PC XP // 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.

TSNN // While virtual events are not new to the industry, there’s no doubt that the pandemic has accelerated the switch to online-only conferences considerably. In fact, 70 percent of the respondents in this survey report moving their face-to-face event either partially or fully to an online platform.

This shift to virtual will likely go on until the virus is defeated, as new research suggests large-scale events were at the core of the spread of COVID-19, and many experts predict a second wave is still ahead. Now tasked with holding online events that deliver just as much value as in-person ones, event organizers are seeking ways to adapt to this new model as fast as possible. Here are our top three predictions for the virtual events industry as we enter this new normal.

PCMA // Technology may connect us physically, but much remains to be learned about its ability to create emotional connections.

IACC // For the fifth year in a row, IACC is pleased to present a ground-breaking report that combines research and insights into the top issues facing the global meetings and conference industry. The 2020 IACC Meeting Room of the Future™ report brings together insights from meeting and conference venue operators across 3 continents, as well as suppliers including global meeting space designers, architects, technology companies, furniture manufacturers and nutrition experts.

BUSINESS INSIDER // Over four weeks in June, I flew seven flights on the largest airlines in the US.

After one flight on Delta Air Lines, two flights on American Airlines, two flights on United Airlines, and two flights on Southwest Airlines, I'm adequately reacquainted with flying after having been grounded since February.

The experiences have been unlike anything I've seen before in a lifetime of flying, with each airline having its own way of handling the pandemic. No two airlines have been exactly alike on any of my journeys, and seemingly ever-changing policies are creating confusion for passengers.

Social distancing, for example, has different definitions depending on the airline. Some airlines have chosen to block middle seats and limit capacity in an effort to achieve social distancing, while others have given up entirely or give only the appearance of social distancing.

FREELANCERS UNION // When the IRS extended the annual tax deadline at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the new July 15 deadline may have seemed like it was a long way off. Now, in just a few short days, you will need to either file your freelance taxes or file an extension, which will give you until October 15, 2020, to file your full return and pay your tax obligation.

AHLA // Road Trips, Long Weekends Popular Among Would-Be Travelers, 68% Likely to Stay in a Hotel.

A survey conducted by Morning Consult commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) found that only 44 percent of Americans are planning overnight vacation or leisure travel in 2020, with high interest in road trips, family events, and long weekends over the summer months. Encouragingly, 68 percent of these expectant travelers say they are likely to stay in a hotel in 2020.

FREELANCERS UNION // It’s essential that each of us who wants to take an active part in this world of constant and rapid change must know what digital is. Digital is the land on which we move daily as individuals, and it is urgent that we quickly (but intelligently) adapt to the changes that are happening to the way we work.

SKIFT EVENT // Select the Best Virtual Event Tech for Your Next Meeting. Everything you need to know about virtual engagement, connection, and revenue.

Ben Chodor, president of Intrado Digital Media – which provides end-to-end software for hosting events and managing virtual event data – shares with event planners how to monetise online content and addresses the common misconceptions about the shift to online formats

INXPO // When it comes to planning your virtual event, there are many important steps: setting your goals, monetizing your event with sponsorships and acquiring your audience.

But arguably, the most important step for ensuring your virtual event exceeds expectations is in creating your content and programming.

The day of your event, it’s important to have everything staged and ready to go. First impressions matter, and in the age of social media, when a poor viewing experience can go viral on Twitter in seconds, it’s critical to pay special attention to what attendees see and hear when they first arrive.