PRESENTS
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From Le Devoir: Cities are fighting over international conferences, whose economic benefits and influence are the stuff of dreams. In Canada and Quebec, organizations support municipalities and institutions that are trying to secure such events. In April 2024, the teams from Tourisme Montréal and the Palais des congrès de Montréal created the Collectif Savoir, whose…
From Skift Meetings: A growing wave of meeting cancellations signals trouble for the business events industry. Providence is one destination already feeling the impact. The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island received its first business meeting cancellation on January 27. The conference, focused on renewable offshore wind energy, included 3,300 room nights…
From Boardroom: Glasgow has reinforced its position as a leader in purpose-driven conferences with the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN) marking a successful first year. Launched in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the initiative has created new collaboration among local stakeholders to ensure conferences leave a lasting legacy. Over the past…
A Reflection on the role of IBTM World in the supporting cast of Business Events: IBTM World has always been a crucial indicator of success within the Business Events Sector. The 2024 edition validated post-pandemic barometer with a notable 15% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. The Significance of IBTM World Presenting a flagship global event…
The Meeting Room Podcast, by Northstar: What’s next for DEI now Trump is back in the White House? Will 2025 be the year AI comes of age? Who’s getting a budget increase and who’s missing out? Join Holly Patrick and James Lancaster as they discuss what 2025 has in store for event professionals.
From Skift Meetings: The National Institutes of Health, a linchpin of global biomedical research, has abruptly canceled its meetings, raising alarm across the medical meetings industry. As the new administration exerts its influence, planners grapple with uncertainty. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S.’s largest research agency, has canceled dozens of meetings under new…
From Destinations International: Destination Vancouver is a non-profit, member-based destination marketing and management organization that promotes the spectacular city of Vancouver, British Columbia, as a premier travel destination. We support Vancouver’s tourism industry through marketing initiatives, event support, and partnerships with local businesses and institutions to attract visitors from around the world with a mission…
From PCMA: Neil Brownlee, head of business events at VisitScotland and chair of the 2025 PCMA Board of Directors and Trustees, talks about how he thinks his perspective as the board’s first non-North American chair will help set the association up for future growth. Neil Brownlee attended his first Convening Leaders in 2011 in Las…
From Exhibition News: For the hottest buzzword in the industry, very little is understood about data. At the recent IBTM World show in Barcelona, there was scarcely a session that didn’t mention its importance. Vice-president of European sales at Cvent Jamie Vaughan went so far as to say: “An event planner without data is just…
From Fortune: Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa PLC, says he violated a key tenet of his industry by speaking at a recent conference held in Saudi Arabia. Informa, based in the U.K., produces exhibitions and live events, and it works best when it’s in the background. “Our job, as someone said to me many years…
In Barcelona, Chief Strategy Officer at MCI Group, Oscar Cerazales, was put on notice by son Albert Cerazales-Garcia that organisations need to adapt to the generational demands of Millennials and Gen Z or face irrelevance. A compelling session hosted by Cerazales-Garcia and moderated by the impressive Group Learning & Development Director of MCI Group, Avinash…
From M&C Asia: In today’s business event landscape, the most impactful gatherings are those that reach beyond traditional knowledge-sharing and networking to create meaningful and lasting change. MICE planners are now shifting their focus to extend event impacts far beyond the conference walls, creating positive effects on host communities, destinations, and society at large. According…
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From Skift Meetings: Federal layoffs are sending shockwaves through the government meetings sector, leading to widespread event cancellations and millions in lost hotel revenue. The ripple effects extend beyond hotels to meeting planners, sourcing companies, and event tech firms who rely on steady government business. Brett Sterenson, president of Hotel Lobbyists, a site-selection company that…
From Dubai World Trade Centre: Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa Group, today announced a strategic venture to create a truly global powerhouse in Exhibitions and Event Management, operating out of the Middle East – South Asia – Africa regions. This partnership between two commercial equals with highly complementary assets and capabilities drives the creation…
From Skift Meetings: The Trump administration’s new tariffs and government travel restrictions are dealing a blow to cross-border business events. With US delegate attendance declining and high-profile cancellations like Canada House at SXSW, the industry faces mounting challenges. “I have had one client try to cancel their leadership summit in Chicago, one client who is…
