On 9th March, Mohamed Mezghani, secretary general of Union Internationale des Transports Publics, cancelled the organisation’s 2026 Summit in Dubai, scheduled for April 21–23. Unlike other regional events that have been postponed, the summit, expecting 8,000 attendees, will not take place. During Skift Meetings’ LinkedIn Live on 31st March he described the decision as “heartbreaking.”
This second edition globe survey is being conducted in collaboration with IAPCO, AIPC, AMCI, IFES and PCMA, to understand how the business events sector is being impacted by the current geopolitical and economic environment. Deadline for submissions is 10 April 2026!
M&C Asia magazine examines the changing picture of global rankings in passport power (how easy it is for holders of a particular passport to visit other countries) and border openness (how restrictive countries are to holders of different passports), and explains the implications for destination competitiveness for international business events.
Findings from the newly released Northstar Meetings Group/Cvent PULSE Survey (APAC), conducted in March 2026, show geopolitical and economic risks rising to the top of planners’ concerns, reshaping sentiment across the region. Despite this, demand remains resilient as the region’s planners continue to actively source and book events.
ICCA CEO Dr Senthil Gopinath argues that a projected doubling of business events sector value by 2035 makes it more imperative than ever to communicate the societal value of events to policymakers. Their role in setting visa regimes, air travel regulations, infrastructure development and destination development strategies will determine whether this growth projection transpires.
Iceberg Ambassador Peng Ee Ooi argues for a creative synthesis between competing visions of business events as either a sub-sector of the travel and tourism economy or a driver of economic and social agendas, supported by examples from leading destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. From Associations Commons…
visit.brussels, the city’s DMO responsible for tourism, business events, and for attracting and supporting international associations is looking at the potential loss of over half its personnel & decimated programmes. Industry peers are urged to sign and share the petition in opposition to these cuts.
Ireland celebrated the success of 109 Conference Ambassadors at the most recent CARA (Conference Ambassadors Recognition Awards) gala evening in Dublin, recognising academics and business leaders who were responsible for attracting major international association conferences to the country during the years 2023 and 2024. Highlights of the evening were two Spotlight Awards, for Sustainability and…
This year’s theme is “Business Events and Exhibitions: The Human Catalyst for Global Growth”, through which EIC is encouraging worldwide advocacy programmes that underscore the essential role of face-to-face engagement in unlocking opportunity, fostering collaboration and advancing societal progress. GMID will also the release of the 2026 Global Economic Significant of Business Event Study…
Gatheringpoint’s David Adler suggests answers to the conundrum of managing two conflicting realities simultaneously: projecting confidence to the market, whilst making real-time decisions behind the scenes. Exercising resilience in real-time during periods of high uncertainty is one of the hardest challenges imaginable, especially with only partial vision of what’s happening.
Former Events Director at International Gas Union Rodney Cox has strong views on the all-too-frequent under-utilisation of exhibitors at international association events, to the detriment of the event owner, the delegates, and the host destination. Far too many organisers build exhibitions as a matter of habit rather than intent. “I like the word intent,” states…
Lakshman Rathnam, Founder and CEO of Wordly, the AI-driven, 60+ language meeting interpretation company, had a revelation early in the company’s seven-year journey: “Clients were saying to us, ‘What are you doing to hear us?’ — not asking for passive access to (usually English-language-using) presenters.” Essentially, they were asking for multilingual tools to offer engagement,…
From its pioneering beginnings in 1983 to a world-class event hosting thousands, AIME has grown into a powerhouse for connection and collaboration. AIME 2026 brought together industry leaders, associations, and innovators to spark over 25,000 meaningful conversations in just two days. Beyond meetings, it is a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and economic growth—driving opportunities across…
60 years young: that’s the spirit of Melbourne Convention Bureau, one of the world’s most successful and innovative DMOs. The MCEC – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – is a relative youngster with only 30 years under its belt, but the venue laid out its ambitions at birth by achieving a six Green Star sustainable…
Copenhagen Convention Bureau is collaborating with FERMA (Federation of European Risk Management Associations) and RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) on analysis and solutions to risk in the business events world. Copenhagen Risk Navigator reveals a consistent “Blind Spot” paradox between high-priority leadership awareness and a disconnect with the realities of event planning and preparation.
From 3 to 4 March 2026, Amsterdam hosted the first edition of the Amsterdam Space Symposium at Beurs van Berlage, bringing together over 500 participants and 100+ speakers from across the global space sector. Organised by SpaceNed in collaboration with the Amsterdam Convention Bureau (ACB), the event combined high-level dialogue with a strong focus on…
Exclusive 3-day masterclass in Luxembourg for association leaders to enhance skills in creating, executing, and evaluating impactful activities promoting social, economic, and environmental progress. Featuring a programme crafted in collaboration with #MEET4IMPACT, GainingEdge and Business Events Sarawak as the Seed Fund Contributor.
Meeting tourism has always been a changing and dynamic industry. The behaviours and the needs of our clients are constantly changing, and our organisations face a much more competitive and demanding market. Learners will: Strengthen key skills to outshine competitors; Reinforce expertise with new strategies and insights; Stay current and competitive in a changing industry.
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