All Topics
Accessibility & Inclusion
Meetings can be a stressful setting for people with anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, and other challenges. Here are ways to help these attendees get the most out of your meeting.
5 Tips for Accommodating Halal and Kosher Diets at Meetings
Planning ahead is the key to meeting attendees’ special dietary requirements, especially for kosher and halal meals.
7 Tips for Creating a Lactation Room at Your Meeting
The days of pumping milk in public bathrooms are gone, replaced by comfortable private spaces for nursing moms. Here’s how to create one for your event.
Announcements
The Full Powerhouse Lineup at Skift Meetings Forum
The stage is set at Skift Meetings Forum, featuring speakers who shape the boldest ideas in the event world. From leadership to technology to creativity, every session delivers insights that matter.
4 AI Use Cases Every Event Planner Should Master
Master four AI use cases for planners that boost efficiency, creativity, and attendee engagement. See how using AI to plan events can future-proof your strategy.
Post-Event Benefits Only Skift Meetings Forum Attendees Enjoy
We’re down to the last batch of tickets for the Skift Meetings Forum. If you’ve been waiting, this is your signal.
Budgeting & Cost Savings
5 Ways to Cut Incentive Travel Costs Without Winners Knowing
Cost increases as a result of tariffs are hitting event budgets hard at a time when planners have already been navigating rising costs due to inflation. What can incentive planners do?
10 Must-Know Terms for Budgeting
The world of budgeting has its own vocabulary – and you, as a planner, need to speak the same language as the CFO.
Meeting Budgeting 101
Planners spend most of their time on design and logistics, but at the foundation of every successful event lies a balanced budget.
Careers & Personal Development
Seven Years Job Hunting: One Planner’s Tips for Staying Positive
Kim Thompson knows the value of resilience. It took her seven years to land her “dream job” at Kellogg — and through it all, she never lost hope.
One Association CEO on Elevating the Role of Planners
This association exec says planners are much more than just a final check — and often have the final say where meetings are concerned.
Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn: 6 Tips for Planners
Planners who put extra effort into LinkedIn, from carefully crafting their profiles to creatively showcasing their event prowess, will see the biggest return.
Contracts & Duty of Care
Extreme Weather Means More Cancellations and Pricier Insurance. What Can Planners Do?
Planners need to sharpen their awareness of seasonality and avoid risky outdoor locations — that is, if they want to get their events insured.
Time for Plan B: Five Situations Where You’ll Need a Backup Plan
Flight delays. Unexpected weather. Renovation snags. The list of things that can go wrong at a meeting is a long and winding one.
Tariffs, Riots, Travel Bans: Contract Language to Protect Planners
Tariff-driven price increases and international attendee cancellations can cost companies big bucks — unless they’ve addressed these in their contracts.
Coronavirus
Planners Beware, Covid Cases on the Rise
A new Covid variant is sweeping across the United States. One industry professional raises the alarm after contracting the virus at a recent convention.
What E3’s Cancellation Means for the Meetings Industry
65,000 attendees, 4,000 jobs, and $88 million in revenue won't be coming to Los Angeles in June, with leading video-game-industry trade show E3 canceled for 2023. It was meant to be the first in-person show since 2019. However, major exhibitors were unwilling to commit. Will other events follow suit?
China Shutters Major Event 9 Hours Before Opening Due to Covid Outbreak
TCT Asia, a major trade show, was shut down by Shenzhen authorities nine hours before it was set to open due to Covid numbers in the city creeping up to 24. Navigating policies and enforcements like this is a challenge for show and event planners, but it’s a reality that’s here to stay.
Destinations
C2 Bets on Creativity as the Strongest Event ROI
As other business festivals expand worldwide, C2 is making a compelling case for locally inspired creativity and connection.
Berlin To Boost Conference Capacity at Its Two Largest Venues
The German capital’s conference market is bursting at the seams. Estrel Berlin’s latest expansion signals how competition with Messe Berlin is shaping the city’s next decade.
How Montréal Invites Attendees to Experience the City Like a Local
The difference between visiting and experiencing a destination may be up for debate, but for Business Events Montréal, true connection comes when everyone feels welcomed like an insider.
Diversity and Inclusion
Destination Leaders Say Diversity Is Good for Business
Despite political pushback, destination leaders say diverse leadership and supplier practices remain a competitive edge.
