< Previoushave a history of communication tak- ing place for the overall event.” Jennifer Collins, CMP, DES, presi- dent & CEO of JDC Events, points out that it is important to remember that there is no one tool that would meet all project management needs, so plan- ners need to identify the strategy for the events they produce, the budget and the functionality required. “For instance, do you need a tool that is task-based only, such as Basecamp, or do you require other needs like bud- geting, communications with clients and integration with other software?” Collins asks. “Depending on the plan- ner’s needs, that will drive the right type of project management tool.” Collins has found that establishing set meeting times, huddles or check-ins are critical. This would be for both her internal planning team and meeting with clients or other key stakeholders. And given that the flow of information is always changing, these interval check- ins allow for Collins’ team to quickly uncover and remedy any project gaps. “We also have established template- planning materials, which reduces the time needed to work through details and their execution,” Collins says. “This includes a master work plan/timeline that serves as the engine for all details, including budget, staffing, vendors, changes and other related activities.” BEST USE OF YOUR TIME With the wealth of details to orga- nize, communicate and monitor, it’s no wonder that mistakes occur in the proj- ect management arena within meetings and events. Coon says a few common mistakes are role responsibility, adapt- ability and expectation management. “What I’ve noticed is that sometimes the planning of the meeting and event would be great if it was structured a little different in who is doing what — having the right people doing the appropriate task is crucial,” Coon says. Having a strong project manager — usually the meeting/event planner — also is key. As Coon points out, it seems every- one is doing more with less and with dif- ferent teammates, so being adaptable means adjusting to how it is now, not how it used to be. “The sooner you can make thoughtful adjustments, the more helpful it will be,” Coon says. “Expecta- tion management assists with prioritiza- tion and reprioritization. It seems many planners in the current environment are doing so much more than planning. It helps hold everyone accountable and puts the focus where it needs to be based on goals and objectives.” Another key mistake within the world of meeting and event proj- ect management is not tracking your time. As Minks explains, planners need to ask: Are you using your time in each facet of the project wisely? Is your cli- ent changing their mind too frequently on decisions you thought were made? “This is a key reason why you should be tracking your time and reminding your client of the ‘best uses of your time.’ If you have it tracked on what you’ve done, you don’t need to say much more when you present them with the out- come of the project and how much of your time they have used,” Minks says. “It will eliminate the back and forth or wishy-washy decisions if you are expe- riencing any of that.” Another big problem related to project managing events and meetings is when vendors and clients are sim- ply not on the same page. “We are in the business of communication, yet so much assumption happens when ideas, tasks and needs are not communicated, [which] becomes detrimental to the meeting going as planned,” Minks says. Likewise, Nelson thinks it makes sense to use tools that truly add value to your planning process. She’s seen many meeting planners use software because it’s the latest and greatest, as opposed to truly assessing whether it’s right for their events. “Sometimes, an excel sheet still works quite well, so while the tools might become more sophisticated, it still comes down to what works best for your team’s type of events and the over- all event planning process,” Nelson says. THE PANDEMIC’S IMPACT The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means meeting planners’ reliance on project management tools has increased exponentially. Keeping track of changes in venues, alterations in event details and even evolving vacci- nation and mask requirements is para- mount. “I think not being on-site to talk through the moving parts of meetings and events has caused a lot of things to partially be forgotten or fall through cracks without a project management themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 Experts suggest that, along with having the right project management tool, having a strong project manager — usually the meeting/event planner — also is key. Jennifer Collins, CMP, DES President & CEO JDC Events We also have established template- planning materials, which reduces the time needed to work through details ... 