SISO Update

A Message From Our CEO, Vincent Polito:

Many years ago (last century, actually) I had a technology trade show that ran in July in Canada. We had to pitch Major League Baseball to send the Toronto Blue Jays on the road each year after the All-Star break so that we could use the SkyDome in addition to the convention center, and MLB needed convincing that we weren’t just crazed Boston Red Sox fans. Both might have been true, actually.

 

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A Message From Our CEO, Vincent Polito:

It has been a very hectic and very rewarding period for many of our member companies, and the industry, among the shows owned or produced by the members I’ve visited. These include Coverings (Taffy Event Strategies); National Restaurant Association Show (Winsight, soon to be Informa); Sweets and Snacks Expo (ConvExx); and ECEF (Lippman Connects).

 

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A message from our CEO, Vincent Polito:

As I mentioned during the SISO CEO Summit, I will be looking for and encouraging opportunities for our current and future members to get together during other member events to experience the show and have quality time together.

Two such opportunities exist between now and the end of May. 

The first occurs at McCormick Place in Chicago during the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo on May 22. 

 

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While the exhibition industry’s pace tends to slow during the holiday season, trade shows and events across the country are still taking place successfully, serving their purpose as forums for face-to-face business, education and networking. As the industry looks toward a potential full economic recovery in 2023, now is an excellent time to reflect on the successes and lessons of the past year while setting goals and fresh strategies for the new one ahead. Take a look at your latest SISO news, including some new tax and workforce issues facing the business events industry, as well as some upcoming SISO gatherings you’ll want to attend in the New Year!

 

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Despite the rising cost of producing events and concerns about a possible oncoming recession, the exhibition industry continues to hold its own. In-person trade shows and events are continuing to pull off successful iterations, many event-related organizations are maintaining strong hiring and promoting momentum, new shows will be launching in 2023 and industry associations, including SISO, are unveiling important initiatives to benefit their memberships. Check out your latest SISO news, including a recap of our first annual Asia CEO Summit!

 

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Despite a gradually slowing job market, not to mention stubborn inflation and lingering supply chain issues, the exhibitions industry is still harnessing a positive momentum that is propelling it toward recovery. Buyers and suppliers are flocking to face-to-face exhibitions across North America and abroad, event industry organizations are busily building their workforces, launching new initiatives and releasing key research, and industry leaders are preparing for whatever challenges the coming year may hold. Check out our latest Update to stay in-the-know!

 

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While there’s no denying that the exhibition industry is facing its fair share of post-pandemic headwinds, including supply chain and inflationary concerns, in-person trade shows are continuing to launch and re-open, attendees and exhibitors are enthusiastically returning to show floors to conduct face-to-face business, event-related organizations are building teams and launching new initiatives, and industry leaders are preparing for a strong fall and busy new year. Here’s your latest update to keep you in-the-know!

 

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All signs indicate that the exhibitions industry is successfully getting back to business – and rapidly. Face-to-face trade shows are continuing to re-open despite post-pandemic headwinds, exhibitors and attendees are returning to bustling show floors, event organizations are launching new initiatives for event professionals and industry leaders are setting their compasses toward a brighter and more robust business future in 2023 and beyond.

 

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As the exhibitions industry turns its focus toward a busier fall season, show organizers and industry associations are building business momentum by re-opening face-to-face shows and industry events, as well as launching new activities for event industry professionals. Case in point: the 2022 Society of Independent Show Organizer Industry Positions Compensation Survey, in which we hope all SISO members will consider participating!
 

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While the exhibition industry tends to move at a more relaxed pace during the dog days of summer, trade shows and events are still happening throughout the country and business deals are getting done – and SISO activities are no exception!

We are pleased to announce that Vinnie Polito and his firm, VP International, will be taking over the SISO management contract, effective Jan. 1, 2023. We know SISO will be in good hands under Vinnie and his team! To learn more about this exciting development, check out the official announcement here.

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Despite the trade show industry’s typically slower pace during the summer months, in-person trade shows, acquisitions and other key industry developments are taking place at a rapid pace across the U.S. and abroad. Here is some of the latest exhibition industry news you need to know!