How Wordly Enables Inclusive Meetings With AI: Watch Video
Everyone deserves a seat at the table, no matter what language they speak. Wordly helps organizations create more inclusive meetings and events by using AI to provide real-time translation and captioning, making it easier for global teams to participate fully and stay connected.
How Louisville’s Award-Winning Charm Built a Top Event Destination
With two convention centers, accommodation options that cater to every type of attendee, and an airport with nonstop service to 38 destinations, Louisville checks all the boxes of a premier convention city. To understand its magic, though, you need to look at something that cannot be built: the authentic sense of Southern charm that defines the community.
Event Design
Meet Your Attendees Where They Are: Event Design Advice from TED, Pinterest, and Forbes
Listening to your audience enables you to deliver the experiences they seek, and some they never would have expected.
9 Ways to Push the Boundaries of Event Design
Boring events don’t impress. But there are ways to deliver experiences that attendees will actually remember, and executives won't panic about.
Do Companies Need a Chief Meeting Officer?
Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg says meetings are a bigger expense than IT when you add the cost of attendees’ time and salaries. So why is no one at the top in charge?
Event Logistics & Operations
5 Reasons Off-Site Meetings Fail
According to organizational psychology expert Dr. Joe Allen, most off-sites regularly miss the mark. Here’s his advice on how to change that.
12 Strategies for Avoiding That Notorious Afternoon Slump
Anyone who’s ever attended a meeting has experienced that almost unavoidable after-lunch slump, when the energy literally drains from the room and eyes glaze over. The good news: With a little planning, it doesn‘t have to be that way.
What Your International Attendees Need to Know to Enter the U.S.
U.S. entry requirements vary by country and can be confusing. We break it down for you.
Event Management
How a $40K Cyber Scam Nearly Grounded 80 Event Pros
In an era of rising cyber fraud, one planner’s $40,000 loss is a wake-up call for the industry: payment security deserves the same rigor as contracts, insurance, and attendee safety.
Meeting Planner Bootcamp: How AGDC Trains Executive Assistants to Organize Events
Many executive assistants and secretaries end up as default event professionals, with little to no training. This planner decided to change that.
Speakers Bureaus to Planners: Stop Wasting Our Time
Today’s uncertain business climate is putting pressure on planners to hold off on making decisions until the last minute. Not only does this put speakers bureaus in a tough spot, it can mean lost income for the speakers.
Event Marketing & Promotion
6 Ways Planners Can Get Started on TikTok
TikTok is the social media platform of choice for showcasing events using video. But plan to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the site before jumping in, or users might pass right by.
5 Strategies for Marketing Events to a Younger Audience
Planners spend a lot of time and effort tailoring meeting content and delivery to younger attendees. Make sure your marketing efforts get the same level of attention.
Pop-Up Events: Do’s and Don’ts
Pop-up events might have started out as a trend but they’ve become an integral part of the marketing mix.
Event Technology
10 Instagram Strategies to Build Buzz Around Your Event
With some planning and creativity, planners can turn Instagram into a powerful marketing tool for events of all kinds.
5 Tech Tools Making Planners’ Lives Easier
There might be an initial learning curve, but planners say once they are up to speed, these technologies are not only improving their meetings but lightening their load.
7 Ways Next-Gen Attendees are Reshaping Event Tech
Planners need to rethink how they use technology in every aspect of their meetings, or they risk losing the attention of the biggest percentage of their attendees — Millennials and Gen Zers.
Ideas & Inspiration
4 Holistic Strategies to Make Events More Sustainable
The next phase of event sustainability looks beyond eco-friendly practices to consider impacts on the environment, local economies, and community well-being.
7 Ways Planners Can Use Pinterest for Inspiration
Meeting planners who overlook Pinterest are missing out on a valuable tool for discovering and curating event design ideas and inspiration.
15 Fun Games for Company Events
At the end of a long day of meetings, people just want to play. Planners can shift the vibe by adding fun, interactive games during the evening reception.
Incentive Travel
Use of AI for Incentive Planning Evolves, But Some Are Still Hesitant
Incentive planners’ use of AI is changing from making their jobs more efficient to customizing programs and analyzing their impact on sales. Still, some refuse to try it.