20tool of some sort,” Minks says. Additionally, the pandemic era thrust us all into a world where the more cost- or time-effective option for clients was to do virtual events. “Having more vir- tual events or adding a virtual compo- nent to an in-person event adds new layers to keep people engaged,” Minks says. “All of the sudden, it isn’t just about a boxed lunch, a social hour and maybe a game to get guests to be engaged. Now, you have to think about each person’s background, Wi-Fi requirements, their user ability with software used to pro- duce an event and more. If you are back to planning live events, safety measures have added another layer of things to keep track of, along with check-in and screening processes, while also keep- ing true to the marketing message of the meeting in the first place. Having that project software or system in place is what will earn you returning clients and rave reviews.” Nelson adds that the need for proj- ect management has become more critical during the pandemic, given teams are now mostly remote. The use of software to automate, track items, send reminders, collaborate and keep projects in one place offers many bene- fits. “However, a challenge is the ability for the software to function as needed and the compounding workload,” Nel- son says. “For instance, managing more electronic communications has become a byproduct of the pandemic. While the collaboration and communications fea- tures allow interaction, they can also overload your response time and inter- rupt thinking, making it more difficult to concentrate and complete tasks.” Peggy Wadman, vice president, event services at Prestige Global Meeting Source, says making the transition from in-person to virtual meetings has been the biggest challenge for meeting plan- ners today. “Comprehensive milestones help planners eliminate tasks that are no longer needed based on the format of the current meeting,” Wadman says. “Meet- ing planners are now ‘touching’ meetings two to three times whereas previously they would manage an in-person meet- ing. Planning for the unknown creates stress. Simple meetings now take double the time they used to.” AN ONGOING REQUIREMENT Here’s one thing we know: Meeting planners’ dependence on innovative project management tools and resources is only going to continue to grow as the meetings and events industry continues to evolve. Minks says previously there was stigma to some team members that, if they had to use a project software, they are being “micromanaged.” But, in the last year especially, people have come to expect it and look for that guidance. “I got into the meetings and events industry years ago because I love the magic that happens when people gather for work or celebration. I know that’s why a lot of people get into this industry,” Minks says. “However, the era of communica- tion has shifted in such a way that non- verbal communication and prompts that are documented become more important and meaningful to a team in the work- place. If anything, I think project soft- ware will become smarter in reading the data on your phone or computer so that you don’t have to think about it. Instead, it will remind you of what you may have forgotten and be able to track what you are doing by location and movement recorded by watches or phones, and compare it to emails, texts and calls.” Moving further into 2022, Wadman thinks the industry still has a need for Zoom/Teams calls, along with basic meeting-planning tools. “We’ll need to utilize all tech- nology has to offer for meeting planning, as long as using the solution is not cumbersome or requires creating more time to manage the tool than to plan the meeting.” Coon stresses that proj- ect management tools and strategies will become even more important. Some plan- ners are working with a reduced team, so they are doing more with less, but also need to be more organized doing the work. “Also, if the organiza- tion supports it, contract support will become more common. This means a system that can be easily accessed that tracks progress will be impera- tive,” Coon says. “I do think the tools will become somewhat more techno- logical, but with that will come with a higher price tag.” Being a person who lives more on the right side of her brain and working hard to remain in the middle, Nelson’s current use of Trello speaks to the dif- ferent work and learning styles of a team. “But as with all technology, as new and other tech becomes available,” Nelson says. “we’ll see it either inte- grated into already-effective tools or a ‘new kids on the block’ roll out of entire new project management tools, pulling the best of the old tech and integrating the new elements.” | AC&F | JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Nicole Coon, CMP, vice president of membership & events at Housing First Minnesota, says its important to find a project management tool that best fits the style of everyone on the planning team. Nicole Coon, CMP Vice President of Membership & Events Housing First Minnesota I do think the tools will become somewhat more technological, but with that will come with a higher price tag. 21PLANNERTIPS Social Studies Use Social Media Properly to Boost Your Event By Maura Keller themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 I n today’s highly competitive meetings and events environ- ment, where planners are vying for attendees’ attention and interest, industry profes- sionals are looking for ways to create efficiencies, streamline an event’s marketing operations and expand their community outreach. To achieve this, many are turning to social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Ins- tagram, TikTok and other platforms to connect with potential meetings and events attendees, and evolve the very nature of event promotion. Today’s social media is equivalent to yesterday’s town square, water cooler or neighborhood block party, where interests and news are shared. But, the immediacy of today’s information shar- ing via social media is unlike anything we’ve experienced, whereby thousands — or even millions — of individuals are exchanging information about events, companies and services across the globe. And organizations, including associa- tions, are using this portal to establish communities among their constituents. In the area of association meetings and events, social posts can act as social proof, creating