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As the end of June approaches, we are happy to report that advocacy efforts were successful in bringing about the end of pre-departure testing requirements to enter the U.S. In recent weeks, a number of successful SISO member shows — including Outdoor Retailer, ECEF and Connect Spring — were held around the globe. Good news: Emerald and Informa are reporting strong financial performance in the first half of 2022.

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​​​​​​As summer begins, we are happy to report that for the first time since the pandemic, leisure and business flights surpassed 2019 levels in mid-May, according to CNBC. SISO member Winsight Media reported that attendance for the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago reached 65,000, after not meeting in person since 2019. Better news in China as Shanghai and Beijing are slowly reopening, after restrictions and lockdowns shut down the industry for most of Q2, according to CNBC.

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As the end of May nears, we are happy to report the industry is in full swing. SISO member Diversified Communications reported that attendance for Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona exceeded 2019 numbers. Show launches are coming back. Earlier this week, Informa Markets launched MAGIC in Nashville. Questex is launching Metaverse Global Congress, June 28-29 in San Jose, CA. More and more high-profile speakers are making appearances at events, and M&A activity is ramping up.

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As April comes to a close, we are happy to report that the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has stopped mask enforcement on planes, trains and other transportation after a federal judge struck down the federal transportation mask mandate on April 18. Business travel is rebounding, and airlines are reporting a 70% recovery of business travel. On the international front, Covid restrictions continue to be eased around the globe, including Hong Kong and Singapore in recent weeks. This month, safe and successful trade shows  — such as the Suncoast Boat Show, CinemaCon and XPONENTIAL 2022 — were held in U.S.

 

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As we reach mid-April, we are happy to report that mask and vaccination mandates have been lifted in cities, counties and states across the U.S. On the international front, Covid restrictions have been eased around the globe, making international travel easier for exhibitors and attendees. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Coverings, SIAL, International Pizza Expo, and Bar & Restaurant Expo — were held in U.S.

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As February comes to a close, Covid cases are declining rapidly in the U.S. Good news on the international front: Australia opened its borders to business travelers and tourists for the first time since March 2020, and the U.K. lifted all Covid restrictions. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the MAGIC, Project, Sourcing, OFFPRICE, Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) — were held in U.S.

 

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As February gets underway and the Omicron variant recedes, indoor mask mandates have been dropped in many states, like California, New York and Nevada — to name a few. Beyond the U.S., the world continues to reopen for trade shows with countries like Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand opening their borders for the first time since the pandemic. International travel continues to get easier as more and more countries loosen testing and quarantine restrictions. It’s already been a busy Q1 for U.S. trade shows. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the PGA Show, Outdoor Retailer and TISE — have been held across the U.S. Earlier this week, leading industry trade shows such as KBIS, the Winter Fancy Food Show and NYNow were held in Orlando, Las Vegas and New York respectively.
 

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As we ring in the new year, many U.S. trade and consumer shows are going forward in this new environment as we move beyond the pandemic to endemic. Most Q1 shows are expected to perform better than 2021. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the Surf Expo, CES, ASI Show and PPAI — have been held across the U.S. Earlier this week, top 100 trade shows such as World of Concrete, SHOT Show and NRF’s Big Show were held in Las Vegas and New York.
 

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As 2021 comes to a close, we are grateful to see cities and states across the U.S. continuing to stay open as the pandemic lingers. Q4 has been a busy period as the exhibition industry continues to ramp up the return to live, in-person events. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the San Diego Food & Wine Festival, Abilities Expo, Cyber Con, Performance Racing Industry Show, The Running Event and C2E2 — have been held across the U.S.

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November has been a busy month as the exhibition industry ramps up the return to live, in-person events. On Nov. 8, the U.S. borders reopened to international travel after a 19-month closure. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as IMEX America, Web Summit, SEMA Show and the Dubai Airshow — have been held around the globe.

 

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As October comes to a close, show organizers are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the U.S. borders to international travel on Nov. 8 after a 19-month closure. Around the globe, some countries, like Thailand and Singapore, are slowly reopening for events, while some cities and provinces in China are shutting down while cases spike. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the MJBizCon, New York Comic Con and the National Hardware Show — have been held across the U.S. A number of SISO member trade shows are planned for November, including IMEX America, LA Auto Show, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show and Live Design International.

