Monday Buzz: Airport Security Gets Charged Up

If you’re flying into the United States from an international airport, charge your devices first.

That’s the guidance the Transportation Security Administration is offering travelers in response to a potential security threat involving al-Qaida affiliates in Yemen and Syria. The concern, according to a NBC News report  (opens in a new tab), is that an uncharged device may be used as a bomb.

“As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers,” TSA said in a statement Sunday  (opens in a new tab). “During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cellphones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.”

The new rules, which will be in effect at some international airports, run the gamut from smartphones to laptops, so it might be a good idea to get everything charged before the flight—and expect an added wait due to the additional security checks.

An Evolving Line of SITE

SITE changes name to Society for Incentive Travel Excellence http://t.co/9X14ZvPc8w  (opens in a new tab) #eventprofs  (opens in a new tab) @SiteGlobal  (opens in a new tab)

— C&IT (@CITmagazine) July 6, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

They’re keeping the acronym, but changing its meaning.

Last week, SITE (which launched in 1973 as the Society of Incentive Travel Executives) announced that its name was changing to Society for Incentive Travel Excellence. It’s a small change, but one the association says it needs to make to expand its reach.

“We have listened to the membership and will continue to react to the changes and demands of our industry, as well as member expectations,” SITE President Paul Miller said in a statement to Conference & Incentive Travel  (opens in a new tab). “These subtle but necessary changes in the SITE name and word mark pave the way to building a more robust global community, which will help us achieve our goals and aspirations.”

The association also simplified some of its other branding, including dropping the word “international” from the name of its SITE Foundation, due to the organization’s already-international reach. (ht @CITmagazine  (opens in a new tab))

Other good reads

Is your pinky the part of your hand that keeps your smartphone in business? Mashable argues yes  (opens in a new tab).

Traveling to Nashville for ASAE 2014? As part of her ongoing preconference series, Deirdre Reid talks up the city’s ample tourism opportunities  (opens in a new tab).

According to CMS Wire‘s Scott Raynovich, there’s nothing stopping you from telecommuting from Montana  (opens in a new tab) … well, except maybe your boss.

We get too many emails, sure, but some are worth the digital ink. Over at Inc.com, Michael Fertik breaks down the six most effective types of email messages  (opens in a new tab).

(Eyecandy images/Thinkstock)