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T R AV E L DATA Innovatis Group, an association management company based in Nashville, TN, created a 2021 Outlook Survey Report highlighting over 1,000 professionals' thoughts about returning to in-person events and trav- elling in this new year. We all know that 2020 was challenging, but it was especially hard for those in the event industry, and Innovatis Group com- missioned this report to help better strategize event planning and market- ing to end-customers as we are in another fiscal year of the pandemic. In this report, you will find an array of information that can help you plan for you or your clients' events in 2021. One key finding is that 81% of the 1,000 people surveyed are ready to get on a plane in 2021. Another key finding is that 66% of respondents expect to be back in the office by Q2 of this year. The report begins with the narrative below: "As we enter 2021, the world is simultaneously planning for continued virtual engagements, while preparing for the move back to in-person norms—but the question is when? "Our lives have been transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic— arguably the worst global public health crisis in modern times. Most of us have been working from home since mid-March 2020 when in-person events and meetings came to a sudden halt. Online meetings and virtual events have been at the forefront to keep us all connected, and are now seemingly the norm. "Innovatis Group, a leading association management and engagement B M & T ••• March/April 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 2021 OUTLOOK REPORT: RETURNING TO TRAVEL & EVENTS JW MARRIOTT CELEBRATES OPENING OF 100TH PROPERTY WORLDWIDE AND FIRST IN TAMPA WITH THE DEBUT OFJW MARRIOTT TAMPA WATER STREET company, wanted to find out how people felt about events, travel, and returning to the office. Innovatis surveyed more than 1,000 profession- als—most of whom are active events participants—to get their take on the questions we're all asking: When will we return to work? What will that look like? What will travel look like? When will we be able to get back on a plane safely? "The input gathered gives specific insight into both the emotional will- ingness of people to go back to the office and to travel, as well as the com- pany policies that will ultimately set the timeline. "These insights will help you as you plan your in-person strategies for 2021. KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT: • Most people (66%) expect to be back in office by Q2. • Only a small number (9%) believe they won't return to the office in 2021 Many companies are taking conservative stances on travel by not lifting bans until Q2/Q3 2021. • Two key dependencies for increased travel are a decrease in cases and vaccine distribution. • Most people won't feel confident attending large events until the end of 2021, so smaller local events may pick up in Q2/Q3. • Virtual events will be prominent for the first half of 2021, then grad- ually shift to in-person the latter half of the year. • To download a free copy of the report visit https://innovatis- group.com/picture-of-a-pandemic/. JW Marriott is pleased to announce that its 100th property, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is now open, bringing a new level of luxury to the Tampa Bay area. Located in the heart of the dynamic Water Street neighborhood, the new property invites discerning guests to take time for themselves, relax, and rediscover a balance in mind and body. A for- mal grand opening celebration is expected to take place in April 2021. "The first JW Marriott opened in Washington DC in 1984 and was a tribute to my father, J.W., and a celebration of his love of service and hos- pitality," explains Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman of the Board at Marriott International. "That tribute has now evolved into a global hotel brand, an incredible testament to the spirit of that first hotel being embraced worldwide. Our family is incredibly proud that my father's name now welcomes guests in over 100 desirable destinations across the globe now, including Tampa."