From Boardroom: Turisme de Barcelona has officially unveiled its Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) Legacy Programme, a strategic initiative designed to amplify the positive impact of congresses and events held in the city, extending their benefits far beyond their duration. As explained by BCB’s director, Christoph Tessmar, “the point is to generate an impact that has…
From BBC: As the new US president makes massive governmental cuts, issues tariffs and leads an immigration crackdown, domestic and international tourism faces unprecedented changes. In the United States, a new presidential administration always comes with policy shifts. But the dizzying speed with which President Donald Trump has issued executive orders and made sweeping federal…
From AMI: Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney, and Gary Grimmer, chair of GainingEdge, have been recognised with the inaugural Iceberg Excellence Awards for Advocacy of the Business & Professional Events Sector. Presented at the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Exhibition (AIME) Leaders Forum, the awards celebrate their outstanding contributions to repositioning…
From Destination Canada: Destination Canada has released a first-of-its-kind measurement tool that looks beyond traditional metrics like visitor spending and arrivals to assess the comprehensive benefits tourism brings to Canadians. Tourism’s Wealth & Wellbeing Index highlights the sector’s role in empowering communities, preserving culture, protecting Canada’s natural assets, and driving economic growth – demonstrating tourism’s…
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the unified advocacy voice of the business events industry, announced that its 2025 Legislative Action Day will take place in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 29, 2025. ECA’s 2025 Legislative Action Day will bring leaders and advocates from across the business and professional events industry to Capitol Hill in…
From HNR: When countries clash over commerce, the hospitality industry often bears the impact: operating costs rise, pricing strategies shift, and travel patterns change. For travelers and hoteliers, the stakes are significant: trade disputes don’t just raise hotel costs, they can also influence cross-border travel patterns and revenue optimization strategies. Economists note that tariffs heighten…
One of the final acts of impact aficionado at VISITFLANDERS, Gemmeke de Jongh, saw the unveiling of the organisation’s Impact Framework & Methodology in Bruges, Belgium, applied to the 36th edition of the European Academy of Childhood Disability Annual Meeting last year. The President of the meeting, Elegast Monbalin, joined IMPACT DAY – a gathering…
From Business Events Wellington: Business Events Wellington (BEW) has celebrated the first year of its Legacy Programme with 12 conferences delivering new career pathways, new regulations and new investment opportunities for Wellington and New Zealand in the past 12 months. BEW Manager Irette Ferreira says the aim of the Legacy Programme is to achieve both…
A Year of Legacy-Building Initiatives: Glasgow has cemented its reputation as a global leader in creating purpose-driven conferences, with the Glasgow Convention Bureau delivering an exceptional year of impact through the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN). Launched in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the network fosters collaboration among local stakeholders to…
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From Edinburgh International Conference Centre: The EICC was proud to host the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) 36th Conference, a landmark event that brought a global audience together to tackle HPV-related diseases. Through ongoing education and outreach, the committee is dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy on public health. Alongside the conference the Society created a…
A Gathering of Minds to Combat Dementia: Today, over 944,000 individuals in the UK suffer from dementia. By 2040, this number is projected to exceed 1.4 million, according to Dr. Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the foremost charity in the UK dedicated to revolutionising the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer’s…
The 15th ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting was the Society’s first meeting on the African continent, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 1), South Africa, from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 October 2023. At this meeting, world experts in hip preservation came together to share latest experiences and research with one another,…
From ICC Sydney: Following a bumper year of business events, the ICC Sydney team is proud to share our 2024 case studies, featuring diverse conferences, exhibitions, banquets, and entertainment events. It’s been a pleasure working with our clients to make a difference, by delivering extraordinary experiences that have entertained, educated and helped to drive change…
The library of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balai Ringin (Balai Ringin Secondary School) was given a new lease of life with a donation of 2,000 books by BESarawak and the organising committee of the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration. Two years ago, an explosion destroyed the school’s library, leaving students without access to essential…
From BestCities: Discover how the International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) used its 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town to tackle regional healthcare challenges. From groundbreaking collaborations to transformative initiatives, this event set a new standard for legacy-driven impact. Why Cape Town Was the Perfect Host The International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA)…
