SISO Update
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.
SISO Activities
Has your Netflix or Amazon Prime video queue dwindled? Remember, SISO connects you with content you should be watching to ready you for when we are able to return to live events. Besides that, don't forget, we've rolled out a new matching program for you as well.
- SISO webinars! Catch our latest episode of The Six Dimensions of Live, produced in partnership with mdg and sponsored by Freeman, from July 15. This series is presented as a CEO roundtable, and this episode zooms in on how live is changing (I think we all saw that coming, but how?). Plus, many more webinars for your viewing.
- M&A Matchmaking Program - SISO recently announced this new program for members. The M&A Matchmaking program will create a list of all larger member companies interested in speaking with smaller members about investing in, acquiring, or other forms of partnerships. Data collected will be made available (with contact information and requirements) for the SISO Small Business SIG members to access directly on the SISO Online Community Small Business Forum starting today.
Moving Forward Updates
When will a vaccine be ready, safe, and available? What about travel bans, borders, and more? By the day it seems there's a growing list of data points and considerations by state, local, and federal governments to consider around the world. Not to mention this latest matrix to view estimated risk for contracting COVID-19 at a live event in the United States, based on state, event size, and more. While we may not all return to live at the same point and time, we must be educated and mitigate risk for our to-be attendees.
These sites, are also updated daily for the U.S.:
In the good news column, a growing number of convention centers and lodging facilities across the United States have secured the GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR Facility Accreditation. The latest to do so includes: Duke Energy Convention Center, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, San Jose McEnery Convention Center, and more.
Checkout the latest Dow Report video, presented by the U.S. Travel Association, for Roger Dow's interview of Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman Company, about what the future of meetings and events will look like.
Coalition Updates
Go LIVE Together continues to advocate for our events industry, and they've rolled out more ways for you to help and leverage your network and connections. Complete this form to help the coalition map your connections - be it your neighbor (the senator?), your college buddy (maybe your representative?), or even one of their staffers. And, if you haven't already, take a look at Go LIVE Together's toolkit of one-pagers, for clear and concise snapshots of each of the coalition's key advocacy and legislative goals. Keep up the great work!
Resources
It seems like masks will be needed for events, and in many cases life, for at least a while yet. SISO's got you covered (both face and need!)! Order here. Visit our resources to address COVID-19 for additional resources, the latest updates and guidance.
Q&A
Remember, SISO is your community. We cannot wait to see you face-to-face. Till then, stay engaged with our community through SISO's social channels. Members, engage in our online member forum. Have questions? Send those to info@siso.org.
Share what you're doing! If your trade show or organization has created new guidance or resources that would be beneficial to your SISO peers, please share those on our online community.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay strong. Stay connected.