Author Archives: Ashley Chalmers

About Ashley Chalmers

ConventionPlanit.com is a completely search directory and RFP portal for meeting planners. This blog will feature meetings industry tips and news geared toward meeting planners and an inside look at the tradeshows ConventionPlanit.com participates in.

Big Updates for the Memphis Convention Center

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Work continues at the Memphis Convention Center even while the facility hosts major events. Local media was able to see progress since the last construction site visit in May.

Local news outlets in attendance were also provided details on a planned Front Street closure from Jackson to Poplar starting October 7th, running through May 1st. Phase I work is progressing as meeting rooms on the ground level near completion with carpet scheduled for installation in October.

The entire project is due to be complete in the Fall of 2020 with all funding coming through the hotel/motel tax and Tourism Development funds.

• Kevin Kern, Vice President Public Relations

• Dean Dennis, Senior Vice President and General Manager

MICROTEK ANNOUNCES NEW, MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SOLUTIONS FOR VENUES

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MicroTek, a global leader in corporate meeting and training venues and event planning services, is proud to announce that the company has instituted a new program to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste produced by its U.S. venues.

MicroTek has announced plans to remove disposable water bottles from all of its owned and operated U.S. locations. The company predicts that this new environmentally-motivated initiative will eliminate more than 200,000 bottles each year. Each MicroTek location will offer a reusable water bottle refilling station and an infused water dispenser as a more sustainable alternative to commercial plastic water bottles.

The company has also announced the introduction of new granola and trail mix dispensing stations to substantially reduce the waste produced by individually packaged snacks at MicroTek venues across the country. With this new program in place, MicroTek solidifies its commitment to providing financially and environmentally sustainable meeting and training solutions to companies around the world.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer these new, more environmentally-conscious food and beverage solutions in our venues. Initial guest feedback and support for this new program has been outstanding,” says Bill Taylor, MicroTek’s VP of Facility Resources.

Located in the heart of nine major metropolitan business hubs across the country, MicroTek’s premier meeting and training venues offer flexible meeting spaces paired with a full suite of all-inclusive event services.

To learn more about MicroTek’s premier meeting and training venues, visit mclabs.com/meet

ABOUT MICROTEK

Since 1991, MicroTek has been an industry-leading, single-source provider of corporate meeting and training venues, learning and event technology solutions, and comprehensive support services. With an expert team and network of more than 3,000 facilities worldwide, MicroTek has the resources and expertise to execute the most effective corporate meeting and training events for any client, anywhere in the world.

MEDIA CONTACT
AJ Pfatschbacher, ajp@mclabs.com | 630.719.0221

SPIN Announces 2019 40 Over 40 Winners: Industry’s First Recognition Solely for Veteran Planners

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SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network announces the 2019 recipients of the industry’s original recognition for veteran meeting planners – SPIN:40 Over 40. This initiative was created in 2017 to recognize and honor planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators, and pioneers.

“This year we have a group of 28 honorees,” said Tracey Smith, CMP, CMM, SPIN’s Executive Director. “This is an evolving process and we changed some of our criteria, focusing more on giving back, innovation and accomplishments. While we had many candidates, the ones chosen best represented the qualifications we were looking for.”

SPIN’s Founder, Shawna Suckow, CMP, CSP, added, “This group of recipients represents planners with diverse backgrounds who excel in innovation and truly giving back. They’re helping the next generation learn from their examples.”

“It is an honor to be nominated and to have been selected as part of this group,” noted Stephanie Krzywanski, CMM of JR Global Events. “I’ve been drawn to this industry since college and have had the good fortune to have had many opportunities to create my own pathwithin it and to give back.”

Sally Mainprize, SMMC, CRP of Iron Peacock Events, who received multiple peer nominations, echoed that sentiment and added, “I love what I do and am humbled that my industry colleagues value my contributions. The truth is, without my mighty team, I could accomplish very little.”

