Nearly 100 association professionals and industry partners/suppliers gathered both in-person and virtually for a unique hybrid program on Thursday, October 29 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, IN. "Back to Business: Planning Live Events During The Pandemic" was a collaboration between the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE), Meeting Professionals International's Indiana Chapter (MPI Indiana) and Minorities in Hospitality (MIH).

The purpose of this program was to:

A) Put meeting planners in the attendees' shoes by experiencing all aspects of an event with maximum socially responsible measures in place, or participating virtually while other attendees are in-person.

B) Demonstrate the necessary adjustments that venues and hospitality partners have made in order to successfully host in-person events.

C) Provide clarity and insight on legal considerations for hosting in-person events, health/safety best practices and more.

From masks and socially-distanced seating to no-contact hors d'oeuvres and speakers wiping down microphones after they spoke, all necessary protocols were in full effect.

The program featured an expert panel that included:

• Carol McCormack, Senior National Account Manager, Maritz Global Events
• Jody Clevenger, Director of Operations, Horizon Convention Center
• Dr. Virginia A. Caine, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department
• Barbara F. Dunn, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Immediate Past President, Academy of Hospitality Attorneys

Thank you to the Horizon Convention Center for hosting the event and AMS Entertainment for providing A/V services.

ISAE is working with volunteers to develop a follow-up webinar for those who were unable to attend. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

By Stu Kushner, CAE | ISAE Director of Communications & Membership