buzz and driving atten- dance. Social media can also remind people of how much fun your event was, play on the fear of missing out and get people excited for the next event. Mandi Graziano, vice president of global accounts for HPN Global, is a 22hospitality expert with more than 20 years of experience as a conference consultant and a skilled hotel contracts negotiator. Graziano is also an expert on social media strategies that work best when organizing and promoting meet- ings and events. She says today’s meet- ings and events environment is all about engagement. Face-to-face and virtual meetings connect and bring people together. Social media enhances that experience before, during and after, and social media adds a layer of continuity to the programming that involves attend- ees that may not otherwise interact. At its core, social media boosts the existing high-engaging attendees to even higher levels of engagement. “Planners must be nimble and flexible. They are busy redesigning their meetings and confer- ences with social media and social dis- tancing in mind,” Graziano says. “They must anticipate what might go wrong and quickly find solutions. Often, that kind of rapid communications means making use of social media.” Abbey Hudetz, founder & creative director of Oyster Creative, left her role in hospitality digital marketing and cre- ated her business to help those within the hospitality industry with their social media needs. Hudetz says social media is a critical tool for meetings and events planners to use because they sell high-consideration services. “Since the client journey is so meandering, social media is a key tool to keep con- tact throughout,” Hudetz says. “Social media is a tool for creating brand value, awareness and engagement.” Rather than being built around con- tent, today’s internet is being rebuilt around people. Quite simply, people are spending less time interacting with con- tent and more time communicating with each other. And because these social interactions are digital, they can be mapped and measured. “Social media is about community — meetings and events planners need to continue the connec- tion online,” Hudetz says. “Engage your community online by tagging vendors and partners, locations and clients. Continue the conversation, not just to nurture relationships, but because the engagement activity feeds social media algorithms. Events are being planned, managed, documented, and in some cases, executed online. Social media is a key component of this process because that is where all the action is anyway. To not participate would be to be left out of the conversation.” EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES Social media, or the rise of social net- works has impacted the meetings and events industry in exciting ways. While nearly every association has a Facebook page and Twitter account, many simply aren’t using them to their fullest poten- tial — especially as it relates to upcom- ing meetings, conventions and events. So, what are the best ways to make these social media platforms effective within the meetings and events realm? • Stay Updated — Keep the event’s social media sites updated. Noth- ing is less attractive to potential attendees than when they visit a Facebook page, Twitter account or Instagram page, and it hasn’t been updated in several months. Even a week with no updates is too long. • Offer Incentives — Some meet- ing planners are holding contests and giveaways using social media. They drive up their likes on an event’s Facebook page by offering something free. It’s a great way to engage with both registered and prospective attendees. 23 JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM• Incorporate Visuals — Many com- panies simply post statuses about an event, but Facebook’s own sta- tistics show that posts using photos have more than double the engage- ment of those without. Updates with images receive the highest engagement on social media sites across the board. • Create Enticing Content — At the core of every social media market- ing strategy is the content. This is usually copy, photos and videos about an organization, its products and services, employees, partners, members and upcoming events. Writing engaging social media copy is paramount to establishing the tone of a meeting or event. Let the content be the driving force of a meeting’s or event’s success. With compelling content, the audience will be forced to pay attention. • Dangle a carrot — Provide just enough information to tell the asso- ciation’s followers what the link being posted is about, but not so much that they don’t have the desire to click through to read more about the upcoming meeting or event. • Don’t sound like a robot — Use a natural, conversational tone when sending out posts. Customers respond more positively to a human tone, rather than just another ad. • Engage with your followers — Include open-ended questions and ask for visitors’ insights into the upcoming meeting or event. Plan enough of what is going to be posted, but leave room to respond to real- time events that are happening. • Reply quickly — Visitors expect a fast reply when they write a com- ment on social media. Reply in a timely matter. • Leverage your speakers — Engaging with confirmed speakers on social media is a great way to leverage their network and create con- tent to promote the event. Michelle Mastrobattista, founder & creative marketing strategist with Brand Para- dise, is a veteran marketing strategist who works with meetings and events plan- ners in both the U.S. and the Caribbean. She recommends