MAST Travel Network recently wrapped up its nine regional meetings, the first events the consortium has held live and in person since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The MAST Summer Workshops were held at locations throughout the Midwest.
Empty seats ensure social distancing at one of MAST's nine regional meetings.
The consortium took a number of safety precautions at each venue to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Check-in was contactless, facilitated by placing bags with content at each attendee's seat, which was theirs for the day.
Designated seats, either at a table or in an auditorium, were a minimum of 6 feet apart. At the auditoriums, every other row was blocked off, and there were three seats left empty between each person.
MAST said hand sanitizer was placed at all entry and exit points, and attendees were required to wear masks whenever they left their seats.
Meals were prepackaged and eaten at attendees' seats.
Despite the changing face of the industry and rampant consolidation in the years since its founding, MAST remains a stalwart presence in the Midwest and beyond.
The workshops included a presentation from John Werner, MAST president and COO, on keeping customers excited and engaged. Preferred suppliers also presented, focusing on their brands' health and safety protocols, selling during the pandemic and how agencies can stay afloat.
Preferred suppliers were given strict social distancing guidelines and they provided MAST with all of their materials in advance, the consortium said, to be included in members' bags. Suppliers who couldn't have a representative attend in person provided video presentations.
MAST will hold its Owners Summit virtually on Sept. 29. The consortium is also planning a "hybrid version" of its MAST Sales Sensation event on Nov. 17 at the Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.