In Brief

IN BRIEF INDUSTRY PULSE

CHICAGO, IL — IACC has launched IACC MultiPOD meetings, a framework for hosting one meeting with in-person groupings of participants in two or more different locations. IACC identified three critical features of a multi-located meeting: venue capabilities, strong technology and production delivery, and collaboration between all parties. “Given global restrictions on travel and limits on the number of people who can gather in person, many business events will take place regionally in smaller groups,” noted Mark Cooper, IACC CEO. “However, that does not diminish the desire for inperson live experiences and to foster cross-fertilization of ideas across countries and continents.” Partnering with PSAV and ElectroMedia Design (EMD), IACC has developed a specification document and venue pledge that must be committed to by any of the 400 IACC-certified venues in 25 countries wishing to host a POD meeting.

DALLAS, TX — Meeting Professionals International (MPI) recently announced that its longtime strategic partner, IMEX Group, has donated $250,000 to mirror ongoing efforts toward assisting distressed MPI members. Most of the donation has been offered as a grant to the MPI Foundation, whose One Million to Meet campaign aims to raise $1 million by the end of 2020 to accelerate the recovery of meeting and event professionals around the world. “COVID-19’s abruptness made face-to-face interactions an unfathomable situation. To watch our

Paul Van Deventer

community and our members struggle when these are the individuals representing a top 10 global economic driver is heart wrenching,” said Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI. “Unsolicited support, like this, demonstrates how acts of generosity and kindness between organizations can aid in a united mission toward recovery. Our members, our industry and our world benefit from gracious people like those at IMEX Group; we don’t take this for granted and know that we are indeed stronger together.” In recognition of their donation, MPI is providing “Industry Champion” credentials to both Carina Bauer, CEO MONTEREY, CA — The Monterey County CVB has hired Teresa Savage as its new Vice President of Business Development. “The meeting and conference industry is going through the greatest transformation it has ever experienced,” said Rob O’Keefe, President and CEO of Monterey County CVB. “We’re thrilled to have an industry leader with significant experience growing this business, both at hotels and with DMOs, to help us redefine our future.” Previously Vice President of Sales for Visit Napa Valley, Savage brings more than 20 years of hospitality sales experience in California,

Teresa Savage

including a stint at Monterey Marriott Hotel, during which time she served on the Marketing Committee for the Monterey County CVB.

NASHVILLE, TN — Effective Oct. 1, Nashville entered Phase 3 of its Reopening Plan. With an approved plan from Metro Public Health, events can now be held at 30 percent capacity, up to a maximum of 500 people. Masks are required at all events, and in all public spaces. Restaurants and

IN BRIEF

INDUSTRY PULSE Continued from page 6

bars may operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing and no more than eight patrons per table.

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Travel Association recently announced that IPW will be a live, inperson event held in Las Vegas from Sept. 18-22, 2021. “Next year’s IPW will reunite the global travel community and be the keystone for safely rebuilding international travel to the United States,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “While IPW will look a bit different next year, expect it to be the turning point for the allimportant inbound travel sector.” Steve Hill, CEO/ President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, commented: “IPW is crucial to reviving international travel, and we’re pleased that the U.S. Travel Association is dedicated to holding an inperson show in Las Vegas next September. These new dates will allow greater flexibility for attendees and will ensure the best possible experience for a successful and productive tradeshow. We look forward to welcoming delegates to the new West Hall expansion at the Las Vegas Convention Center as well as showcasing new and exciting developments throughout the destination.” U.S. Travel plans to open registration for IPW exhibitors in mid-November. IPW buyer and media registration will open early next year.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Events Industry Council (EIC) is a member of the new COVID Relief Now Coalition, comprised of nearly 250 public and private sector groups in the United States. On Sept. 30, the coalition urged Congress to not leave town for the 2020 elections without passing additional COVID economic relief. EIC Chief Executive Officer Amy Calvert commented, “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the global business events industry. The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that one million jobs per day were being lost due to COVID-19. But it’s not just the direct impact

Amy Calvert

of jobs lost, furloughed or reduced. There’s a ripple effect when events don’t happen that runs through travel, hotel, entertainment and other industries. Our businesses are closing. Our workforce is suffering. Our global economy depends on this industry to fuel its recovery.”

WASHINGTON, DC — Events DC has invested in a robust suite of new health and safety tools to help safeguard facilities against COVID-19. New safety equipment includes Kogniz and Certify, both thermal scanner systems to monitor temperature; FujiTec Ionful, an air purification system; and NanoSeptic, a selfcleaning system for high touchpoint surfaces. “With the implementation of these new smart health and safety tools across our venues, it is our hope that Events DC can serve as an industry leader in the reimagining of events and best practices, while emphasizing the utmost importance of creating a safe environment for all of our future guests,” stated Gregory A. O’Dell, President and CEO of Events DC.

Events DC has implemented some of the latest cleaning technologies across its venues

