AI dominated just about every conversation at the GBTA Convention in Chicago this week. No matter where I turned, someone was there ready to tell me about the AI-powered innovation that would make booking my travels better and submitting my expenses easier. Who knows? Maybe AI will even start taking the trips for me and enjoy sitting in the middle seat. |
While it’s easy to roll your eyes at more promises about AI, one breakout session made me recognize that some of those lofty promises are indeed coming true. Kimberly Meyer, co-founder of Data Angel, pointed out that fully agentic AI bookings are already happening with smaller meetings. Those agents are analyzing data, conducting negotiations, and sourcing the right hotels. Soon enough, she expects all major hotels to build their own agents. The pace of change is staggeringly fast. By the time you receive this email, one of those agents may already be reviewing your RFP. |
For now, head below for the scoop on the $1.285 billion Bending Spoons-Airtable deal, tips for better collaboration with procurement, and a close look at the change-maker connecting the events industry to a pool of two million job-seekers. — David McMillin |
|
|
| |
| |
DON’T MISS OUT |
|
If an agent is already reviewing your RFP, the question is what the planner's job becomes next. |
That debate belongs onstage with peers, not in a vendor demo. On September 22 at the Javits Center, confirmed speakers include Bettina Garibaldi of the FIFA World Cup 26 host committee, Dan Macsai of Time, and Peter Lewis of SXSW, in a room that ran 77% director level and above last year. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
WEBINAR |
|
|
Women power the meetings industry — yet rarely run it. Join Skift Meetings, Elaine Lou Cartas and Monique Ruff-Bell, next Wednesday, 12 August at 11amET, for a candid look at the leadership gap, the barriers behind it, and what's changing. Register for the webinar now. |
Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
WORTH YOUR TIME |
Five things worth your time today. |
|
|
** A sponsored message from Visit Anaheim.. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
SKIFT PICK: TRANSLATING TRAVEL TRENDS FOR MEETINGS |
Booking a European Meeting? Be Sure to Ask About the AC. |
Air conditioning penetration in Europe sits at just 20%, compared to roughly 90% in the U.S. As heatwaves get worse and more frequent, Skift’s Tasmin Lockwood highlighted that European hotels are stuck in the middle. They want cool, happy guests, but EU building-energy rules and their own sustainability commitments mean they can’t just crank the AC everywhere. AC units across Europe are expected to more than double by 2050, but that's a 2050 fix for a right-now problem. |
If you're booking a meeting or conference in Europe this summer — or really any summer going forward — don't assume every meeting room, breakout space, and guest room will be cooled the way it would be at a U.S. property. Is there AC in the sleeping rooms? In the general session space? Is it centrally controlled, or does someone at the front desk have to turn it on? And in addition to asking the hotel those questions, ask yourself whether your organization has a proper plan in place to respond to potential heat-related health and safety issues.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
Great events are built on strategy, innovation, and the right resources. The Skift Meetings Toolkit is your go-to hub for best practices in managing meetings and events. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
Thanks for being a regular reader. We are switching to a new email platform. Why? This change will allow for better delivery, and more engaging newsletters. Please take a moment to add this new email address to your contacts to ensure you continue receiving your newsletters without interruption. During this transition, these emails might land in your promotions or spam folder. To ensure you don’t miss out, please move this newsletter to your primary inbox. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
