As our industry begins to take a peek around the corner, our expectations for a recovery have begun to brighten. Make no mistake, we are not yet out of the woods. Progress is being made.
In the USA, travel reached a high point in the second week of March, one year after the pandemic effectively shut down most activity. This is a fabulous sign! It seems that many are ready to stretch their legs, and find the next normal in their activities. Airline executives are expressing a measured optimism!
In my circle of activity, I have begun to see signs of economic activity that have been missing. Help wanted signs are out at stores and restaurants. Business colleagues have expressed that in some areas, they are unable to find people to fulfill available jobs. Family and friends have shared this view, from around the country. All good signs.
By now, you likely know of someone who has received a vaccine. Are your business colleagues ready to get back to offices? What are the new procedures for returning to an office? Do I really need to be there, co-mingling with others, vaccinated or not? There are a tremendous amount of issues remaining to be tackled. Check out this interesting read from around the business world.
The IABSC is moving forward on an optimistic note. We have selected a theme for 2021, “Regaining Altitude”. Each month, our meetings will cover an industry topic, with a focus on how our industry is working at a recovery. I hope that the meeting themes bring you some optimism, and brighten your outlook, aligning with what is taking place in our world of travel and airport operations. As we expect that this year will be dynamic, our lineup of meeting topics is not yet fixed. We intend to be flexible, as is our industry, in presenting topics based on current needs. So, stay connected. Check in as we move further into 2021.
Our meeting plan as stated in January has not changed. The IABSC will continue to hold virtual meetings through July. At our March meeting, we conducted a poll as a gauge to get some data from our attendee members. The question – Would you attend an in person meeting in August in Dallas area; or would you prefer to meet virtually? The response – 55 persons answered, with 80% expressing that they would prefer an in person meeting. I am personally surprised but pleased by the overwhelming response. So thanks to all who responded.
Based on this, the IABSC is pursuing options for meeting in August. More to come on this topic in the future. And, we will continue to poll this topic at our meetings to gather more data.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
