Stop shaking, ACTE says In order to slow the spread of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus, the Alexandria, Va.-based Association of Corporate Travel Executives recommended Monday that business travelers worldwide temporarily stop exchanging handshakes. "A random polling of ACTE members has revealed it would be easier to drop the traditional handshake for the duration of the health crisis--should one develop--as opposed to sneezing or coughing into a sleeve," ACTE's executive director said …

Is corporate business coming back? Some event professionals see signs of life in the corporate event market, others say no. Have your say in our latest poll—on the right side of our Web site beneath the "Resource Center" box …

CIC to study face-to-face meetings A task force of industry leaders working under the Alexandria, Va.-based Convention Industry Council banner will work to articulate the value of face-to-face and live events, a move that will complement the U.S. Travel Association's "Meetings Mean Business" campaign. Task force spokesperson John Graham, head of the American Society of Association Executives, said that although various industry organizations agree such meetings are vital, "All of our industry organizations need to be saying it explicitly, and saying the same thing."

Got your Gala? The first deadline for Gala Awards entries is Friday ... but don't panic. The "late-bird" deadline--with a slightly higher entry fee--isn't till Sept. 25. Find more about entering here.

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