Gary Grimmer argues that developing a value proposition around event impacts is the most strategic issue facing both destination promoters and events organisers. If we measure and report impacts effectively using multi-dimensional KPIs that communicate the industry’s full economic, social and environmental value, we’re going to be part of a more successful and sustainable industry.
Stay informed with the latest association insights and trends by subscribing to regular updates from Boardroom, the global reference point both for the world of associations and within the meetings industry, with articles written by the sector’s most-experienced professionals and a magazine endorsed and supported by the members of its Association Advisory Board.
Destinations International’s Jane Cunningham and MMGY NextFactor’s Managing Director Cassandra Gilbertson discuss the ways in which DI’s latest biennial study will shape the policy priorities and primary challenges facing destination organisations worldwide over the coming years. A huge shift in business models and strategic responsibilities has been taking place over the last decade, moving from…
ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action. According to the study, 66% of international associations rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive.
Recent deals and debuts show how specialization and regional diversification are fuelling the next wave of events trade shows and other commercial business events. Global organizers are accelerating growth through bold new launches and strategic acquisitions, reshaping the trade show landscape across multiple sectors. From TSNN…
The Trends Report examines key forces shaping the global business events industry, drawing on data from 140+ sources. It reveals a high level of industry confidence, fuelled by factors such as events’ role as a powerful counterbalance to the digital world, deeper integration of analytics and ROI, and a focus on strategic thinking and innovation.
AMI Editor James Lancaster re-ignites the ever-contentious debate about whether there are too many business events industry associations, which he argues has lead to an even greater number of less-than-effective partnerships and joint advocacy initiatives. Are we suffering from too much “talk-the-talk” and not enough “walk-the-walk”!
Global Exhibitions Day (GED) is held annually on the first Wednesday of June. It is open to everyone interested in increasing the visibility of the exhibitions industry regionally and on a global scale. Four key messages highlight how exhibitions unlock potential for industries, individuals, communities, and companies: Exhibitions drive collaboration and innovation to transform businesses…
The partnership supports the implementation of IAPCO’s Sustainability Strategy and introduces two cornerstone initiatives: a new Sustainability Award powered by Business Events Australia, and the development of a new IAPCO Sustainability Toolkit designed to equip professional congress organisers (PCOs) with practical tools and insights to drive measurable environmental and social impact.
GainingEdge has released the third edition of its Leveraging Intellectual Capital Global Report, analysing more than 7,500 international associations. Building upon the foundations of the 2021 report, the new edition introduces a refined methodology that broadens the analysis beyond associations hosting large congresses (over 500 participants) to also include mid-size conferences (200–499 participants).
For perspectives from around the world on destination competitiveness in the business and professional events space, check out the regular thought-pieces from the GainingEdge experts, exploring trends, developments and insights in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and destination-marketing industries, and strategic topics for DMOs, CVBs associations, exhibition & conference venues, and their advisors.
David Adler is consistently one of the most eloquent and far-sighted commentators on how the business and professional events sector is changing, and the mega-trends most likely to shape that evolution. He’s also never afraid of a good controversy! GatheringPoint.news is the insider’s guide to the most powerful industry you don’t hear enough about…
Receive monthly updates from GDS-Movement, a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world, empowering tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
From City Nation Place: When it comes to marketing, we often talk about moving “customers” through the funnel – in place branding terms, what it takes to convert your target audience into visitors, investors, or residents. But what about when it comes to attracting, developing, and nurturing brand ambassadors? Stakeholder engagement and management is crucial…
The Iceberg, the platform and metaphor for business & professional events advocacy, presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council, is to be transferred from The Fred Production Company Ltd to The Iceberg Trust, a non-profit UK-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) from January 2026. The Iceberg was founded in 2017 by James Latham with the support…
Soolnua co-founder and events industry commentator Padraic Gilligan sounds a warning note on the optimism pervading many recent industry surveys and reports, especially regarding the underlying health of the US economy: At this stage, most of the usual trend and forecast reports for the business events industry have landed. Reading through them, you can’t help…
Dr Hayley Walker of IÉSEG presents an analytical argument with challenging perspective on the effectiveness of “mega-events”, especially those originally designed as government-to-government negotiation platforms, but which have attracted the involvement of big business and different communities of interest. As an industry, shouldn’t we be advocating more strongly for “impactful & effective meetings” not “bigger…
This excellent benchmarking project by City Nation Place offers a wealth of strategic yet practical advice on this critical issue, with perspectives from destination representatives and owners/organisers of a wide range of international events. Download the report to learn more and to understand how you can leverage events to deliver against your place brand ambitions.
On this recent Boardroom Association Podcast, Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, and Charley Stoney, CEO of the European Association of Communication Agencies, put forward key steps associations of all sizes can take with relation to both Board best practices and conference diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) implementation.
Northstar Meeting Group’s flagship business events newsletter, with the option to sign up to lots of specialist feeds, including region-specific news, and the latest news of interest to association meeting professionals. Providing meeting planners and suppliers with comprehensive information and original content in the form of articles, magazines, podcasts, and videos.
The mission of Our World in Data is to make data and research on the world’s largest problems understandable and accessible. Sign up to receive a biweekly Digest with highlights of their latest and past work every other Friday, to keep abreast of research, insights, and product announcements.
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