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Emmepi Group Completes Acquisition of Avanti Conveyors

Emmepi Group says the objective of the acquisition is to further increase its geographic manufacturing footprint, enhancing its ability to offer a totally integrated solution, aligning with the demands of customers globally.




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Ammeraal Beltech to Showcase Belting Solutions at PACK EXPO 2024

Ammeraal Beltech is designing belts to meet the demands of smarter, faster, and highly precise operations.




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Bumble Bee Tuna Named Best New Packaging Redesign of 2020

Bumble Bee Seafoods has been recognized by NOSH.com’s annual “Best Of” Awards for the bold and fresh redesign of the brand’s iconic tuna cans, pouches and snack kits.




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NestFresh Seeks to Become a Bright Spot this Spring with Seasonal Packaging

The egg brand is using the redesign to celebrate spring and attract more customers.




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Packaging Market for Fresh Meat Projected to Expand

Novel packaging solutions are driving a projected expansion of 4.3% from 2020-2028.




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New Recyclable Mono-Material Meat Tray

The new tray from Waddington Europe does not require a polyethylene layer or adhesive coating.




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Form/Fill/Seal Equipment Manufacturers Responding to New Demands in Sustainability

Packaging Strategies recently spoke to three heavyweights in the area of form/fill/seal equipment, TNA Solutions, Viking Masek Packaging Technologies, and Formost Fuji Corp., regarding their responses to a variety of new demands including sustainability and new food trends.




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Meat, Poultry, Seafood Packaging: Doing More with Less

Packaging Strategies has reported extensively on the move toward eco-friendly packaging in multiple markets — from snacks to fresh produce to foodservice. A similar shift is underway in the packaging of meat, poultry and seafood.




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Amcor Wins Two AmeriStar Awards

IoPP will showcase the winning packages at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, in IoPP booth C-1154 and the Showcase of Innovations, September 11 through 13, 2023. Amcor will also show the award-winning technologies in their exhibit, booth SU-7244.




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Cruz Foam’s Cruz Cool Named to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2023

The Cruz Cool cooler is made of a home-compostable polymer rather than Styrofoam, which takes over 500 years to decompose.




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Aptar Expands SeaWell™ Packaging System into e-Commerce Sector

SeaWell™ active packaging utilizes food contact-safe absorbent materials embedded into its proprietary Drip-Lock™ technology to trap excess fluids inside patented pockets or wells.




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Reshaping Meat and Seafood Packaging with Versatility and Sustainability

In the vast meat and seafood sector, packaging practices and innovations require continuous attention. Strict hygiene and quality standards impact all aspects of the packaging process. Recent developments in the industry have focused on ease-of-use, versatility, and sustainability.




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GEA unveils thermoforming packaging machine for small and medium-sized companies

The PowerPak 1000 has been specially developed as an entry-level machine for the thermoforming segment and offers advanced functions previously reserved for machines in the higher performance range.




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New Line of Compact Counting & Packaging Equipment for Unmixed, Single Type or Single Flavor Products

The fully servo-driven HQ Series counting & dispensing machines are designed to provide 100% accuracy for primary or secondary packaging of candy, confectionary and chocolate as well as non-food products.




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Modern Developments Using X-Ray for Food Inspection

Advances in sophistication, quality and ease of use have made x-ray machines an indispensable tool for food safety.




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Technology Advances X-ray and Metal Detector Inspection Capabilities

With a metal detector, metals that have one or both conductive magnetic characteristics will create a detectable signal. Non-magnetic stainless steel is harder to pick up — it’s a bad conductor — and certain food products with added iron, moisture, salt and acids tend to mask metal detection. Known as the “product effect,” this can impact inspection performance.




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Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection Application Center

Based on the company’s “Test Before You Invest” program, the center enables companies to test their products on inspection systems.




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Remote, Real-Time Service and Training

JLS View uses virtual, mixed reality to connect customers with support needs.




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Mettler-Toledo to Present Improved Inspection Systems at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

Two new x-ray inspection systems – the X12 and the X32 – as well as the latest ProdX software will be on exhibit for the first time. 




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Antares Vision Group Introduces Inline Pressure Measurement System for Beverages

Company’s PCS700-IOT performs high-speed pressure and gas measurement for carbonated, nitrogen-dosed and hot-filled beverages to detect leaks and optimize the process.




