This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.
Name: Cara Cartree
Company Name: CMC Events & Travel
Job Title: Events & Travel Guru
Years of Experience: 19
How do you think you are positioned, after months of persevering with the pandemic, to take advantage of our new and disrupted meetings/events landscape?
We have always prioritized the experiential experience. With the pandemic, we have been required to think even more outside the box in terms of how and why we gather. This fresh landscape allows us to utilize our creativity and appeal to all of our senses when bringing people together.
As our community moves forward with planning in-person meetings, what new technologies or processes are you implementing that you may have not looked at before?
Hybrid, event apps, augmented and virtual reality, and facial recognition continue to play a role in technology trends. Our processes remain much the same as pre-pandemic, as we are focused on providing the most memorable, personalized, and safe experience for each individual attending one of our events. After being apart for so long, we have such a wonderful opportunity in bringing people together for the first time in two years.
As we see virtual meetings transition back to face to face, hybrid meetings are beginning to be the vehicle to return to normalcy. What are your thoughts on hybrid meetings versus traditional fully in-person meetings?
I believe that hybrid events will continue, but in person will always provide the maximum ROI. Post-pandemic has been a great opportunity to re-examine company goals, objectives, and the WHY of gathering together. The energy of being together is the ultimate connector.
In your opinion, what do you think the biggest value for your attendees is in regards to returning to live events?
Literally, everything! In person allows for a full immersion experience.
As the pandemic fades away and we return to face-to-face events what do you hope changes, either for planners or hoteliers, in the traditional RFP and proposal process as a result of all of the learnings from the last 20+ months?
I hope some level of flexibility in rebooking or rescheduling remains. I also look forward to seeing the industry continue to rebuild, including rehiring so many that were laid off during the pandemic.
This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.