2019 SPIN:40 Over 40 Winners

Mary Margaret Armstrong, CMP, CAE – Meeting Advantage

Allison Beers – Events North

Erika Biddix, CMM, CMP – Biddix Meetings + Events

Kathy Bradley Sheldrake, CMP – KEMET Corporation

Sue Couling – University of Minnesota

Sherry DeLaGarza, CMP, CMM – Key Standards Event Management

Cori Dossett, CEM, CMP – Conferences Designed

Mozelle Goodwin, CMP, HMCC – Goodwin Consulting

Sue Gordon, CMP – EPIC Meetings & Events

Lin Guba, CMM, CMP – International Economic Development Council

Laura Hearvin, CMP, CTA – Treasures Travel & Events, LLC

Deborah Jayne – Society for American Baseball Research (SABR)

Stephanie Krzywanski, CMM – JR Global Events, Inc.

Peggy Lamberton, CMP – InterAct.EVENTS

Cathi Lundgren, CAE, CMP – The Lundgren Group

Jeremy Luski – JML Worldwide

Sally Mainprize, SMMC, CRP – Iron Peacock Events

Emily Milliot, CMP, HMCC – AG Communications, LLC

Lorena Moore, CMP, CGMP – ICF International

Susan Piel, CMP – Spiel Planning

Gregory Pynes, MPA – Oncology Meeting Innovations

Jeff Rasco – Attendee Management, Inc.

Larissa Schultz, CMP, MHA, ACC – Journey-Wide Travel & Events, LLC

Brent Taylor, CMP, DES, CMM – Timewise Event Management Inc.

Cindy Thorp – MeetingsNevents, Inc.

Rose Timmerman Gitzi, CMM – RTG Special Events

Denise Waldron, CMP – Viva! Events, LLC

Julie Walker, CMP, HMCC – Choice Meetings

The honorees will each receive two complimentary registrations for SPINCon 2019 (one for the honoree, and one for their nominator or a fellow qualified planner), and they will be recognized at the conference in a ceremony amongst their peers. SPINCon 2019 will be held November 3-5, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey.

About SPIN

SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network is the world’s largest association for senior-level planners. SPIN has recently invited all hospitality professionals who have at least 10 years of experience to join their ranks. SPINCon is the annual conference for the association.

ASAE Foundation Announces Four Universities Receive Scholarly Research Grants

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The ASAE Foundation names four academic institutions to receive research grants as part of the Scholarly Research in Association Management Grants Program (SRGP). The SRGP provides investigators with funds to conduct research on a cross-section of topics relevant to association and member-based organization management. Each recipient will receive up to a $7,500 grant and for this latest awards cycle, will begin on September 1 and lasts for one year.

The four awardees are:

George Mason University

Association Advocacy for Broad, Sector-Wide Interests: Promoting the Charitable and Business Sectors in Federal Policymaking

Alan Abramson, Professor; Schar School of Policy and Government

North Carolina State University

Planning for Advocacy Efforts: Best Practices from Tourism Industry Associations

Whitney Knollenberg, PhD, Assistant Professor, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management

(Co-Investigator) Ashley Schroeder, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University

(Co-Investigator) Amanda Stewart, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, North Carolina State University

The George Washington University

Building Bayanihan: Decolonizing Association Management from Whiteness

Nathan Victoria, M.Ed., CAE, Senior Director, Recruitment, Engagement, and Volunteerism; NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

And, Doctoral Candidate; Executive Leadership Program, Human & Organizational Learning, The George Washington University

(Co-Investigator) Julia Storberg-Walker, PhD, Associate Professor, Executive Leadership Program, Department of Human & Organizational Learning

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Representation and Inclusion in Associations: An Examination of Board Diversity and Volunteer Management

Jaclyn Piatak, PhD, Assistant Professor; Political Science and Public Administration

“Congratulations to the four awardees. Their research will provide valuable insights on issues that affect the growth, scope, and sustainability of membership organizations and the association community. These studies reflect knowledge opportunities in association management that can be uniquely explored through collaboration with higher education. We look forward to sharing the results,” said interim ASAE President and CEO, and ASAE Foundation President Susan Robertson, CAE

