Experts
Stop Apologizing for Exhibitions
For years, the meetings and events industry has been peppered with cautious optimism: “Events are returning,” we said. “People still value face-to-face,” we reassured. “Hybrid isn’t replacing in-person,” we declared. Enough already.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
