In our new, socially distanced reality, we are faced with the challenge—and opportunity—of hosting events differently.  The COVID 19 pandemic has allowed event planners to recreate the event experience and embrace the new normal: Virtual events. In addition to being safer from a health perspective, virtual events are cost-effective, they cut down on waste, promote sustainability, and are accessible to new groups of people who may never have attended the event. 

This week, United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87. Ginsburg served on the court for 27 years and was the second woman appointed after Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Ginsburg’s legacy is that of an iconic feminist, having won five cases in front of the United States Supreme Court involving equal rights for women.

With summer in full swing, event planners and caterers are creating new ways to host events while honoring COVID-19 guidelines. When planning an event, it is a good idea to communicate expectations with guests up front. Let them know to bring their own facemasks or that you plan to hand out swag bags with facemasks and hand sanitizer.

Here are five other creative ways to ensure a fun and safe environment for everyone.

You probably never thought of it, but the ancient Olympics and Disney’s Electric Light Parade didn’t just happen. These events required skilled event planners to come off without a hitch.

Despite the fact that the event profession as we know it today is a relatively new field of study, for as long as we can remember—and even before that—people have been coming together to gather and feast. Back to the ancient Olympics in Greece: Even back then, someone had to organize the pagan festival and sacrificing of 34 oxen and the following athletic competitions among city-states, right?

Though it may feel like it at times, the COVID-19 pandemic won’t last forever. When life returns to some semblance of normalcy, many industries will have new protocols and procedures in place. The events and venues industry is one that's been hard hit by the pandemic. Large groups of people gathering together are deemed unsafe for the time being. When in the future these events are allowed, even if it is in the distant future, what can venue planning professionals do to protect attendees?

When it reopens, the events industry will have a new, different landscape. As we struggle to comprehend what COVID-19 has done to the world, professionals in every industry are asking what the future of their business will look like. In the hospitality and event planning industry, how do we instill confidence in our future clients and event attendees?

Here are the four things to look for and incorporate into your business:

If you’re currently planning your own wedding or are planning an event for another couple, you might feel overwhelmed about COVID-19 and it’s potential to impact the big day. Just know this: It’s not a matter of if there will be a wedding. It’s just a matter of when.

Here are five tips for planning a wedding during a global pandemic for any hospitality professional who is feeling the pressure.

College football is a hugely profitable business with a surprising share of the total revenue generated during bowl season. This valuable niche is only growing in popularity, with record viewership and fan participation prompting the regular addition of new games. The 2019-2020 bowl schedule includes an astounding forty games—a bowl “season” that culminates in a national championship in New Orleans on January 13.

With the death of former President George H. W. Bush last week, we are reminded that a presidential funeral is a national event that demands intensive and detailed planning. Plans for state funerals are often determined years in advance, and former presidents must complete planning for their own state funeral within one year of leaving office. The elements and character of the state funeral often reflect the deceased’s life and achievements.