lido , a Q & A and polling platform for events , announced in December that it was being acquired by Cisco .

Cisco is an IT , networking and cybersecurity company which owns the Cisco Webex platform – a video conferencing platform which is one of Zoom ’ s competitors in the virtual meetings space .

Cisco Webex had nearly 600 million participants in October 2020 , almost double the number it had in March 2020 . The company is looking to expand the platform with the acquisition of Slido , adding the company ’ s Q & A and polling functionality .

The acquisition had not yet been completed at time of going to press and financial terms have not been disclosed .

In a statement , Slido said it was “ excited ” to further its shared vision with Cisco of “ transforming the virtual meetings experience and making sure everyone ’ s voice gets heard .”

Slido CEO Peter Komornik added : “ We believe that the way we work has changed forever . In the years to come , much of our work will happen on video calls and virtual meetings . We realised that if we want to impact millions of lives for the better and truly transform how

“ We are going to enable companies around the world that have traditionally relied on in-person events to make sure everyone is engaged and included .”

meetings and events are run around the world , we will need a strong partner .

“ Therefore , we are excited to join Cisco once the acquisition is complete . We can ’ t wait to start working together to help them transform the virtual meetings experience .”

Abhay Kulkarni , VP / GM , Webex Meetings , said of the acquisition : “ With Slido ’ s technology , Cisco will integrate even more insights into the Webex platform to help everyone work smarter and be more productive whenever and wherever work happens .

“ We are going to enable companies around the world that have traditionally relied on in-person events like town halls , all-hands meetings and major user conferences , to make sure everyone is engaged and included .”

Left : Peter Komornik

t its recent annual partner conference , explore ’ 20 , Expedia Group revealed half of travellers surveyed were ‘ optimistic ’ and even ‘ excited ’ about taking a trip in 2021 .

The research from Expedia Group Media Solutions explored the key considerations shaping travel decisions in 2021 and indicated that travellers need reassurance in critical areas such as flexibility , cleanliness , and communication .

The research illustrated that , although consumer confidence in travel varied by country and generation , the importance of hygiene measures , flexibility , and financial peace of mind is universal .

Three-quarters of travellers said measures such as mask enforcement , contactless services , and flexibility , including easy refunds or cancellation policies , would inform their decision on where to visit on their next trip .

Globally , two-thirds of travellers said they had had a planned trip abroad cancelled due to Covid-19 and only a third have taken a trip during the pandemic .

Monya Mandich , vice-president of global marketing , Expedia Group Media Solutions , commented : “ As the world keeps a watchful eye on vaccine news , and people continue to crave a change of scenery or opportunity to catch up with loved ones , we know the pent-up demand for travel will grow .

“ Covid-19 has driven a seismic shift in traveller preferences and influences , and understanding these changes is critical to recovery efforts and future marketing strategies . The new research provides insights into the steps travel brands can take to reassure and connect with travellers as they begin researching , planning and booking again .”