At Questex Events, the Emphasis is on Safety

By Jim Elliott, President
James G. Elliott Co., Inc.

May 25, 2021

In the next two weeks, FIPP Insider Webinars will feature Kate Spellman, CMO of Questex, Simon Leslie, CEO of INK Global, and Steve Grossman of Steve Grossman & Associates, a prominent sales consultant, in a webinar hosted by John French of French LLC and me, to talk about managing sales forces as we rebound from the pandemic.  To receive notice when this webinar is scheduled, just sign up to receive emails from James G. Elliott Co. using the form to the right.

When asked about how Questex will handle the return to live events, Kate Spellman talked about her company’s Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE), held May 10-13, 2021.  GMITE brings top meeting planners and incentive buyers together with global industry suppliers for three days of pre-scheduled 1-to-1 meetings.  Kate says the environment was almost a bubble; the 1-to-1 meetings were held in one building at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa private suites with six-foot tables and Plexiglas barriers.  Everyone was tested before they go into the building, and there was a medical team on staff.

Immediately after GMITE, Questex hosted SIBEC for the club and fitness industry from May 17-20, 2021 at the same location, following the Questex Be Safe campaign ( https://questex.com/event-safety/ ) .

The emphasis at Questex events is on safety.  So far, even fully vaccinated Questex employees are not required to attend live events if they are not comfortable.  Most have chosen to attend—especially salespeople.  I think the measured, thoughtful approach being taken by Questex is laudable.  On a personal note, it is wonderful to be thinking—and writing—about live events once again!