting reception. The venue is alive with energy—conversations, laughter, and a high-energy band coaxing people onto the dance floor. Nearby, a family-friendly zone provides a space for children to play, while parents chat and unwind just a few feet away. If you’re seeking a quieter moment, cozy lounges are scattered throughout the venue, offering a perfect nook for networking and conversation. This reception truly creates an environment where every attendee feels comfortable. Read More
In 2018, the U.S. government implemented travel restrictions that prevented federal scientists from attending scientific conferences, significantly impacting their participation in key events and collaboration opportunities. In 2019, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) was initially scheduled in Brazil, then moved to Chile, and ultimately relocated to Spain due to political unrest. That same year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) canceled a scientific conference due to a partial government shutdown. In 2020, the UK Student Climate Network was forced to cancel their conference due (ironically) to severe weather that made the roads impassable. And, in 2021, the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA) had to quickly transition to a fully virtual meeting as Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans.
Events are temporary––but their impact on the environment is not.
Because our industry thrives on travel and high resource use, environmental responsibility has been a challenge. Technology greatly enhances large-scale events, but can amplify sustainability issues, with energy-intensive setups and high-waste output. While many organizations are doing their part by achieving certifications and implementing offset programs, there is a huge opportunity to drive further change through sustainable practices within the AV sector. By rethinking internal processes, adopting greener technologies, and collaborating with partners, we have the power to drive meaningful, industry-wide change from the inside out. Read More
Since the pace of change in the meetings and events industry seems to be stuck on overdrive, we wanted to spend some time with experts in the field who can share what they are seeing, trends coming up (and going away) and how attendees are reacting to all of it.
This is our third post in our “Ask the Experts” series. (Our previous discussion about event trends with Dane Lonchay can be found here, and our deep dive into asset creation with Kevin Wilson can be found here.) Over the next several months, we will continue to hear from experts who hold different roles across the industry so we can share their insights with our audience of meeting professionals who will find them valuable.
Since the pace of change in the meetings and events industry seems to be stuck on overdrive, we wanted to spend some time with experts in the field who can share what they are seeing, trends coming up (and going away) and how attendees are reacting to all of it.
This is our second post in our “Ask the Experts” series. (The first, a great discussion about association event trends with Dane Lonchay, can be found here.) Over the next several months, we will be talking to experts who hold different roles across the industry and sharing their insights here.
For the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), the annual business meeting – held during the association’s Annual Congress – represents the opportunity for its 60,000+ members the opportunity to give their input on the policies and platforms that impact them before the voting on the organization’s proposed bylaw amendments or resolutions takes place at a later date. Read More
Even as the world moves beyond the pandemic, we still feel its residual effects. Inflation continues to drive up the prices of food, beverages and fuel. Meeting attendees expect more options, like hybrid events with remote sessions or immersive experiences – both depending on added technology and labor. All the while, the workforce is still in flux––91% of hotels find hiring a challenge, and in the US, we are still missing almost 2 million workers from the economy. Read More
Events are for everyone.
If we are truly passionate about creating the best event experience possible, we have to ensure that everyone is part of the conversation, including individuals with disabilities. In making room for everyone at the table – and using the technology and design tools at our disposal to create inclusive, positive events – we can accommodate diverse audiences, allow the maximum number of people to participate and design an exceptional experience for all. Read More
Since the pace of change in the meetings and events industry seems to be stuck on overdrive, we wanted to spend some time with experts in the field who can share what they are seeing, trends coming up (and going away) and how attendees are reacting to all of it.
This is our first post in our “Ask the Experts” series. Over the next several months, we will be talking to experts who hold different roles across the industry and sharing their insights here.