Category: News
The Power of Ambassador Programmes: Stimulating Societal Value
Ireland celebrated the success of 109 Conference Ambassadors at the most recent CARA (Conference Ambassadors Recognition Awards) gala evening in Dublin, recognising academics and business leaders who were responsible for attracting major international association conferences to the country during the years 2023 and 2024. Highlights of the evening were two Spotlight Awards, for Sustainability and…
AIME 2026: Where Conversations Catalyse Impact
From its pioneering beginnings in 1983 to a world-class event hosting thousands, AIME has grown into a powerhouse for connection and collaboration. AIME 2026 brought together industry leaders, associations, and innovators to spark over 25,000 meaningful conversations in just two days. Beyond meetings, it is a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and economic growth—driving opportunities across…
Behind the Blind Spot
Copenhagen Convention Bureau is collaborating with FERMA (Federation of European Risk Management Associations) and RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) on analysis and solutions to risk in the business events world. Copenhagen Risk Navigator reveals a consistent “Blind Spot” paradox between high-priority leadership awareness and a disconnect with the realities of event planning and preparation.
Airline Hedging Strategies Fall Short as Jet Fuel Price Surges
Oil prices have surged since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, but airlines face an additional threat: the price of jet fuel has risen far faster than crude oil. Even those using hedging contracts to protect against sudden spikes in oil prices are announcing fare hikes, fuel surcharges and capacity cuts. From Reuters…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Launches ECA 2.0
ECA announces a new era of advocacy, engagement and growth with a range of new tools, services and activities, and names Tommy Goodwin as President and CEO. Building on ECA’s success over the past five years, ECA 2.0 represents the next phase of growth as ECA deepens its advocacy work, and introduces new opportunities…
ICCA Welcomes Alexander Alles as Senior Director Advocacy and Sustainability
ICCA is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and advocacy with the appointment of Alexander Alles as Senior Director, Advocacy and Sustainability. Alles, who previously served as Executive Director of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, will join the ICCA team effective 1 April as part of ICCA’s ongoing efforts to advance these two core strategic pillars.
A First Look at IMEX Frankfurt Education Program
From Boardroom: The first details of the IMEX Frankfurt education program reveal a learning lineup designed to meet the industry exactly where it is today—and where it’s poised to thrive in the future. The program is rooted in real-world examples and shaped by the here and now, as IMEX’s Head of Programming explains…
F1’s Likely April Cancellations: A Major Warning for Middle East Events
As the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 races face likely cancellation, the fallout is highlighting broader risk for live events across the region as trade shows, conferences, and corporate gatherings prepare for the post-Ramadan business rebound. The conflict is causing the most significant disruption in the Middle East since the Covid-19 pandemic. From Skift Meetings…
Middle East Crisis Threatens Abu Dhabi Attractions Expo
Regional instability is rippling across the global events industry, forcing organizers to make high-stakes calls with little certainty. Airspace shutdowns and safety advisories are prompting cancellations and postponements across the Gulf and casting doubt over upcoming trade shows, including IAAPA Expo Middle East, scheduled for 31 Mar–02 Apr in Abu Dhabi. From Skift Meetings…
The Economic Impact of Fira de Barcelona’s Activity Exceeds €6.1bn
A study by the Barcelona Institute of Economics reveals that Fira de Barcelona generates over 49,000 jobs, contributes a GVA of €2.96bn (≈1% of Catalonia’s GDP), and produces an annual economic impact exceeding €6.1bn, with growth of 28% in the last five years, mainly in commerce, hospitality, transport, and local industry. From Meetings International…
First Major Event Cancellations Announced as Gulf Crisis Deepens
Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf have triggered widespread business disruption leading to airport closures, a halt in port operations and major event cancellations. Emirates and Qatar Airways suspended all flights following major Middle East airspace closures, grounding two of the world’s largest global transit hubs in Dubai and Doha. From Exhibition World…
Middle East Conflict Shakes Global Business Events
As US-Iran strikes escalate, business events across the Middle East are facing postponements, rerouted delegations, and operational disruption. The fallout is reverberating far beyond the region. President Donald Trump has indicated that the Iran strikes could continue for four to five weeks, signaling ongoing impacts for the business events sector. From Skift Meetings…
New Council Officers Elected and President-Elect Confirmed at IAPCO AM&GA in Athens
IAPCO has announced the election of new Council Officers and the confirmed the new President-Elect as Jason Yeh at the conclusion of its 2026 Annual Meeting and General Assembly in Athens. Yeh, CEO of GIS Group, Taiwan, will serve for a one-year term as president-elect, before becoming president at the AM&GA in 2027. From CMW…
Mexico Unrest Continues to Ripple Through Events Industry
Following the killing of a major cartel leader on February 22, the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a shelter-in-place order for Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Riviera Nayarit, triggering security concerns and widespread travel disruptions. The advisory has since been lifted, but repercussions are being felt across the events industry. From Skift Meetings…
Sarawak Builds National Momentum Following Record-Breaking Business Events Performance
Riding on its strongest performance to date, Business Events Sarawak is leading a nationwide conversation to strengthen Malaysia’s business events ecosystem through a legacy-focused approach aligned with national development priorities, uniting government agencies, associations, academia, industry leaders and media across Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. From Meetings International…
Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa Strengthen Partnership to Attract Major International Events
Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa highlight their growing partnership to attract high-value international conferences and events, supported by the Think Ottawa program and Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund. With Ottawa’s strengths across aerospace, defence and security, cybersecurity and AI, the destination team is building a future pipeline of business events aligned with these sectors.
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