Best Practices
Dress Codes That Work: A Practical Playbook for Planners
If you plan meetings, you already manage a hundred tiny levers that shape attendee experience—room sets, AV, flow, wayfinding, F&B. Dress codes are one more lever. Done well, they enhance professionalism, comfort, and culture; done poorly, they confuse, exclude, or clash with global expectations.
Feed the World: Why Cuisine Is the Secret Sauce of Great Meetings
When international attendees gather, cuisine becomes more than catering—global menus build bonds, spark stories, and turn mealtimes into networking gold In 2023, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), North America hosted about 1,873 international association meetings, roughly 19% of the global total. The U.S. alone led the world with 690 international meetings, […]
Turning the Tables on Food Waste
Food waste isn’t just about leftovers. It’s about sustainability, economics, and the guest experience. The good news is that new tools and technologies are emerging to help the industry make measurable progress.
Going the Distance
Whether your attendees are flying solo in economy or together in business class pods, long-haul travel can mean battling jet lag, dehydration, stiff muscles, and mental fatigue—all of which can derail the first day of programming. That’s why integrating wellness and productivity guidance into pre-trip communications isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a strategic move to protect your event ROI.
Flight Delays Happen—Dead Batteries Don’t Have To
This is the new travel reality: operational headaches hidden under “weather delays,” pilot shortages, crowded skies—and a meetings industry that can’t afford downtime when planners, speakers, and attendees are on the move. In these moments, staying charged is mission-critical. Here’s the good news: there are power banks that deliver reliable, fast charging while meeting TSA rules.
Stuck at the Airport? Here’s How Planners and Attendees Can Manage Flight Delays
Flight delays and cancellations are a reality of travel—and for meeting planners and attendees, they can quickly derail carefully crafted schedules, cause missed connections, and add stress to what should be productive trips. But with preparation, patience, and a few smart strategies, you can protect your plans—and your peace of mind—when disruptions strike.
Digital Tipping 101
Once upon a time, tipping while attending an offsite meeting or event was easy: slip a few bills to the bellman, leave something on the pillow for housekeeping, and hand off a discreet envelope at checkout. But as hotel and event services increasingly shift to digital and cashless systems, the simple act of saying “thank you” has gotten more complex.
Greener Gatherings Start Here
Ottawa Tourism has officially launched its Responsible Events Guide, a comprehensive tool created to support professionals in designing greener, more community-connected gatherings in Canada’s capital. The guide was unveiled during IMEX Frankfurt (May 20–22), where Ottawa Tourism highlighted its leadership in responsible destination management.
Rollin’ In Style
When it comes to selecting the best carry-on luggage for your travels in 2025, several top-rated options cater to different preferences and needs. Here's a curated list of standout carry-on suitcases for the overhead bin and under your seat.
10 Ways to Optimize YouTube For Event Success
Lights, camera, engagement — a YouTube guide for meeting planners Whether you’re orchestrating corporate conferences or planning elaborate trade shows optimizing your YouTube channel can set you apart in a crowded market. It isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic asset for attracting attendees, showcasing experiences, and proving ROI. Think of your YouTube channel as […]
