VERNON HILLS, IL – Today, Gavel International joins organizations across the globe to support the annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). GMID, led by the industry advocacy coalition Meetings Mean Business (MMB), showcases the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions bring to businesses and the economy. This year’s GMID theme is Meet Safe, recognizing the industry’s top priority of operating meetings and events with health and safety top-of-mind.
The current landscape for meetings and events is one of the most challenging in our history. Even so, industry professionals rise to the occasion time and time again – from GMID 2020, where meeting and event planners in all regions swiftly pivoted their plans to virtual; to today, where businesses and destinations are holding safe in-person events and embracing the hybrid model as necessary.
Today, we come together in all settings, stronger and more united than ever, to demonstrate the unwavering value of our industry with leaders in business, government and the media. Showcasing our industry’s value has never been more important – particularly in the United States.
“The participation of organizations such as Gavel International is critical to GMID’s success,” says Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company and co-chair of MMB. “It reveals the true power of our industry, our emphasis on convening with health and safety top-of-mind and projections for a strong recovery impacting businesses and local economies around the world.”
Vaccines, a better understanding of COVID-19 transmission and stronger safety protocols have encouraged the reopening of many industries. However, the meetings industry is affected differently. Venue options, for example, adjust social distancing or shift to outdoor spaces. Airlines limit air filtration to 40 percent and replenish fresh air every three minutes. As a result, these markets have continued to do business, even if at a scale.
The cruise line industry has not been as fortunate. Since a Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) restriction set by the CDC, cruises have been unable to book events and sail since last spring. This shutdown has been catastrophic both for the cruise market and the global meeting industry. While social distancing and outdoor spaces are available, cruises are still not operating. A February 2021 study of cruise ship ventilation systems discovered that aerosol particles were undetectable on surfaces and in the air.
Others, including Gavel International, joined the cruise industry calling for the CDC to lift its outdated sailing order.
“There are those in our industry that have the ability and voice to have a large, sweeping impact. We applaud those actions,” says Eloisa Mendez, General Manager at Gavel International. “Then there are actions where everyone needs to advocate to achieve a goal. What’s happening with the cruise lines is one such example. We’re all a family within the meetings and travel industry. When something impacts one of us, it affects all of us in some way or another.”
GMID was created in 2016 to raise the profile of the meetings and events industry. Last year brought a new challenge with the international impact of COVID-19 that brought the industry to a standstill. We did, however, convene with meeting professional organizations, association chapters, corporations, destinations, elected officials and business leaders through MPI’s 12-hour GMID event broadcast. And this year, we will celebrate safe in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings alike from California to Luska, Zambia and everywhere in between.
“Since its inception, GMID has galvanized partners globally and empowered advocates to communicate our industry’s ability to support businesses and local communities,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer at Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and co-chair of MMB. “This year’s GMID is a testament to the incredibly resilient meetings and events professionals and our dedication to securing much-needed relief and recovery for the industry.”
Participate in the digital conversations by following @MeetingsMeanBiz on Twitter, using #GMID21 and watching the live stream of events provided here by MPI.
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Contact: Jim Bozzelli
800.544.2835
marketing@gavelintl.com
About Gavel International
Gavel International was founded on the premise that companies place more value on an efficient, boutique-style organization with a large company’s assets and negotiating power. Our clients prefer the flexibility and high level of personalization we bring to every corporate meeting and travel incentive program. As a client-focused, team-driven organization, we strive for continuous improvement while adhering to sound business principles and industry practices. We work tirelessly to help our clients succeed and to deliver programs that have positive outcomes for all participants. For more information, visit GavelInternational.com.
About Meetings Mean Business
Meetings Mean business is an industry-wide coalition to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities. By rallying industry advocates, working with stakeholders, conducting original research, engaging with outside voices and more, the coalition brings the industry together to emphasize its importance. Comprised of over 60 members, the coalition unites the meetings industry with one strong and powerful voice. For more information, visit www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com.
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SOURCES:
- Airline air – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-clean-is-the-air-on-your-airplane-coronavirus-cvd
- Cruise line filtration – https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/5913/
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