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Mettler-Toledo Showcases Product Inspection Systems at Interphex

The company’s CV35 ‘combination’ system, which integrates a checkweigher with vision inspection, detects and rejects under- and overweight packages to ensure that legal weight requirements are met and to reduce product giveaway.




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Industrial Physics acquires Torus Group, expanding packaging measurement services

Torus Group, known for its strong portfolio in measurement for metal and rigid packaging in the food and beverage industries, has recently expanded into plastic packaging and medical devices.




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Mettler Toledo Releases X52 Dual Energy X-Ray Inspection System

The X52’s proprietary software provides increased adaptability by seamlessly transitioning between single energy, dual energy or both modes, optimizing the performance of the system depending on the application.




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Case Study: Venturing Into E-Commerce

When entrepreneur Tiffany Krumins decided she wanted to sell her line of probiotics directly to consumers, she enlisted the help of Peachtree Packaging & Display to navigate some unfamiliar territory.




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Pacificolor clients stand to gain from company’s new corrugated graphics equipment

Investment includes the acquisition of an AV Flexologic Corrugated Flat Mounting Machine and the integration of Reproflex3's high-definition Vortex™ screening technology.




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Afinia Label Unveils X350 Digital Roll to Roll Press for High-Volume Label Printing

The X350 is designed with large ink tanks, each holding 2L of CMYK ink, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for frequent refills.




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PODCAST | Meeting Coding Demands with Soft-Pigmented CIJ Inks

In this interview, Videojet’s Sherry Washburn discusses how recent improvements to soft-pigmented inks are facilitating coding and contrast printing for packaging.




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Giave, Novaflex to Showcase New Flexo Printing Technology at Labelexpo Americas

New Mid-Web flexo press without solvents for flexible packaging is suitable for indirect food contact, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, shrink sleeve and in-mold labels, and can also be configured for folding cartons and paperboard.




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Coding and Printing: From Improved Recycling to Catching the Consumer’s Eye

Companies like Digimarc, Wipak, Inovar and Domino are demonstrating how advancements in coding, marking and printing are facilitating recycling efforts, lowering costs for brand managers, making it easier to hire qualified equipment operators, and more.




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Skipping the Label: High-Speed, Direct-to-Packaging Printing Comes of Age

MCS Inc. President David Loos says high-speed inkjet printers eliminate the need for adhesive labels by printing tracking codes, special offers and other promotional messages directly on secondary packaging.




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Domino customers celebrate ‘Best-in-Class’ designation at TLMI Awards Dinner

The TLMI Printing Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding printing and converting achievements in the North American Label and Packaging Industry.




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Vanguard Announces Partnership with American Print Consultants

Owned and operated by seasoned industry experts, APC boasts one of the largest teams of knowledgeable employees and support technicians of any graphics equipment distributor in the Northeast, Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.




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Women in Colonial Virginia

The record of women in colonial Virginia begins with Native Americans and gradually includes European and African women. The experiences of these women differed widely depending on their ethnicity, their status, and the gender roles defined by their culture. In the colony's early years, survival, not tradition, influenced the roles of men and women, whether white or black, free or unfree. Planters' wives, indentured servants, and slaves labored in the tobacco fields alongside one another, while an unmarried woman with land could engage in business the same way a man might. As Jamestown grew from a fortified outpost into the capital of a permanent colony, colonists began to envision a stable society based on the patriarchal system they had known in England, where men held authority over their wives, children, and other dependents. But the uneven sex ratio, the scattered nature of settlement, the high mortality rate, and frequent remarriages made the transfer of such ideas difficult, if not impossible. Historians agree that a society with less emphasis on gender roles gradually ceded to the traditional patriarchal system, but the exact timing of this change is not entirely clear. By the mid-seventeenth century, the colony's lawmakers began to use ideas about gender and race to codify two distinct roles for Virginia women: the so-called good wife, typically free and white, who performed domestic work in her home and raised her children; and the agricultural laborer, typically enslaved and black. By the end of the seventeenth century, members of the planter elite had separated themselves from the rest of Virginia's residents with their landed wealth, enslaved laborers, and wives who managed their homes. Although middling women (women of moderate means) continued to work alongside their husbands in the fields and operate taverns and other businesses well into the eighteenth century, all classes of women became relegated to the private sphere while their husbands increasingly dominated the public world. By the end of the colonial period, women, whether rich or poor, urban or rural, were expected to skillfully manage a household and provide an example for their children—acts that bolstered patriarchal authority in colonial Virginia.
Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:30:23 EST




