(Pictured above: Go LIVE Together Operating Committee members David Audrain & Sue Sung)
by H. K. Wilson
On this Inauguration Day 2021, our nation faces many challenges. It is fitting to consider the words of America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, on the day of his inauguration in 1801: “Let us then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.” In these troubled times, we salute the tireless and united efforts of people across the industry who are creating opportunities for their colleagues at home and abroad.
Go LIVE Together Continues to Inspire Positive Change
While 2020 brought incredible challenges that remain part of the landscape in 2021, Go LIVE Together, an industry coalition organized to mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19, continues to spearhead positive change.
With the swearing in of the next Congress, Go LIVE Together is working to raise the industry’s profile by renewing its legislative efforts. It will continue to support provisions that ease the monetary burden of increased expenses to ensure safety—legislation that offers event cancellation insurance and tax credits that encourage event participation among small businesses, the backbone of the event and tradeshow industry.
Business Events Stimulate Local Economies
Go LIVE Together’s video series has proven to be an effective way to highlight the event and tradeshow industry and demonstrate the impact of business events on local economies. The current installment, “NRF: Retail’s Big Show,” highlights how the show contributes $50+ million to the New York economy.
Radio and Podcast Appearances Raise Industry Profile
Go LIVE Together gained valuable air time recently, when Operating Committee members David Audrain and Sue Sung discussed business events and the Nevada economy on Nevada Public Radio (KNPR). Audrain also made an appearance on the Inside Events podcast, where he spoke about Go LIVE Together’s mission and efforts to help drive local, state and federal legislative actions that will be critical to our ability to put millions of people back to work. In addition to boosting general awareness of the importance of our industry, these thought leadership pieces will serve as useful tools in garnering support for industry legislative priorities.
New Resource: Meet Safe
Meetings Mean Business recently introduced Meet Safe, a platform for event organizers that provides a way for them to share recent experiences, learn from one another and showcase successful business events that focus on health and safety. Learn more at: https://www.meetsafe.travel.
Go LIVE Together believes that “by working together now, we can go live together this year!” Join the effort at www.golivetogether.com.
Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Experience Coming to Orlando
Who says you can’t have fun in 2021? The Jurassic Quest Drive Thru, the nation’s largest touring dinosaur exhibit, is migrating to the Orange County Convention Center from Jan. 28-Feb. 7, after welcoming legions of guests to sold-out weekends across the country.
The Jurassic Quest Drive Thru will transform the outdoor parking areas of the OCCC into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring more than 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as a 50 foot-long Megalodon. Jurassic Quest’s herd of animatronic dinos are displayed in realistic scenes that allow guests to experience them roaring and moving as they drive through the tour. Although the drive-thru experience means visitors will stay safe inside their vehicle, they’ll still need to avoid the swinging tail of an 80-foot-long Spinosaurus.
More than 300,000 vehicles and 1.5 million people have attended the Jurassic Quest Drive Thru since the national tour launched in mid-July with stops in New York, San Diego, Boston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Houston.
The Jurassic Quest Drive Thru is the only place to encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth, and some of the eeriest marine creatures to ever lurk the ocean’s depths, from the safety of your family vehicle. An online audio tour leads guests through the thrilling dinosaur safari and is available in English and Spanish. Special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired. The cost is $49 per vehicle (eight people or less) for an hour-long ride back in time.
Jurassic Quest worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail, depicting how we understand dinosaurs looked and moved. The experience is designed to be thrilling but not scary for even the littlest adventurers. Jurassic Quest takes extra precautionary measures to provide a clean and safe event and operates under COVID-19 safety protocols in accordance with county, state and CDC guidelines. Guests are to remain in vehicles and to wear masks in the event they exit the vehicle in allowed areas. For more info and to buy tickets visit www.jurassicquest.com.
NTI, EDPA Southeast and EACA are Helping the Industry Get Back to Work
In recognition of February being Career and Technical Education month, the National Technical Institute, a state-approved trade school with campuses in Las Vegas and Phoenix that specializes in HVAC/R, plumbing and electrical training and certificates, has announced a new commitment to all graduates: Job placement services for life. The school is accepting applications now for its Winter 2021 semester during an open enrollment period, with classes starting in February. For more info, visit www.ntitraining.com.
EDPA Southeast Chapter is hosting a personal development workshop led by human resources expert Lisa Peterson (pictured right). The seminar is designed to help job seekers sharpen their resume writing, networking and interviewing skills. This online event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. EST. To register, visit: https://southeastedpa.123signup.com/event/registration/kqkmn.
The Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association will present a live webinar on Friday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. EST, to discuss Venue Plans for 2021 with moderator, EACA Executive Director Jim Wurm, and a panel of esteemed facility management (pictured clockwise): Mark Tester, executive director, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando; Anthony Lopez, general manager, Dallas Convention Center; and Steve Patterson, senior manager convention services, Las Vegas Convention Center. To register, visit: https://eaca.com/events/event/21-01-22-venue-plans-2021
Upcoming stories in this series will feature companies and individuals who have pivoted or created new products to survive these difficult and challenging times. Please email us at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com for inclusion in future stories in this series.
