The IEEE Conference Application:

1. Requests sponsorship approval from IEEE. Sponsorship enables IEEE organizational units (OUs) to contribute to the conference’s technical program or through financial investment.
2. Requests permission for your conference name. Vetting of the conference name creates a unique brand that will resonate with prospective attendees and avoids confusion or infringement on other events.
3. Requests permission to use the IEEE Logo and Brand Name. IEEE's name and logo signal quality and authenticity for potential speakers, authors, and participants. 
4. Feeds your conference information into the IEEE Conference Search. The Conference Search enables your event to be discovered by over 275K users each year. 
5. Provides information used to produce the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) if there is more than one conference sponsor. The MOU defines the roles and responsibilities of all conference partners. 
6. Enables the IEEE MCE team to support you. From best practices to tips to tools, the MCE team can offer guidance on designing a successful event.

What are common dietary restrictions? 

Conference participants may have dietary restrictions for many reasons, such as:

• Food allergies and intolerances to certain ingredients like milk, eggs, or peanuts.
• Health-related diets for conditions like celiac disease or diabetes.
• Religious diets like Kosher or Halal.
• Eco or health-conscious diets such as vegan or vegetarian.

How can I create a welcoming menu for all participants? 

• Begin planning several months ahead to have the most options available.
• Include questions about dietary restrictions in your event registration.
• Partner closely with your venue and encourage them to be bold.
• Be ready with alternate options in case of surprise requests onsite.
• Incorporate variety so participants can find options that meet their needs.
• Consider including both gluten-free and dairy-free selections in your menu. Feature gluten or dairy-based options as toppings or sides.
• Include fully vegan options to accommodate all plant-based eaters.
• Keep meat dishes separate to make it easier for guests to navigate.
• Clearly label all menu items, and note any common allergens, such as tree nuts.
• Consider offering non-alcoholic choices or mocktails at social events and happy hours.
• Strive for options that will meet the needs of participants with restrictions and satisfy a range of palettes.

Sources: BizBash; IACC

INSIGHT: In 2022, the hospitality industry recovered most of the revenue and profit losses incurred during the pandemic. High demand and growth continue to fuel the recovery.

TAKEAWAY: As corporate and leisure travel resumes, the hospitality industry is getting back to business. Expect to see the return of many pre-pandemic hospitality services and experiences. Heightened demand can limit booking availability, so begin planning your event early. 

INSIGHT: Catering and banquet lines of business are experiencing a slower recovery

TAKEAWAY: Higher food and beverage and staffing costs can impact your options and budget. Be flexible when planning menus, consider alternative options, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

INSIGHT: The hospitality industry is dealing with higher wage costs due to unemployment and the need for contract labor. 

TAKEAWAY: Expect higher staffing costs reflected in your venue and hotel contracts. Staffing shortages, high turnover, and contract labor may affect the availability and quality of services. 

Customized Services for Your Virtual or Hybrid Event

The MCE Digital Events Team provides virtual or hybrid event guidance and support in the following areas:

• Virtual/hybrid event models (live, pre-recorded, hybrid)
• Technical program modification
• Virtual/hybrid event platforms & technology solutions
• Virtual/hybrid event scheduling
• Resources and training for presenters & authors
• Roles & responsibilities of session/track chairs
• Options for event sponsors & exhibitors
• Communications guidelines
• Live-day event production and support