The rise of AI-powered facial analysis at live events has made some uneasy. Is there a reason to be concerned? -Dylan Monorchio | Continue reading
The Vendry has launched Copilot, a browser extension that displays additional vendor information as they surf the web. This new technology is a clever way of using the company's extensive database of vendors. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
The world's largest event technology company is going private again. Blackstone will soon own Cvent and is bullish on the recovery of events and travel. After an initial offer was rejected, the deal is worth approximately $4.6 billion. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
A global community of event and experience designers, artists, authors, philosophers, creators, technologists, researchers, and even a few wizards gathered together for Google Xi Days. | Continue reading
A tentative agreement for a new four-year contract with Sodexo Live!/Centerplate at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) that impacts 400 workers has A four year contract with Sodexo Live!/Centerplate at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) has been reached with the Culinary … | Continue reading
A new convention center in the Meadowlands of New Jersey is a “no-brainer,” according to Jim Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber of A new convention center is proposed for the Meadowlands that would generate $30 billion in 30 years. | Continue reading
David Kliman, owner of The Kliman Group and co-founder of Event Leaders Exchange, on belonging, neurodiversity, strategic meetings program consolidation, and the power of speaking the language of business. -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
Informa, the world's largest trade show organizer, is acquiring Tarsus, a well-respected competitor. The move will add 160 events and media properties to Informa's portfolio. It will also strengthen its position in China as it prepares for a full return to in-person events in 202 … | Continue reading
Skift Meetings' research shows that authenticity is the new "it factor" for event destinations. How can planners ensure that they deliver this kind of deeper connection to the local culture? A spirit of welcoming hospitality is the key ingredient, and Calgary provides a model wit … | Continue reading
Despite the gains made with gender equality, there is still a long way to go. We look back at our coverage of equality and equity in the meetings industry as we focus on moving forward. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Using the right language attracts more attendees. Effective meetings, in the appropriate format, are the ones that deliver on audience needs. | Continue reading
For an event to be truly successful, it must instill a feeling of belonging, which in turn is an act of inclusion. That is exactly what Google's Xi Days did. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Well-designed meetings deliver results and satisfy one or more of the six reasons for holding a meeting. While meeting in person is preferred, it's not enough. Meetings are only effective if they adequately address business needs. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Julie Coker, CEO and President of the San Diego Tourism Authority, discusses community; mentorship; destination boycotts; and diversity, equity and inclusion. -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
In the age of Zoom fatigue and hybrid work, outdoor activities are an ideal solution for team-building exercises that re-energize participants and build company culture. Discover eleven inspiring ideas grounded in real-world Arizona adventures, and download the accompanying free … | Continue reading
Corporate planners are building new centers of event excellence in collaborative ways. Some aim to inspire the entire meetings industry, while others focus on standardizing their event design and procurement processes. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
President Joe Biden recently signed the Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA) into law, legislation making donating food easier than ever. This bill builds President Joe Biden recently signed the Food Donation Improvement Act into law. This legislation makes donating food easier t … | Continue reading
Despite positive financial results, Eventbrite is laying off eight percent of its staff. Its restructuring plan involves relocating development, customer support and operations roles away from the U.S. as well as cuts to real estate. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
An increase in business travel from Asia is good news for global trade shows. MWC Barcelona 2023 sees a solid increase in overall attendance but is still far from 2019 levels. Meanwhile, IMEX reports strong buyer demand from Korea and China. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Pollution, morality, cultural genocide — Destination Canada’s partnership with TED featured authentic presentations on uncomfortable topics. They spurred vulnerable conversations among guests. Openness was on tap, with no room for PR spin. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
MPI CEO Paul Van Deventer discusses proving the value of meetings, taking risks so planners don't have to, the open-ended future of MPI, and MPI's upcoming European Meetings and Events Conference -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
On paper, this deal makes perfect sense. Hubilo is keen to move beyond virtual events and build a strong offering for in-person events. Fielddrive brings innovative badging and on-site solutions. Now the challenge is gaining market share. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
A new entertainment district being created near the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center will include Topgolf as its entertainment anchor tenant. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Move over yoga. New wellness trends like forest bathing, sound healing, and equine experiences are becoming part of today’s meeting agendas. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
