How the COVID-Pandemic Effected Booking Events

In this episode, we explore the top trends reshaping the hospitality industry, focusing on conventions and tradeshows in the vibrant Southeast. From digitalization and technology integration to the unique Be You Disco Experience, we cover the innovations and practices making waves in event planning and execution.

We delve into the importance of digital check-ins, app-based services, and virtual tours, highlighting how technology transforms conventions into connectivity hubs. The podcast also references the Meetings Today article on mindfulness and self-expression through the Be You Disco Experience.   The power of music connectivity is also found when SongDivision illustrates the power of music in fostering “team harmony” and lasting connections among attendees in MPI’s recent blog.

Furthermore, we discuss the shift towards hosting events in 2nd Tier Cities, emphasizing these locations' charm and unique experiences. Accessibility and transportation also take center stage, underscoring the critical role of a convention center's location in the success of an event. Additionally, there is a need for space flexibility, allowing events to adapt seamlessly from corporate gatherings to intimate workshops.

We highlight the Myrtle Beach Convention Center as a destination that exemplifies these trends. It boasts cutting-edge technology, versatile spaces, and a captivating coastal charm. It is a beacon for meeting planners and event producers looking for a destination that meets and elevates their event experience.
Join us on this journey through the latest in the hospitality industry and discover why the Myrtle Beach Convention Center is the ideal choice for your next event. 

In the latest episode of The Convention Center Podcast, our host delves into the pivotal role of audio-visual (AV) technology and targeted advertising in elevating event planning. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the importance of integrating AV solutions from the onset of planning. Early prioritization of AV ensures a dynamic and engaging event and opens doors to cost-effective planning and lucrative sponsorship opportunities. A highlight from this segment is a case study from the 2019 Tech Expo, where integrating a sponsor's logo into an AR experience significantly boosted engagement and secured a long-term sponsorship deal.

The conversation then shifts to strategizing marketing efforts across different generations - Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials emphasizing the necessity to tailor marketing strategies to meet the unique preferences of each group. The podcast outlines practical approaches to reach diverse audiences, from leveraging direct mail campaigns for Boomers to executing personalized email marketing for Gen Xers and engaging Millennials through social media and influencer partnerships.

Andrews concludes by reiterating the significance of early AV planning and generation-specific marketing in creating memorable, efficient, and potentially profitable events. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for event planners looking to enhance their strategies and ensure the success of their events across all fronts.

This episode of the Convention Center Podcast dives into the collaboration between an event producer, convention center team, and hotel staff that saved the Myrtle Beach World Am's 19th Hole event from the claws of Tropical Storm Idalia.  Our distinguished guests, Scott Tomasello – Tournament Director for the Myrtle Beach World Amateur and Myra Starnes – owner of Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc. and an event producer, share their experience and proactive "what if" planning that unfolded as the storm moved towards Myrtle Beach. 

For event planners needing a realistic blueprint of the unpredictable and urging a rethinking of crisis management in the meetings and events ecosystem, listen in.   This ordeal shaped strategies and critical decisions to ensure the safety and continuation of this iconic event.  The invaluable learnings and fortified collaborations set a precedent of preparedness and adaptability with future events hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Delve into the unique challenges our guests face, from coordinating with diverse stakeholders under a ticking clock to the remarkable adaptability displayed by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and Myrtle Beach Sheraton Hotel in meeting the event's needs, while keeping the show on the road, quite literally.

Myrtle Beach World Amateur
https://myrtlebeachworldamateur.com

Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc.
https://www.leisuretimeunlimited.com

No box was checked with the creation of this podcast episode on DEI. We invite you to listen to our robust conversation with Kelvin Waites the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Myrtle Beach.   Waites shares his view on why critical steps are necessary for fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  During the podcast, Waites and I covered enormous grounds on race relationships as well as the past and present viewpoints on equality.   Intentional Inclusion contains impactful, inspiring, and actionable takeaways; and for the first time - I have decided to be vulnerable by highlighting the top three questions that resonated the most with me.

1. Is it harder to shift a company’s value/philosophy or company culture?

2. What accomplishments might an organization experience when leading with humanity?

3. In an ideal world, what would the natural progression of diversity, equity, and inclusion look like?

Chief Amy Prock and Master Corporal Tom Vest of the Myrtle Beach Police Department are MBCC’s podcast guests.   Listen in, as we do a deep dive with law enforcement officers as it relates to planning your next event. 

Chief Prock and Master Corporal Vest shares the importance of event organizers and producers collaborating with host city’s police department:

• Best practices for outdoor festivals or events that include changing traffic patterns to public safety
• Establishing a timeline as it relates to law enforcement’s involvement at indoor or outdoor events  
• Guests’ safety as it relates to crowd management
• Large-scale security events

Brain Coolbaugh is the owner of Cool Ideas Marketing, a promotional company that supplies everything from printing business cards to custom advertising specialty items.
In this podcast, Coolbaugh answers “the” marketing question…Is Print Dead?