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Letter from Alexander Hamilton to James Bayard (January 16, 1801)

In this letter, dated January 16, 1801, Alexander Hamilton writes to James Bayard, a Federalist member of the U. S. House of Representatives from Delaware. Hamilton conveys his satisfaction that Bayard has decided to support Burr in the Election of 1800. He goes on to offer his criticisms of both Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson and his worst fears were either man to become president.
Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:09:37 EST




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Members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia

Members of the United States House of Representatives are listed here in alphabetical order. Each entry includes life dates if known, a member's area of residence when first elected, period of service, and party affiliation when known. Before 1795 and again from the 1810s into the 1830s there were no well-organized political parties or parties were in flux, and for those time periods no affiliation is listed. Between 1795 and the 1810s most members are identified as Federalists or as Democratic-Republicans. The eight men who were elected to the House of Representatives in 1865 but not seated are also included in this list. John Mercer Langston, elected in 1890, was the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia. Leslie Larkin Byrne, elected in 1992, was the first woman elected to Congress from Virginia.
Mon, 04 Jan 2021 09:26:01 EST




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Members of the Virginia State Corporation Commission

The Virginia State Corporation Commission was created by the Constitution of 1902. Its responsibilities include issuing charters of incorporation, policing financial industries such as banking and insurance, regulating rates that common carriers charge for freight and passengers, and enforcing the laws that govern rates charged by such public utilities as electric and telephone companies. Because the commission promulgates regulations, operates regulatory agencies, and hears appeals on some kinds of administrative matters, it exercises legislative, executive, and judicial functions and has sometimes been referred to as the fourth branch of state government. The commission consists of three members who serve six-year terms, one term expiring every second year. The governor appointed members from to 1903 to 1919; voters elected members from 1919 to 1928; and the General Assembly named members after 1928. If a vacancy occurs when the assembly is not in session, the governor appoints a new member. The first commissioners took office on March 1, 1903.
Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:26:11 EST




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Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA

Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA jhammond@desti… Wed, 07/24/2024 - 20:40

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Despite the gains made since the onset of the pandemic, the hospitality industry continues to experience persistent labor shortages. Destination organizations have a chance to engage with the youth in their communities to help close this gap with best practices and strategies for attracting and retaining tomorrow’s tourism workforce. 

6 min read

Key findings from Social Impact of Global Tourism by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicate that hospitality is a leading employer for young people around the globe, accounting for almost 60% of all youth employment in 2021 with 40% of those numbers represented by women. Despite continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are staff shortages at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, theaters, convention centers, and tourism organizations. In relative terms, one in fifteen US job postings remains unfilled, and one in nine European Union jobs remains unfilled. This represents an estimated 412,000 tourism worker shortage. Further, despite the expansion of the Canadian labor market to pre-pandemic levels of 5.3%, Destination Canada reports in their 2023 Quarter-three snapshot that 116,000 positions remain unfilled, representing 6.2% of all the tourism sector.   

Source

Several factors fueling the labor shortage in the US include a decrease in international migration patterns as it relates to the US labor market, working conditions, and a lack of adequate skillsets to perform several jobs within hospitality. Thus, a variety of policy changes and engagement strategies can help destination organizations fill the gap and address these concerns.  

Addressing staff shortages within the sector requires a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach to developing a skilled tourism workforce, providing competitive employee benefits, and partnering with academia to help equip tomorrow’s workforce with new and improved skills to operate within the industry. A recent article by Forbes suggests that one of the greatest currencies of our time is not gold, oil, or knowledge but rather talent acquisition.  

When discussing strategies like youth engagement and workforce development, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences and adapt the approaches accordingly. Be sure to acknowledge the diverse cultural contexts in which these strategies will be implemented and adapt according to the needs of your destination. 

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

At the Mobile World Congress in 2021, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board launched its own Career Academy with the goal of increasing equity in career representation by inspiring the youth of historically underserved communities to consider diverse career paths. This initiative was brought on in response to the call of Los Angeles council leaders’ executive directive to help increase recognition of systemically marginalized groups. For the event itself, a dozen high school students from the Ambassador School of Global Leadership attended the inaugural program led by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Each student received a tour of the exhibition hall, met with executive leaders to learn about career opportunities, fostered meaningful connections, and learned about future career day opportunities available within the industry. Over 4,100 people attended the convention, 65% of whom were senior executives.

