For the past several years, each April the business events industry has held an annual day of advocacy for face-to-face events, led by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition. But as much of the world is under stay-at-home orders this year, in-person events have been put on hold and the face-to-face Global Meetings Industry Day has been postponed to later in the year. But that doesn't mean that members of the industry can't connect the week of April 14, the original date planned for GMID 2020. A number of virtual events are giving attendees the opportunity to learn, network and celebrate the value of face-to-face gatherings — even if it all has to be done online to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Some ways to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day 2020
Help break a world record
Meetings Mean Business Canada, India and United States will be showing the world how times of adversity can unite the industry by holding an online conference attended by the most people ever. GMID Goes Virtual, taking place at noon EDT on April 14, 2020, will connect thousands of event professionals from all over the world to discuss COVID-19's impact on their communities and work — and to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Audience for a Virtual Conference. Sign up here.
Sample parts of a 12-hour education summit
Also on April 14, Meeting Professionals International is hosting GMID Virtual, a full-day summit of education sessions, industry updates and thought-leader panels. Starting at 7 a.m. EDT, the 12 hours of sessions will cover topics such as "Mindfulness in Difficult Times," "Lean Tips for Small Business" and "Marketing in a New Virtual World." The State of the Industry Leadership Panel will feature luminaries such as Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association; MPI's board chair Steve O'Malley, a division president at Maritz Travel, and Paul Van Deventer, the group's president and CEO; and Susan Robertson, president and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives. They will offer a big-picture view on where things are now and where they are going.
Explore Events Industry Council's packed education schedule
The Events Industry Council is offering a full schedule of virtual events, including a webinar on how to incorporate wellness practices into an event and daily life, a roundtable on leadership lessons during a crisis, featuring industry thought leaders and a spotlight on disaster and crisis preparedness strategies.
Commit to helping your community
While actual events are on hold, many industry professionals are still making efforts to help their communities in a wide range of ways, from donating supplies to local hospitals and health workers, or volunteering their marketing and event-planning skills to local organizations in need. Whatever they are doing to help their community, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition wants members of the industry to share these efforts as part of its Commit2Community effort. Individuals and organizations can share examples of their projects and the roles they are playing, and MMBC will highlight some of these efforts as part of its GMID celebrations.
Get answers to your legal questions
As events continue to be cancelled or postponed, many planners have burning questions related to their contracts and available options. In a live Northstar Meetings Group webcast, Ask the Attorney: Your Coronavirus Contract Questions Answered, legal expert Jonathan Howe will address as many of these pressing concerns as he can. Register here to join the event, to be held April 15, at 2 p.m. EDT.