The next application cycle for SRGP is open Fall 2019 and deadline to apply is January 2020. To learn more, visit https://foundation.asaecenter.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Precker, CAE, lprecker@asaecenter.org, 202-626-2735

About ASAE and the ASAE Foundation
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 46,000 association executives and industry partners representing 7,400 organizations. Its members lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. Together, they create a vibrant community that makes the world smarter, safer, and better every day. With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Director of Global Business Development & Marketing Recognised as One of the Top Women in MICE 2019

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The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) Director of Global Business Development & Marketing, Angeline van den Broecke, has been acknowledged as one of the most dynamic women in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) industry, being named one of the Top Women in MICE 2019 by Meetings Magazine and 3s Media.

Launched in 2014, the Top Women in MICE is based on nominations from peers and comprises of the finest event organisers and suppliers in the business events industry, who were judged on their leadership, passion, creativity, integrity, mentorship and relationships. It celebrates female excellence and recognises their achievements in the MICE space and honours them during an annual ceremony.

Congratulating Angeline on her incredible accomplishment, the Centre’s General Manager, Alan Pryor, shared “Angeline’s enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to the business events industry has been rewarded with this wonderful achievement. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience from close to 25 years in the industry, with over 11 of those in Malaysia at the Centre.”

He continued, “Angeline is motivated by a pioneering mind-set which fuels her market leadership approach and desire to constantly go beyond the norm. She is a key member of our senior management team who has been the driving force for a more inclusive approach within the organisation. Angeline’s passion, positivity and strong affinity for cultural diversity, as well as her dedication to mentoring and building the capabilities of our team, are also a great source of inspiration and motivation for everyone.”

Speaking on Angeline’s win was Shanna Jacobsen, Editor of Meetings magazine and producer of the event, said, “Seeing South Africans shine abroad makes me incredibly proud, and we are thrilled that Angeline is making a name for herself internationally as this is a testament to what exceptional talent can achieve, anywhere in the world.”

Angeline commented, “I am very honoured to be named amongst such esteemed colleagues and commend the organisers for providing such an important platform to recognise the contribution of women in the business events industry.”

“At the heart of change is the commitment to embrace cultural diversity and inclusivity no matter where you are placed in the world. I am committed to building a talent pool of future female leaders, and to the make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of the business events industry as a whole,” she concluded.

For more information the Top Women in MICE 2019, visit www.theplanner.guru/women-in-mice-2019/.

For all the latest news and information on the Centre, visit www.klccconventioncentre.com.

“A” is for ASAE and August

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Up, up and away at ASAE!
Maureen Pickell (aka your intrepid blogger) helps promote ConventionPlanit’s participation in IMEX America 2019

On our industry calendar, “A” is for August and the annual meeting and exposition of the American Society of Association Executives. So off went your intrepid blogger to be counted in with the nearly 5,500 people, including 2,625 association executives, who descended on the Greater Columbus Convention Center in central Ohio from August 10 through 13.

Experience Columbus, the city’s CVB, recruited more than 600 local volunteers to assist with the event, easily the largest number of smiling faces that ASAE has ever recruited. And, even considering the “too many to count” ASAE annuals that I have attended, I didn’t realize that this event launched its 100^th year! In recognition, ASAE offered more than 100 educational sessions along with two half-days of exhibit-hall time, where more than 700 destinations, hotels, tech companies, and other vendors networked with attendees.

As you may have noticed, this reporter is always on the lookout for something innovative which adds to the event. This year it was the addition (to the routine layout of a standard convention center) of a “Smart Farm” growing fresh herbs and produce. Located between exhibit halls, this concept is the first indoor, vertical, LED-lit hydroponic garden in a convention center. Attendees got to experience “farm to table” by adding a snippet of parsley, mint, kale or thyme to their bottled water for a flavor-infused drink!

This year the ASAE Exposition was busy as Association Executives and exhibitors interacted face to face to build business relationships. New energy was added to the trade show component through the 20-minute Express Talks presenting a single idea and offering practical tips through storytelling. These “quick bites” of learning accompanied the more traditional tasty quick bites being offered for lunch on the show floor.

