An exciting event from Imprint Group. Clients call for "high-end experiential events," Imprint says. "What separates us is we take a boutique approach to our events and customize our work for our clients' very specific needs. Whether it’s a corporate convention, a customized general session opener, an awards gala, or all of those in one week, our work truly can’t be replicated. Each event should have its own identity and communicate the client’s branding and messaging to their audience. With the unification of our sales, operations, digital and creative teams, we create that identity for our client and their company to be felt throughout the event’s entirety."

An installation from Imprint Group. "As we are in the midst of COVID-19, uncertainty looms for the live events industry," management says. "We were able to pivot quickly in offering twice-weekly virtual town halls and learning opportunities for our clients and supplier partners. We also developed a full array of online tools and offerings, from virtual meetings to team-building and more. From digital meeting enhancements to virtual incentive trips, we continue to deliver 'events with identity.' Our team is also at the forefront of thought leadership surrounding the live events industry’s 'new normal' as it relates to seating capacities, food & beverage service, public concerts, etc., educating ourselves, our clients and supplier partners for what is ahead."

The team from IVI DMC supports local schools with a CSR event. "With the support and donations of more than 250 people from a Canadian food retailer company, a public elementary school was restored," they explain. "We had a great time carrying out fun activities with the kids, as well as painting a mural and the whole school, cleaning up the garden, reconstructing several areas of the school, and making an enormous piñata filled with candies, which was broken by the kids at the end of the activity."

More from the IVI school event."Clients today are looking for more events with the corporate social responsibility component as well as authentic experiences in which they can learn about the culture of destination," management says.

More from the IVI event. "We are also seeing a more specific focus on safety and security," management adds.

A fun event from Pacific World. "The Pacific World offices are "fully integrated" as one company with 350 employees worldwide, management says. "With in-house creative teams, Pacific World is able to deliver event design, production and logistics in 100-plus destinations worldwide. We track the industry trends and are constantly listening to our clients’ needs to design new products for meetings, incentives and events that engage guests with the destinations, their people and their culture but also with the corporate brands hosting the meeting, incentive or event."

Big events this past year have included an incentive in South Africa with accommodations in a sustainable safari property and a networking function where various local artisans sold their goods to the guests throughout the evening. The money generated from these purchases went back into the community to support local families. The team is also proud of a high-end incentive in Dubai, where Pacific World secured a fleet of newly introduced vehicles to offer guests a self-drive in the desert.

"The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated some of the trends we have already identified for 2020 and created new needs for the events and incentive planners," management says. "We have seen an increase of interest for hybrid events and flexible events setups that include streaming sessions. They add, "Heath and safety protocols and the sanitary infrastructure available will be key to decide about the destination. Events with corporate social responsibility elements and clients' desire for wellness experiences sill continue to grow. The desire for connection has never been stronger, and the industry will face challenges but find solutions to continue creating events that bring people together safely."

A place to love pets from PRA. "PRA offers 29 destination locations as well as a remote strategic account team to collaborate on event program execution worldwide, all with an eye to provide "transformative business experiences," management says. Through its ownership of events and communication agency One Smooth Stone, "PRA offers end-to-end integrated creative, production and communication solutions for in-person and digital engagements, aligned with business events and local destination experiences."

PRA worked with the largest managed health care company in the U.S. for its employees’ summit, converting a raw venue space into a Community Health “Mini’City” with dedicated neighborhoods for employees, community officials and media to experience partner exhibits and curated conversations. The PRA team transformed the entire first floor, complete with street carpet, Astroturf, photo backdrops, street lamps with custom street names, faux and live trees, park benches, and picket fencing. Multiple green and CSR components were implemented as part of the program, including food and custom furniture donation. A live farmer’s market and meditative silent disco were just two of the exhibits offered to guests. The team worked on a tight strategic timeline to execute a smooth load-in and set-up, staying within venue timing so as not to accrue substantial fees and fines.

A lively "truck stop" from PRA, featuring country superstar Jason Aldean.

PRA offers a silk-screening station at the "truck stop."

A fun buffet from PRA.