We are in a particularly crucial moment in the evolution of events and event technology. The pandemic accelerated many trends towards digitization that were embraced by the industry, because really we had no choice. But now, industry members are taking a hard look at what we've learned so far and what our strategies should be moving.
 
In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, we share excerpts from the recent MeetingsTech Roundtable 2021. Moderated by Michael Shapiro, executive editor for Northstar Meetings Group, it includes a number of insights from top industry thought leaders, including entrepreneur and advisor Marco Gilberti, CEO of Vesuvio Ventures; tech expert Dahlia El Gazzar, the founder and force behind DAHLIA+ Agency; and marketing and events executive Cathy Song Novelli, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Hubilo.
 
Listen for some highlights of our discussion, or watch the full roundtable on demand at northstarmeetingsgroup.com/MeetingsTech2021. Topics from this conversation include:
 
How organizers are learning because they have permission to experiment and innovate with virtual events  (4:57)
 
Why it's key for planners to move past the desire to return to how things were in 2019 (7:00)
 
How we need to go beyond turning all of our events into basic webinars (10:00)
 
Why we should think less about "hybrid events" and more about the hybrid world (11:49)
 
Why 2021 is different because we should have a digital strategy in place if we cancel in person (15:42)

We are in a particularly crucial moment in the evolution of events and event technology. The pandemic accelerated many trends towards digitization that were embraced by the industry, because really we had no choice. But now, industry members are taking a hard look at what we've learned so far and what our strategies should be moving. &nbsp; In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, we share excerpts from the recent MeetingsTech Roundtable 2021. Moderated by Michael Shapiro, executive editor for Northstar Meetings Group, it includes a number of insights from top industry thought leaders, including entrepreneur and advisor Marco Gilberti, CEO of Vesuvio Ventures; tech expert Dahlia El Gazzar, the founder and force behind DAHLIA+ Agency; and marketing and events executive Cathy Song Novelli, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Hubilo. &nbsp; Listen for some highlights of our discussion, or watch the full roundtable on demand at northstarmeetingsgroup.com/MeetingsTech2021. Topics from this conversation include: &nbsp; How organizers are learning because they have permission to experiment and innovate with virtual events &nbsp;(4:57) &nbsp; Why it's key for planners to move past the desire to return to how things were in 2019 (7:00) &nbsp; How we need to go beyond turning all of our events into basic webinars (10:00) &nbsp; Why we should think less about "hybrid events" and more about the hybrid world (11:49) &nbsp; Why 2021 is different because we should have a digital strategy in place if we cancel in person (15:42)

Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, Eventful invites you to listen in on insightful conversations about hot topics in the meetings and events industry. Tune in for interviews and analysis of the editorial coverage in Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Meeting News and Incentive.

Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals

Event Tech Lessons Learned From 18 Months of Disruption

When it comes to developing creative, out-of-the-box meeting experiences, independent hotels provide a number of appealing options for event planners. In this episode of Eventful, created in partnership with the Caribe Royale Orlando, we delve into the advantages of working with independent properties, by looking in depth at Caribe Royale’s approach to events. We speak with the property’s managing director, Amaury Piedra about how he and his team works with meeting planners to create exceptional events—and how input from meeting planners has shaped new, major upgrades to the property. 

For a bigger-picture perspective on the value of independent hotels, we also spoke with Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, which serves as a global sales arm for independent hotels for meetings, incentives and conventions. He shared what he thinks sets independents apart and how planners can leverage their offerings.

Listen to the in-depth conversation in our latest episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, and remember to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

This episode was created in partnership with Caribe Royale Orlando.

When it comes to developing creative, out-of-the-box meeting experiences, independent hotels provide a number of appealing options for event planners. In this episode of Eventful, created in partnership with the <a href="https://www.cariberoyalemeetings.com/">Caribe Royale Orlando</a>, we delve into the advantages of working with independent properties, by looking in depth at Caribe Royale’s approach to events. We speak with the property’s managing director, Amaury Piedra about how he and his team works with meeting planners to create exceptional events—and how input from meeting planners has shaped new, major upgrades to the property.  For a bigger-picture perspective on the value of independent hotels, we also spoke with Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of <a href="https://www.alhi.com/">Associated Luxury Hotels International</a>, which serves as a global sales arm for independent hotels for meetings, incentives and conventions. He shared what he thinks sets independents apart and how planners can leverage their offerings.
Listen to the in-depth conversation in our latest episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, and remember to subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eventful-the-podcast-for-meeting-professionals/id1469374371">iTunes</a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4XKAaL35AcZDxmgRjjCQaM">, </a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4XKAaL35AcZDxmgRjjCQaM">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/eventful-the-podcast-for-meeting-professionals"></a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4XKAaL35AcZDxmgRjjCQaM"></a><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9iZmQwNTg4L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz">Google Podcasts</a> and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. This episode was created in partnership with Caribe Royale Orlando.

The Benefits of Planning Events With Independent Properties

In this insightful conversation, Maayan Ziv [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maayanziv/], the visionary founder of Access Now [https://accessnow.com], discusses the complex realm of accessibility and its profound impact on events and spaces. Originating from her personal struggle as a wheelchair user seeking reliable information, her company, Access Now, has grown into an online community and a catalyst for promoting inclusive practices.

In advance of her Oct. 16 keynote address for IMEX America in Las Vegas, Ziv spoke with Northstar's Loren Edelstein about the need for destinations, venues and event planners to "unlearn" current practices and understand what true accessibility requires.