Strategies for Dealing With Attendee Travel Fears
Some incentive winners and their partners are less keen on traveling. A trifecta of anti-DEI sentiment, new government policies, and fear of flying is to blame.
5 Ways Planners Are Rethinking Incentives
Skift Meetings' upcoming incentive report, which will be released in August, reveals an industry that remains resilient and innovative as it is forced to continuously change and evolve.
Industry News
Booking.com for Business Adds Meeting Booking Integration
Booking.com is taking a deliberate step beyond flights and hotels by adding meeting booking through a partnership with Bizly.
July 2026 Will Be the Month of the Global Mega-Event in New York
The organizers of FIFA World Cup and Sail4th, both scheduled for next July, shared with the audience at this week’s Skift Meetings Forum how they operate under pressure.
New U.S. Visa Fee Threatens International Attendance at Trade Shows
Events across the United States are bracing for fewer international visitors when a new $250 visa integrity fee takes effect on October 1.
Inspiration
Celebrating Outstanding Front-Line Hospitality Workers Through Life-Changing Grants
The true spirit of hospitality lies within front-line and back-of-house workers. Through The Above and Beyond Foundation, there’s now a dedicated charity recognizing those who dedicate their lives to exceeding service expectations, providing them with life-changing monetary grants.
For These Meeting Planners, It’s All in the Family
Children whose parents work in the meetings industry grow up being exposed to interesting people from all over the world and taking trips their friends could only dream of. So it’s not surprising when they decide to follow in their parents’ footsteps.
48 Strategic Icebreakers for Meetings, Conferences, and Corporate Events
Icebreakers are evolving from cheesy to strategic. Here’s how to use them with intent, create stronger connections, and drive participation across formats.
Meetings Innovators
Meetings Innovators: Howard Givner
Howard Givner built and sold three successful event businesses. He says events are "on borrowed time" if they ignore two areas in dire need of innovation.
Meetings Innovator: Liz Lathan
Liz Lathan is reinventing business events with emotional clarity and bold ideas, reminding the industry that connection is the real return on investment.
Meetings Innovator: Claus Raasted
Claus Raasted wants to disrupt the default settings of the meetings industry — one bold, low-stakes experiment at a time. His legacy goal? Make the world a little less afraid, and a lot more willing to try something new.
On The Road
17 Must-Have Gadgets for Planners on the Go
These gadgets will make your travel to your meeting easier, and ensure that once you are on site, you’re ready for whatever comes up.
Expert Advice for Surviving Long-Haul Travel
The goal for meeting planners flying long-haul is to arrive fresh and ready to work. Who better to ask for advice on how to do that than fellow travelers and flight attendants?
Where Can On-the-Go Planners Find Healthy Airport Food?
Believe it or not, healthy food does exist when you’re traveling — you just need to know where to look.
People
Meetings Innovator: Anh Nguyen
When Anh Nguyen realized the events industry's "do-it-all-yourself" culture wasn't compatible with motherhood, she built a solution: a collaborative network of senior planners. But that's just one of her many innovative approaches to working in the meetings industry.
Mary Jo Blythe: Meetings Innovator
Forever changing the lives of front-line hospitality workers – one person at a time – is Mary Jo Blythe’s mission as founder of The Above and Beyond Foundation.
Megan Henshall: Meetings Innovator
Rehumanizing corporate life is the new mission of Google Xi. Its founder, Megan Henshall, is Skift Meeting's first-ever Meetings Innovator.
Skift Meetings Podcast
AI and the Human Touch
On this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the events industry while emphasizing the enduring importance of human connection.
Has Wellness Reached a Tipping Point?
With all the talk in the industry about integrating wellness into events, have meetings really become healthier?
IMEX America 2024 in Review: From Baseball to Pickleball, the Industry Is All-In on Personalized Experiences
In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we recap the record-breaking IMEX America 2024, diving into industry trends and the innovations shaping the future of events.
Sustainability
Sustainable Events: Will the Pendulum Swing Back?
Despite government rollbacks, the ESG experts at The Opus Group believe 2026 will see a return to sustainability. Here’s why.
How Louisville Looks at the Bigger Picture of Event Sustainability
As event organizers aim to uplevel their sustainability efforts, Louisville is the place to make it happen. Bourbon City is leading the way toward a brighter future with programs that are building a better community.
