Press Release: California MPI Chapters Celebrate Golden State Collaborative Success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2020
Contact: Annemarie Allain, CEM
Phone: (703) 598-1679
Email: annemarie@a2services.com
CALIFORNIA MPI CHAPTERS CELEBRATE
GOLDEN STATE COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS
Partnerships Unite Hospitality Community
California – October 20, 2020 - The inaugural Golden State Collaborative held October 8, 2020 was overwhelmingly successful in bringing together all 5 California MPI chapters to discuss statewide preparations for the safe return of face to face meetings, as well as ways to elevate the digital experience.
Drawing over 340 attendees throughout California and beyond, participants enjoyed sessions addressing digital and hybrid event strategies; diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices; approaches to contracting during a pandemic; and managing career transitions. During the event speakers and moderators alike stressed the need for unity as an industry to ensure the future of live events.
“Digital has bridged the gap, but absence of face-to-face has reinforced value of in-person experiences,” claimed Paul Van Deventer, CEO of Meeting Professionals International.
The need to revive face to face meetings is abundantly clear. In 2019 California’s hospitality community brought the state $66 billion in direct spending and accounted for 450,000 jobs.
According to Adam Burke, President and CEO, LA Tourism and Convention Board, “DMO’s are serving as a central resource.” The prestigious panel of destination leaders summarized ways each location has worked with organizers to revamp or reschedule events. They also outlined their combined efforts to work with city, county, and state health official to ensure the safe return of in-person meetings.
To date, 13 facilities statewide have achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) certification to help them prepare for and respond to biological threats. Achieving this certification represented a financial commitment from the facilities and their dedication to the safety and security of attendees at live events. When able to reopen, California will lead the way in creating confidence amongst attendees and event staff.
The success of the inaugural Golden State Collaborative would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Pixilated, Visit RenoTahoe, Vario and Swapcard. Please visit their websites to see how they can help you with digital, hybrid or in-person meetings.
Learn more about the Golden State Collaborative and discover additional content by finding your local chapter at www.mpi.org. You will not want to miss the valuable fall content lineup offered by all 5 of California’s MPI chapters.
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About The Golden State Collaborative:
Presented by Northern California, Orange County, Sacramento/Sierra Nevada, San Diego, and Southern California chapters of Meeting Professionals International, the Golden State Collaborative was designed to unite members of California’s MPI chapters to help rebuild the hospitality industry. Statewide, MPI chapters aim to connect the California meeting and event community and empower members to change their communities.
