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CES 2021: The year of staying home with gadgets

Lark Gould Science & Technology

As CES 2021 rolled out, it was not in Las Vegas. In fact, it was not anywhere in particular this year after more than a half-century of taking over the neon gaming mecca for four days of immersion in a veritable ocean of newfangled stuff and portentous technology. It was online-only and navigated through a tornado of tech talks and virtual kiosks. Still, there was news, analysis and plenty to talk about this year as the coronavirus continues to rage and a new administration takes over and changes some key commerce and trade policies.

The top 10 biggest data breaches of 2020

Daniel Markuson Science & Technology

Last year, hackers were as active as never before, taking advantage of users’ vulnerabilities and the economic disruption amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Risk Based Security report, 2,953 breaches were publicly reported in the first three quarters of 2020 alone, bringing the number of exposed records to a staggering 36 billion. Out of the enormous number of data breaches that happened in 2020, experts picked the top 10 biggest leaks in terms of the data volume. The list includes leaky databases that were not necessarily breached per se but exposed sensitive data to the public.

Businesses plan for the future despite a tremendously difficult 2020

Sumit De Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The year behind us was tremendously difficult. The obstacles we faced because of COVID-19 left most of us on edge, exhausted, and seeking solutions to unprecedented problems. The only obvious benefit of the pandemic is that it happened when it did, not 10, five, or even three years ago. Because of ongoing digital transformation across the globe, most economies were able to respond. Businesses stripped of their ability to operate face-to-face jumped online. Some of these efforts were smoother than others, but most soon navigated through the clumsiness and established streamlined remote-based operational processes.

CES 2021 highlights the federal force behind a new era in technology

Lark Gould Civil & Government

Managing an upward trajectory and positive environment that fosters the strength of U.S. technology companies is a topic that played large at CES this year. The world’s largest consumer technology exchange ended last week after it successfully executed the entire event online for the first time in its history. To offer an incoming U.S. government perspective on the current state of tech was CES CEO Gary Shapiro, who sat down with Brian Deese, President-elect Biden's pick to direct the National Economic Council (NEC), for a discussion of what may be ahead in leadership.

How to create a meaningful hybrid event in 2021

Joanne Brooks Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Although COVID-19 vaccines are being deployed throughout the U.S., business event planners are anticipating the continuation of virtual meetings in 2021 and dipping their toes into part virtual, part in-person hybrid events. While people are looking forward to gathering with colleagues, they might not be ready for a giant in-person soiree. Luckily, hybrid expos provide many features that, if utilized, can make a hybrid or virtual event engaging. As we settle into the new year, here's how to start planning your 2021 hybrid event.

5 things to consider when developing employee communication emails

Brie Ragland Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Employees (and employers) are experiencing unprecedented levels of new stress these days. Parents are juggling working from home while supporting a family, single workers are learning to navigate an even more isolated and confusing world, and leaders are wondering how to keep everyone’s head above water. All these struggles can be somewhat placated and even ameliorated with good, clear, concise communication … but there’s a catch. That communication now needs to reach its readers on a more personal level. Here are five things to consider when developing employee communication emails.

Want to use videos to boost your sales? Here’s how

Victor Blasco Marketing

Over the last decade or so, digital marketing has shifted to a more personalized style of reaching audiences. The rise of machine learning algorithms, subscription-based marketing, and user segmentation has allowed brands to customize content to fit each of their target audiences and engage with them in the most effective way possible. As a result, video has become one of the most versatile types of content of the marketing toolbox. You see it everywhere online, from whiteboard videos and live-action tutorials to unboxing videos and customer testimonials.

Good news in your job search: Harry, Larry, and the bear

Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk Management

What is North America’s No. 1 domestic issue of most concern to the average person? Politics? Coronavirus? Who will win Super Bowl LV? Nope! The thing that concerns most people is still jobs. Whether you are 18 or 80, you’ve likely never seen it more difficult to find a great job in your field of interest in your lifetime. Lockdowns in various regions of the country, overseas competition, and rapidly changing methods employers use to fill jobs have all made it difficult for good people to find good jobs.

Who should absorb home office costs?

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

If there’s been one bright spot in the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the ability of employees to work from home. According to a new report by Owl Labs and Global Workplace Analytics, employees love working from home, and 77% of respondents say that even after COVID-19 is over, they would be happier if they could continue working from home. However, the report also reveals that only 20 to 25% of companies pay or share the cost of home office equipment, furniture, internet, etc. And employees believe that companies should be paying more.

COVID-19 is the mother-in-law of invention

Josh Middlebrooks Business Management, Services & Risk Management

For business owners, keeping customers and employees safe has always been a priority. If you are lucky enough to live in a place that does not have a lockdown order, you could go to a local business, and in some dusty corner near an old water fountain, you will see an OSHA poster hanging on the wall letting everyone know that this business cares about safety. For decades, it was business as usual. Then there was COVID-19 and the panic that ensued. Suddenly businesses were scrambling to figure out how to remain open, how to keep their people safe, and maybe even how to stay profitable.

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