ConventionPlanit.com, already known as a class act, had our very own Jeeves the Butler back again this year inviting planners to tour the website. Portrayed by Al Rickard of Association Vision, Al was a “vision” himself in an elegant tuxedo highlighting the ConventionPlanit trademarked RFP Valet service which helps planners simplify the tedious RFP process.

In attendance with me were a few of the ConventionPlanit.com Sales Managers. Jo Ann Hoffman, Regional Director of Sales, Maryland joined Mara Hill Buckner, Regional Director of Sales, Chicago in staffing the booth. Also, we noticed CP.com supplier members Visit Vail Valley, Boise Convention & Visitor Bureau and Tulalip Resort Casino along with Visit Anchorage and Memphis Tourism busy educating planners on their destinations and services.

Look for the ASAE’s centennial celebration at next year’s annual event in Las Vegas…see you all there!!

ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Encourages Attendees to Learn and Play with Purpose

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More than 5,400 association professionals and industry partners gathered in Columbus, OH, August 10–13, for the 2019 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition. Participants heard from keynotes Jeremy Heimans & Henry Timms and Alton White, and participated in more than 110 education sessions, six game changers, and explored 710 booths featuring 445 companies in a packed expo hall.

The final attendance breakdown: 2,625 executives, 1,866 exhibitors, 985 others, including guests, spouses, press, vendors, and staff, for a grand total of 5,476. The ratio of buyers to sellers was 58 percent buyers to 42 percent sellers.

“The theme for this year’s event of learn and play with purpose resonated in every aspect of the meeting. From the design of the main stage and convention center, to the content covered by our speakers, attendees were compelled to consider new and inventive ways to do business within their own associations,” said Susan Robertson, CAE, Interim ASAE President & CEO. “The city of Columbus delivered an outstanding experience for our attendees. There is no doubt that our members have been treated to a unique experience that has left a lasting, positive impression of exactly what Columbus offers for their own meetings and events.”

General Sessions speakers Heimans and Timms challenged attendees to assess their organizations as they operate now, and then think of where they would like to be in five years. Subsequently they introduced their model of new power, which is peer driven, and focused on how open collaboration can be implemented to move associations forward. They emphasized that any winning strategy is going to have new power at its heart.

For the closing keynote, White showcased his skills as a singer and performer to share an insightful and moving commentary that encouraged attendees to tap into their passions to find the courage to make it past the fear that is in the way of achieving their dreams. He also discussed the importance of first and last impressions, trusting your instincts with forgiveness and compassion.

On Monday night The ASAE Foundation Classic was hosted by Experience Columbus at the Nationwide Arena and headlined by Ohio native John Legend, Attendees were treated to a night filled with performances by local singers, dancers, marching bands, and DJ’s. The sold-out event had the highest attendance and revenue in the 13-year history of The Classic.

The six Game Changers featured Columbus locals Joe DeLoss, Founder of Hot Chicken Takeover and Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Additional Game Changers included Nadya Okamoto, Founder and Executive Director, PERIOD. The Menstrual Movement and author of the newly released book Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement along with Brant Menswar, CEO, Rock Star Impact,author of Rock’ N’ Roll With It: Overcoming the Challenge of Change; Erica Dhawan, Founder and CEO, Cotential, and co-author of the bestselling book Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connection Intelligence; and Alison Levine, team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, and author of On the Edge.

In addition to attendees volunteering their time at the Reeb Avenue Center, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Netcare Access, CompDrug, and Maryhaven, ASAE raised over $30,000 for the Columbus Foundation’s Gifts of Kindness Fund.