Moreover, Los Angeles’s Career Academy bridges the connections between students and meeting planners looking to authentically impact Los Angeles. In turn, students learn equity, diversity, and inclusion best practices in aligning corporate social responsibility. While the convention was not hospitality-focused, the bureau brought students together with senior-level executives at technology companies, and this can make the connection between other sectors and hospitality. The academy highlights the connection between youth engagement in choosing career paths and where they see themselves represented.  Since one of the greatest strengths of Los Angeles is its diversity, programs like this are essential to helping close the workforce gap and helping to address racial inequalities that exist due to a lack of representation. 

Los Angeles Career Academy (Full-Length)

“Our career Academy connects high school students from La USD to unique experiences at the LA Convention Center. Where they can learn about careers and opportunities. Directly from inspirational industry leaders and gain a practical understanding of the steps that other people took to reach their career goals and overcome challenges.” - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Visit Austin Foundation

Founded in 2019, the mission of the Visit Austin Foundation (VAF) is to develop and promote education, job training, and career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sector. The foundation has several key objectives in helping to close the labor shortage gap and increase engagement--particularly with the youth. By offering mentorships and scholarships, the foundation hopes to attract young people to the tourism and hospitality industry, and to educate the public about a wide range of career opportunities within the industry, as well as its economic and social benefits.  

One way the VAF has contributed to engaging the younger demographic in a career in hospitality and tourism is by developing hospitality industry learning platforms in conjunction with secondary school systems to promote awareness of the industry as a viable career path and prepare students for careers in hospitality. The VAF, in conjunction with the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, Austin Independent School District, and Austin Community College sponsors and supports a Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary PTECH High School at Travis Early College High School. This program provides participants the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, and on-the-job training & mentorships while in high school, all at no cost to the student. This allows students to graduate early and prepare for a dynamic career.  

Additionally, the foundation has provided resources for providing careers in hospitality including the Austin Tourism Insider Hospitality Training Program. The training program is intended to support the community’s tourism and hospitality employees, including new hires, and residents who are passionate about Austin and hospitality. Through a one-day course, employees learn expert knowledge about Austin’s tourism assets, improve their confidence in making recommendations that help to elevate the visitor experience, ignite their passion for the industry, and build a deeper sense of connection within the community. Furthermore, the VAF helps to support networking opportunities to connect hospitality professionals with their peers in the local industry. 

The VAF’s Heart of Hospitality Award & Scholarship is dedicated to supporting local hospitality employees who are pursuing tourism-related education and are interested in growing their careers within the industry. Criteria for selection include hospitality employees who provide outstanding customer service, demonstrate a positive attitude, and display initiative in going beyond regular job responsibilities to enhance the visitor experience.  

Scholarships provide pathways for continued education in fields related to the hospitality industry, including organizational leadership, hospitality management, Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certifications and more.  

There are a range of opportunities available for destination organizations that seek to increase workforce engagement. Organizations can partner with academic institutions to help develop tomorrow’s leaders by creating career youth engagement opportunities and raising awareness about the industry’s various career paths. As the industry continues to shake off setbacks caused by the pandemic, destination organizations can find innovative solutions to advance the industry by developing needed skill sets and providing a warm welcome to help others to feel seen and heard. 

About The Author

Stephanie Auslander

Advocacy and Data Coordinator
Destinations International

Stephanie is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Master’s Degree in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. Previously, she worked as an Intern with Solimar International assisting Destination Marketing Organizations in formulating Tourism Development strategies for the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Republic Of Georgia and the Sisian region of Armenia. Additionally, she is the author of a Tourism Research Proposal detailing ways in which Destinations can promote the concept of Sustainability to its consumers for a lasting positive impact. With a background in Tourism Development she is confident in her ability to help Destinations innovate into the future.

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The Emerging Leaders' Guide to Thriving at Industry Events

The Emerging Leaders' Guide to Thriving at Industry Events jhammond@desti… Tue, 11/05/2024 - 21:09

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Attending industry events as a young professional unlocks key opportunities for growth. This guide shares tips for maximizing networking, skill-building, and bringing value back to your organization. By investing in conferences, leaders empower emerging talent, fostering a resilient, forward-thinking workforce ready to lead the future. 

