Pent-Up Demand for Small Meetings Is Heating Up
It just may be the small meetings business that could help the beleaguered hotel industry overcome challenges presented by a raging pandemic, economic downturn and civil unrest.

It just may be the small meetings business that could help the beleaguered hotel industry overcome challenges presented by a raging pandemic, economic downturn and civil unrest.
Back in March, we made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 conference with the hopes of resuming in March 2021. In our commitment to deliver the most relevant content, meaningful networking, and the opportunity to gather again safely—the 32nd Hunter Hotel Investment Conference will take place May 10-12, 2021 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
After the initial shock of global shutdowns, and the ensuing wave of postponements and cancellations, the meetings and events industry appears to be adjusting. Once it became clear that the disruption was going to last longer than originally expected, meetings professionals around the world transitioned to the world of virtual alternatives.
"The traumatic events of 2020 have shed new light on essential things. The energy of this year has also provoked new dynamism pertaining to a broad spectrum of societal, world, and personal lifestyle goals."
On November 9, Marriott International hosted a hybrid virtual and in-person event, "Connect with Confidence," as the first part of a global series. The event was attended by 30 in-person customers and 238 virtual attendees, and took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia.
The need for viral safety has made technology inescapable for hotels. With all the new protocols for self check-in, mobile room keys, physical distancing, contact tracing, prearrival virus screenings (staff and guests), contactless transactions and rigorously itemized cleaning checklists, and with less revenue to go around due to the lack of groups, the only way to stay profitable is through continued automation.
In the age of the plague the idea of continued learning with our industry colleagues and peers has morphed dramatically. Enter the new age of digital events. We can all acknowledge that it was emerging.
"“Planning is Everything; the Plan is Nothing.” This quotation is usually attributed to former US President Dwight Eisenhower. He meant it in a military context. When the wolves at the door are soldiers (or even heavily-armed and bizarrely-dressed “Republicans”), your plan may have to change rapidly and radically, but you must have one, and you must be clear about where your plan is taking you."
The IHG Owners Association, which represents IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) franchise hotel owners worldwide, held its Board of Director's third-quarter meeting in person, September 22-23 at the InterContinental® Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga.
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting entries for the 2020 Adrian Awards. The 64th Annual Adrian Awards focuses on the best practices, innovation, and community shown in hospitality campaigns and coronavirus crisis responses.
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today announced a comprehensive plan designed to facilitate the safe return of meetings and conventions at the company's properties in Las Vegas and throughout the United States, subject to local regulations and restrictions.
We are pleased to announce our 2021 HR in Hospitality Conference Keynote Speakers. Joining us will be Gerry Fernandez, president and founder of the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance, and Kevin Jacobs, executive vice president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide.