Connect, BizBash Get Back to Hugs, Normalcy at Las Vegas Conference
June 8, 2021
Hugs replaced fistbumps as the days of yesteryear reappeared during the Connect and BizBash collocated event at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.
The B2B conference geared toward matching event planners with venue personnel to spur future business, and evrent inpiration from BizBash, drew about 750 attendees in-person May 22-24, with another 1,500 event professionals participating online.
Connect and BizBash were in the unusual position of hosting a second event during the pandemic, having executed a scaled-down and delayed version of its largest annual conference last fall in Orlando. The difference between the 2020 event and May’s gathering was palpable, said Connect Vice President Patrick Higgins.
“It was back to normal,” he reported.
Safety precautions, including implementing Fern HealthCheck powered by ShareMy.Health as a digital passport, were in place.
“Safety, speed and efficiency are of the essence as Vegas and other event-hosting cities start admitting attendees back to these large gatherings,” explained Galen Murdock, founder and CEO of ShareMy.Health. “We’ve had more than 700 attendees, with 500 vaccine credentials managed, verified and shared with the event organizer. Plus more than 150 COVID-19 antigen tests were flawlessly executed through a telehealth video consultation — all from the privacy of the attendee’s hotel room.”
Higgins said it was clear that attendees’ focus was on business and not COVID-19. “Safety was there, but it was not on the forefront,” he said.
The show, which occurred a week before Nevada lifted its pandemic restrictions, served as a reunion, not only for industry peers but also for co-workers at companies split across the country. Mike Ferreira, owner and founder of Meetings Made Easy, celebrated the moment on social media with team members Sarah Buchbinder and Yvette Dumas Campbell.
“We know that this is a picture of three industry professionals but it’s so much more than that!,” he wrote on a Facebook post during the event. “This is a picture of three people that waited a year plus to see each other. The pandemic was the hardest time of our lives and for many others as well. Last nights [sic] reception was magical, we were able to network and be around our industry friends.”
BizBash President Matt Johnson was thrilled to be at the forefront of the industry's rapid recovery. "Our co-location with Connect provided the perfect opportunity for event professionals to achieve site-selection needs with event inspiration. As event professionals look to rebuild portfolios, BizBash has become even greater resource in showcasing the latest ideas, inspiration and vendors that will help the industry reimagine future experiences.”
Many of the standard Connect hallmarks were in-place, including general sessions, one-on-one appointments and networking functions. Attendees able to provide proof of vaccination were allowed to go maskless. The confidence walking into meeting rooms with bracelets marking vaccine status was noticeable.
Higgins is a strong believer that the events industry’s recovery, already in full swing, will only grow as more business travelers return to the airlines.
“Once they go on that first trip and see it’s safe, they will come back,” he said.
Connect and BizBash are counting on that for their next collaboration, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at Tampa Convention Center. Early estimates predict that at least 3,000 corporate, association, sports and SMERF event professionals will be in attendance in Florida. The trade show, which figures to be larger than its 2019 counterpart in Louisville, is already three-quarters sold out, Higgins added.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment