David Adler argues that the events world is “standing on the edge of a full-scale operational and emotional re-write”. This isn’t a “how meeting professionals can best use AI” message, rather a call for industry insiders to radically reinvent the future of events, before they’re swept away by external forces and new modes of competition.
From Skift Meetings: In a city where hotel taxes are among the highest in the nation, Chicago’s tourism leaders say a 1.5% surcharge is the only way to stay in the game. Kristen Reynolds, just two months into her role as president and CEO of Choose Chicago, is focused on what she calls a critical…
The IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange is more than a conference. It’s an immersive three-day experience that unites the IACC community of venue operators, meeting professionals, and industry partners for bold thinking, practical learning, and powerful networking. Learn from forward-thinking speakers and thought leaders shaping the meetings and events industry. Connect with a global network of…
Conventa is not just an event; it’s a dynamic and transformative experience that has been at the forefront of the B2B MICE industry for over a decade. Over the years, Conventa has evolved beyond the boundaries of a traditional business tradeshow, emerging as the key meeting point for event organizers, looking for destinations and venues…
Loren Christie, GainingEdge Consultant and Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance argues that Destination Marketing Organisations are discovering that collaboration enhances resilience, amplifies impact and drives innovation. These partnerships should be more than operational, they should be visionary and meaningful, and DMOs should leverage their qualities to bring unique value when hosting international association meetings.
In partnership with Destinations International, TravelAbility has created a customized Accessibility Playbook designed to assist destination organizations and their local stakeholders in developing and implementing practical accessibility strategies and initiatives, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination. The Accessibility Playbook helps destinations move from compliance to a competitive edge.
The UFI Business Mission 2025 (open to all industry professionals, UFI Members or not) is designed to connect international organisers, venues, and suppliers with the growing exhibition industry in Latin America, offering a special focus on the opportunities in Bogota, Colombia thanks to our host Corferias.
The ever-outspoken Karen Bollinger discusses “all things Business Events”, including: does government truly understood #BusinessEvents, has the BE sector changed and innovated for future attendees, events + AI, how do SME’s fit into the sustainability story, and much more… From PCOA | The Conference Collective Podcast Series…
From Meetings International, an illustration of the growing, and vital, role of international association conferences as platforms for overcoming dis- and misinformation. Face-to-face events led by experts in specialised fields are uniquely positioned to provide this essential public service.
From Northstar Meetings Group: Destinations International has released the findings of its 2025 DestinationNEXT Futures Study. The research, which is conducted every two years in partnership with MMGY NextFactor, focuses on top trends impacting the industry, as well as strategies for navigating current issues. The 2025 report includes insights from a global advisory council, five…
From M&C Asia: New Zealand’s Canterbury region, which includes the city of Christchurch, aims to attract new conference bid opportunities and bring major international space conferences and scientific events to the region, following the launch of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy. The Strategy is an initiative which aims to establish the Canterbury region of New…
The 2025 Destinations International DestinationNEXT arrives at a moment of profound transition for the global visitor economy. After a decade of disruption, reinvention, and recovery, destination organizations are entering a new era; one defined not only by shifting travel patterns and technologies, but by rising expectations from governments, communities, and travelers alike. This year’s study…
From Meeting Spotlight: IACC has released its 2025 “Meeting Room of the Future” report, marking the 10th edition of its annual industry trends study. Produced in partnership with Development Counsellors International (DCI), the report analyzes survey responses from 205 meeting planners across North America and Europe and identifies key shifts in event design, technology use…
The recent International Social Housing Festival (ISHF) in Dublin brought together over 2,000 delegates from across Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. The festival provided a unique platform to discuss critical housing issues like affordability, retrofitting, climate challenges, and accessibility, incorporating a powerful “tenant’s voice” project that not only created a legacy for Ireland, but…
In a time when certifications and indexes dominate the sustainability narrative, this whitepaper invites destination leaders to look deeper—beyond metrics and toward meaningful, transformative strategies. Drawing on 20 expert interviews, survey data and real-life insights from frontrunner cities like Helsinki and Gothenburg, it challenges DMOs to use frameworks as tools—not as finish lines.
This White Paper produced by VivaCITY (a partnership between CityDNA and Simpleview / Granicus) examines the role, benefits and limitations of sustainability indices and certifications. With evolving EU regulation raising expectations and challenging both local policymakers and destination management professionals on destination sustainability standards and performance, this paper argues that these concepts are not ends…
David Adler calls for the USA (and by implication, many other countries) to emulate the long-term strategic thinking behind Germany’s Messe-model success story. Trade show venues should be seen as intellectual infrastructure, creating and taking ownership of world-leading events that reflect the business and scientific strengths of the host city. From Gathering Point News…
From PCMA: Convening EMEA keynote speaker Noreena Hertz, a British economist and best-selling author with a proven track record for predicting trends that will shape the world, will share her insights on what’s next and why — and how to apply them to business events — in Rotterdam, Netherlands in October…
David Adler sets out a Convening Manifesto for the US business events sector whilst explaining the impact and mourning the recent drastic cuts to Brand USA’s budget. Top of the agenda: “Reframe events as national strategy – not tourism perks”! From Gathering Point News…
Sissi Lignou shares her bold vision as President of IAPCO — a vision rooted in purpose, passion, and the power of a global community working together. From amplifying the voice of IAPCO Accredited PCOs and deepening member engagement, to championing advocacy, education, and collaboration, Sissi’s leadership is focused on shaping a stronger, more visible meetings…
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