With April upon us, we find ourselves getting ready to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), a day normally reserved for celebrating the meetings industry and all those who make it so vibrant. GMID also serves as a reminder of the importance of face-to-face meetings, their ability to strengthen and grow relationships, and their undeniable value to our economy, especially in a community like Kelowna where much of our tourism visitation comes during the summer months, with meetings and events bolstering shoulder-season visitation. 

This year, like in 2020, GMID celebrations will once again be held virtually as in-person events continue to be restricted in BC and in other provinces around the country. There are two online sessions to consider so book your calendar for April 8 at 9 a.m. and register for one of these important events. 

 

We're Ready

Meetings Mean Business Canada's (MMBC) GMID 2021 celebrations will focus on the readiness of the meetings and events industry, which was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, to restart safely. Industry leaders will come together to discuss the current state of the industry, plans for its restart, health and safety protocols, and more. Registration for the event is complimentary and can be completed online.

In addition to the virtual event, MMBC is asking Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and industry partners—conference centres, off-site venues, or any place where meetings and events take place—to join others across the country in Lighting Up Blue in support of the business meetings and events industry.

 

Meet Safe!

Meetings Professionals International (MPI) BC Chapter, International Live Events Association (ILEA) Vancouver Chapter, Fraser Valley Event Planning Association, and PCMA Canada West Chapter are hosting Meet Safe!, where the conversation will focus in part on planning for a safe restart of the meetings and events industry in BC. The virtual event will also celebrate the ways in which the industry has innovated and adapted during the past year, and how we can build on this moving forward. Registration can be completed online; rates are reduced for members and for those currently not working.

 

Our Business Development team looks forward to joining you on April 8 to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the industry and to look towards the future, which will include the return of safe meetings and events.