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
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.
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