meeting planners send a wel- come email to all speakers with the details about their session and a social media tool kit with sug- gested posts for their channels. In addition, ask the scheduled speak- ers if they would be open to either writing a blog to tease some of the content they will discuss in their session, or filming a short iPhone video that can be cross-promoted on social media. • Create a drip campaign — Plan out the content calendar leading up to the event. Drip or tease the event by announcing speakers or sessions in creative ways each week. For example, use a sizzle video from past events or a daily clue about a keynote speaker. “Don’t forget to tag speakers and sponsors when- ever possible to increase aware- ness and leverage their followers,” Mastrobattista says. And contrary to traditional market- ing channels, outreach on social chan- nels is a two-way street. Associations and organizations can address their commu- nity and their community can respond. Therefore, it’s important to think of social media more as a channel for conversation than marketing. Graziano says another imper- ative step is to give the meeting a hashtag. And introduce it early so people are sharing it within their social media chan- nels to get people excited about the upcoming event. You should also pair it with other hashtags relevant to the meetings, such as #eventprofs, #meetingsandevents, #meet- ingsmeanbusiness or #livemeetings. “Use social media to announce speakers. And ask the speakers to share the social media template on their social media channels,” Graziano says. “I’ve been a speaker at some events recently with SITE SoCal, Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Hospitality Strategy Group powered by ACCESS. They each did a great job announcing the speakers one by one on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram — posts and stories — and then asked each of us to share with our networks. Some folks registered as a result of those announcements.” Graziano says it’s also important to pay attention to the comments. Engage with the comments. And share, share, share. “Something common that I wish more people would do is to have social media moments at the actual event. I was recently at a conference where they had a ‘wish wall’ for 2021. They had a stand with instructions: grab a luggage tag, write down 2021 wishes and loop onto the wall. Take a pic in front of the wall or of the wall with your wish. They gave hashtags to add to your post. This expe- rience was in a highly visible foyer set up between two large meeting spaces.” Another important way to use social media for a hybrid meeting is to engage the people at home. When everyone is in a room face to face, the energy is engaging, but don’t forget the “at home” audi- ence. Have the speakers on the screen, but during the Q&A, take questions from the live audience and at home audience. Use Face- book Live or Instagram to involve people during the meetings. themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 Experts say using social media is one of the biggest and most successful ways to reach an audience of millions of potential attendees for your meeting. Mandi Graziano Vice President of Global Accounts HPN Global Use social media to announce speakers. And ask the speakers to share the social media template on their social media channels. DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM 24AVOIDING MISHAPS One common mistake Mastrobat- tista sees frequently being made is social media being an afterthought. The date is locked in, the guest list is set, and the invites have gone out, but the client will say, “We need a hashtag!” “Your event may not flop, but with a strategy like this, your social media sure will,” Mastrobattista says. “Consider how you can incorporate social media into every step of the planning process.” For Graziano, the biggest mistake is once a planner uses some social media, not evolving with it and expanding on it. “You’re going to be clunky with it at first; that’s OK. Myself and other plan- ners were guilty of this for a long time, and felt like if it’s not perfect, don’t do it. If it won’t be executed just right, don’t do it. That’s a big mistake,” Gra- ziano says. “This is a young medium for all of us still. We all have so much to learn. Just do it; try it. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small with one platform. People are visual. Use Instagram. Post pics of your event. Add a hashtag; call it a day. Then, fol- low other people and see what they do and how they do it. You’ll learn as you go and, eventually, be an expert in your own way.” Hudetz also sees meetings and events planners failing to code-switch between platforms. Be sure you know how to optimize your content for the social media app. “Don’t dump the same post across all platforms, and do take advantage of the unique features of each,” Hudetz says. The most important thing to remember as you embark on a social media marketing campaign is the word “social.” It’s all about socializing with people, so keep that in mind no matter which platform(s) on which you decide to focus. The beauty of social media is that it creates in-depth messaging about a meeting or event as compared to the traditional media message. However, each social channel has a unique demo- graphic and unique functionality. Some are more conducive to photo-sharing, while others are subject to character limits. It’s important that your message is tailored to the appropriate platform. “It’s important to have a great web- site or landing page,” Mastrobattista says. “Your webpage