IN BRIEF 93,500 sq. ft. of meeting rooms and pre-function space. Construction on and safety of our guests, clients and employees continues to be our highest the project is scheduled priority. As events continue, CONVENTION CENTER WATCH to begin in 2022, with we want to take proactive anticipated completion in steps and exceed industry ALBANY, NY — On Sept. 2024. standards in sanitation and 24, the Albany Capital Center (ACC) hosted Plug Power’s second annual Plug Symposium. Plug Power, the company building the green hydrogen economy, welcomed nearly 1,500 remote and in-person attendees, following the current COVID-19 guidelines. “This event highlights how the Capital Center is ideally suited for large hybrid events,” Plug Symposium, a recent hybrid meeting at the Albany Capital Center said Doug McClaine, General Manager of the Center, a 10,000-seat arena, LOUISVILLE, KY — The cleanliness,” commented ACC. “With companies not and near Lambeau Field. Kentucky International David Beck, President and being permitted to meet Convention Center and CEO of Kentucky Venues. in person in large groups, INDIANAPOLIS, IN — On Kentucky Exposition there has been a demand Sept. 14, the Indianapolis Center are the first centers MIAMI, FL — The Miami for large-scale virtual event City-County Council in Kentucky to have Beach Convention Center solutions, and our team at offered unanimous received the GBAC STAR (MBCC) recently earned the the ACC is best suited for bipartisan support to accreditation. The third-party GBAC STAR accreditation. this exact scenario.” approve up to $155 million program helps facilities “The health, safety and in bonds for the expansion establish a comprehensive security of the Miami Beach GREEN BAY, WI — of the Indiana Convention system of cleaning, Convention Center and all Resch Expo, Green Bay’s Center. The expansion disinfection and infectious who enter is our top priority,” 125,000-sq.-ft., column-free would add a 50,000-sq.-ft. disease prevention. “Clients said General Manager exposition center, opens in ballroom across the street expect transparent and Freddie Peterson. “The January. The new facility from the current convention meticulous health cleaning MBCC proudly joins the will be adjacent to the Resch center, as well as another procedures, and the health ranks of other nationally and internationally recognized GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation venues.” In addition, the MBCC received LEED Silver certification in August, as part of its new $620 million renovation.

NEW YORK, NY — On Oct. 20, The Javits Center hosted the first live hybrid event in New York City since the COVID-19 outbreak. Located inside the convention center’s new 30,000-sq.-ft. broadcast studio, Grant’s Fall 2020 Conference included inperson and virtual speakers

IN BRIEF

CONVENTION CENTER WATCH Continued from page 10

and participants, a full catering program and strict safety protocols designed in accordance with all state regulations. “We have been thrilled to host Grant’s 2020 Fall Conference as our first hybrid event in our new broadcast studio, marking a positive step in the economic recovery of our city, our state and our industry,” commented Alan Steel, President and CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation. Implemented safety protocols included designated entry and exit points for all participants, required masks or face coverings, and advanced online registration for guests. PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Convention Center recently received the GBAC STAR accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery. “By deploying strict cleaning, disinfection and staff-training protocols, we set the stage for a healthy return to live events and continuing our commitment to excellence in venue management,” said John J. McNichol, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “The GBAC STAR accreditation further strengthens our reactivation efforts, and we are pleased to be among the facilities to receive the accreditation.” SEATTLE, WA — The Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) is authorized to reopen for business following Governor Jay Inslee’s modifications to the state’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 restrictions around business meetings, professional development training and testing, and similar activities, which became effective on Sept. 21. The new guidance permits meeting and business events to be held at an indoor capacity of 30 percent of the usable space or 200 guests, whichever is less (excluding venue staff). Alcohol, receptions and networking events are still prohibited. The WSCC is pursuing GBAC STAR accreditation, has established a variety of Safety First protocols, and has developed a virtual event studio to enable the broadcast of hybrid events. ST. LOUIS, MO — StreamStage, a new hybrid meeting solution, has been introduced at America’s Center. Offered in the Ferrara Theatre, StreamStage features everything needed for a hybrid experience, including a production manager, ample theater space for social distancing, Internet bandwidth for live streaming, HD Camera, studio backdrop with lighting and projection capabilities, audio and streaming technology. It is available to rent for either a half day or a full day. “Our new StreamStage is a direct response to organizers seeking new ways to connect with their stakeholders in a safe and responsible manner, and embodies our dedication to building the meeting facility of the future,” said Kathleen Ratcliffe, President of Explore St. Louis.

IN BRIEF HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

EAGAN, MN — The Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, the brand’s first Minnesota property, opened Oct. 1. The Nordic-inspired hotel features 320 guestrooms and suites and 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The four-star hotel is located in the Viking Lakes LAS VEGAS, NV — Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino reopened Oct. 8 following a COVID-19 closure. The hotel will only be open four days a week (Thursday through Sunday), but its casino will be open seven days a week.

Ribbon-cutting for The Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. (L-r): Peter Strebel, Omni Hotels & Resorts President; Brent Glashan, Omni Viking Lakes Hotel GM; and Don Becker, Executive Vice President for Real Estate and Development, Minnesota Vikings. COVID-19 closures.

multiuse development, which offers shopping, dining and entertainment, and is anchored by the Minnesota Vikings team headquarters and practice facility.

JACKSON, MS — first quarter of 2021. The

The Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown, a historic hotel located in the heart of the city center, has completed renovations to its 7,321 sq. ft. of function space, 186 guestrooms, full-service restaurant and bar, lobby and fitness center.

LAKE TAHOE, NV — Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino has renovated all 519 guestrooms in the resort’s Tahoe Tower as part of a investment over the past two years. LAS VEGAS, NV — Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas reopened Sept. 30, marking the final MGM Resorts properties around the world to open following

NEW YORK, NY — Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Genting Americas have announced plans for a new hotel located at Resorts World Casino New York City. Hyatt Regency JFK at Resorts World New York is scheduled to open in the $41 million total property

400-room, four-star hotel will include new restaurants, 5,000 sq. ft. of total function space, retail establishments and additional gaming areas.

ST. LOUIS, MO — The 268-room Le Meridien St.

The newly renovated Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown

Louis Clayton has opened after a multi-milliondollar transformation. The downtown property offers over 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space as well as an open-air pool deck on the third floor.

WASHINGTON, DC — AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center opened Oct. 5, located just steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 234-room hotel features the AC Kitchen, serving a European breakfast, and Estrella, offering rooftop entertainment and panoramic views of downtown DC.