6 min read

Attending events and conferences as a young professional or emerging leader is a transformative experience that offers invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and enhance your contributions to your organization. Recently, my colleague Kelsey Hayes and I attended the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau (TACVB) conference, which underscored how impactful these events can be for personal and workforce development. This guide aims to provide young professionals with actionable tips for maximizing their experience at industry events while highlighting the importance of encouraging leaders to invest in developing their emerging talent. 

Why Conferences Are Crucial for Workforce Development

In industries like tourism and destination promotion, staying up to date with evolving trends, technologies, and best practices is essential. Conferences are more than just learning opportunities—they are investments in the growth of both employees and organizations. By attending these events, emerging leaders gain fresh insights, acquire new skills, and build connections that can ultimately improve their team’s performance and contribute to the organization’s success.

Workforce development flourishes when employees—particularly younger team members—are given the tools and opportunities to grow. By sending them to conferences, leaders empower these professionals to bring back innovative ideas and actionable knowledge, strengthening the organization. Investing in young talent is the cornerstone of building a resilient and forward-thinking workforce as we prepare for the future. 

Building Connections: The Power of Networking

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending the TACVB conference was connecting with other young professionals at the Young Professionals Reception. Meeting peers navigating similar challenges offered an immediate sense of community, which is crucial for those new to the industry.

Networking is an essential component of workforce development. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators can significantly impact your career trajectory. These connections often open doors to new opportunities and create a support network you can rely on throughout your professional journey. Events like TACVB provide the perfect platform to establish these relationships early, laying the foundation for long-term success. 


Tip: Be Intentional About Networking

To make the most of these opportunities, approach networking with intention. Find a buddy with someone at your level to explore the event with. Be proactive in introducing yourself to others, ask insightful questions, and genuinely engage in conversations. Make sure to bring the business cards and wear a name tag. Remember, it's not just about expanding your professional circle—it's also about building meaningful connections that can offer support, guidance, and collaboration in the future. Make these connections meaningful by connecting on LinkedIn or sending an email note.

Expanding Your Skills Through Professional Development Sessions

Professional development sessions are a goldmine for enhancing your skillset. At TACVB, I had the opportunity to attend several sessions that directly aligned with my role. From learning about cutting-edge marketing strategies to discovering the latest tools for stakeholder engagement, these sessions provided practical insights I could immediately apply at work.

These sessions are vital for workforce development and equipping young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel. By learning directly from industry leaders and experts, young employees can bring back innovative practices that enhance their organization’s operations. 

Tip: Select Sessions Wisely

Review the conference agenda beforehand to maximize your learning and choose sessions that align with your current role or areas where you want to grow. Divide and conquer with your colleagues at the conference to maximize the sessions attended. Don’t forget to bring your desired note-taking guide. Think critically about how you can apply what you’ve learned to your job or your team’s objectives. Review your notes within 24 hours. Don’t go on information overload; take the time to sit and reflect with your notes.  

A Pivotal Moment: The First-Timer Lunch

Another pivotal experience at the TACVB conference was attending the First-Timer Lunch. This gathering brought together professionals at different stages of their careers, from CEOs to coordinators, providing an open forum to exchange ideas and share experiences. It was an eye-opening opportunity to connect with industry veterans while building relationships with peers attending for the first time.

Interacting with experienced leaders offers invaluable mentorship opportunities and career insights for young professionals. Exposure to those further along in their careers allows you to learn from their experiences, gain advice, and explore potential career pathways. This type of engagement is crucial for workforce development, as it helps younger employees envision their future within the industry and fuels their drive to grow within their roles. 

Tip: Seize Opportunities to Engage

Don’t be intimidated by titles or experience levels—these events are designed to encourage conversation and knowledge-sharing across the board. Take advantage of casual moments, like lunches or receptions, to introduce yourself to seasoned professionals and ask thoughtful questions. These connections can help shape your career path. Prompt questions and an elevator pitch to yourself for who you are and what you do beforehand if socializing does not come as naturally to you. Bring fun merch to hand out; this can be a great way to not only promote your brand but also get your foot in the door, so to speak, for initiating a conversation.

Remember to take care of yourself. Rest and recharge your social battery to avoid burn-out throughout the conference.  

