We woke up to a country divided, split between red and blue, confused and uncertain as to when we would have resolution to the U.S. presidential election.

By the end of the day, we still didn’t know for certain who will occupy the White House for the next four years, yet, between the time I woke up and the time I plopped myself back into bed at the end of a long day, I could not have been more inspired and hopeful about the future of our meeting and event industry.

Yes, we are still reeling from the ravages from COVID-19, but knowing we must adapt and pivot (drinking word, Dena), we may look back on this grand experiment at the World Education Congress as a defining moment in our recovery.

More than 660 industry professionals are at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center and another 1,000-plus are watching digitally, all determined to witness how we can safely return to face-to-face meetings.

We know hybrid is here to stay, and that’s why WEC, with attendee safety as a top priority, is a laboratory for what will be the new norm for the foreseeable future.

It was inspiring to hear Jason Dunn, chair of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, speaking at the general session, sharing his story about being furloughed from his job and seeing friends and colleagues suffer the same fate. Yet, his outlook was one of optimism.

“Stand up, keep your back straight,” he said. “Keep your head up with purpose. You’ll get through this.”

Or what about Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, referencing two hurricanes that devastated his island.

“We know a thing about recovery,” he said.

Or there’s Martin, a member of the service team at the Gaylord. He’s been with the property 16 years and was furloughed for more than six months until he was brought back two weeks ago to help support WEC. His smile, his commitment to service and his willingness to go the extra step are all a testament to those who are vital to our industry as well as our economy.

We need to get back to business for Jason, for Discover Puerto Rico, for Martin, for all the planners and suppliers who bravely got on airplanes or drove their cars to Grapevine, Texas, to reunite for recovery. That’s a message of unity we can all use right about now.

Rich Luna
Editor in Chief
Meeting Professionals International