FORBES // Since March, the world has wondered when we can return to normal, including the tradeshows and exhibitions we’ve attended in the past—the way we’ve attended them in the past. It may be a while. While social distancing and proper health hygiene—which includes wearing a mask—can allow some people in the door, the days of crowded trade show floors are so 2019. It may be a year or two—hopefully not longer—before we see those crowded aisles again.

MEETINGSNET // Meetings and events have been devastated by the pandemic. Here are some agencies offering gig work for laid off professionals, and some advice from industry bigs.

Listen to Episode 4 of the Traveling Podcast with guest Tracy Judge, MS, CMP, Founder and Chief Connector at Soundings Connect. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

A weekly conversation with freelance event producers, agencies who utilize them, and many more! This week we chat with Founder & Chief Connector of Soundings Connect, Tracy Judge. She shares with us why she created a vibrant freelance producer network, how Soundings Connect is helping retool the freelance workforce and the launch of a new platform called Soundings Thrive to bridge the gap in professional development for freelancers.

Soundings Connect to launch Soundings Thrive™, the first of its kind membership-based platform for freelance professionals in the meeting and event industry

CVENT // Join Soundings Connect Founder + Chief Connector, Tracy Judge, and Cvent Lead Corporate Recruiter, Matt Syme, for a conversation on how to enhance your skills and beef up your resume. Matt and Tracy share what employers are looking for in a candidate and share tips such as how best to position your LinkedIn account as well as how to "brand" yourself.

Hospitality and Event Industry coalitions create a strategic partnership to reignite industries as COVID-19 continues to change the landscape for events and travel

THE MEETING PROFESSIONAL // The coronavirus. Is it possible to talk about anything else right now? Yes, because the meeting industry is critical for human connectivity and economies around the world, and we must prepare for what happens next. Here, a cross section of MPI members discuss wellness, F&B trends, diversity and inclusion, staying passionate and, of course, life during a pandemic.

PRESS RELEASE// San Diego, CA (April 27, 2020) Tracy Judge, MS, CMP, founder and chief connector at Soundings Connect, was recognized as a member of Connect Corporate magazine’s “40 Under 40.” The honor highlights the top young professionals in the events industry. Connect Corporate is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to professionals and planners in the meetings and events industry.

PRESS RELEASE// San Diego, CA (April 23, 2020) The Hospitality + Events Fight Back coalition (HEFB-20) today announces their latest initiative, a Virtual Hackathon bringing together thought leaders from various industries impacted by the COVID-19 global health crisis. New partners to join the coalition with Syzygy Cities and Soundings Connect include Cvent, Access Destination Services, Hello! Destination Management, Bishop-McCann and The Center for Health Design.

MPI Blog // The COVID-19 global health crisis has forced businesses to pivot faster than ever, especially in the hospitality and event industries. We went from industries of abundance to industries of drought, almost overnight.

PRESS RELEASE// San Diego, CA (April 8, 2020) In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, Syzygy Cities and Soundings Connect today announced the launch of the Hospitality + Events Fight Back Initiative (HEFB-20) made possible by a grant from an anonymous donor. The HEFB-20 initiative is a plan to aid victims of COVID-19, help save lives, and create jobs and business opportunities in the meetings and events industry through the cultivation of Public-Private partnerships and brand diplomacy.

SMART MEETINGS // Soundings Connect Founder & Chief Connector, Tracy Judge, honored with Smart Women Entrepreneur award. The quest to be our highest and best selves is never an escalator ride straight to the top. As women work to elevate their careers, their peers and the industry as a whole, the path often requires detours, taking a step back, evaluating obstacles in the way and calling on others to help chart a new course.

SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS // It’s one thing to get enough people to register for a conference but enticing them to stay for the duration of the event is another. At conferences, the attention of our attendees is often pulled in many directions and some might be tempted to duck out of a multi-day event early. With a little extra effort, we can revamp our agendas and work wonders that will keep participants on site until the very end!

PRESS RELEASE // San Diego, CA - Jan. 6, 2020 - Soundings Connect Founder and Chief Connector, Tracy Judge, MS, CMP, will serve a special term on the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) Board of Directors in 2020. Judge will represent freelancers, solopreneurs and small business owners who make up a growing segment of MPI.

Press Release// San Diego, CA - Jan. 6, 2020 - Soundings Connect Founder and Chief Connector, Tracy Judge, MS, CMP, will serve a special term on the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) Board of Directors in 2020. Judge will represent freelancers, solopreneurs and small business owners who make up a growing segment of MPI.

CORPORATE EVENTS NEWS BLOG // Founded in San Diego in 2018, Soundings Connect is a network of 200 (and growing!) freelance meeting and event professionals, all of whom have professional experience in the fields of trade show management, meeting planning, event marketing and more.

Press Release // San Diego, CA - Nov. 26, 2019- Soundings Connect, an innovative network of freelance meeting & event talent, is excited to announce its partnership with ECPAT-USA, a trailblazing organization committed to raising awareness, advocating for policy and providing community education about human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children around the world.

MPI Blog // If meeting professionals have learned anything from the Great Recession, it’s that the travel industry is hit hard during an economic downturn. Throughout the recession, companies made significant cutbacks on corporate travel expenses. As a result of the reductions in spend, major meetings were canceled and non-revenue-generating departments such as meeting planning were downsized.

The Meeting Professional magazine // In case you haven’t heard, the gig economy is here to stay. Small businesses and freelancers alike are reaping the benefits of a modern-day labor market that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit. In a recent LinkedIn study, 70 percent of small businesses surveyed had hired freelancers in the past. Of those companies, 81 percent plan to hire freelancers again in the future.