Meetings Mean Business Launches Meet Safe Platform
December 30, 2020
One of the biggest challenges facing event planners as the world reopens are the inconsistencies between states regarding health and safety guidelines. The difference between say Florida and California are worlds apart. Trying to keep it all straight adds to the already stressful job of putting on meetings, conferences and trade shows.
Meetings Mean Business, the industry-wide coalition focused on advocacy, is trying to simplify the learning curve. Its new Meet Safe platform is a portal for event organizers to share recent experiences. A re-opening tracker is another valuable information center.
“In doing so, you’ll help future meeting hosts and attendees learn best practices, and ultimately showcase how professional meetings and events are organized responsibly with health and safety top-of-mind,” the website says.
While an ongoing mission, an initial milestone is April 8, 2021—Global Meetings Industry Day. Celebrated annually in April, GMID went fully virtually as the pandemic took hold in March. Through extensive outreach and marketing efforts, more than 12,500 planners and suppliers from 173 countries connected virtually in April 2020.
Promising vaccine news has Meetings Mean Business, and industry at-large, hopeful for in-person meetings on the day to recognize the industry’s impact on the global economy.
“Showcasing our industry’s value has never been more important—particularly at the state and local levels,” the organization said in a press release.
It’s widely expected many meetings will move from 2020’s virtual reality to a hybrid model in which at least a small number of attendees gather in one location while other remain remote. In October, Bizzaboo research showed 63% of marketers—known as corporate event planners in this industry—were ready to return to face-to-face gatherings in 2021, and that number is likely higher now. The same study found 97% of respondents expected hybrid to remain prevalent beyond next year.
What remains to be seen, and why Meet Safe was launched, is how groups convene under one roof. Will rapid-testing be available on-site? How long will masks be required? What impact will the GBAC Star accreditation have on venues?
States with limited restrictions like Florida and Georgia could very well ease regular faster than those in America’s Heartland where the cooler weather may hinder outdoor options many event organizers will require, or at least prefer.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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