Maria Lenhart

Maria Lenhart is an award-winning writer and editor specializing in travel and event industry topics.  A former senior editor at Meetings & Conventions and Meetings Today, her work has appeared in Skift, The Meeting Professional, BTN, Travel Market Report, AAA Traveler, Travel+Leisure and many other publications. 

Event Management

Event Contract Negotiations in 2022 Are a Whole New Game

Crafting the right attrition and cancellation clauses in event contracts is more important than ever. Despite continued uncertainty, planners can no longer count on the low rates and flexibility hotels offered at the height of the pandemic. Contract experts share their advice on how best to negotiate in the current climate.  
Industry News

Twine Buys Glimpse to Supercharge Zoom Breakout Rooms

Software company twine, a specialized tool for networking, just announced its acquisition of Glimpse, part of the Zoom App Marketplace. This deal marks the launch of twine for Zoom, a tool that combines matchmaking software with Zoom Breakout Rooms.
Event Management

How Event Planners Are Tackling Staff Shortages

Staffing shortages, supply chain issues, rising costs and, of course, the ongoing pandemic are creating a perfect storm of challenges for event managers. Out of the storm may come more efficient approaches to event planning and respect for hospitality employees.
Event Management

Rethinking Wellness Activities for Events of the Future

With the stresses caused by the ongoing pandemic, there’s a growing drive to make wellness a priority. Experts explain how to incorporate wellness activities into events and keep attendees energized, whether remote or in the room. 
Event Management

9 Tips for Designing Hybrid Events

Hybrid events come with many challenges. Keeping two different audiences engaged is the primary concern, but other priorities include repurposing content, managing time and catering to new attendee needs. Three event designers share their strategies for survival.
Event Management

9 Tips for Designing Virtual Events

Designing a virtual event that keeps the audience from multitasking — or worse yet, logging off — takes careful forethought. In this article, experts share their top virtual event tips, such as avoiding static presentations and making attendees part of the action.
Event Management

9 Tips for Designing In-Person Events

As in-person meetings resume after many months of virtual-only events, how can planners ensure that live gatherings are engaging and relevant to current audiences? Event experts share tips on dealing with challenges in the current environment. 
People

How the Event Industry Is Meeting a Growing Mental Health Crisis

Meeting planning has always been a pressure-cooker of a job, but the challenges of the pandemic may be creating a mental health crisis for many event professionals. Getting mental health support is crucial, but where and how can event professionals get it?