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Experts

One Month Into REAL ID

It’s been just over a month since the REAL ID Act finally took flight—literally. For the meetings and events industry, the ripple effects have been swift, sometimes jarring, and surprisingly revealing.

Experts

When the World Shifts, So Must We

A recent study by The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), reveals a sobering reality: 88% of associations believe geopolitical instability will impact their operations — and 85% say it already has.

Experts

Border Wars

Is international travel to the United States really in free fall? For the meetings and events industry—an ecosystem that thrives on international collaboration and cross-border attendance—the answer isn’t just academic. It’s existential.

Experts

Stage Presence

Regional theaters around the country might be an inexpensive source of on-site entertainment for meetings and events. For example, instead of a generic awards dinner, your attendees could enjoy a bespoke performance by a local company, tailored to your event's theme.

Experts

Navigating the Shifting Sands

The current climate, marked by evolving policies and a dynamic communication landscape, presents a unique set of challenges for meeting and event planners. Much like brands navigating executive orders, meeting professionals must learn to maneuver through uncertainty.

Experts

What this Year’s Oscars Teach Us About Hiring Speakers

When planning an event, securing a compelling speaker is paramount. Yet, the allure of "authenticity" often leads planners astray. Picture Adrien Brody at the Oscars, his spontaneous gum toss is a stark reminder that unfiltered self-expression, while perhaps memorable, isn't always professional.

Experts

Art of the Deal?

Recent events, such as the Trump administration's tariff policies for Canada, Mexico, and China, and the meeting between President Trump and Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, provide valuable lessons for meeting and event planners.

Experts

Forget Spreadsheets

The meeting and event planning landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days of clunky spreadsheets and paper forms. In their place? Sleek, powerful event registration technology that's changing the game for planners and attendees alike.

Experts

The Fantasy Economy

Experiences are taking center stage as the most coveted form of employee incentive. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend where fantasy, escapism, and immersive experiences are increasingly valued.

Experts

New Year, New Resolutions

If you're having trouble coming up with some New Year resolutions on your own, I've taken the liberty of coming up with a few resolutions I think meeting and event planners should commit to in 2025. Feel free to adopt them.