Trade groups across all industries are monitoring the spread of swine flu and keeping members informed of developments, fearful that the threat of a pandemic will have a chilling effect on already faltering meeting attendance. “[We are] out there communicating with members … talking to the media and to the consumer press, trying to get the message out that this isn’t the time to panic,” said Joe McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, in an interview with CEO Update. On AHLA’s web site are facts about the disease—including a chart showing locations of confirmed swine flu cases—and links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… Read More