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From ASAE: A new pulse survey conducted by ASAE reveals that many associations are experiencing financial strain, operational disruptions and strategic uncertainties in the current political and regulatory environment. These findings highlight the complex and evolving landscape that associations must navigate as they continue to serve their industries and professions. The pulse survey, launched earlier…
From IMEX: In a world of growing social disconnection, events have the power to do more than just bring people together – they can heal, inspire, and transform. Our latest report The power of experiences: Redesigning events for human connection, reveals how event professionals can create experiences that foster trust, engagement, and well-being. Backed by…
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition, and standards, today released its Futures Landscape Report 2025 examining the issues likely to shape the global business events industry in the years to come. The final report draws from a series of “Think Tank” workshops where…
From UFI: Welcome to the 34th edition of the “UFI Global Exhibition Barometer” survey. This study is based on a global survey concluded in January 2025. It represents up-to-date information on the status and outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 19 specific markets and regions. The UFI Global Exhibition Barometer was…
The first phase of ChristchurchNZ’s three-year research program—The Conference Legacy Project—has revealed the positive impacts of four international conferences held in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2024. Kath Low, Head of Visitor Economy, ChristchurchNZ presented the findings today (11 February) at AIME 2025 in Melbourne. Internationally-recognised business events researcher, Carmel Foley, Professor of Business Events at…
From significant economic contributions, to community engagement and sector growth, to education, trade and investment; business events create real change and lasting legacies for Victoria. The informative and comprehensive report features case studies from business events in Melbourne over the past decade, demonstrating the many ways in which these events have contributed to the Victorian…
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Well, if you’ve travelled through a record-breaking extratropical cyclone to get to the BestCities global craic in Dublin, hosted by Convention Bureau chief Sam Johnston, why wouldn’t you?! The 2025 edition of the BestCities Global Forum in the Irish capital did indeed feature both pubs and the greatest of craics, amid which the Director at…
From Skift Meetings: As policy shifts create challenges for business events, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange, has voiced her concerns on LinkedIn. The industry response she has received highlights the need for advocacy to protect in-person gatherings. In a post on LinkedIn, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), warns…
From TSNN, by Tommy Goodwin: Since taking office in January, one of President Donald Trump’s key initiatives has focused on making the U.S. federal government more cost efficient. One recent executive order calls for federal agencies to create a system “that centrally records approval for federally funded travel for conferences and other non-essential purposes.” While…
From ASE News: The Positive Impact of Business Events Report is an overview of the immense value that business events deliver. From significant economic contributions, to community engagement and sector growth, to education, trade and investment; business events create real change and lasting legacies for Victoria. The informative and comprehensive report features case studies from…
By Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group: Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us our blind spots. And sometimes it takes circumstances. I remember about 8 years ago every business newsletter I read invited me to intentionally disrupt my company as a path to profit and growth. It’s easier said than done. A few years…
By Kai Hattendorf | Business Transformation, Global Advocacy, Association Management: What is the one thing every event professional bemoans regularly? Right: “NOBODY understands what we are actually doing.” This is why advocacy for our sector matters. So, this week, let’s look at the one document empowering us to change that – giving us a…
From TravelMole: Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, discussed the growing complexities of global tourism, such as over-tourism and responsible tourism practices. He highlighted the success of a recent global event in Dublin, which brought together destination marketing organizations (DMOs) from across the world to collaborate and exchange solutions. Welsh also talked about…
From Skift Meetings: Liz Irving’s journey to CEO of Clarion Events North America proves that sometimes the best career moves start with saying “yes” to the jobs nobody else wants. In a candid interview, Irving dishes on leadership, vulnerability as a superpower, and why you should never wait for permission to speak. At the end…
Boardroom sat down with Caroline Mackenzie from ISHA – The Hip Preservation Society, to discuss the association’s mission and its groundbreaking 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town. The event, which won the ABPCO Best International Conference Award – sponsored by Boardroom Magazine – set new standards in scientific excellence, sustainability, and long-term impact.