As our guest on the Convention Center Podcast, Coolbaugh shares insight on promotional branding:
 • Best B2C & B2B promotional products
 • Suggested promotional items for convention centers and DMOs
 • When a meeting planner or event producers should begin looking at custom promotional items for their event
 • What is trending in promotional products
 • How using EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is an excellent avenue to consider
 • The next big thing

Reggie Dyson is the General Manager at WMIR Rejoice radio 103.5fm, 95.5fm, and 1200am, also three times Stellar Award Nominee.  The podcast opens with Dyson sharing profound moments regarding his recent outdoor event – Myrtle Beach Waves of Praise Gospel Fest, an outdoor music festival going into its 4th year.

As our guest on the Convention Center Podcast, Dyson shares primary outdoor event logistics that include but are not limited to:  

• Book artist/talent that will entertain all ages, both young and old.
• Typically, your core demographic is within a 100-mile or less radius.
• Partnerships are essential with radio, television, and out-of-home networks.
• Ask artist/talent to assist with cross promotions by using their social media platforms and radio interviews. 
• Using social media vs printed flyers win every time.
• Consider if your outdoor concert should have a hybrid component.
• Be aware of the weather conditions in the city you are hosting your outdoor event.  Meanwhile, develop relationships with the local meteorologists.
• Have a plan B if rain is forecasted a week out.  Plan B requires a lot of preparation, non-stop phone calls, and numerous text messages.
• Outdoor events offer freedom for both attendees and vendors to space out and move around.

Having produced numerous gospel events both outdoor and indoor, Dyson suggests that these “Must Dos” remain the same regardless of an event’s location.  In ranking order, here’s his…Top Ten

1. Secure the date
2. Secure the venue
3. Secure artists a year in advance
4. Secure the items listed on the artist’s rider
5. Determine the AV needs of each artist or group performing
6. Develop an event budget
7. Find sponsors to off-set artists, rider requirements, and AV needs
8. Sell vendor spaces, meanwhile ensure food vendors offer a variety of meal options from vegan to soul food, an assortment of different beverages, and those selling arts & crafts
9. Keep people at your event by providing everything a concert-goer would need 
10. Secure your talent for next year based on the climate of your recent event

As Dyson shares the ups and downs of his career as a gospel promoter, he also offers advice to new concert producers.  So, keep listening…the four items he provides advice on can make or break a successful event.

For the first time, we introduced a lightning round of Q&A’s with a twist for listeners to better know our guests!  In addition, Dyson shares an important tip that is certain to make you chuckle as he fills in this blank, “Don’t ever_______.”

Michelle Stinson Ross is the CMO of Mindful Appy.  The company works with organizations that are ready to embrace a cultural shift to create a Psychologically safe workplace.  Mindful Appy analyzes the company’s data derived from KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and evaluates employees’ emotional engagement by using NEI (Net Emotional Index).  As you listen…take notes, Stinson provides employees and employers with an easily implemented toolbox.   

This month’s podcast offers insights provided by Mindful Appy on Self-Care -I am not a Machine.  I am a Human Being!

The podcast immediately opens with Stinson answering how an employee can most effectively cope with deadline stress.  One of the many answers she provides is, asking if there is flexibility to shift the deadline out further.  Ahhh…well that seems easy enough.  

While inroads are being made for better health at the workplace, here are a few questions to ponder. 

1. Is management communicating the available options for self-care?
2. Is leadership checking in on self-care balance in the workplace?
3. What is the culture of your company?
4. Is the leadership team assisting employees to do their jobs successfully?  
5. Are people looking busy or being productive?  This is often a cultural issue most represented between Boomers & Gens/Millennials.

Stinson stresses that ownership for mental wellness/self-care that leads to fatigue or burnout no longer rests solely on the shoulders of the employee.

Why is the statement, “Check it at the door” meaningless?  Because “it” will follow up into work regardless.   To prevent “it from coming through the door”, Stinson provides our listeners with alternative methods of practicing mindfulness.  Below are a few of the self-care steps we have shared.  

• Stop and ask what emotions am I feeling
• Can I acknowledge the problem
• Then choose the best path to respond after a negative experience

In addition, Stinson offers advice for those with high-performance jobs that suffer from anxiety and provides a deep dive regarding workplace burnout.

So now, the workday is over and you are at home.  Guess what is next?   Close the stress cycle to decrease the adrenaline and cortisol in your system, Stinson suggests.  Wait… hold up it is not that simple, how do I do that?  Options to close the stress cycle do exist!  Has anyone heard of a good laugh, a big hug from your child or family member, or even the affection from your pet?

Stinson’s podcast conclusion on empathy is defiantly something not to miss!  Do not be left with FOMO.

Tiffany Andrews the Sales and Marketing Administrator at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center provides projected meeting and event industry trends for the next two upcoming quarters.  For this podcast, Andrews isn’t the host, however as a marketing and advertising professional her expertise in analyzing data proves to be extremely beneficial in anticipating trends or the “next big thing”.  

The Convention Center Podcast this month shares Tiff’s Top 5 Trends: 

1. Drive To Meeting Destinations & Advantages of Meeting in Tier 2 Cities
2. Meeting Industry Pandemic Career Threats
3. Moving Forward to Net-Zero Carbon
4. Outdoor Event Spaces as Wow Factors and Allows for Physical Distancing
5. Practicing Mindfulness and Compassion