Bringing Value Back to Your Organization

The ultimate goal of attending any conference is to bring the insights and skills you’ve gained back to your organization. After attending TACVB, we returned to our roles with new ideas for improving marketing strategies and more effective approaches to stakeholder engagement. The knowledge I acquired enhanced my performance and allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to my team’s success. 

From a workforce development perspective, this is where the investment pays off. When young professionals return from conferences, they come equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and valuable insights to benefit the organization. Leaders who prioritize sending their younger team members to events foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that the organization remains agile and competitive.


Tip: Share What You’ve Learned

Don’t keep the knowledge you gain to yourself—host a debriefing session with your team to share key takeaways from the conference. This will position you as a proactive leader and help disseminate valuable information throughout your organization, enhancing overall performance.

Conclusion: Investing in the Next Generation

Workforce development is critical for any organization looking to stay competitive in the tourism and destination marketing industry. Conferences and events allow young professionals to expand their skills, form vital industry connections, and bring innovative insights back to their teams. Our experience at TACVB emphasized just how powerful these opportunities can be, both for personal growth and for an organization's long-term success.

By investing in young professionals, leaders are building a more skilled, motivated, and connected workforce—one that is ready to lead the industry into the future. Attending events is not just a steppingstone in personal career growth; it is an essential part of developing the leaders of tomorrow. 

About the Author

Peyton Glover

Membership Engagement Coordinator
Destinations International

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Peyton Glover has cultivated a robust background in destination marketing and sports marketing since earning his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Peyton is the Membership Engagement Coordinator, leading initiatives to enhance workforce development and community engagement. With a keen interest in sustainable travel and community enrichment, Peyton is dedicated to leveraging his skills and experience to foster impactful connections within the tourism and sports marketing sectors. 

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About The Author

Kelsey Hayes

Foundation Manager
Destinations International

As the Foundation Manager for Destinations International, Kelsey brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, event coordination, and relationship building to drive progress by supporting meaningful and sustainable initiatives within the travel and tourism industry. With a degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Texas Lutheran University, she has held integral positions at esteemed organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Motivated by a profound commitment to social justice, Kelsey is dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower communities and foster positive change. 

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Do you have additional instruments in your studio?

On our Duet Partner Facebook Group, we recently asked our teachers if they have additional instruments in their home, besides their primary one. From the comments, it seems that music teachers like instruments almost as much as they like music! Here are the instruments that were listed by our followers: Grand pianos, digital keyboards, Celtic harps, recorders, flutes, violins, bagpipe, guitars, ukeleles, xylophones, drums, tambourines, kazoos, upright pianos and cellos. What...





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What do teachers do during summer, and how do you handle summer downtime?

How do you handle the possibility of changing teaching schedules in your music studio during the summer months?





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ECB's Rehn: Rate cuts will depend on our overall assessment at each meeting

  • Euro area growth is projected to be sluggish
  • Sees downside risks to growth
  • Waiting on December projections for a better picture of where we stand

So far, he's not saying anything to jolt market pricing. And that's the other main consideration for any of their communications before making policy decisions. As such, a 25 bps rate cut in December remains the likeliest option at this stage. EUR/USD remains down 0.2% on the day at 1.0626 currently.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




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Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook

Fed's Waller is speaking but makes no comment on monetary or economic policy in his prepared remarks.

He does say:

  • private sector best suited to innovate on payment systems
  • Fed ready to support private innovation, mindful of financial stability.
  • Government should have clear objective when providing financial services.
  • There are times when government can address market inefficiencies
  • Still does not see case for Fed digital dollar

Perhaps he will comment on monetary policy/the economy in a Q&A later.

Looking ahead at

  • 10:15 AM ET, Richmond and President Barkin is speaking (he speaks at 5:30 PM ET as well).
  • 2 PM, Minneapolis Fed Pres. Kashkari speaking and at
  • 5 PM Philadelphia Fed Pres. Harker is scheduled to speak
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




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Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue

Comments from the Minneapolis Fed President in conversation with Yahoo Finance.

