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Well, if you’ve travelled through a record-breaking extratropical cyclone to get to the BestCities global craic in Dublin, hosted by Convention Bureau chief Sam Johnston, why wouldn’t you?! The 2025 edition of the BestCities Global Forum in the Irish capital did indeed feature both pubs and the greatest of craics, amid which the Director at…
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: As policy shifts create challenges for business events, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange, has voiced her concerns on LinkedIn. The industry response she has received highlights the need for advocacy to protect in-person gatherings. In a post on LinkedIn, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), warns…
By Kai Hattendorf: I am an avid follower of Edelman’s Trust Barometer ever since I attended an early presentation of it in the year 2001, and this year’s presentation a few weeks ago at the WEF in Davos makes for sombre reading, stating that “political polarization and deepening fears giving rise to a widespread sense…
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 ASE News: The Positive Impact of Business Events Report is an overview of the immense value that business events deliver. From significant economic contributions, to community engagement and sector growth, to education, trade and investment; business events create real change and lasting legacies for Victoria. The informative and comprehensive report features case studies from…
By Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group: Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us our blind spots. And sometimes it takes circumstances. I remember about 8 years ago every business newsletter I read invited me to intentionally disrupt my company as a path to profit and growth. It’s easier said than done. A few years…
By Kai Hattendorf | Business Transformation, Global Advocacy, Association Management: What is the one thing every event professional bemoans regularly? Right: “NOBODY understands what we are actually doing.” This is why advocacy for our sector matters. So, this week, let’s look at the one document empowering us to change that – giving us a…
From TravelMole: Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, discussed the growing complexities of global tourism, such as over-tourism and responsible tourism practices. He highlighted the success of a recent global event in Dublin, which brought together destination marketing organizations (DMOs) from across the world to collaborate and exchange solutions. Welsh also talked about…
From Skift Meetings: Liz Irving’s journey to CEO of Clarion Events North America proves that sometimes the best career moves start with saying “yes” to the jobs nobody else wants. In a candid interview, Irving dishes on leadership, vulnerability as a superpower, and why you should never wait for permission to speak. At the end…
Boardroom sat down with Caroline Mackenzie from ISHA – The Hip Preservation Society, to discuss the association’s mission and its groundbreaking 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town. The event, which won the ABPCO Best International Conference Award – sponsored by Boardroom Magazine – set new standards in scientific excellence, sustainability, and long-term impact.
From SoolNua, by Pádraic Gilligan: Over the past decade, the global business events industry has been marching—sometimes steadily, sometimes hesitantly—to a shifting rhythm. Initially, the beat was set by sustainability, and more recently, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities, with a particular emphasis on DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging). I say “hesitantly” because…
Hattendorf signs off – for now: From the IBTM Forum for Advocacy in Barcelona to his final edition as chief executive of the UFI Annual Congress held in Cologne, Kai Hattendorf shares his reflections on ten years at the global exhibitions industry association helm, seven of which featured as a board member of the Joint…
With the arrival of a new year comes a pivotal moment – one charged with possibilities, challenges, and our collective commitment to driving progress as a dynamic and resilient community. If we reflect on the past year, we see that the global economic landscape remains complex and uncertain. Economic slowdowns in key markets, such as…
From Exhibition News – CloserStill Media and Nineteen Group chairman Phil Soar ponders the significance for recent mainstream media interest in exhibitions and events: Something very strange has occurred. In the past month we have seen two positive articles in the Financial Times praising trade show companies and talking about billion-pound deals, DMG declaring that…
From Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Melbourne is serving up aces with our Summer of Tennis in full swing. The Australian Open has evolved beyond being a major, global sporting event to become a very Melbourne festival that appeals to all generations, budgets and passions. Whether it’s corporate hospitality, live sites brimming with tourists…
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