Next year’s ASAE Annual Meeting will be in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 8-11, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

ASAE thanks the following Alliance Partners for their continued support of the association community:

Strategic Partners
Atlanta CVB
Canada Business Events
Choose Chicago
Experience Columbus
Community Brands
Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
Naylor Association Solutions
Discover Puerto Rico

Corporate Partners
Visit Austin
Visit Baltimore
Caesars Entertainment
Destination Cleveland
Visit Dallas
DelCor Technology Solutions, Inc.
Fonteva
GEICO
Louisville Tourism
Visit OmahaTravel Portland
Visit Salt Lake

Visit San Jose

Event Partners
iMIS by Advanced Solutions International
Bostrom
The Broadmoor
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Experient
Higher Logic
Manifest
MemberClicks
Open Water
The Palm Beaches
SunTrust Bank

ASAE Global Partners
Dubai Association Centre
Korea Tourism Organization

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Precker, CAE lprecker@asaecenter.org, 202-626-2735

Gender equality tops the agenda at She Means Business IMEX America 2019 set to drive the diversity debate

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With a recent World Economic Forum report (Global Gender Gap Report 2018) projecting it would take 202 years for men and women to reach economic parity, gender equality remains a pressing issue. It’s one that tops the agenda at She Means Business, part of IMEX America taking place September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas.

She Means Business, a joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI, will launch at the show following its success at IMEX in Frankfurt, bringing with it trail-blazing speakers and a commitment to collaborate and make a difference to the 21st century workplace.

Gender equality: less words and more action?

Dr. Mara Harvey, Head Global UHNW Germany, Austria, Italy of UBS Switzerland AG, delivers the keynote address – Gender equality: less words and more action? – explaining why actions speak louder than words in addressing barriers to economic equality. Beginning by exploring the root causes of the gender pay gap including the implicit meaning of semantics around risk and money, Mara will share her advice for boosting financial confidence across the generations, including stories and tools for tackling the glass ceiling.

She also joins a high caliber roster of speakers delivering punchy and powerful TED style mini presentations about women in business, delving into diversity, gender equality and female empowerment.

Other speakers include Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, Vicki Hawarden, VP Events for the Society for Human Resource Management and Melissa Ow, Deputy Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board.

Professional & personal – finding a better balance

The sandwich generation: Balancing career and family is one that will resonate with many professionals, both women and men. With event management regarded as one of the most stressful careers in the world (Forbes, 2017), managing family obligations and a career can be challenging. An expert panel will debunk the myths, share best practices and solutions – the speakers are: Nelly Mukazayire, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau; Nicole Bowman, VP Marketing & Communications at IAEE; and Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director of the IMEX Group.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Issues around diversity and gender equality are more important than ever and She Means Business will provide women in events and their male counterparts with a platform for deeper understanding and action. The launch of this new conference at IMEX America follows two years of growth and refinement at IMEX in Frankfurt. It’s a valuable opportunity for planners to collaborate with and learn from inspiring speakers on crucial issues facing women today and – like all IMEX education – there’s no charge to attend.”

Kerstin Wünsch, Editor-in-Chief of tw tagungswirtschaft and Co-Founder of She Means Business, says: “We’re very excited to introduce She Means Business to IMEX America, in partnership with MPI. The conference aims for diversity, gender equality and female empowerment – we believe that if we come together, we can make a change.”

“We are thrilled to support She Means Business – an innovative and inspiring program in partnership with our strategic partner, IMEX Group,” said Paul Van Deventer, CEO and President of MPI. “Diversity and inclusion are at the core of MPI and we know the strong impact this program will have on our community.”

She Means Business takes place on Smart Monday, powered by MPI, a pre-show day of education on September 9, the day before IMEX America September 10 – 12 .

Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

CCH Congress Center Hamburg sponsors the keynote at She Means Business. Singapore Tourism Board is the golden sponsor.

#IMEX19
#shemeansbusiness

We’re Back!

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Dear friends,

After a longer than expected hiatus from the blogging world for a big refresh, we are finally back!

When a website has been around for 17 years like ConventionPlanit.com, a major face lift was a necessity to keep the website running smoothly. Thanks for your patience while we underwent these changes! We hope you enjoy the faster speed the website now enjoys as you are conducting research for venues or destinations for your next meeting or event.

As for this space, we hope you will find relevant meetings articles and tips as well as a community to connect with.

If you have ideas for articles or questions meeting pros or suppliers can answer, please comment below!

