Once again, our annual State of the Industry report yielded more insight than could fit in The Meeting Professional’s feature. Here is the first part of our blog-exclusive content.

How involved have you become with virtual/hybrid events since the start of the pandemic?

I’ve been closely involved to design solutions for clients as they transitioned their events to virtual. With clients looking for profitable events in the virtual space, I’ve helped them develop the event sponsorship strategies to ensure they are creating new opportunities of revenue. I’ve also utilized our technology to enhance the virtual experience for clients through augmented reality. As we develop new solutions, I’ve supported clients in designing their experiences to meets the needs of their virtual and hybrid events.

Zaman Ishaad CMP, CED, DES, NexTech AR Solutions (MPI Toronto Chapter)

Very! My team produced our first virtual conference last year with over 900 sessions and 180,000 registrants. We are in the planning process of a fully digital event this year in October. With over 500 sessions and hopefully 200,000 registrants.

Allison Crooker, VMware

We set up a TV studio at the [Congress Center Hamburg] exhibition complex, which has enabled us to connect customers with their international communities despite the pandemic while complying with the hygiene and social distancing requirements in effect at the time. It is our intention to remain accessible to our customers during this difficult period and help them stage their events digitally.

Heike Mahmoud, Congress Center Hamburg (MPI Germany Club)

Have you considered permanently leaving the meeting/event industry since the start of the pandemic? If so, why have you remained in the meeting/event industry?

No. I believe that the need for connection is even stronger now than it may have been before. Events are my passion and I know that with the imagination of those in the industry we will find the path toward new event and meeting solutions and creations. This can happen especially if we collaborate with artists, programmers, gamers, television and movie professionals and, who knows, even scientists, to help us find our next level.

Colleen Ritchie, Centre for Women in Business (MPI Atlantic Canada Chapter)

Regrettably, yes. Like most people in our industry a large number of my friends and colleagues were put on furlough or lost their jobs…or both. It’s scary. I love what I do and Choose Chicago. I don’t want to leave, but when your industry is hit as hard as ours was, it causes you to think how your skills can be transferable. The bills have to be paid and the collectors don’t care what you do for a living.

Anthony Molino, Choose Chicago (MPI Potomac Chapter)

I wouldn’t leave events—no matter how hard I try, they would pull me back in. I have, however, been wondering if I want to return to live events. As a seasoned professional, there is something very appealing about not having to haul boxes, walk miles throughout hotels and worry about food guarantees.   

Laura Kesselman, Kesselman-Jones Inc. (MPI New Mexico Chapter)

As a young professional, I have not considered any career paths outside of the meeting and event industry. I’m extremely passionate about our work and have invested so much time, networking and volunteerism for these opportunities not to be utilized. However, the pandemic has sparked my interest and pursuit in entrepreneurship.

Zaman Ishaad CMP, CED, DES, NexTech AR Solutions (MPI Toronto Chapter)

Hasn’t crossed my mind…the world will always need and do events. That’s my world.

Akshar Patel, Asian American Hotel Owners Association

How do you cope with this stressful industry and keep it fun?

Lots of empathy! We are all going through major shifts that are challenging. I keep it light at times so that those around me can join me there. I also keep it serious sometimes as there are appropriate times for sobriety.

Allison Crooker, VMware

The passion I have for this industry keeps me positive, resilient and always grateful to be a part of it. The implicit stress of our industry is for me the fuel to always give my best.

At the end of the road, it’s very rewarding seeing the final product of our work—creating happy customers is what to me makes it fun.

On the other hand, the people and the relationships I have built is the great gift that the meeting industry has given me.

Valeria Serrano, CTA Event Designer & DMC (MPI Caribe Mexicano Chapter)

My gurus and mentors Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have always said, “In the joy of others, lies our own,” along with “Do the best and leave the rest.”

Akshar Patel, Asian American Hotel Owners Association

By networking with peers, colleagues and customers around the world. Every event is unique and conveys new ideas. You meet new people from other cultures and with different professional backgrounds, and you learn about new trends, innovations, opinions and views. This is something that enriches and energizes me personally.

Heike Mahmoud, Congress Center Hamburg (MPI Germany Club)

Allow myself to laugh. Walk away when I need to. Be honest with myself and my team and delegate when it’s necessary. Also, wine is delicious.

Anthony Molino, Choose Chicago (MPI Potomac Chapter)

I went into the event industry because it demands we continuously learn and find creative solutions. [The pandemic] has been a rollercoaster ride. Our foundation was stripped away, but a beautiful opportunity was dangled in front of us to build something magnificent with no blueprints, no expectations and we got to be the architects! How isn’t that fun? 

Laura Kesselman, Kesselman-Jones Inc. (MPI New Mexico Chapter)