SISO Update
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!
SISO Activities
As the year winds down, we encourage you to check out SISO webinars, especially if you've missed one or multiple in the last few months. You'll gain insights from conversations with industry experts and come away with considerations for the future and tips for managing and planning, plus, opportunities for some personal/professional growth and development.
SISO is holding open monthly Small Business SIG roundtable discussions. The first one has already occurred, don't miss another! All discussions will take place on Tuesdays at 11:00 am ET, except for the April session*. Mark your calendar and plan to join the four remaining in the new year:
- 1/12/21
- 2/9/21
- 3/9/21
- *4/12/21 - This session will take place live and in-person at the SISO CEO Summit at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida.
No pre-registration is required for the online Small Business SIG discussions. A reminder with Zoom connection details will be shared in advance of the sessions with the entire Small Business SIG community. Email info@siso.org with any questions.
Moving Forward Updates
We remain hopeful about the forthcoming rollout of vaccines in the U.S. and around the world. We recognize it will take some time to vaccinate, but know this is a critical step for our industry and for the return of in-person events. As we anxiously await more steps forward in 2021 on this front, we're happy to share a few links of both content and encouraging moves for our industry.
- Part 2 of Global Recovery Insights 2020, produced by UFI and Explori and underwritten by SISO, follows on from the release of Part 1 of the report in October, which looked at how exhibitors and visitors of trade shows and business events are being impacted by a lack of live events, and how they view hybrid and digital events. View the full press release here. The full report will be shared with UFI and SISO members during a dedicated UFI connects session in January 2021. The report is free for SISO Members. (12/10)
- Reed Exhibitions has produced a new research study, COVID-19 and How it's Changing the Event Industry, including global insights on customer needs and the organizations mindset barometer. (12/9)
- U.S. Travel provides industry guidance for promoting the health and safety of all travelers (12/2)
- ‘Covid-Tested' flights between Italy, U.S. to begin in mid-December, via Delta Air Lines and Alitalia. This would allow select travelers to forego quarantine requirements upon arriving in Italy. (11/30)
- Checkout BTE Media's In Conversation interview with Doug Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group and SISO Chair. Hear his optimism about “a path back to live,” his passion for the industry and more. (11/26)
- NYU's International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference was held as a series of webinars last month. Highly informative panel discussion videos provide comprehensive summaries of important exchanges by industry leaders on recovery and more. (11/25)
- The Orange County Convention Center will host the first auto show since the start of the pandemic, December 18-20. (11/20)
We continue to include 'Meetings Mean Business' reopening tracker as a go-to for the breakdown on maximum number of occupants, percent occupancy limit, mask requirements, and travel restrictions across the U.S.
Coalition Updates
COVID Relief Now Coalition
Last Friday, December 4th, the COVID Relief Now Coalition sent An Open Letter to Our Leaders in Washington, signed by over a dozen prominent association CEOs and presidents. The letter beseeches leaders to answer our urgent request and renew action to help stave off job loss on Main Street America, especially in light of spiking coronavirus cases. Congress must take action now. We are asking that they pass a bill before the end of the year.
The letter cited results from the Coalition's survey of over 1,800 cities, counties and industry associations. Results showed that over 80% of respondents indicated their financial health has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. See the full survey results for a rundown by the numbers and understand how serious the need for relief is.
Watch the Coalition's new ad. Share it with your network and please continue to amplify the message and tell congress: Economic relief can't wait. Consider emailing the link to the ad to your elected officials including why you support the Coalition's efforts.
SISO and GLT are members and strong supporters of the COVID Relief Now Coalition. Download resources from the toolkit to support the Coalition's efforts messages.
Go LIVE Together
SISO has continued its advocacy efforts, in partnership with Go LIVE Together, to push for the need of a program similar to the “PRIA - Pandemic Risk Insurance Act” put forward by Congresswoman Maloney. SISO members have joined numerous calls with the Congresswoman and her staff to offer information regarding challenges and needs for Communicable Diseases coverage within Event Cancellation Insurance for organizers. Watch Congresswoman Maloney's opening statement on PRIA for the Financial Services Committee Hearing.
GLT remains hopeful for an economic stimulus package and congress' ability to meet in the middle to pass one. A bill would establish a $300 weekly unemployment benefit and revive the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which would greatly support members of our industry.
SISO's $250,000 of financial support to the coalition is underwritten by six of the largest organizers: Clarion, Diversified, Emerald, Informa, Reed and Tarsus. Additional contributions include those from MJBizCon, Exhibitions Inc, and Lippman Connects.
Share encouraging stories using hashtag: #GLTgoodNews. And, continue to promote GLT's messages. For materials, visit GLT's toolkit.
Let's Go There
Make use of toolkit resources available, or make a financial contribution. Contact letsgothere@ustravel.org to learn more.
Resources
Guidance and updates on COVID-19 remain available on our site.
If you haven't heard, Main Street Lending Program in the USA has new criteria. SISO's Tax Accountants have provided this summary of the new changes to the program, including: minimum loan reduced to $100,000, transaction fees waived for loans under $250,000, and PPP Loans up to $2M can be excluded when determining loan amount.
Q&A
Join your community - online through SISO's social channels. Are you a member? Engage in our online member forum. Would you like to get more involved or do you have a question about SISO (or, otherwise)? Email info@siso.org.
Many thanks to our members and our greater Business Events community for your ongoing support and answers to the many calls this year to take action. We are grateful for your efforts, action and support.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay strong. Stay connected.