>> NAVIGATING COVID-19

Let's use the following as a starting point, and if you have specific questions, please reach out to me so we can discuss.

There is so much information on COVID-19 out there.  How can I filter what's most accurate and relevant for my meetings, so I can make good decisions?

As a leader in the events industry, Maritz Global Events (MGE) relies on credible sources – the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – rather than news outlets and social media for facts about COVID-19.  I'll help you through the process.

Can you provide me with health & safety protocol for different hotels?

In many cases, yes, but remember it's a moving target with requirements changing often, depending on location and hotel.  Continuous dialogue is necessary up through your arrival to ensure we have the latest information, and that supplier partners are compliant.  I'll feed you relevant updates as they become available.

What about my well-being and that of my attendees?

Great question.  In addition to safety, I am happy to share links and information I've been given by hotel / supplier partners on how to take care of ourselves, emotionally, physically, getting better sleep, etc., now.  And I can also help you with resources to design your agenda, including well-being components being built in.

Where do I start to plan for an outbreak?

Meet with the venue's emergency operations coordinator or planning team as you begin detailing your program.  Discuss their emergency protocol and develop a contingency plan that addresses various Coronavirus-related scenarios that could affect the meeting (Ref. NTM).

I can provide you with links to many trustworthy industry experts for their pre-event and onsite recommendations to keep your guests safe and confident to attend.

Should my meeting be virtual or hybrid (some virtual and some F2F)?  How can you help me, Janice?

We'd start by identifying what you believe your program will look like, map it out, and then get pertinent partners involved to discuss your virtual needs, including technical support.  It's likely this is a different way of you doing business, and we'll help with its design and your budget. 

Remember, as we navigate COVID-19 together, I'll provide, partner with, and include training on the use of a digital event platform that is designed to host all types of virtual or hybrid events, and features every functionality that a conference organizer might need. This would include partnering with an expert technical support group or platform developer.  

I have a meeting I may have to cancel...now what?

Force Majeure and Large Gathering Bans

Some countries, states and cities still have bans on gatherings over a certain size in effect. If a planned event is cancelled because it is occurring in such an area during the timeframe of the ban and has an expected number of attendees over the limit, MGE will work with clients to negotiate mutually agreeable cancellation or rebooking terms. 

Rest assured that for your new programs, not only will I negotiate the most favorable rate and concessions, extra special effort will be spent on the contract terms mitigating your risk, protecting your organization and your attendees.  That includes (and not limited to) cancellation, attrition, Force Majeure, rebooking, etc.

I hope this introduction has been helpful.  I know you must have many other questions, so let's find a time that we can personally connect.