Category: News
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.
Proposed US Entry Requirements Could Wreak Havoc on Meetings and Events
Industry leaders warn that new screening requirements for travelers to the US from countries in the Visa Waiver Program could mean higher costs, lost business, and meetings moving to other countries. Event planners remain hopeful that changes applying to business travelers will either be dialed back or get caught up in red tape. From Skift…
Olympics Fuel Optimism as Top European Event Agencies Eye Strong 2026
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach the final stretch, they are not just inspiring a world of aspiring athletes; they are also a key driver of revenue and a factor lifting projections for European event agencies. Executives at four major European event agencies told Skift Meetings they’re planning for a strong year ahead…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Issues Statement on US Supreme Court Tariff Decision
Following the ruling by the US Supreme Court that tariffs introduced under the auspices of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance described the decision as “welcome news for the business and professional events industry” which has faced mounting costs and prolonged uncertainty as a result of the tariffs.
Leading Europe’s Visitor Economy: Reputation, Community Trust & Global Competitiveness
European city destination leaders gathered in Barcelona in February for the 19th CityDNA CEO Meeting. Hosting the meeting in Barcelona was symbolic – few cities have more visibly navigated the political, social and structural pressures surrounding urban tourism. European destination CEOs addressed a central reality: the role of the Destination Management Organisation has fundamentally evolved.
Destinations International Celebrates Second Annual “Destination Professionals Day”
Timed to recognise the founding of the world’s first destination organisation on February 19, 1896, in Detroit, Michigan, this worldwide advocacy event recognises the leaders and organisations that drive tourism, economic growth and community vitality. Greetings by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and state Governors of Illinois and Wyoming were amongst many messages of support.
GDS-Movement Announces New Criteria and Methodology for 2026 GDS-Index
Following its traditional evolutionary approach to destination sustainability metrics, the Global Destination Sustainability Movement has focused on consolidation, precision and alignment with global sustainability frameworks, enabling the Index to function even more effectively as a rigorous improvement-in-performance programme for destinations around the world.
Third Department of Homeland Security Shutdown Hits US Travel
ECA highlights the impact of the latest (third!) DHS shutdown that started on 14 February, especially on critical Transportation Security Administration, who will be working without pay again. As many take up second jobs to pay their bills, security checkpoint lines are forced to close, leading to longer wait times and more missed flights.
Seoul’s Big Ambitions for CES-Style Events
Seoul has announced plans to create its own versions of CES and the Davos forum as flagship international events as part of a broader effort to scale up the city’s MICE sector, The Korea Times reported. Cities are increasingly building rather than only bidding for international events, to support broader economic goals. From M&C/ASIA…
MCEC Marks 30 Years of Connecting Global Thinkers
From HQ Magazine: Since opening in 1996, Australia’s largest convention and exhibition venue has brought together the world’s forward thinkers, hosting more than 20,000 events ranging from international summits and global congresses to community celebrations, cultural gatherings and immersive art experiences. The centre has been a significant driver of economic activity and knowledge exchange, hosting…
AIME 2026 Opens With Record Numbers and Focus on Industry Leadership
AIME has opened its 2026 edition, recording record growth in buyers and exhibitors and highlighting strong progress toward its long-term sustainability commitments under the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. Exhibitors from 36 countries and territories are attending, with more than 25,000 meetings scheduled to take place between buyers and exhibitors across the two-day tradeshow.
Destinations International Report Links Canada’s Visitor Economy to Export Growth
Destinations International’s newly released The Impact of the Visitor Economy on Canadian Exports report brings the visitor economy and its impact into sharp focus at a time when Canada is engaged in a national conversation about competitiveness, productivity, trade diversification and evolving global market relationships. From Conference & Meetings World…
Healthcare Professionals Want Interaction, Not Just Talking Heads
Medical meeting planners need to shift their strategies to meet the preferences of younger attendees, according to new joint research of 251 healthcare professionals (HCPs) across the U.S. and Western Europe by Emota and the International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association (IPCAA). From Skift Meetings…
Roziman Steps Down From Business Events Sarawak
BESarawak has appointed Jason Tan Chin Foo as acting CEO, succeeding long‑serving industry figure Amelia Roziman, who stepped down last week after a 20‑year tenure. Tan, who joined BESarawak in 2012, assumes the role with immediate effect. He brings 18 years of experience across hospitality, business development, research, marketing, and communications. From MIX Meetings Magazine…
Destinations International Extends Contract of President & CEO Don Welsh Through 2027
Destinations International has announced the contract extension of President & CEO Don Welsh through December 31, 2027. “Don’s leadership continues to be a tremendous asset to Destinations International and the global destination organization community,” said Leslie Bruce, CDME, chair of the DI Board of Directors and president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Announces 2026 Legislative Action Day
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance has announced that its annual Legislative Action Day will take place on 28 May, in Washington, D.C., bringing together industry leaders and advocates from across the U.S. and around the world on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff in support of ECA’s 2026 public policy priorities.
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