The Rebound: An Accelerated Return to In-Person Events with Ken Holsinger

03/16/21 • 62 min

Thanks for joining us for the Season 2 kick-off with our guest Ken Holsinger, Senior Vice President, Digital Solutions at Freeman. As always, the Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). In addition, Ken will give us a deep dive on the new Freeman Event Research and Insights Report showing the majority of attendees and exhibitors in the U.S. plan to return to face-to-face events by the fall of 2021. According to the study, 78 percent of attendees expect to attend in-person events in fall 2021, increasing to 94 percent by winter. Exhibitors are slightly more optimistic with 80 percent returning this fall, 95 percent will do so by winter.

Discussion Points:

Will the vaccine rollout propel confidence and interest in returning to large in-person events?
What industries will return to in-person first?
Will corporate travel restrictions inhibit a successful return to in-person events?
What are the key elements to successfully execute a hybrid strategy?
5 core areas of focus for 2021 and beyond
Freeman Event Research and Insights Report

BIO:

Ken Holsinger
Senior Vice President, Data Solutions
Freeman
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenholsinger/

Ken serves as Senior Vice President of Data Solutions at Freeman and has over 25 years of experience in technology, media and event production as a lead executive, consultant, and speaker. He has served on the executive team in various roles for several different organizations. In addition, he has a background in event management, facility design, and start-up operations.

Ken leads the Data Practice for Freeman bringing together teams that are building innovative data science tools for integration and business intelligence, with data consulting, research, and industry benchmarking. These teams work with clients all over the world to drive decisions, improve results and measure their marketing efforts. In his role with Freeman, Ken works with their largest customers like Microsoft, Google, SAP, Intel, Cisco as well as consulting with the leading trade and industry associations to define their digital technology and data measurement infrastructure for their event portfolios.

Ken has been named on multiple hardware, software and process patents. Ken is a frequent presenter on numerous topics in the events, technology, and data-science space. In 2019 Ken was named as a finalist for the Visionary Award from The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Ken also actively involved in his local community in Boise, Idaho as a startup mentor and tech workforce development leader.

Support the show

Discussion Points:

Will the vaccine rollout propel confidence and interest in returning to large in-person events?
What industries will return to in-person first?
Will corporate travel restrictions inhibit a successful return to in-person events?
What are the key elements to successfully execute a hybrid strategy?
5 core areas of focus for 2021 and beyond
Freeman Event Research and Insights Report

BIO:

Ken Holsinger
Senior Vice President, Data Solutions
Freeman
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenholsinger/

Support the show

Previous Episode

Traveling Podcast 2020 Year in Review

That's a wrap for Season 1! Thanks for joining us on Episode 27 as we discuss the biggest stories and trendlines in 2020, which include: Navigating the Global Pandemic, Pivot to Virtual, Government Inaction, DEI and The Future of Meetings and Events. The Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.
In addition, we'll look back on our first season and share insights our personal insights on each episode which featured: Tony Lorenz, Erik Moses, Tracy Judge, Brad Weaber, Joyce Leveston, Elliott Ferguson, Mike Dominquez, Jeff Borman, Bill Lynch, Brett Sullivan, Butch Spyridon, Kimberly Lewis, Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Liz King, John Toner, Derek Gaskins, Johnnie White, Allison Parc, Lisa Messina, David DuBois, Allison Kafalas and Dennis Edwards.
The Traveling Podcast is presented by HIP Network, a B2B digital media company shaping the industry’s agenda with expertly curated content that fuels growth. To learn more visit www.HipNetwork.com and be sure to sign up for the Market in a Minute tri-weekly newsletter for a real-time roundup of the current state of the industry.

Support the show

Next Episode

Now & Next: The Future of Sustainable Travel, Tourism & Events with Eric Ricaurte

Thanks for joining us for another great episode of TRAVELING Podcast with our guest Eric Ricaurte, Founder at Greenview. As always, the Traveling Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.

In this episode we'll touch on the top stories in group business travel, live events, hospitality and sports (subscribe to the Market in a Minute newsletter). Dan will also give us a recap of his Las Vegas site visit to Caesars Forum, LVCC West Building and Resorts World.
Eric Ricaurte Discussion Points:

Did the pandemic stall or accelerate the travel, tourism and event industry's focus on sustainability?
From a consumer perspective, are we seeing a cultural shift or refocus on sustainable travel, lodging and transport?
What is the new role the Biden Administration will play in climate change?
How big of a role will carbon emissions play in our industry?
What role will diversify, equity and inclusion play into global brands sustainability policies moving forward?
What current reporting standards or framework should event organizers, venues and host destinations utilize to report upon their sustainability impact?
As we shift towards recovery, what steps can the industry take towards tracking and communicating environmental, social and economic progress?

Guest BIO:

Eric Ricaurte
Founder
Greenview
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericricaurte/

Eric founded Greenview in 2008, an international consultancy catalyzing innovation and best practice in sustainability and ESG, providing services for strategy, programs, data management, benchmarking, and reporting.
Greenview’s clients include most of the largest hotel companies as well as hotel owners and developers, event organizers, cruise lines, NGOs, DMOs, OTAs and industry organizations including the WTTC and UNWTO. With 20 years of hands-on experience, Eric is a frequent speaker, convener, and researcher on the topic of sustainability. His notable industry work includes launching the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index, Green Lodging Trends Report, Destination Water Risk Index, Hotel Global Decarbonisation Report, and Hotel Owners for Tomorrow Coalition.
Eric is a member of the UFI Committee on Sustainable Development and the International Standards Working Group of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Prior to founding Greenview, Eric specialized in the operations and development of nature-based lodges, theme parks and attractions in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and a Master of Science degree in Tourism & Travel Management from New York University. He has held a research fellowship at the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research and been an adjunct instructor at New York University.

Support the show