The link between CEO turnover and volume of corporate events demonstrates the critical role meetings play in companies’ strategic relationships both internally and with key stakeholders. From Skift Meetings: A wave of CEO turnover is creating new demand for in-person gatherings. From leadership summits to town halls, companies are convening under new leadership…
BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have renewed their partnership through a three-year agreement to continue the annual Incredible Impacts Programme. The initiative recognises international meetings that create meaningful, enduring legacies within their host destinations and global communities. Each year, the Incredible Impacts Programme distributes two financial grants – a…
By Pádraic Gilligan, Research & Consultancy, SITE and Co–founder, SoolNua: We’ve reached the midpoint of the year and one thing is clear: we’re no clearer as to what lies ahead for our world at large, the world of business, our industry, or our sector. Our innate resilience drives us onwards, but it’s one cautious step…
In this episode of The Meeting Room Podcast: Out of Office, industry leaders discuss sustainability, innovation, and tourism. Edward Koh of the Singapore Tourism Board highlights Singapore’s net-zero roadmap and sustainable MICE initiatives. Matthew Burgess previews the World Design Congress at London’s Barbican, showcasing sustainable event planning. Stephanie Tan Pure unveils Macau’s transformation with The…
From Thoughts & Observations on Business Events with Kai Hattendorf: Today is the 10th “Global Exhibitions Day”. It was launched in 2016 by UFI to bring together many actors across the trade show ecosystem that had been mulling a joint advocacy activity for a while. Now, every year, exhibition professionals in more than 100 countries…
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global and President of UFI, the Association of the Global Exhibitions Industry shares the organisation’s key advocacy messages in a video address to policymakers.
From Boldpush & Momentus: This exclusive report reveals how venue and event leaders across 50+ countries are reshaping the industry. We’ve uncovered the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that forward-thinking venues are focusing on today. From new technology and data use to better guest experiences and smarter operations, this research gives venue operators and event…
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement has released a must-read guide for destination marketers and managers on the latest regulations, including advice on what practical steps to take, both to remain in compliance and to use your sustainability positioning for competitive advantage in attracting events. From GDS-Movement…
From UFI: The new Global Economic Impact of Exhibitions (2024) report, produced by UFI and Oxford Economics, evaluates the direct output generated by the production of exhibitions and other exhibitors and visitors’ spending at €150 ($162) billion. This first level of impact, which includes inflation, benefits not just the exhibition industry, but all related sectors,…
A thoughtful article by Gary Grimmer on the latest geopolitical changes and their implications for both international business events and the societal cost in the fields of healthcare, science, trade and beyond. Numerous commentators and analysts are concluding that the changes to US policy and in power relationships between countries and regions will generate far…
The two of the three most important umbrella organisations for the business events sector, Events Industry Council and Joint Meetings Industry Council announced at IMEX 2025 a joint programme of advocacy, research and sustainability standards, including working together with Oxford Economics on the 2026 Economic Significance of Business Events Industry report, which will provide worldwide…
From IAPCO: The results of the Global Socio-Political Impact Survey of 2025 which was issued by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), in collaboration with the National PCO Association Task Force members and global Strategic Partners, show two-thirds of respondents (59.53%) reported that global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host…
From 1TourismWorld: Jane Cunningham, Director of European Engagement at Destinations International, highlights a pivotal shift in destination management toward community-focused stewardship. She emphasizes prioritizing citizens’ interests, ensuring tourism contributes positively to local life rather than becoming a burden. Cunningham advocates engaging communities in tourism planning and aligning visitor experiences with residents’ values, promoting sustainable growth….
From Centre for Events & Festivals: What if we’ve been measuring the value of the Olympic Games all wrong? For decades, critics and champions of mega-events have sparred over their economic and social impact. Are they a catalyst for sustainable change—or just a two-week spectacle with ballooning costs? But maybe we’re asking the wrong question….
MICE/BE/CVB/LINK veteran Gary Grimmer reinvigorates an age-old challenge: we may understand and are able to communicate the scale and range of impacts that our events deliver for destinations, organisations, attendees and society at large, but what is the best way to present our sector to policymakers and other non-insiders? Is it possible or even desirable…
From Destinations International: This survey aims to gather your expert insights on emerging trends and strategic priorities that destination organizations should pursue over the next three years. Your perspectives will help shape the future direction of destination marketing and management organizations, including Destination Organizations (DOs), DMOs, DMMOs, CVBs, national/state/regional tourism offices, chambers of commerce, and…
From Boardroom: Just ahead of IMEX Frankfurt, a report has come out to reshape how destinations and associations collaborate in a shifting global environment. Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025 – the result of a partnership between BestCities Global Alliance and Strategic Membership Solutions – unveils compelling data from 586 association professionals across…
From Northstar Meetings Group: The April 2025 Northstar/Cvent Incentive PULSE Survey reveals some major shifts and challenges for incentive travel programs. Optimism levels for incentive travel have dropped dramatically in the past six months. Nearly half of planners say their programs have been negatively affected by recent changes in government, social and economic policies. Business…
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Chris Skeith, CEO and Managing Director of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, who started in this role in January 2025I. Skeith shares insights about his career path, including his tenure at the Association of Event Organizers UK, and discusses his new…
From ICCA: ICCA and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment to collaborate and strengthen engagement within the international association meetings sector. Building on a strong foundation of partnership, the two organisations will continue working together to expand opportunities, develop impactful educational resources, and foster…
From Boardroom: As climate change climbs the global agenda, academia is being pushed to rethink how it conducts research, collaborates, and shares knowledge. In this timely piece, Mickael Benaim, Associate Director & Head of Research at SFA Connect, explores how CO₂ emission budgets are reshaping academic travel, conference formats, and institutional sustainability strategies…
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