will serve as a hub for all content related to the event, including agendas, speaker’s bios, blogs, videos, a list of companies in atten- dance, sponsors, virtual sessions and more. Digital and social ads promoting the conference will link to the microsite creating a seamless user experience.” And it is vital to learn the nuances of each of the social media sites. Graziano recommends the following: • TikTok: Don’t be afraid of TikTok. Go on to TikTok; look for trends. If a big red couch is a trend, have that big red couch in your registration area with a backdrop that suggests people take pictures on the big red couch and post on social media. Give a hashtag they can use and add your meeting hashtag. If there is a food and beverage trend, incorporate it into your reception or dinner. Take video and post it. “Tik- Tok is not just for my 16-year-old niece and her many amazing dance moves. It can be used to build your business and your brand. Don’t stage it, just do it, be authentic,” Graziano says. • Instagram: Use reels, use stories and use posts. Be consistent — people love visuals and don’t love a lot of words. Be brief, be bright and be gone. • Facebook: Engage with your personal network. Share what you’re doing; be authentic. • LinkedIn: This is a great place to announce a confer- ence, speakers and share. Follow up with the top five things you learned from a conference. Mastrobattista recom- mends creating a social ad campaign on the channels most relevant to your audi- ence. As far as paid social media avenues, if you’re planning a meeting for professionals, consider LinkedIn Ads. If you’re planning a festival, Tik- Tok or Snapchat Ads could be the way to go. “Be sure that your ads have a clear call-to-action and drive users to your website to RSVP. Much like every other media channel, it’s a myth that social media is free,” Mastrobattista says. “Unless you have a rare viral gim- mick, most likely, you will have to spend a few dollars to reach new people. Build social media into your event budget.” Use social media to announce and hype your meeting; use social media at your meeting to show meeting sets, food and beverage, philanthropy and unique content; “and use social media to con- tinue the conversation after the event,” Graziano says. “What are the top five things people learned? What are the takeaways? Favorite pics? Favorite faux pas? Share it all and keep the conversa- tions and connections going.” | AC&F | JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Abbey Hudetz, left, founder & creative director of Oyster Creative, says social media is now a key component of the meetings and events planning process. Michelle Mastrobattista Founder & Creative Marketing Strategist Brand Paradise Unless you have a rare viral gimmick, most likely, you will have to spend a few dollars to reach new people. Build social media into your event budget. COURTESY OF ABBEY HUDETZ 25themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 DESTINATIONREPORT New Orleans is a favorite of meeting planners and attendees because it offers a unique culture highlighted especially by its music and food, and much more. PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER 26W e’re all trying to peer into the future to see what it holds. Asso- ciations are rebook- ing cancelled conventions, and book- ing and planning new conventions. Destinations are taking whatever steps are necessary to welcome clients back safely. As one of the most popular con- vention destinations in the country, New Orleans is well into a reboot, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s state capital, sees many positives in current trends. Stephen Perry, president & CEO, New Orleans & Company, says the pandemic not- withstanding, communi- cation between the CVB and clients never stopped. “Our team has spent the last 18 months proactively connecting with custom- ers, and keeping lines of communication open as we all navigated the con- stantly changing landscape. While we can’t predict the future, we’ve been a trusted resource, providing infor- mation on industry trends, updates on what was hap- pening within the city and helping planners make the best decision for each meeting. And we continue to navigate the return to in-person events. We’re conducting in-person and virtual site visits, con- tinuing to provide local and industry updates, and working to accommo- date the changing needs of each of our customers and partners. We’re seeing ongoing increases of in-person events, with virtual components continuing. Each meeting, convention, trade show or event is unique, and New Orleans is prepared to work with each customer to plan and execute safe and effec- tive meetings.” The North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Tradeswomen Build Nations annual conference was to be one of those meetings. It was set for last fall, but the organization cancelled the face-to-face event in late summer due to spiking COVID-19 cases. Bobby Crider, NABTU director of operations, says the conference at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside [was] to be fully in- person, with an expected attendance of 1,500 to 2,000. “The location and off- site activities are why this destination [was] a good fit,” Crider says. “It [was] a destination that many of our delegates have never been to.” The CVB early on assisted with safety elements and with economical restaurant recommendations for attendees. Crider says one reason for originally setting the event at the Hilton Riverside is that it’s large enough that the group [could have had] accommodations, convention