  • Contacts are optimistic
  • We have to wait and see what the new government policies are, we will have to wait and see
  • A one-time tariff increase in transitory but it can become tit-for-tat, right now we're all just guessing
  • Immigration could have a big effect but we will have to see what will happen
  • New lease inflation takes a couple years to work its way through
  • We have good confidence that the housing piece of inflation will get to normal levels, though it may take a year or two
  • The labor market has been surprisingly resilient, it's a good labor market
  • The economy looks like it's in a strong position
  • If we saw inflation surprise to the upside between now and December, that might give us pause
  • Probably not enough time for jobs to surprise on the upside
  • Productivity looks like it's been stronger, which could mean a higher neutral rate
  • If so, we may not cut as much
  • We all agree that we're above neutral now
  • The rise in long-term yields doesn't look like it's about long-term inflation expectations
  • I think we're modestly restrictive right now. I thought we were putting two feet on the brakes but in hindsight we were only putting one foot on the brake
  • My judgement is that we still have a long ways to go in shrinking the balance sheet
  • Ultimately the economy will guide us in terms of how far we need to cut rates

Kashkari is candid and is oftentimes dovish but he sounded less like someone who wants to keep on cutting. His comment about one foot on the brakes was helpful in illustrating how he sees the economy and rates. The interesting discussion is about neutral right now and how close the Fed wants to go. He also touched on a longer timeline to get inflation all the way back to 2% and that should keep the Fed in the high 3s assuming no sharp slowdown in the economy. Of course, the Fed curve is also pricing 3.80% as the terminal rate.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.




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TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – Road to a new all-time high?

Fundamental Overview

TSLA is now up more than 40% since the election day as the bullish momentum in the stock exploded following Trump’s victory. This shouldn’t be surprising given that Elon Musk bet big on Trump and the market is now rewarding it.

It looks like the US economy continues not only to do well but also re-accelerating amid the Fed’s easing and the expectations of expansionary fiscal policies like tax cuts and deregulation. Moreover, the manufacturing cycle might be in the early innings of a growth phase, so those are all positive macro factors for the stock.

Tesla, like Coinbase, Bitcoin and Dogecoin, have been the top beneficiaries of Trump’s victory given their direct connection to Trump. For now, there’s no real top in sight as we would likely need a contractionary monetary policy or a notable slowdown in the economy.

The risk going forward is the Fed. If the central bank starts to mention the need of more tightening, then we could see some big corrections in all risk assets. That day though looks to be at least a couple of months away for now.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – Daily Timeframe

On the daily chart, we can see that TSLA broke above the resistance zone around the 270.00 level and exploded higher as Trump’s victory became clear. The stock is now trading around the 359.00 level in pre-market. The target should be the all-time high around the 414.50 level but that doesn’t mean it cannot break through and reach new highs.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – 4 hour Timeframe

On the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have an upward trendline defining the current bullish momentum. That’s now far away from the current price and it’s unlikely that we will see a pullback into it in the near term unless we get a very hot US CPI report tomorrow.

If we do get there though, the buyers will likely lean on it to position for a rally into new highs, while the sellers will look for a break lower and below the previous resistance now turned support to increase the bearish bets into new lows.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – 1 hour Timeframe

On the 1 hour chart, we can see that we have another minor upward trendline defining the bullish momentum on this timeframe. The buyers will likely keep on bidding the stock up with a defined risk below the trendline, while the sellers will look for a break lower to start targeting a pullback into the next trendline.

Upcoming Catalysts

This week is a bit empty on the data front with the most important releases scheduled for the latter part of the week. Tomorrow, we have the US CPI report. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US Retail Sales data.

This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at www.forexlive.com.




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Natural gas: Eyeing extreme dip buying levels for generational gains.

Hello, this is Itai Levitan at ForexLive.com. Today, I’m diving into Natural Gas Futures (NG), which are trading around 2.92 as of yesterday's close. This analysis will be relevant to those of you looking at CFDs, futures themselves, or stocks related to natural gas. Here’s a detailed view of my approach:

Natural Gas Futures Overview

Currently, we’re seeing Natural Gas Futures in a significant channel on the weekly time frame. There’s potential for a bullish breakout from a large bull flag formation, highlighted by the recent piercing through the upper edge of this channel. However, we’re still in uncertain territory—it’s possible the price may reverse back down, retesting the flag before making any decisive move.

Dip Buying Extreme Targeting

I’m looking closely at the potential for an extreme dip buying opportunity in natural gas. When I say “extreme dip buying,” I’m talking about setting up a longer-term, strategic plan that goes beyond typical levels. Instead of just waiting for an undefined "deep drop," I'm identifying specific price levels that could offer remarkable buying opportunities if the market hits them.

