The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) hosted its first inperson event since the pandemic began at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. MSAE’s goal was to host a fun networking opportunity that followed COVID guidelines, and helped members gain confidence attending in-person events again. Like many other COVID-era gatherings, cancellation policies were waived, and social distancing and mask-wearing within 6 feet were encouraged. Sponsors were assigned golf carts to minimize contact with golf course staff and volunteers, while attendees’ golf carts were pre-loaded with name badges, gifts from sponsors, and more in order to bypass registration. Originally planned to be a May event, the Fall Golf Outing still recruited 82 golfers. Rain threw another obstacle into the mix, but the professionals took it in stride and had a few laughs along the way.
Chances are, you won’t know you’re living through history until it’s too late. It’s already happening. A chain reaction has been set in motion and the ground has begun to slide beneath your feet. This past year has been a whirlwind to say the least. As a global pandemic sent the world reeling, planners were left grasping for footholds as the event industry was brought to a standstill and many of the most fundamental elements of live meetings and events were cast in a new light.