SISO Update
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.
SISO Activities
At SISO, we remain busy, planning for live events but also staying engaged with you how we're able to do so until then.
- SISO Summer Conference Postponed - Recent spikes in COVID19 infections across the country have caused many states to stop or roll-back their reopening plans; this includes Texas, where SISO had been planning to hold our SISO Summer Conference in Dallas next month. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is currently limiting gatherings to groups of less than ten individuals and continues to work with their contract health authority, Dallas County, to comply with the Governor's latest orders, therefore, unfortunately, we are going to have to postpone and consider later dates. The VisitDallas team has been incredibly supportive of SISO and our events, and we were certain that we could have held a safe and successful conference next month. SISO and the VisitDallas team will be looking at alternative date options and following the Texas and Dallas government's plans for reopening the convention center and events. We will provide new dates as soon as feasible.
We will be planning to bring much of the planned content from the live conference to the SISO community via Webinars and online roundtable discussions. Look for more details on these programs to be shared over the next few weeks.
- SISO webinars! Including our most recent one on USA Advocacy from July 9. This latest webinar features SISO chair and vice-chair along with U.S. Travel Association and Go Live Together. Under webinars, you'll also find recordings of SISO's CEO Roundtable series produced in partnership with mdg and sponsored by Freeman.
- M&A Matching Program - SISO is pleased to announce this new program for its members. The 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.
Moving Forward Updates
Gathering limits. Say no more, we're all getting familiar with these. They change with the times and with the phases. See where things stand, the U.S. Meetings Mean Business Coalition / U.S. Travel Association has gathered numbers on mass gatherings by state.
Additionally, these sites continue to provide regularly updated data:
Good news! As convention centers and event facilities across the country and the world prepare to reopen, more and more have gone forward to earn GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR Facility Accreditation. That includes recent additions: Hard Rock Stadium, STAPLES Center, Orange County Convention Center, Overland Park Convention Center, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and we're sure more to come.
Coalition Updates
As mentioned, SISO is Go Live Together's lead supporter. Advocating for our industry is a primary focus for SISO, and we know of utmost importance to you, our members. Thus, if you haven't seen them already, checkout Go Live Together's toolkit of one-pagers that provide a clear and concise snapshot of each of the coalition's key advocacy and legislative goals. Let's stay focused on these goals and be sure to push for these key initiatives.
Resources
SISO's here to support you, your organizations, and your events. Need masks? Order here. For more information or an update on the latest guidance? Visit our resources to address COVID-19 for all that and more.
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.