 

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Joint Leadership Summit 2021 Recap: Strategic pilot event of global industry leaders in Singapore marks the reopening of the ASEAN market

Four major global exhibition industry associations — including SISO, in partnership with Paris-based UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, U.K.-based Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and the Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) — met face-to-face at the Joint Leadership Summit (JLS) Oct. 5-7 at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. As the first in-person event to draw global trade show and event industry leaders to Singapore since the pandemic, the meeting was truly historic. 

 

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As October begins, the exhibition industry is celebrating the lifting of U.S. restrictions for international travel in November. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as the Utility Expo, MINExpo, IAA Mobility and The National Running Show — have been held across the U.S. and Europe. A number of major trade shows are planned for October, including MJBizCon and G2E in Las Vegas, Plant Based World Expo and International Franchise Show in London, and NeoCon and the National Association of Convenience Stores in Chicago. Stay tuned for a white paper from SISO and UFI on MJBizCon.
 

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SISO Summer Conference 2021 Recap: 150+ trade show executives gather in Louisville, KY, to network and exchange ideas

After canceling last year’s summer meeting due to Covid, SISO hosted 150+ executives for the SISO Summer Conference 2021, held August 24-26 at the Marriott Downtown in Louisville, KY. While many industry association events have been held virtually since the pandemic, SISO has led the return to in-person by hosting this event and the SISO CEO Summit in April.

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As July comes to a close, the exhibition industry continues to ramp up around the globe. In recent weeks, safe and successful events — such as Sweets & Snacks Expo, Mobile World Congress, Nightclub & Bar Show and Coverings — have been held across the U.S. and Europe. While vaccination efforts continue, the Delta variant has led to some revised CDC guidance, but industry stakeholders continue to be committed to following the guidance of public health authorities to produce safe events. A number of major trade shows are planned for August, including FDIC International 2021, a Clarion show that will be held Aug. 2-7 in Indianapolis, and NY NOW, an Emerald event that will take place Aug. 8-11 at Javits Center in New York. NY NOW will be the first trade show since the pandemic to be held at Javits. Stay tuned for a white paper from SISO and UFI on these two events.

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The restart of trade shows continues around the globe as COVID-19 restrictions ease and vaccinations rise. On June 28, Mobile World Congress (MWC) opened in Barcelona, becoming the first major event to be held in Europe since the pandemic. GSMA reported 120,000 people accessed #MWC21 Barcelona across virtual platforms and physically at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, with 20,000 attending in person June 28-July 1. SISO is producing a case study on MWC, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the links below to SISO’s video coverage from the event.

 

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Last week, all eyes were on Informa Markets as the company produced the World of Concrete (WOC) in Las Vegas. WOC was the first trade show at the new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To add to the excitement, the Boring Co. officially opened the Loop, a transportation hub that utilizes Teslas as people movers via an underground tunnel that connects the West, North/Central and South halls. Per CDC guidelines, masks were not required for fully vaccinated attendees and exhibitors, but temperature checks and wristbands were required to gain access to the show floor. All government and health department restrictions were lifted on June 1 for trade shows in Las Vegas for the first time since the pandemic shut down the city in March 2020. SISO is producing a case study on WOC, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the links below to SISO’s video coverage from the event.

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As June kicks off, cities and states across the U.S. continue to lift COVID restrictions and capacity limits. On June 1, Michigan began allowing 50% capacity indoors, and Atlantic City, NJ, returned to full capacity. Since the CDC updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals on May 16, organizations have revamped their health and safety protocols. World of Concrete (WOC), which runs June 8-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is not requiring masks, but they are recommended. SISO will be producing a case study on the WOC, so stay tuned.

 

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As summer nears, there are so many reasons to celebrate. The biggest news to impact the event industry in the last week: the CDC is now recommending that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors. More than 1.45 billion vaccine doses have been administered across 176 countries (as of May 16), and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in children aged 12-15 in the U.S. In addition, more events were held across the U.S. in recent weeks, and convention centers and cities (like Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York) are reopening soon. In June, Informa Markets will produce World of Concrete at the new West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Stay tuned for a white paper on the event production.

