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5 ways CIOs can deliver business-critical results during the pandemic and…

Sean Ryan Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In January 2020, you were likely paddling through the rapids of "old normal" business-critical issues, including providing systems that help business leaders deliver outstanding results, creating competitive advantage by improving the customer journey and overall experience, and nimbly adapting to constantly changing technology. Then, bam! COVID appeared around the next bend in the river and the world rapidly became far more difficult and treacherous. You’re now paddling in cataclysmic rapids amidst a world of perpetual whitewater. As CIO, to paddle your way to survival, or even to thrive, you will need to focus on these five key areas.

Who are the worst password offenders?

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

It appears that we won’t have fond memories of 2020. From COVID-19 to a very long and contentious election cycle, it was a terrible year. But, while most people were just trying to hang on, it was business as usual for cybercriminals who are nothing if not opportunists. And last year provided plenty of opportunities for hackers to take advantage of poor cybersecurity practices. Dashlane recently announced its annual list of the worst password offenders of 2020. The top 10 list — the worst of the worst — reads as follows.

World’s first African American music museum opens in Nashville

Dave G. Houser Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

The world’s first and only institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American music opened to the public Jan. 30, 2021, in Nashville. Tennessee’s capital city has long attracted visitors to its throng of neon-lit honky-tonks, live music venues and songwriter’s cafes — and now "Music City," as it is popularly known, is home to a monumental new attraction for music lovers — the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

The year of the comeback: What COVID-19 means for associations in 2021

Jeanne M. Dee Association Management

For industry associations, recent shifts from the physical space into the digital have brought a serious blow to their highest revenue stream: in-person events like trade shows and conferences. At the same time, the function of associations as a source of networking, support, and connection for their industries makes them more valuable than ever to their members in a landscape where disconnection is ever-present. Nothing beats being able to pick up the phone and get advice from someone who "gets it" — especially now. This seems to portend the triumphant return of the association.

Remote work and introverts: Consider the challenges

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Remote work has moved from an experiment to the norm for millions of office workers around the world. Late last year, our company conducted a survey to discover how introverts were responding to working from home full time. We had almost 200 responses. Do they thrive in quiet and solitude or are they also feeling disconnected and lonely? Though over 85% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with the arrangement, many strong opinions surfaced about the challenges they face when working from home.

How connected smart cities will help prevent future pandemics and more

Kevin Grauman Science & Technology

Smart city initiatives place a heavy emphasis on the Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential for transforming society for the better. The list of possible applications includes tracking new disease outbreaks, minimizing transmission risks in hospitals and nursing homes, improving air quality and filtration, and monitoring general sanitation in buildings and on public transit. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s basically a greatest hits record of ways to battle COVID and prevent future pandemics.

Study: How job seekers’ social media profiles affect employability

Linchi Kwok Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Social media plays an increasingly important role in recruitment and employee selection. Recruiters are tempted to check on job candidates’ social media profiles (SMPs) because SMPs could reveal more dynamic information about the candidates than resumes alone. By checking the candidates’ SMPs, recruiters can discover their real personalities, which cannot be easily achieved even through job interviews. Meanwhile, hiring managers can also assess job candidates’ social capital based on the size and the composition of their social networks.

What to see and do in America’s newest national park

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Hidden away in the COVID-19 stimulus package passed by Congress on Dec. 27, 2020, was a pleasing bit of "pork" that resulted in the designation of the nation’s 63rd and newest national park — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Situated in southeastern West Virginia, this rugged 73,000 acre stretch of Appalachian canyon land, coursed by the roaring New, Gauley and Bluestone rivers, has long been a world-class hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting destination. It was recognized as far back as 1978 as a national river based on its natural beauty and recreational features.

Private jet travel: 2021 to be the year private flying takes off

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

2020 was a banner year for private jet travel. And given the unabating proliferation of new virus outbreaks and mutations, it is likely that 2021 will not see those statistics moving backwards. While airlines see passenger counts off by more than half, private flights are running at 90% of normal — or what they were in what is now tabbed as "pre-pandemic times." Corporates are increasingly flying entire teams to multiple locations around the world to ensure business continuity, according to industry research from Private Jet Card Comparisons showing that 31% of U.S. companies are expanding their use of private aviation for business trips.

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.

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