The Great Impact of the Events Industry and Other Industries We Touch

We all know in-person meetings and events are vital to keeping our industry alive and moving forward. Sure, there might be some sort of a hybrid component added to the event, if possible, producible, and affordable. Nevertheless, in-person events have a long-standing impact to the events industry and the plethora of industries we touch. 

Think about the revenue streams of a convention that trickles down to businesses and organizations throughout the city. For example, the transportation industry receives business from air to ground, rail, parking lots, meter parking, valet, etc. Local restaurants, shops, and touristic destinations are stimulated. Not to mention hotel accommodations and its multitude of services from maid services and in-room dining to spa treatments and dry cleaning. Forgot to make that extra directional sign getting attendees from the meeting room to the general session? That is another service missed when the event is not in-person. In addition, we all love creative catered delicacies at museums, lunch, and evening dinners at restaurants, and let's not forget theater shows. The restaurant, private, and live events industry was very hard hit, and all of these services also help the City's bottom line. 

Let's bring tradeshows back and get ourselves back to conferences. I have been doing trade shows for almost 30 years now, and I love it! The anticipation of designing and setting up under house rules was always challenging; however, the excitement of seeing other exhibitor friends, dining and drinking the night away with them, and seeing clients and potential ones on the show floor was by far the best experience. Attending breakout or general sessions in between staffing my booth might have been overwhelming but necessary for the education. The lunch portion was always an excuse to wonder around seeing where you want to sit and network.

Let’s educate bosses, boards, companies, and organizations that it is not only safe to attend an event because of the brilliant people behind the events industry, but also the powerful impact in-person events have on our economy despite the mandates that may apply in some cases. 

The industry has changed but you have to be visible to be seen and learn from experience. September marks the start of Mid Atlantic Events Magazine 35th year publishing a regional resource geared toward those who plan meetings, conventions, trade shows, special events, galas, fund raisers, board retreats, team building, business and group travel within Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. Our goal is to assist clients, connect planners, and help guide readers. Many of our clients have been with us for 15, 20 and even 25 years advertising their services, facilities, or properties. Now, for the past year, we have become an eMagazine adding more digital components and bringing the Magazine to life with social media platforms. Can you imagine the changes we have seen during that time? But we adapt to strive and continue to advocate for the meetings and tourism industry. I challenge you to do the same.