From SoolNua, by Pádraic Gilligan: Over the past decade, the global business events industry has been marching—sometimes steadily, sometimes hesitantly—to a shifting rhythm. Initially, the beat was set by sustainability, and more recently, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities, with a particular emphasis on DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging). I say “hesitantly” because…
Hattendorf signs off – for now: From the IBTM Forum for Advocacy in Barcelona to his final edition as chief executive of the UFI Annual Congress held in Cologne, Kai Hattendorf shares his reflections on ten years at the global exhibitions industry association helm, seven of which featured as a board member of the Joint…
With the arrival of a new year comes a pivotal moment – one charged with possibilities, challenges, and our collective commitment to driving progress as a dynamic and resilient community. If we reflect on the past year, we see that the global economic landscape remains complex and uncertain. Economic slowdowns in key markets, such as…
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The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program specifically serving the needs of international convention centre managers! Designed to address the critical need for centres to maintain fully qualified staff in a highly competitive industry, the AIPC Academy provides a targeted, cost effective form of training and development along with the means to…
The Business of Events (BOE) 2025 converges the dual pillars of leadership within an intergenerational workforce: mastery and intellectual prowess. Building on BOE 2024’s exploration of the duality between Unlearning and Relearning, BOE 2025 unites experienced and emerging leaders for real-time discussions. Participants will delve into crucial dualities — Skill and Strategy, IQ and EQ,…
The UFI Food & Beverage Experience aims to equip exhibition professionals with the food and beverage trends and innovative catering solutions for delivering exceptional client experiences. As the industry faces increasing pressure to meet evolving client expectations, this will serve as a vital source of inspiration and practical insights. By fostering connections between catering partners,…
At IMEX you can enjoy expert education, explore the latest event trends and experience your most productive days of the year. Whether you’re an events newbie or a pro (or anything in between), IMEX is exactly where you need to be. Discover 200 free education sessions at IMEX Frankfurt. More information coming soon in 2025.
The third edition of ETOA and City Destinations Alliance’s B2B workshop, Destinations Exchange Europe, will take place in London on June 2-3, 2025. This B2B event offers a dynamic blend of commercially driven meetings, insightful knowledge sessions, and valuable opportunities to discuss product development and operational challenges. 28 pre-scheduled B2B business meeting slots to meet…
Our lineup is all about igniting ideas, creating breakthroughs, and shaping the future of the meetings, events and incentives world, so come and share your game-changing ideas and insights with our global audience of corporate, agency and association planners. With C-suite executives through to those just beginning their event professional journey, and your expertise will…
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
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Join your industry colleagues at CEO Summit and learn how to navigate and overcome the complexities of your role. You will hear from thought leaders about the areas that stand out in our industry as topics to discuss in-depth in order to come up with strategies and solutions. Enjoy and learn from inspirational conversations with…
City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) is a knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban areas. With a holistic approach, our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish. We are open and visionary, and want to inspire. We believe in sharing, and see our alliance as a community, a family, where we all work together….