Long-Term Support Levels to Watch

Here’s what I'm focusing on for a deeper dip buy:

  1. 1.612 (Low of 2016) – This level may present an attractive medium-term long position, suitable for swing trades.
  2. 1.44 (Low of 2020) – Similar to 1.612, this level could offer a profitable swing opportunity, though not necessarily for a prolonged hold.

While these are appealing points for shorter-term trades, I recommend partial profit-taking here to mitigate risk if the price reverses sharply.

Generational Low Opportunity at 1.25

For the patient, long-term investors, my primary area of interest lies around 1.25—the historic low from 1995, nearly 30 years ago. This level represents a “generational low,” providing a triple layer of support:

  • The lower bound of the channel.
  • The major, longer-term channel trendline.
  • The historic 1.25 support level from 1995.

If natural gas reaches this area, it could be a highly attractive long-term buy. I suggest setting several buy orders around 1.25 to capture a position here and holding for substantial potential upside. Patience will be key—having some trading capital reserved for this area could be a game-changing strategy.

The Ultimate Extreme at 1.04

If something drastic occurs and the price reaches 1.04, the all-time low from the 1990s, it would represent a multi-generational low. This level would likely attract significant buying interest from funds, institutions, and individual investors. Similar to the parity level we saw with EUR/USD, this psychological round number could spur major accumulation and serve as an unparalleled buying opportunity.

Summary and Final Thoughts on Natural Gas and Exteme Dip Buying

In summary:

  • Stay Patient: This strategy involves waiting for rare, extreme dip-buying levels.
  • Allocate Capital Strategically: Save some ammunition for these lower levels, where the upside potential is considerable.
  • Monitor Support Levels Closely: Levels like 1.25 and 1.04 represent deeply discounted entry points that could yield long-term gains.

Follow ForexLive.com for additional insights for investors and traders, and let’s keep an eye on these setups. Extreme opportunities don’t come often, so be prepared and thank me later!

This article was written by Itai Levitan at www.forexlive.com.




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AUDUSD falls to swing area low target ahead of the extreme low from last week. What next?

The AUDUSD has moved lower to a swing area low at 0.65357. The high of the swing area comes in at 0.65537. It would take a move above that level and then the 61.8% at 0.6575, to give the buyers more confidence and cause the sellers to have some cause for pause.

ON the downside, a break of 0.6535 would target the low from last weekend 0.6511. That is near the last two session lows going back to early August. oh below that level and traders look toward 0.6463 to 0.6486.

The price action last week in the AUDUSD was up and down with big moves in either direction.Through the first two days of this week, volatility is less, but the bias is more to the downside. That bias would be even more bearish if the 0.6535 level can be broken along with the low price from last week at 0.6511.

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AUD/USD Summary

The AUD/USD fell to a swing area low at 0.65357.

Key Points:

  1. Swing area: 0.65357 (low) - 0.65537 (high).

  2. Buyers need a break above 0.65537 and 0.6575 (61.8% level).

  3. Sellers target last weekend's low: 0.6511.

Outlook:

Bullish Scenario

Move above 0.65537 and 0.6575 boosts buyer confidence.

Bearish Scenario

Break below 0.6535 and 0.6511 confirms bearish bias, targeting 0.6463-0.6486.

Levels to Watch:

  • Resistance: 0.65537, 0.6575

  • Support: 0.65357, 0.6511, 0.6463-0.6486

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




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GBPUSD stretches toward 61.8% retracement

The USD is moving higher.

  • The EURUSD is against the 2024 low at 1.0600.
  • The USDJPY is trading to new highs and has entered into a swing area between 154.54 in 155.09. The high price last week reached 154.704 and is the next upside target.

For the GBPUSD it is trading to new lows and moving away from it's broken 200 day moving average at 1.28178 broken earlier today. A new low is being made as I type at 1.27347.

That low is just above the 61.8% retracement of the move up from the April 2024 low at 1.27322. Break below that retracement level and traders will be looking toward a swing area between 1.2665 and 1.2685 as seller add to their run to the downside.

If buyers lean against the retracement level and move higher, getting back above 1.2777 is needed for the buyers to have some comfort for more upside probing. Absent that and the sellers are more in control.

Ultimately, a move back above the 200-day moving average at 1.28178 is needed to scare the sellers into buying.

Sellers are pushing, but the 61.8% retracement is now in the way and being tested. Will profit takers enter here against the risk defining level or will the sellers make another push to the downside?

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.