meet- ings and functions all in one place. And there [was] the location. “What stood out to us,” Crider notes, “is the size of the meeting space and the proximity to the French Quarter.” A FLUID SITUATION In Baton Rouge, Geraldine Borde- lon, CMP, director of destination sales and experience for Visit Baton Rouge, is seeing in- person meetings coming back, but not yet at full capacity. “We’re finding that associations are hold- ing in-person meetings,” she says, “but it all depends on how attendees and leadership decide to move forward. Of the in-person meetings we’ve held or bid on, we’ve noticed that the number of the attendees is less than pre-COVID.” Bordelon says planners are also booking meet- ings closer to their home base, where many of their members are located or are within driving distance. “We’ve noticed plan- ners choosing familiar destinations and venues because of their relationship with the DMO or venue representa- tives in order to get their preferred rates and the flexibility of cancelling without penalties. Some associations are also choosing to hold more smaller meetings rather than one large meeting as a way to keep attendance numbers down,” she says. 27 JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES New Orleans, Baton Rouge Ready for Events By Christine Loomis The St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ French Quarter has long been an iconic city landmark. It is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the United States.Bordelon thinks the trends of groups choosing drive-to destinations and smaller cities will continue — a posi- tive for Baton Rouge. She says, “With the rise of smaller meetings, we’ve seen an increase in interest from association meeting planners who would not or may not have considered Baton Rouge in the past. If associations need to host their meeting in Louisiana, based on a geographical rotation, we’re seeing that Baton Rouge is considered as an option. I believe smaller cities, such as Baton Rouge, will be more attractive to meeting planners due to the experi- ences that can be had, while also feeling safe.” And, she adds, “with predictions leaning toward in-person meetings not fully resuming until late 2023 or 2024, drive-to meetings will likely continue to increase until then.” After more than a year of no meet- ings, the desire to meet and enjoy what a city offers remains strong, says David Piscola, GM of Hilton New Orleans Riv- erside. “As we move forward in the next stages of recovery, I find that the great things New Orleans has always offered to travelers is in much demand — great food, great culture, great experiences and a laid-back attitude. Attendees not only want to attend events, they’re also turning these trips into long-needed vacations away from home, and New Orleans is a perfect spot for this.” That said, Piscola thinks hybrid meetings are likely here to stay, at least for now. “While everyone is tired of Zoom meetings and desperate to get back to travel, a hybrid component to meetings may be around for a while. We all know that much of the advantage of in-person meetings is in the personal connections and networking done, in addition to formatted programming. But we’ve also seen that planners who have successfully integrated online components are able to reach an even greater audience than in the past.” Michael J. Sawaya, convention center president at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, also points to the positives of hybrid meetings, noting that while in-person meetings are definitely not going away, “The hybrid component will provide more options for planners; for example, more speakers might be available that couldn’t travel to the event but could present virtually.” This, he says, will also lead to expectations for a higher level of technology. In general, however, Sawaya thinks meetings going forward will be very similar to what they were before COVID, but “with everyone being more mindful of fellow attendees’ personal space.” Bordelon is seeing a range in the approach asso- ciations are willing to take. Some are willing to get back to in-person meetings, while others are more hesitant. “And while hybrid meetings are frequently mentioned,” she says, “meeting planners have indi- cated that this can be expensive, and not cost effective for the association. If an association has a large revenue stream with its vendor base, then hybrid meetings could be an option.” However, if a group does opt for a hybrid element, Bordelon says Baton Rouge is ready. “Baton Rouge is well suited and has the necessary capabili- ties for hybrid meetings. Our venues give associations an option of using the vendor of their choice, giving them flex- ibility of not having exclusivity. Several associations did hold their meetings this year, and did so without any prob- lems,” she says. CREATING LASTING MEMORIES Needless to say, whether or not a group adds a hybrid element to a meet- ing in no way diminishes all that New Orleans offers. “New Orleans is built to host world-class meetings and events. Welcoming visitors is truly part of our culture,” Perry says. “Planning and pre- paring for meetings and entertaining attendees are our specialty. Our hos- pitality professionals, community, cul- tural bearers and musicians create an experience so iconic that memories of our city stay with visitors and meeting attendees long after they leave. Hosting a meeting in New Orleans means work- ing with some of the best professionals in the entire industry. New Orleans is, and has always been, a world-class travel destination — a feast for the senses that will inspire stakeholders, attendees, exhibitors and partners.” themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESJANUARY 2022 The Raising Cane’s River Center in downtown Baton Rouge includes more than 200,000 sf of new and renovated meetings and events space. Stephen Perry President & CEO New Orleans & Company Each meeting, convention, trade show or event is unique, and New Orleans is prepared to work with each customer to plan and execute safe and effective meetings. 