Attracting knowledge, investment, and talent to a destination as the 3 pillars of a Knowledge & Creative Economy requires an ability to attract -and convene – business and professional communities from all over the world. The City of Calgary, famed for its Stampede, has emerged as a round-the-clock meeting space for all manner of sectoral…
By Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange: Costs are rising. Expectations are not. That gap is one of the biggest risks event professionals face today, and it is not going away anytime soon. This is the third article in my series on the key risks facing the events industry in 2025 and how we,…
From Skift Meetings: The business events industry is pushing back against U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made ships. While policymakers aim to curb China’s maritime influence, industry leaders warn that these measures will increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately harm American businesses. Several business events industry associations have joined a coalition of more than 300 groups…
At Meetings Mean Business Canada’s March 27, 2025, Annual General Meeting, six newly elected board members were welcomed, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse expertise and strategic insights to help guide the organization’s future direction. The new board members include Susan Freeman (Meet PEI), Ingrid Jarrett (IJM Consulting), Andrew Weir (Destination Toronto), Carly Grace (Rogers Centre Ottawa),…
From Skift Meetings: The shifting political landscape in the U.S. is casting a shadow over WorldPride 2025, with sponsors pulling out and international travelers facing growing uncertainty. While organizers remain steadfast in their commitment to hosting the global event, concerns over all Pride events are mounting. WorldPride 2025, a three-week celebration in Washington, D.C., May…
Enjoy four days of expert education at IMEX America kicking off on Smart Monday powered by MPI. Our education program allows you to explore the latest topics and trends, level up your professional skills, and find solutions to industry challenges. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event tech, polish your…
IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Our award-winning show brings the meetings industry together to do a year’s worth of business under one roof. Suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry come together at IMEX, held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino,…
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today that the U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry continues to rebound, recording strong improvement in the fourth quarter of 2024. Tempered performance for completed events – especially in exhibition attendance – set back the Q3 2024 Index value to 89.3 after strong performance in the first two…
Consider EC25 your test kitchen for discovering fresh new concepts, tools, and strategies to tackle the challenges of our industry. Boost your knowledge and expand your perspective with hands-on workshops on diverse topics, location-based learning opportunities, and immersive tours. Strengthen your network with activities and events designed for authentic connection, giving back, and celebration.
By Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange: Attendance is not just a number. It reflects engagement, impact, and return on investment. And today, it is at risk. Last week, I published the first of four articles inspired by my recent LinkedIn post, which went viral. In that post, I highlighted several significant risks facing…
From The New York Times: The Department of Homeland Security said the academic was denied entry because he had “confidential” data from an American lab, not because of his views on the president’s policies. The French government’s claim that a scientist was denied entry into the United States because of an opinion he expressed about…
From The Guardian: A French scientist was denied entry to the US this month after immigration officers at an airport searched his phone and found messages in which he had expressed criticism of the Trump administration, said a French minister. “I learned with concern that a French researcher who was traveling to a conference near…
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 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 PCMA: It may seem premature to sound the alarm, but here goes: Trump’s executive order directed toward transforming government spending will likely have a significant impact on meetings in the scientific, health-care, and academic sectors. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cost-efficiency initiative executive order includes a section for “Non-Essential Travel Justification”: “The Agency…
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…
Business Events Industry Week (BEIW) is not just another industry event; you’re becoming part of a global movement that celebrates our industry’s purpose—bringing people together to make a difference for our businesses, our communities and our audiences. We are all a part of it, and what you do matters. During BEIW, you’ll engage in the…
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 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…
Thrive: The Community Vitality Summit is where bold ideas meet purposeful action. This in-person gathering convenes destination leaders, changemakers and community stewards who are committed to creating places where everyone feels welcome, connected and valued. Formerly the Social Inclusion Summit, Thrive reflects an expanded vision to support vibrant, people-centered destinations by aligning the value of…
The Business Operations Summit is a cross-functional gathering of destination organization professionals in finance, human resources, operations and technology. This year’s summit will provide insight on post-pandemic recovery from an organizational perspective, focusing on new ways to think about how destination organizations are organized, staffed and operated. Sign Up for More Information: Be the first…
Powered by 
