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.


Tick-Tock Triumph: Mastering Time Management for Event Planners

Read the full article on the ExpoPass website

In the fast-paced world of event planning, time is the ultimate currency. A robust time management strategy isn't just a tool; it's the secret ingredient to orchestrating flawless events without unnecessary stress. Efficient time utilization not only keeps you on budget but also provides a cushion for unforeseen challenges, ensuring your events are executed with precision.

Our comprehensive time management guide for event planners delves into the organizational aspects that set the stage for success. From prioritizing tasks using the Pareto Method to establishing weekly and daily goals (the BIG THREE), we offer practical tips to conquer the ticking clock. Additionally, we explore effective scheduling techniques, emphasizing the importance of time blocking, deadlines, and strategic breaks to maintain focus and flexibility.

While technology can be a double-edged sword, we highlight its role as an invaluable ally in event planning. From setting alarms for time tracking to utilizing project management software like ActiveCollab and Monday, we guide you on leveraging technology to your advantage. Finally, we emphasize the often-overlooked aspect of rest, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency and preventing burnout.

In the world of event planning, where every minute counts, mastering time management isn't just a skill—it's the key to delivering exceptional experiences. Learn how to invest your time wisely and build a personalized toolkit for seamless event execution. "Tick-Tock Triumph" is your guide to transforming time from a challenge into your greatest asset.


Expert Profile: Jen Kramer

Experienced Event Planning Expert and Philanthropist

Jen Kramer, a highly skilled and dedicated Sales Manager at Access DMC in Chicago, boasts an impressive 30 years of experience in the dynamic world of hospitality and event planning. Throughout her illustrious career, Jen has held various pivotal roles in renowned organizations, including the City of Chicago - Mayor's Office of Special Events, the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier, and DePaul University. Her extensive background spans a diverse range of responsibilities, from directing events and managing entertainment to overseeing marketing initiatives. With a deep-rooted passion for celebrations and entertainment as powerful business tools, Jen has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive revenue growth and exceed client expectations.

A Chicago native through and through, Jen's unwavering commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors. For over two decades, she has proudly served as a board member for Special Olympics Chicago, actively contributing to fundraising efforts for this esteemed charity. Outside of the office, Jen finds solace and inspiration along Chicago's breathtaking lakefront. Whether she's donning her running shoes for a lakeside jog or exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods on her bike, Jen's love for her hometown shines through. Her quest for hidden culinary gems further underscores her affinity for Chicago's diverse and thriving restaurant scene.

Delivering Unforgettable Experiences

As a Sales Manager at Access DMC, Jen derives great pleasure from engaging with clients and unveiling the wonders that make Chicago a truly exceptional destination. While the city's iconic attractions are widely known, Jen's expertise lies in highlighting the exceptional and specialized service providers, vendors, and business professionals that set Chicago apart. Leveraging her insider knowledge and problem-solving prowess, she goes above and beyond to ensure that each client's expectations are not only met but exceeded. Embodying the spirit of "the City that Works," Jen's dedication to creating experiences that surprise, delight, and fulfill every aspect of her clients' vision is unparalleled.

Jen's career has been punctuated by a defining moment that showcased her exceptional skills in crisis management. During her tenure as a City employee, she played a pivotal role in handling the crisis surrounding the 2007 Chicago Marathon, which had to be canceled mid-event due to extreme heat and humidity levels. Her exceptional logistical and operational abilities proved instrumental in effectively managing this challenging situation. Recognized as a model for emergency preparedness in large-scale events worldwide, Jen takes immense pride in the significant contribution she made to the successful resolution of multiple catastrophic crises that day.

From spearheading the Chicago White Sox World Series Parade in 2005 to organizing the Chicago Blackhawks' first Stanley Cup Parade on Michigan Avenue, Jen holds a deep sense of pride in these unforgettable moments of triumph. Moreover, she celebrates the resounding success of Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest and the remarkable growth of the Special Olympics Chicago Polar Plunge, which has experienced exponential participation and fundraising over its 20-year history. These achievements exemplify Jen's unwavering dedication to creating and executing events that leave a lasting impact on attendees and the community at large.

