As we all know, the pandemic has been particularly devastating for our industry.  Meeting and hospitality professionals globally have found themselves forced to make unanticipated and often unwelcome decisions about the trajectory of their careers and their lives.

After 17 years as an independent planner in the international incentive, meetings, and tradeshow industries, I am adding writing to my portfolio.  Building on my extensive past experience as a contributing writer for Incentive Magazine and, more recently, as a contributing blogger with the IMEX Group, I am focusing on industry communications.

In differing ways, we have all been changed by COVID-19 and the stories of how we are getting through it are important ones. Over the last year, I have been inspired by individuals who have reinvented themselves, accepted new positions outside the industry and created small businesses. By collecting stories, I can provide a snapshot of some of the changes thrust upon us by the pandemic, as well as helping to showcase just how transferable our many talents and skillsets are to the wider world of business.

If you have a story to share, I would love to hear from you – you can reach me at gg@gatehouseconnections.com. Thank you!

PandemicStyled – A Side Hustle Born in Southern California

Set in southern California, near San Diego our first story features PandemicStyled, a new line of t-shirts with a choice of timely vaccination messages.  What started as an off-the-cuff joke shared between two friends on a text thread turned into a serious business idea—one with a mission to bring the world back together again.

Kim Paine and Brigitte Lundrigan are among the 12 million hospitality event professionals whose livelihoods were interrupted in 2020, when the pandemic abruptly halted life as we knew it.  Kim’s meeting and events business was completely erased in a matter of weeks. Brigitte’s hotel job was put on furloughed ice for a few months.

The two women wanted to channel their energies into helping their industry recover and to remind people that hope is on the horizon, and to give everyone a reason to smile. Enter PandemicStyled, their creative side hustle with a purpose. “Vaccinated” t-shirts lets you announce to the world that you are safe, you are doing your part to stop the spread, and you stand ready to move on.

In addition to spreading good vibes and smiles, a meaningful give back component is included with a PandemicStyled purchase.  10% of the profits from every shirt sold will go to The Above & Beyond Foundation, a  501©(3) that provides grants and pandemic relief to the hospitality industry workforce.

What’s not to love!  An innovative idea, a message to lift spirits and make you smile, and a give back to help those in need. To support Brigitte and Kim, and The Above & Beyond Foundation, visit www.pandemicstyled.com to learn more and place your order.