28Bordelon agrees with Perry’s view of New Orleans, and points out that Baton Rouge has its own desirable attri- butes, making the pair good neighbors for one another. “We’re proud to have New Orleans, a world-renowned city, in our state. We embrace New Orleans by encouraging association planners to include pre and post excursions to New Orleans as part of their programming, or to offer the option for attendees to come in early or stay late.” Baton Rouge, she continues, “is known for being an affordable city, and for some meeting planners this creates a better choice for budget-conscious associations. Affordable hotel rates and parking — the majority of our hotels offer complimentary parking — make Baton Rouge an attractive option for the individual attendee who plans to bring family along. Baton Rouge has the honor of being the state capital, which offers a variety of historical, family friendly and unique experiences for all ages. We’re quickly becoming known for our diverse and vibrant food scene as well.” Baton Rouge also has a lot for plan- ners to draw on in terms of providing outdoor experiences, which are still encouraged. “We offer some unique outdoor experiences that association meeting planners can incorporate into their programming or offer to attendees during their free time. Free live con- certs, festivals, biking, kayaking, walk- ing tours, food tours and the like are great opportunities for attendees during a convention, or before or after if they extend their stay with family or friends. And Baton Rouge is one of America’s cities located on the Mississippi River, a great escape for a run, walk or stroll to take in the sights of this scenic treasure.” Bordelon says the city also offers plenty for groups that want to incorpo- rate giving back to the community into their meeting. “With two major univer- sities located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University and Southern Univer- sity, there are many options to consider.” Like other cities and venues across the country, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the meeting hotels and venues within them are justifiably proud of their response to the pandemic and ability to ensure that as meetings come back, planners, attendees and present- ers will be safe. At the convention center, what was put in place for COVID safety will remain. “First and foremost, we have the health and safety of our visitors as the first priority,” Sawaya says. “We’ve led the way in establishing COVID pro- tocols and all of the procedures imple- mented for cleaning and sanitation will become standard practice for us.” Hilton New Orleans Riverside hosted the first major in-house meeting, first gala event and first city-wide con- vention since the pandemic lockdowns. Piscola says all were handled in a safe manner thanks to the brand’s Clean Stay and EventReady protocols. “We’ve been at the forefront of safe travel. But per- haps more importantly, we were able to do these events with the same great level of hospitality and care that we’ve always delivered. And as much as some things have changed during COVID,” he adds, “the heart of the hotel remains the same: A tenured team dedicated to pro- viding the best meeting experiences in the business, backed up by our genuine New Orleans hospitality.” That same passion to maintain what has always made Louisiana a superb destination remains true across the board, even in the midst of monumental change. “Safety is important to us. We’re currently open and following all CDC, local and state-government guidelines. Our brand hotels follow brand standards and guidelines for healthy in-person meet- ings,” Bordelon says. “Addi- tionally, however, our city and our DMO have a very high standard of customer service. Our staff looks for opportunities based on meet- ing planner’s needs and wants to customize an experience with Louisiana flair.” NEW & IMPROVED VENUES If there was an upside to the shut- downs in 2020, it may be that cities and venues had time to work on multiple developments, renovations and upgrades over the course of the year, so that groups coming for a meeting in 2022 and beyond may well find much that’s new. “New developments in the city continue to elevate the meeting experience,” Perry says. “The recent completion of the state- of-the-art airport terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, as well as an on-going $557 mil- lion improvement plan for the interior and exterior of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, are just a few of the amazing projects happening around the city. We’re all excited to now be getting back to meeting in-person and planning live events in New Orleans.” JANUARY 2022 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is undergoing a $557 million improvement plan. It offers 1.1 million sf of exhibit space, 140 meeting rooms, a 4,000- seat theater and a 30,000-sf ballroom. Geraldine Bordelon, CMP Director of Destination Sales and Experience, Visit Baton Rouge Our venues give associations an option of using the vendor of their choice, giving them flexibility of not having exclusivity. 29Next >