Meet in Fort Myers With Eco-Friendly Event Options
With over 290,000 square feet of meeting space, sustainable venues, and immersive CSR experiences like mangrove planting and oyster bed restoration — all set against stunning natural backdrops — Fort Myers' islands, beaches, and neighborhoods are a top choice for eco-conscious event planners.
Technology
Event Tech News Roundup: September 2025
AI is hogging the spotlight once again with multiple companies announcing developments and integrations, but there are also new offerings around floor plans and registration.
AI Is Fixing the Worst Part of Events: Bad Networking
As attendees become increasingly picky about which programs are worth their time and money, the meetings that leverage the right approach to artificial intelligence will emerge as winners.
What Happens When AI Tries to Network for You
Gamescom's AI tried to play matchmaker, but attendees weren't ready for a bot to book their meetings without asking.
Toolkit
5 Team-building Activities That Will Pull on Attendees' Heartstrings
From building wheelchairs for dogs to clearing beaches of microplastics, these 5 teambuilding activities leave a lasting impression on participants.
9 Ways to Kickstart Your Career as a Special Event Planner
There’s no straight path to becoming a special event planner. But there are many resources to help you learn more about the field and create the connections that will lead to your first job.
Take That Summer Vacation: 5 Musts for Avoiding Burnout
As August rolls around, it’s easy to convince yourself that there’s no time to take a summer vacation. That’s one of many unhealthy decisions planners under stress can make.
Trends & Insights
How Association Leaders are Dealing With Visa Delays, Funding Cuts, and Political Headwinds
Uncertainty looms large in the events industry, but association leaders are finding ways to adapt, even as attendance remains soft.
Purpose, Participation, and the Power of Listening: Lessons From Skift Meetings Forum 2025
Budgets and politics may dominate headlines, but at the Skift Meetings Forum 2025, industry leaders emphasized a different measure of value: the depth of community, the inclusivity of participation, and the serendipitous moments that spark real engagement.
Events Industry Recovery Hits Geopolitical Headwinds
The industry is facing its first non-pandemic resilience test. The numbers aren't terrible, but they're a wake-up call for an industry that's gotten too comfortable with its comeback narrative.
Venues
How Meeting and Event Spaces Foster Employee Connection in Today’s Hybrid World
Planners can maximize interaction among office staff members by meeting in person and creating experiences outside of the office in unique venues. Learn how Convene has designed its venues to meet the demands of companies bringing together teams of remote workers.
How Historic Destinations Can Spur Innovation Among Meeting Planners
Budapest’s rich history and modern amenities make it an ideal location for planners, particularly for large conferences. Learn how to utilize the Hungarian capital’s culture to spark innovation at your next meeting.
Independent Properties: When the Hotel Becomes the Experience
With the transformation of events into experiences, planners say that independent hotels offer distinct advantages, such as flexibility, creativity and authenticity.
Wellness
There’s a Need For Mental Health Training for Planners. Some Companies are Stepping Up.
Employers are getting proactive about the stress that event planners face in their daily jobs, and providing mental health training. Will industry associations be next?
Keeping Cool and Connected: Attendee Wellbeing Strategies for Summer Outdoor Events
Ensure attendee wellbeing at summer outdoor events with tips on heat, hydration, accessibility, and real-time engagement.
Inside a Wellness-First Approach to Meetings, Caesars-Style
Caesars Entertainment prioritizes wellness by making it part and parcel of successful modern event strategies. They even took the show on the road to demonstrate the difference their approach makes for wellness-minded (and wellness-challenged) event and meeting planners.
Women Leaders in Meetings
Women Leaders in Meetings: Marybeth Roberts
Marybeth Roberts was on the forefront of the strategic meetings management movement decades ago. Today she is as passionate as ever about innovating and driving cost efficiencies.
Women Leaders in Meetings: Cassandra Farrington
Cassandra Farrington didn’t just build a media brand, she helped professionalize an industry long dismissed as fringe. By turning MJBizCon into the must-attend event for cannabis professionals, she proved that credibility, scale, and community could grow even in the most uncharted business terrain.
Women Leaders in Meetings: Lori Allen
Lori Allen, vice president, global event operations at MetLife, strives to be the kind of leader who understands what her team needs and creates an environment where they're safe to express that.