From 30 new booths to Nook Pods, Laughter Yoga and crisis negotiation training: IMEX America is the place to witness the changing face of events

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With just a few weeks to go until IMEX America returns to Las Vegas, destinations, venues and suppliers from around the world and across North America are gearing up to showcase their latest products and services for meeting and event planners. There’s plenty of news to share – from new venue and hotel openings, redevelopments, innovative incentive activities and a strong focus on sustainable meetings and events (read more in the IMEX America show preview).

The expanded show floor at IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® in Las Vegas, will be home to around 3,500 suppliers from 150 countries including new exhibitors Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Leonardo Hotels, The Hoxton, Destination Cleveland, Los Cabos Tourism Board as well as an extended Tech Pavillion showcasing the latest event tech innovations.

To date, more than 30 current exhibitors have expanded their presence at the show, including Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Bureau, Royal Caribbean International, Hyatt Hotels, NYC & Company, Hungary and Dallas.

North America in the spotlight – 100 booths, 40 states

Around 4,000 qualified buyers will come together during the three days of the show to plan and book everything from high-level incentives to huge association conventions as well as to make important new contacts, strengthen existing relationships and seal critical business deals. This year planners doing interstate business in North America will find 100 booths representing over 1,000 suppliers from 40 states including individual destinations such as Wilmington, Jackson Hole, Spokane and Albuquerque.

Attendees can also dive into all things experiential at a new Discovery Zone, dedicated to experimentation and immersive activities. This forms part of the show’s focus on Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year. Planners can also get stuck into practical hands-on workshops and experience truly immersive role play with surprise sensory components. IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone is designed to fuel fresh thinking and encourage creative risk-taking.

Explore high-stakes decision-making

Immersive learning experiences don’t get more interactive – or dramatic – than InsideRisk’s session – What kind of leader are you under maximum pressure? Based on the true story of Swiss executive J.P. Mottu, who in 1988 found himself in charge of saving a young engineer kidnapped by Colombian rebels, the program thrusts participants into real-life negotiations that have been kept secret for over 25 years.

The multi-media workshop, taking place on Smart Monday – IMEX’s pre-show day of education, is designed to help leaders dramatically increase their trust-building and critical thinking abilities. Participants experience high-stakes situations individually and in groups, exchanging invaluable insights and forging memorable relationships with peers.

Laughter is the best medicine

By contrast, another immersive activity sure to bring a smile to attendees’ faces, will be laughter yoga at the new Laughter Lab. Part of the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, home to all show floor education, the Laughter Lab hosts several sessions on the power of laughter by Sarah Routman from Laugh for the Health of It, LLC. Laughter yoga encourages creative play with prolonged voluntary giggles that start intentionally and become spontaneous, providing plenty of positive health benefits.

There are many opportunities to relax and revive during busy days at the show, starting with the Be Well Lounge, brought to the show by Lee Papa’s Mindfulness Lounge™ and supported by Imprint Events Group. Rise early for the IMEXrun (registration now live), sponsored by Italian National Tourist Board – ENIT, CORT, Hilton and Maritz Global Events, or take part in daily 7 a.m. mind, body and soul movement classes with live music, courtesy of JessicaMicheletti.com. Alternatively, attendees can learn how to weave wellbeing into their own events by following the dedicated health and wellbeing education track or trying out new ‘Nook Pods’. The pods, which were a big hit at IMEX in Frankfurt, recognize that acoustics affect our wellbeing – in particular the 30-50% of people who are introverts. They provide a quiet, private space to recharge or simply to concentrate.

Education remains a firm focus of IMEX America and there are more than 180 learning opportunities over the entire show this year – all free of charge and designed for meetings and events industry professionals at all levels, both buyers and exhibitors. Education sessions cover 10 tracks including Business Skills, Creative Learning, Personal Development, Technology and Trends & Research. Each track provides fresh thinking and new learning formats designed to make meetings more engaging, embrace new ways of thinking and human behavior, consider big trends and issues, and explore innovation and imagination.

IMEX America takes place September 10 – 12, 2019, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

For quick and easy information or news about the show, search #IMEX19 or experience IMEX on YouTube.