For a convention facility to continue hosting events during COVID-19 requires adaptability and understanding the importance of guests’ safety.  Rita Harrell, a veteran in sales and the hospitality industry shares her effective booking strategy.  Learn how to communicate with planners that require face-to-face events during a pandemic, when a hybrid conference, trade show, or event is not an option.  Harrell shares that phone calls (verbal communication) made to planners led to her listening and understanding each group’s specific needs.  As you listen, it becomes apparent that to keep the convention industry moving forward, it is essential to collaborate more than ever, use creativity, and think positively while exploring ways to operate safely.  Currently, Harrell has booked 10 competition sporting events to fill the dates of the postponed trade shows or conventions, with re-bookings in the works.