Resilience, Innovation, and Reimagined Experiences

Reflecting on the future of the event and meeting planning industry, Jen believes that resilience is the key takeaway from the pandemic. She holds an optimistic outlook for the road ahead. Jen envisions a future filled with excitement, innovation, and fresh ideas that will reshape the landscape of events and meetings. As professionals adapt, reimagine, and reinvent themselves and their offerings, she believes the industry will continue to deliver remarkable and awe-inspiring experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.

Jen Kramer is hosting the '40 Ideas To Make Your Holiday Party Stand Out' session during Holidays In July, our Planner Master Class event on July 25th. Make sure to register for the event HERE.


Embracing Sustainability: Key Practices for Event Planners

By adopting a range of strategies, planners can significantly reduce the environmental impact of events while promoting social responsibility and fostering attendee engagement.

Conducting thorough assessments of resource needs allows planners to minimize waste and optimize efficiency. From utilizing digital communication systems to promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives, implementing sustainable materials and practices can substantially decrease an event's environmental footprint.

Responsible energy consumption emerges as another critical focus area. Event planners are encouraged to explore renewable energy options such as solar or wind power to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, optimizing lighting, HVAC systems, and equipment efficiency, as well as encouraging attendees to utilize sustainable transportation options, contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with the event.

Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is an integral part of sustainable event planning. Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility ensures equal participation opportunities for all attendees, including those with disabilities. Sourcing local goods and services not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Engaging attendees and stakeholders is a powerful strategy discussed in the article. By educating participants about sustainability goals and involving them in interactive exhibits, workshops, and networking sessions, event planners can foster a collective sense of responsibility. Such engagement enables attendees to become advocates for sustainable practices beyond the event itself.

Continuous Improvement

Measuring and reporting sustainability performance is a crucial step in driving continuous improvement. Setting measurable targets and regularly monitoring progress enables event planners to identify areas for enhancement and track the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Transparently sharing this information inspires others in the industry and encourages wider adoption of sustainable practices.

By embracing resource management, responsible energy consumption, social responsibility, attendee engagement, and performance measurement, planners can create impactful and environmentally friendly events.

These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the event experience while positively influencing attendees and the event industry as a whole.

Learn more about this topic on the Expo Pass website.


How AI is Changing the Event Planning Industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT have become integral to the event planning landscape, revolutionizing the industry in countless ways. In a recent webinar hosted by Expo Pass, the power and potential of this transformative technology were explored. With AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data and ChatGPT's remarkable language generation capabilities, event planners can harness these tools to streamline processes, generate engaging content, and enhance attendee experiences.

Practical Applications

The webinar shed light on the practical applications of AI and ChatGPT in event planning. From automating mundane tasks to generating personalized content, these technologies offer a range of benefits. AI's data-driven insights enable event planners to make informed decisions, optimize logistics, and deliver targeted experiences. Meanwhile, ChatGPT's natural language processing capabilities allow for efficient communication with attendees, providing instant support and personalized recommendations.

The Expo Pass webinar emphasized the importance of understanding the limitations and ethical considerations associated with AI and ChatGPT. While these technologies can greatly augment event planning efforts, human expertise and intuition remain crucial. Event planners must approach AI implementation with caution, ensuring that it aligns with their organization's goals and values. By striking the right balance between technology and human touch, event professionals can unlock the full potential of AI and ChatGPT to create unforgettable experiences.

Overall, the Expo Pass webinar showcased the transformative impact of AI and ChatGPT in event planning. From optimizing operations to delivering personalized interactions, these technologies are reshaping the industry. By embracing these advancements responsibly and integrating them into their strategies, event planners can stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver exceptional events that leave a lasting impression.

Read the article and watch the webinar recording on their website.

Special thanks to our partners at ExpoPass (and ChatGPT for the valued help).


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

  1. to find new venues and vendors
  2. to expand their professional network, and
  3. to stay informed about industry trends.

When it came to the trade show, planners particularly appreciated:

  1. the great variety of vendors
  2. the opportunity to hear from industry leaders during the educational sessions, and
  3. 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.