AI-powered translation company Wordly announced an impressive set of new features. It is also partnering with MPI, the largest meetings industry association, and scaling up its infrastructure and operations to meet growing demand. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
The 46-hour no sleeping or sitting dance marathon is the culmination of THON‘s yearly fundraising efforts. A grand total of $15,006,132.46 was revealed on Sunday as the highest-ever annual total raised. The theme of THON 2023 was “Foster the Magic,” and it marked the 51st year of … | Continue reading
Panos Moutafis, co-founder and CEO of Zenus, discusses the value of understanding attendee behaviors and shares the benefits of the company's unique AI-powered platform aimed at business events and retail. -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
Evoking emotion and stimulating the senses is the key to attendee engagement and creating positive, lasting memories, yet most planners still neglect experience and stick with convention. -Louise Felsher | Continue reading
Love them or hate them (or tolerate them), icebreakers are an integral part of networking during business events. To rescue attendees from the awkwardness of independently striking up conversations, planners use icebreakers to help attendees get to know each other. While icebrea … | Continue reading
Working from home offers many benefits, but it makes it harder to build trust and forge connections. Designing purposeful engaging events can help. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Australia is looking to quickly rebuild its pipeline of international events following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Hosting the region's industry trade show and relaunching an iconic destination showcase event is a sign that Australia means business. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Generative AI is set to revolutionize event marketing. This native integration with event management platform InEvent is the next step towards AI-written copy becoming commonplace across business events. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Newly appointed C2 CEO Anick Beaulieu is pushing boundaries to re-inject the spark that was once in the business community. She plans to be the voice amplifying everything C2 does, beyond its Montreal flagship business event. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Layoffs have impacted almost all major tech companies. Zoom is downsizing by 15 percent and may be shifting its focus away from live events. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Annette Gregg, CEO at SITE discusses once-in-a-lifetime experiences, trends in incentive travel, female leadership and personal missions. -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
Despite evidence that attendees have different priorities, business events have largely returned to the same formats as before the Covid pandemic. As organizers look to adapt to a new reality, industry leaders share their thoughts on the trade shows of the future. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Washington, D.C.’s destination marketing organization gets additional funding with an eye on post-Covid pandemic recovery. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Meetings and events now play a pivotal role in reconnecting teams within a supportive, nurturing environment. Every element of meeting design needs to be carefully considered with delegate welfare in mind. That's why selecting the right venue or partner is the first step to addre … | Continue reading
The Service Trades Council Union has rejected Disney’s latest contract offer, saying a $1-an-hour raise is not enough. The historic minimum wage increase at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, is what unions want as the new standard. -Andrea Doyle | Continue reading
Detroit’s convention center, Huntington Place, is being renovated, and a new connecting hotel is being added. With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Detroit’s convention center, Huntington Place, is being renovated, and a new connecting hotel is being added. | Continue reading
New research suggests that event marketers are looking to increase the number of small events they run. They are counting on event technology to help with streamlining and replicating small events that deliver results. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Layoffs in the U.S. hit a more than two-year high in January as technology firms cut jobs at the second-highest pace on record, with all indicators Where do you start if you are one of the people impacted by a job layoff? Here are tips that will help you navigate the process | Continue reading
Once again, we are looking ahead at how business events are evolving and what event professionals must do to stay ahead of the curve. Join us! -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
Having designed meetings since 1992, Eric de Groot is uniquely experienced in creating human gatherings. He believes that a collaborative approach is needed to create meetings that change behaviors and drive businesses forward. -Skift Meetings Studio Team | Continue reading
Creating fully carbon-neutral trade shows may still be a mirage, but exhibitors wanting to cut their carbon emissions can now realistically do so. Here is one example of how to be a green exhibitor. -Miguel Neves | Continue reading
Business travel is forecast to grow across the globe in 2023 compared to 2022. Travel managers are expecting to see increased levels of and spend on corporate travel. Economic uncertainty remains an issue, as does the restarting of China’s business travel. Overall the industry is … | Continue reading
In today’s pressure-cooker environment, planners want the same immediacy and variety as in their online grocery shopping. GroupSync’s instant booking gives them the faster, smarter decision-making capabilities they crave. -Groups360 | Continue reading
The festivalization of events trend reached a whole new level in 2022 with a private three-day experiential music festival featuring superstar Bruno Mars. Corporations globally are investing in festival experiences as strategic incentives to attract and retain young talent. -Migu … | Continue reading