Industry
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.
MGM and Marriott Offer Planners and Attendees Dual Loyalty Perks
MGM Resorts and Marriott International have added powerful new incentives for those booking meetings and events across Las Vegas and beyond. Under the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy umbrella, the two hospitality giants are rolling out expanded loyalty benefits designed to reward both planners and attendees—a rare dual-track approach in the industry.
AI Arrives to Streamline Event Contracts
The often-clogged arteries of commerce – contracts – are about to get a high-tech intervention. Docusign, a leader in the digital signatures space, is stepping into the age of artificial intelligence, unveiling a suite of "AI contract agents"
Balloon Payments
The recently released Global DMC Partners (GDP) Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, finds that budgets have tightened in 2025. Downward trending budgets and rising costs is one of the key challenges facing the industry this year.
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.
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025
On Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025, April 3rd, the industry celebrated with a global movement highlighting the impact of meetings, trade shows, conferences, and events, featuring events, open houses, and advocacy efforts across six continents.
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.
Turning the Skies into a Mobile Meeting Room
For meeting and event planners, the challenge of keeping attendees connected and productive during travel has long been a hurdle. United Airlines (UA) is poised to revolutionize this aspect of event planning with its rapid rollout of Starlink WiFi, promising to transform the in-flight experience.
REAL ID Requirement: What Meeting & Event Planners Need to Know
Starting May 2025, it’s REAL ID or go home for domestic flights As a meeting or event planner, ensuring a seamless travel experience for your attendees is crucial. One major upcoming change could impact domestic travelers heading to your events: starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. airline passengers aged 18 and older will be required […]
