Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) Unveils 2024 Public Policy Agenda
Source: MidWest Meetings
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has set the stage for its advocacy efforts in 2024, identifying key focus areas that underscore the industry's vital role in economic growth and job creation.
As Congress has recently convened, the ECA's comprehensive agenda aims to ensure a favorable operating environment for the business events sector, foster seamless international travel and commerce, and create a welcoming atmosphere for industry activities across states and cities.
Priorities for Economic Growth and Workforce Development
Hervé Sedky, Emerald Holding Inc.'s President, CEO, and Chair of the ECA board, emphasized the laser focus on policies supporting economic growth, job creation, and small businesses. The agenda outlines six top priorities for the year, including restoring visa operations to pre-pandemic levels, supporting government policies for attracting and training the industry's future workforce, and reinstating communicable disease coverage in event cancellation insurance. These initiatives aim to not only navigate the challenges of the present but also lay the groundwork for a resilient and thriving future.
Building on 2023 Successes and Future Advocacy Initiatives
The ECA plans to build on the successes of 2023, such as amending Chicago's paid-leave law to exclude business events visitors and advancing legislation in Congress for expanding skills-based training opportunities. Looking ahead, the alliance is set to introduce new advocacy capabilities, empowering industry leaders and advocates to actively participate in the political and policymaking processes. By staying proactive and adaptive, the ECA aims to amplify the impact of its advocacy efforts, fostering an environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of the business events industry.
10 Event and Meeting Trends Shaping 2024
Embark on a journey into the future of event planning as we unveil the top 10 trends shaping 2024. From eco-conscious gatherings to cutting-edge technology, this guide is your passport to staying ahead in the dynamic landscape of event management. Join us in exploring the keys to unlocking unforgettable events in the coming year, where sustainability meets innovation, and tech-forward experiences take center stage!
Sustainable Events Take Center Stage
Embrace eco-friendly events with a focus on economic and climate concerns, promoting sustainable behavior and responsible resource sourcing. Read more about sustainable events HERE.
Privacy & Security in the Digital Sphere
Prioritize data security in the digital age, intensifying privacy regulations, and training for handling sensitive attendee information.
AI's Evolution in Event Planning
Dive into AI-powered recommendation engines and engaging headlines for personalized attendee experiences.
Digital Accessibility for All Events
Ensure inclusivity with technology, integrating screen readers and voice recognition tools for accessible digital and in-person events.
Social Media: The Event Promoter's Ally
Leverage platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for event promotion, forming partnerships with digital influencers for expanded reach.
Live Streaming Dominates Engagement
Ride the wave of live streaming events, attracting millennials and Gen Z through partnerships with digital influencers.
Mobile Technology Transforms Event Experience
Embrace the mobile revolution with event-focused apps, providing seamless event discovery, reservations, and ticket purchases.
Augmented & Virtual Reality Redefine Experiences
Explore Augmented Reality (AR) for enhanced customer service and Virtual Reality (VR) for immersive event experiences.
Data's Growing Role in Event Planning
Invest in data analytics tools, using insights to track attendee behavior and make informed decisions for future events.
The Future of Hybrid and Virtual Events
Continue the trend of virtual and hybrid events for global accessibility and cost-effectiveness, providing broader reach and engagement.
What To Expect At Our Next Planner Master Class
By Elena Martin - Ateema's Director of Events
As part of Ateema’s upcoming Holidays in July event on July 25, not only will planners have the opportunity to get ahead of the game with inspirational ideas for your holiday gatherings, we also plan to offer two educational sessions that will keep you on the cutting edge.
Read on to learn more about these sessions and Register HERE for the event today.Â
Transforming Events: The Impact of Generative AI on the Meetings and Event Industry
Join University of Chicago Clinical Professor & Chief Scientist, Dr. Utku Pamuksuz, as he takes the mystery out of how event planners can benefit from using AI to enhance their work. Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the event planning industry. In this session, event planners will be encouraged to explore its practical applications and benefits.
By leveraging Generative AI, event planners can enhance creativity, engagement, and overall event experiences. This technology enables the use of interactive chatbots and tailored content generation, providing real-time information, personalized recommendations, and immersive interactions for attendees.
The session emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human touch in event planning, utilizing AI as a valuable tool alongside human expertise. By attending this session, event planners will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate Generative AI into their strategies, paving the way for a future where this transformative technology reshapes the landscape of event planning.
40 Ideas to Make Your Holiday Party Stand Out
Panelists:
Dayna Malow, CEO, Live Art International, Inc.
Linda Whitlock, President, Corporate Event Interactive, Inc.
Andrew Brode, President, AV Chicago
You might be feeling a little stuck on how to make your business’ holiday party stand out this year, especially with employee downsizing and shrinking budgets. You are not alone! In this session, planners will hear from industry experts on best practices to make their holiday parties memorable. Topics will include developing the event look and feel, creating engaging experiences, unique catering ideas, consideration of cross-cultural elements, cutting edge audio visual production, and team building activities. Participants will walk away with an actionable list of ideas to incorporate into their own holiday celebrations.Â
Ateema Media & Marketing has been approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) as a Preferred Provider of the below-listed continuing education courses, which qualify for CMP continuing education credit. Determination of continuing education credit eligibility or Preferred Provider status does not imply EIC’s endorsement or assessment of education quality.Â
Get inspired for your next holiday events at Ateema’s next Planner Master Class. Register HEREÂ
Looking Back at the 22nd Edition of the Hospitality & Tourism Summit
The 22nd edition of The Hospitality & Tourism Summit (HTSC) was a pivotal industry conference that provided enriching experiences for attendees. Held on May 2, this event featured a captivating trade show, enlightening educational sessions, and invaluable networking prospects.
With the participation of over 1,250 distinguished professionals, including top meeting and event planners, concierges, hotel salespeople, social media influencers, business representatives, and industry experts, the summit offered a unique platform to connect, learn, and cultivate business opportunities in preparation for the bustling summer season.
Key Takeaways
According to a survey conducted among planners, 100% of the respondents highly recommended their industry peers to attend the HTSC event next year, indicating a high level of satisfaction (rated 8 or more).
The top three reasons cited by planners for attending HTSC were
- to find new venues and vendors
- to expand their professional network, and
- to stay informed about industry trends.
When it came to the trade show, planners particularly appreciated:
- the great variety of vendors
- the opportunity to hear from industry leaders during the educational sessions, and
- the abundance of delicious food and drink options available.
Elena Martin, Director of Events at Ateema, reflects on her experience at the HTSC event, describing it as a resounding success, especially considering it was her first time attending. Martin highlights the energetic atmosphere and the connections made among Chicago's finest professionals. She also commends the creativity displayed by the 120+ vendors in representing their businesses.
Meet Elena Martin, Our New Director Of Events
Elena joins the Ateema team after serving 5 and a half years as Associate Director of Marketing & Events at the educational nonprofit for first generation college students from under-resourced communities in Chicago, Chicago Scholars.
Elena was first introduced to Ateema after she attended a Chicago Planner Master Class event in early 2020. Networking with other event industry professionals and learning about new vendors who could put a creative stamp on her events, showcase the brand in a new way, and create unique and memorable moments for attendees was exciting and a valuable professional development opportunity.
Elena: "I was one of the only staff on my team that planned events, so having a chance to speak with other event professionals and discuss best practices was helpful to my career." Planning events for young high school and college age students meant she needed to stay on top of new ways to keep her events engaging and fun. "I'm excited to provide the same high level of support to other planners that I received at my first Ateema run Chicago Planner Master Class event and keep pushing the industry to innovate in new ways by working together."