• The origins of Access Now (00:00-00:39): Born out of Ziv's personal need, Access Now initially focused on solving the difficulty of finding reliable accessibility information. It has since evolved into a multifaceted platform, collaborating with DMOs and other stakeholders to promote accessibility in destinations, venues, attractions and business events.

• Identifying gaps in DEI initiatives (01:28-03:10): Accessibility is often overlooked in DEI conversations, with cities and organizations yet to embrace it fully and commit to inclusive practices.

• Accessibility as a continuous journey (03:10-05:00): Accessibility is an evolving process, now going beyond physical spaces to include digital access.

• ADA compliance vs. usability (05:00-06:42): There's a distinction between ADA compliance and usability. True inclusivity involves considering the entire customer experience, well beyond mere compliance.

• Recommendations for events (06:42-08:45): Planners should consider involving consultants or staff with disabilities in the process, ensuring a holistic approach to accessibility in language, representation and planning.

•  Actions to enhance accessibility (08:45-10:50): Proactive measures, like having accessibility desks and sharing information in advance, significantly enhance the inclusivity of events.

• Market opportunity and audience size (10:50-13:57): More than 20 percent of the population has some sort of disability, representing vast market potential for event planners who invest in genuine accessibility, unlocking the loyalty of a sizable audience appreciative of inclusive experiences.

In this insightful conversation, Maayan Ziv [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maayanziv/], the visionary founder of Access Now [https://accessnow.com], discusses the complex realm of accessibility and its profound impact on events and spaces. Originating from her personal struggle as a wheelchair user seeking reliable information, her company, Access Now, has grown into an online community and a catalyst for promoting inclusive practices.   In advance of her Oct. 16 keynote address for IMEX America in Las Vegas, Ziv spoke with Northstar's Loren Edelstein about the need for destinations, venues and event planners to "unlearn" current practices and understand what true accessibility requires.   • The origins of Access Now (00:00-00:39): Born out of Ziv's personal need, Access Now initially focused on solving the difficulty of finding reliable accessibility information. It has since evolved into a multifaceted platform, collaborating with DMOs and other stakeholders to promote accessibility in destinations, venues, attractions and business events.   • Identifying gaps in DEI initiatives (01:28-03:10): Accessibility is often overlooked in DEI conversations, with cities and organizations yet to embrace it fully and commit to inclusive practices.   • Accessibility as a continuous journey (03:10-05:00): Accessibility is an evolving process, now going beyond physical spaces to include digital access.   • ADA compliance vs. usability (05:00-06:42): There's a distinction between ADA compliance and usability. True inclusivity involves considering the entire customer experience, well beyond mere compliance.   • Recommendations for events (06:42-08:45): Planners should consider involving consultants or staff with disabilities in the process, ensuring a holistic approach to accessibility in language, representation and planning.   •  Actions to enhance accessibility (08:45-10:50): Proactive measures, like having accessibility desks and sharing information in advance, significantly enhance the inclusivity of events.   • Market opportunity and audience size (10:50-13:57): More than 20 percent of the population has some sort of disability, representing vast market potential for event planners who invest in genuine accessibility, unlocking the loyalty of a sizable audience appreciative of inclusive experiences.

Breaking Access Barriers to Meetings

Attorney Joshua Grimes provides a legal perspective on duty of care, cancellation clauses and more when planning events in states with controversial legislation.

Many meeting professionals believe controversial issues like abortion rights are political concerns that have no bearing on their jobs. But that isn't true, says industry attorney Joshua Grimes, Esq., president of Grimes Law Offices, LLC. In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Grimes talks with Northstar's Loren Edelstein about the potential risks legislation could pose to meeting organizers and attendees.

This timely and important discussion covers:

• Why controversial legislation shouldn't be dismissed as "politics" (0.15)

• How laws regarding bathroom use, prenatal health care, undocumented immigrants and other concerns can directly affect meetings and attendees (1.00)

• Possible workarounds for meeting successfully where such laws exist (3:30)

• The effectiveness of nondiscrimination clauses in meeting contracts (5:00)

• Duty of care, liability and other legal concerns (9:15)

• Weighing the decision to cancel an event (12:00)

• Why planners, suppliers and industry associations should be having candid conversations about legislative issues (14:15)

Attorney Joshua Grimes provides a legal perspective on duty of care, cancellation clauses and more when planning events in states with controversial legislation.   Many meeting professionals believe controversial issues like abortion rights are political concerns that have no bearing on their jobs. But that isn't true, says industry attorney Joshua Grimes, Esq., president of Grimes Law Offices, LLC. In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Grimes talks with Northstar's Loren Edelstein about the potential risks legislation could pose to meeting organizers and attendees.   This timely and important discussion covers:   • Why controversial legislation shouldn't be dismissed as "politics" (0.15)   • How laws regarding bathroom use, prenatal health care, undocumented immigrants and other concerns can directly affect meetings and attendees (1.00)   • Possible workarounds for meeting successfully where such laws exist (3:30)   • The effectiveness of nondiscrimination clauses in meeting contracts (5:00)   • Duty of care, liability and other legal concerns (9:15)   • Weighing the decision to cancel an event (12:00)   • Why planners, suppliers and industry associations should be having candid conversations about legislative issues (14:15)

Event Tech Lessons Learned From 18 Months of Disruption

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