TMS APAC is the ultimate business platform for MICE professionals, featuring global destinations, venues, hotels, and other key MICE suppliers. Powered by an exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme, the event brings senior decision-makers in meetings, conventions, events, and incentives to a dynamic tradeshow floor. With a seamless pre-scheduled meetings platform, attendees can connect directly with top…
Destination West enables attendees to experience firsthand the most desirable destinations, hotels and activities for successful meetings, while making invaluable business connections. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive magazine. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education specific…
Registration is OPEN for the 2025 UFI MEA Conference! Join us for the most important gathering of exhibition industry leaders in the MEA region, hosted by the EECA Authority at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. Egypt offers substantial business opportunities in the exhibition industry, positioning itself as a regional hub for trade and…
Immerse yourself in an inspiring environment surrounded by passionate professionals who share your same challenges and goals; boosting economic development and knowledge transfer. Build connections in emerging and non-emerging sectors, expand your network of contacts in a multi-sector way. Go beyond traditional connections and immerse yourself in a universe of business relationships.
At the occasion of IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the CityDNA Meetings Industry Knowledge Group would like to invite you and your colleagues from the Convention Bureau to attend a session specifically curated to exchange and discuss current challenges amongst peers. This CVB Café will take place on Monday, May 19. More info in the beginning of…
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Matt is the CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media & Events. Talk2 ME owns and runs a variety of trade and consumer exhibitions throughout Australia. Every year Talk2 ME works with some of Australia’s best brands as partners on exhibitions that attract almost 200,000 highly engaged visitors through their doors. Talk2 Media & Events was…
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Natalie O’Brien AM is Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), where she is responsible for the strategic direction of the business. She also has oversight of planning and future operation of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, opening in 2026. Natalie is a former CEO of Food + Wine Victoria, producers…
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Born in Toronto, Canada, Greg has divided his life between living in Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. More than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Greg has spent time in Management of a high-end independent mountain resort property (The Rimrock Resort), Hyatt Hotels and the Intercontinental group before moving over to convention centres. Greg had the…
Jennifer Jensen is a passionate advocate for sustainable events, with over 20 years of experience in the events and tourism industry. Based in her hometown of Liverpool, she brings a wealth of expertise gained from working in both London and Liverpool, with extensive experience across venues, convention bureaus, and event management. Her diverse background provides…
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Stephanie Lynch is a results-driven event professional with a proven track record of creating impactful experiences and driving measurable success. With over eight years at Explore Edmonton, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated her expertise in event strategy, economic impact maximization, and stakeholder collaboration. Currently serving her second term as Chair of the International Congress and Convention…
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Sherrif Karamat, CAE, is President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA, the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Karamat leads the vision, mission and promise for PCMA’s global family of brands. He is a prominent business architect, enabling communities to become…
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As Head of Advocacy & Industry Relations, Natasha oversees all industry partnerships, sponsorships, pan-industry initiatives and strategic alliances for the IMEX Group. Natasha plays a key part in business events industry advocacy efforts on behalf of the IMEX Group including the prestigious IMEX Policy Forum. In this capacity she is responsible for bringing together national…
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For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, corporations and associations step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and regenerative practices. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow…
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Amelia is a pioneer of BESarawak with over 21 years of branding, marketing and PR experience whose career in the sector began as a sales coordinator. Within 12 years, she helms the organisation as a CEO. Coming from the indigenous Bidayuh tribe of Sarawak, she is passionate about developing her homeland and providing opportunities for…
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Loren Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in Tourism & Hospitality to his role as Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance. He held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17 year career with them including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the…
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With more than 20 years’ experience in the meetings industry, Bettina has extensive knowledge on working with association congresses and in creating close collaboration between associations, academia, organisations, companies and government. AMCs in attracting international association congresses, meetings and exhibitions to Copenhagen. In her last 7 years as Deputy in the Convention department and Head…
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Peirui joined UFI as the Programme Manager for Advocacy and Alliances in 2023. In this role, she collaborates with UFI members and partners to advance advocacy initiatives for the exhibitions industry globally. A Singaporean based in Frankfurt, Peirui brings over 20 years of international experience to her position. She has previously worked with the Singapore…
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