Event Industry Updates

No More Free Bags on Southwest Airlines?

US Event Photos — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 21:06:36 +0000

Join US Event Photos Host Mike Gatty as he explains the convoluted and complicated new baggage policies at Southwest Airlines. Have base fares gotten cheaper with the new policies? Well, no. Who still gets free baggage? Well, that answer might surprise you. My Office at 35,000 is a quick look at trends in the travel industry, for people who want to travel just a bit better.

Hotels in 2024: Less for More

US Event Photos — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 21:33:20 +0000

Why are hotel prices so expensive and perks so few? Take an in-depth look at one generic Marriott Hotel stay with US Event Photos lead photographer (and travel host) Mike Gatty. Hotel rates are up 20%, services are down. Fees — like parking — are added on. Restaurants remain limited. In-room amenities are lacking. Why has travel become worse in 2024?

Flying Same Day Change on Southwest Airlines

US Event Photos — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:41:12 +0000

Join LGBTQ travel guru Mike Gatty on his journey through the LUV Airline -- Southwest Air. This four minute look at flying Same Day Change will make your travel easier -- and save you money. Mike is a road warrior, flying about 70 flights on the airline each year -- he holds both A-list preferred status, and a companion pass. A companion episode to Flying Same Day Standby, don't book your flight without brushing up on these tips and hacks.

Flying Same Day Standby on Southwest

US Event Photos — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 19:20:37 +0000

Join road warrior Mike Gatty as he explains the ins and outs of Same Day Standby on Southwest Airlines. They've recently updated their policies, so get up to date on their new rules. Use standby to fly better, get to your destination faster, and to hack the four hour rule at TSA. Learn tips and tricks not discussed any where else -- all in under four minutes.

Picking the Perfect Flight, Part 1

US Event Photos — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:30:17 +0000

Join host Mike Gatty on a quick 4 minute tour on how to pick the perfect flight for your next trip.

Airline Lost Luggage: Prevention and What to Do

US Event Photos — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:54:17 +0000

Join Mike Gatty as he explores how to prevent -- and what to do if -- the airline mishandles your luggage. Lost luggage is the bane of every traveler, but here are practical tips and tricks you can do to help yourself arrive with your bags. Mike is a travel expert, flying roughly 75 flights a year with 300lbs of equipment in 4 large cases, he knows a thing or two about baggage.

What to Do if Your Flight is Cancelled

US Event Photos — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 21:00:36 +0000

A three minute explanation telling you what to do if your flight is cancelled. Join US Event Photos lead photographer Mike Gatty -- who flies about 75 flights a year -- as he explains the best actions to take if your flight is cancelled.

My Office at 35,000 Feet Introduction

US Event Photos — Sat, 21 May 2022 02:07:29 +0000

Join US Event Photos host and lead photographer Mike Gatty as he takes a quick peek at life on the road as an event professional. Mike travels about 80 flights a year, and stays in a hotel about 1/3 of his life. Join him as he shares his best tricks to save money, score better rooms, and travel well.

IS IT OVER? How COVID Continues to impact events

US Event Photos — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 21:49:17 +0000

With OMICRON infection rates plummeting across the country, US Event Photos Lead Photographer Mike Gatty takes a look at the event industry and travel across the country. Live from Greenville, SC and Bassmasters 2022, Mike explores how COVID continues to impact events and travel as we move into a new phase of the pandemic.

Omicron Testing Alert!

US Event Photos — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:54:24 +0000

According to the LA Times, it is possible to be infections with OMICRON before testing positive for the virus. Event planners should not rely solely on negative PCR or Lateral Flow testing to keep attendees safe. Mike also takes a look at isolation periods after testing positive.

Covid and Events: Omicron Silver Lining?

US Event Photos — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 22:05:18 +0000

Host Mike Gatty examines the OMICRON variant, and what less severe illness, lower death rates — but a more transmissible virus — might mean for event planning in early 2022.

Covid and Events: OMICRON PANIC

US Event Photos — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:02:48 +0000

As the Omicron variant sweeps the world, travel and events went into meltdown. Then, the data started coming in and cooler heads are prevailing.

How Much (Vaccine) is enough?

US Event Photos — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 21:35:24 +0000

This week, Mike examines what our vaccination rate should be to prevent infection surges and runaway infections.

Covid and Events: Case Climb Benign?

US Event Photos — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 19:57:01 +0000

While cases rose 10% in the United States over the past two weeks, hospitalizations remain steady. Mike examines if we’re moving into a new phase of the pandemic, where higher case numbers reflect less severe illness and may result in fewer future disruptions to events and event planning.

COVID and Events: Health Protocols Disconnect

US Event Photos — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 20:28:27 +0000

Mike explores why event participation remains dramatically soft in the last months of 2021 — and a disconnect between the health protocols event goers expect, and what event planners want to require.

Covid & Events Episode 4

US Event Photos — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:53:11 +0000

Mike examines the recent rise in COVID cases in California and what that may mean for events; loosening of restrictions on international travel.

Covid and Events Episode 3

US Event Photos — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:39:11 +0000

Live from Santa Clara, CA US Event Photos Lead Photographer Mike Gatty tackles event attendance and business travel as we return to life on the road. Mike’s unique perspective brings facts into sharp focus for these short broadcasts, and supports Mike’s own perspectives as he gives his take on what to expect in the event industry for Q4 of 2021 and heading into 2022.

COVID and Events Episode 1

US Event Photos — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:33:12 +0000

Join US Event Photos lead photographer Mike Gatty in a new series detailing what’s happening in the live event industry. This first short episode examines events, COVID, DELTA and what to expect in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022. If you are an event planner or other event professional, these insights by an industry insider shouldn’t be missed!

COVID and Events Episode 2

US Event Photos — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:15:20 +0000

Live from Atlanta, Mike explores whether asking event participants for proof of vaccine violates HIPPA laws.