We’re all entering a brave new world as we navigate what it takes to safely host and conduct meetings. Here at NTCA, we have been thinking, dreaming, stewing, and noodling on how to host our first large in-person event in 18 months. It is no small feat, and it has taken a village of folks to get us to this point as we start pulling our luggage out of our closets.
From the NTCA Board who was proactive on implementing safety protocols including a mask requirement at all of our functions, to our staff who have invested in plexiglass for registration areas, access to sanitizers for attendees, contact-free badge printing, and had the foresight to add a live streaming option, to our attendees who are busy packing their favorite masks and following social distancing rules, we are all willing to do what it takes to be able to gather safely once again.
But the opportunity for this industry to come together at such a pivotal time is worth taking the extra precautions. And the meeting will be well worth the trip!
From opening keynoter futurist Tom Koulopoulos sharing what we should be thinking about as we all set long-term strategies, to valuable committee meetings, to Director and Telco track topics around infrastructure, partnerships, working with the real estate industry, to technology and supply chain challenges and more, and to a sold-out expo with over 100 of our key industry partners sharing their initiatives. It will be action packed for sure. But even more importantly given how long it has been since we have been together, it will be the chance to have all of that hallway networking take place.
For those who have not traveled much in recent months, I would be remiss to not share that the hospitality industry is working hard to get staffed up and ready for events to return, but not unlike our industry’s challenge in finding the right workforce, hotels and venues are also running as fast as they can but are not fully up to speed. Daily housekeeping everywhere I have traveled these past four months is NOT a thing. New towels and shampoo are typically available on-demand, but you’ll see a new way for hotels to operate - maybe forever? Room service might be a slower option and several dining facilities in the Gaylord will be operating on hours that will be published upon our arrival, but our team has been working closely with the hotel over the past month to ensure you won’t go hungry! I share all of this in the spirit that “it’s better to know before you go!”
Just in case, I’m coming prepared…. must be the Girl Scout in me. Come track me down if you need a spare box of cereal!
Can’t wait to see you. Travel well!
