Maria Lenhart

Detroit has a solid reputation as the center of the U.S. automotive industry, but did you know that it's also a leader across multiple high-tech sectors, including electric vehicles? Thanks to these advancements and top-notch meetings infrastructure, Detroit is emerging as a top contender for conferences and business events of all kinds.

In the age of Zoom fatigue and hybrid work, outdoor activities are an ideal solution for team-building exercises that re-energize participants and build company culture. Discover eleven inspiring ideas grounded in real-world Arizona adventures, and download the accompanying free planner checklist to make sure your outdoor event goes off without a hitch.

Despite the current chaos surrounding air travel, airport hotels are recovering from low pandemic occupancies at a faster pace than urban hotels. Thanks to changing work trends and an evolution in the amenities they offer, airport hotels and even airports are finding favor for certain types of meetings.

From an original TV series showcasing their workplace culture to covering commuting costs for new hires, hotels are using innovative strategies to position themselves as employers of choice in the midst of a historically tight labor market. Some are also beefing up perks, addressing new labor preferences, and increasing staff outreach to often marginalized communities.

It’s a hot market right now for job seekers in the event industry, with most of the opportunities coming from third parties. Companies that laid off people during the pandemic are wary of staffing up too quickly and are turning to agencies instead. Facing a scarce candidate pool, employers are not only boosting pay but are addressing quality of life issues. 

Labor shortages are impacting events in multiple and sometimes completely unforeseen ways. Four event experts candidly share their horror stories. Treat these as warnings for those hosting events in the weeks and months ahead.

While the pandemic dealt a hard blow to companies that arrange childcare at events, forcing some of them out of business, those who survived are now seeing a surge of demand as live events return. However, given staffing shortages and soaring costs, those seeking childcare at events must be prepared to plan in advance and stretch the budget.

What does it really mean to plan an “accessible” meeting or event? While most commonly thought of as ensuring that facilities are accessible for wheelchairs, it’s more complex than that. It means anticipating and addressing a wide spectrum of needs among attendees and presenters, encompassing everything from dietary, hearing, vision, scent allergies, mobility, and much more.

The tight labor market is fuelling demand for freelance services in the event industry. For their part, planners are moving into freelance work for greater flexibility, relief from career burnout, and the chance to focus on aspects of the job they enjoy most.