 

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200+ trade show executives gather in Florida to network and exchange ideas

After going more than one year without an in-person event, SISO hosted 200+ executives for the CEO Summit 2021, held April 12-15 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, FL. The robust crowd gathered to discuss industry trends, exchange ideas and network with colleagues and suppliers. While travel restrictions kept most international attendees from coming into the U.S., there were a handful of SISO members who were granted visas for entry because they were deemed essential to the country’s national interest.

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As March comes to a close, SISO member Reed Exhibitions Americas produced its first U.S. trade show since the pandemic. Held March 22-24 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Jeweler’s International Showcase (JIS) saw an increase in attendance of 38% on Day 1 compared with its 2019 Day 1 attendance. We are encouraged by the vaccination rollout, and a number of JIS attendees and exhibitors reported they were fully vaccinated. Stay tuned for a white paper from SISO and UFI on the event.

 

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As mid-March nears, it is hard to believe that it has been one year since the U.S. shutdown because of COVID-19. While the last year has been bleak in terms of live, in-person events, there is much to be hopeful for as we ramp up for the return of more trade shows in the second half of 2021. Vaccine distribution continues to rise, with more good news reported as U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to have all Americans vaccinated by the end of May. Later this month, Reed Exhibitions Americas will produce the Jewelers International Showcase (JIS). To be held March 22-24 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the event will be Reed’s first in the U.S. since the pandemic. Stay tuned for a white paper from SISO and UFI on the event.
 

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As we head into the last full week in February, the trade show industry has much to celebrate as governments across the U.S. begin to relax restrictions for gatherings. Last week, Informa Markets, Clarion Events North America, and Tarsus Group collaborated to offer the first large-scale rapid COVID-19 testing roll-out in the U.S. for B2B events. Held Feb. 9-11, MAGIC Pop Up Orlando, WWIN Orlando Showcase, and OFFPRICE required a negative COVID-19 test for all attendees, exhibitors, staff, contractors, and union labor. Stay tuned for more from SISO on how the show management teams and their partners were able to pull it off.

 

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As January comes to a close, it’s important to recognize the peaceful transition of power in the U.S. with the inauguration of the 46th U.S. president Joe Biden. On Jan. 20, American citizens celebrated the commencement of a new four-year presidential term with face masks, physical distancing and digital events in the COVID-19 era. As we look ahead, the February launch of MAGIC Pop Up Orlando, WWIN Orlando Showcase and OFFPRICE will see the first large-scale rapid COVID-19 testing roll-out in the U.S. for B2B events. Scheduled for Feb. 9-11, the first-ever collaboration by Informa Markets, Clarion Events North America and Tarsus Group will offer and require testing for all. Stay tuned for more on this important topic from SISO.
 

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Happy New Year from your friends at SISO! After closing the calendar year on the most challenging in the industry’s history, there is much to be hopeful for in 2021. Last week, one of the first major B2B events, Surf Expo, owned by SISO member Emerald, was successfully produced in Orlando. As we look ahead, plans are currently underway for the first-ever collaboration by three major trade show producers, including Informa Markets, Clarion Events North America and Tarsus Group. We are looking forward to bringing you the details behind the February launch of MAGIC Pop Up Orlando, WWIN Orlando Showcase and OFFPRICE. Stay tuned.

Wishing you and yours a prosperous and healthy new year!

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Here we are, in December. Some days have felt months long and months years in length. We hope that despite the struggles, ups and downs, isolation, and other personal and professional ways you have been challenged in 2020 that you continue to keep your spirits high. This holiday season, we give thanks for you, our SISO community. We wish you all health and happiness as we turn our sights toward a better year ahead in 2021.

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday!
 

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Just like everything this year, we’re sure your Thanksgiving plans likely look a little different. Despite that, remember how grateful we are for you, your organizations, and your support for our industry throughout the good and the challenging times. We’re not quite out of the dark days just yet, but with the advancement of vaccines, we maintain more than just hope for resuming more live events with you, one day. And we know, while life is different these days, one cannot discount silver linings. 

Happy Thanksgiving, we are thinking of you.
 

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Happy (almost) Halloween! It seems like a spooky world we live in these days! While that is true in numbers, we grab hold of good news and positive steps leading forward. Let’s stick together, enjoy some extra candy (if trick-or-treating is limited) and look forward to 2021 that is getting closer to the horizon.

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We’re thrilled to tell you off the top that this SISO Update is packed with encouraging news and many ways to get involved with SISO and our community. Plus, there are new ways to continue to help support our industry and advocate for key causes to help ourselves and our fellow industry peers. Thank you for taking the time to connect, read - and take a listen.

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As we begin to see the seasons shift once again, with the colors of fall (at least here in the U.S), we remember the strength of our industry of live events. We are resilient. Remember that! In this issue, we’re happy to share several important and positive updates with you as well as additional content from SISO and ways to keep you engaged and eager to keep hustling.

 

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How are you doing? Are you back in your office? Have you redesigned a new space yet in your “home office” that is now semi-permanent? Whatever your answer, we hope it finds you well and looking ahead.

Remember, SISO is your network. We’re here to lean on, support you, and provide you with resources, next steps, good news, and the reality of now and what we believe is coming for our industry.

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Hello, September. For many the start of this month often signals a new year of learning, and that - like most things this year - will look very different. In-person? Hybrid? Fully virtual? An “event” of its own we wait to see how this too unfolds.

In this new season and new age of continued learning, we continue to evolve and find the next steps we’ll take for both the normal we’re creating as a world and for events. Stay strong, and please...stay connected with SISO.

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We empathize with you in the fact that these past several months have not been easy and that there is still a road ahead to travel before live events return to a truly new normal. Although it has been tough, not all has been bad. Innovations in technology, our industry and many others will have a profound impact on all of us moving forward. That being said, it is important that no matter what, we stand together. We look forward. And, that we travel that road ahead together.

 

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How many steps forward? How many steps back? New quarantines - for different state-to-state travel, and more...The pace of change these days is fast, even if it may feel as though we’re barely moving. As the summer heat drags on, do not get discouraged. Our industry and the business of live events will return. We will bounce forward, not just back. Let’s continue to do our part to ensure a strong return, eventually. 

 

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As another summer month is drawing to a close, we see more ups and downs around the world. We must remain hopeful and remember that live events have returned in some places and will return for us all, eventually. Until then, get educated, connect with your fellow members, and engage in meaningful discussions that will help your organization and our industry in our evolving new world.  

Advocacy continues! See updates on how you can help and keep supporting events via Go LIVE Together in a couple of new ways. 

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Hello, July! Just like that, we find ourselves in the thick of summer. We recognize depending on what country, or what state in the USA, you’re reading this from may impact your outlook. Some places are faring quite well, while we know others have fallen back down a bit. We offer you recaps, resources, and more. 

Let’s remain not just hopeful, but do our part in continuing to advocate for the events industry. SISO remains the key supporter for the industry’s Go Live Together Coalition, and we’re sharing more on legislative and advocacy efforts below. 

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As June comes to a close we recognize that more of you may be reading this email from your office, rather than just your home office. Welcome back! For some of you, it still may be a while before that next phase of reopening. No matter where your business or your country of business may be today, we hope you’ll join us in Texas this August for the SISO Summer Conference (more on that below)!

We’ve got your biweekly recap of SISO activities, reopenings, coalition advocacy efforts, resources and more - read on.

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As we welcome summer and the warmer weather, we’re beginning to see the slow, phased return to business around the world. As events industry professionals, we continue to not just hold strong but do our best to advocate for our industry and promote the importance of live events to the global economy.

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The events industry will prevail and we know we’ll meet together again, one day. In some places around the world we’re already seeing that begin to happen as countries reopen and the new way of operating events is designed.

 

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Our world and the way we conduct business has always been an evolution, but it is undeniable these past few months – as well as the road ahead – will reshape not just our businesses but our everyday lives.

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