Still trying to figure out how to change the conversation at your next meeting?

If you’re searching for opportunities to elevate the energy at your next meeting, a new guide from Skift Studio and Louisville Tourism should be at the top of your reading list.   You’ll get a look at how leading organizations are designing experiences that extend beyond a primary venue and headquarter hotel. When they do, they unlock a new level of creativity where attendees can meet with master distillers, stroll the red carpet at Churchill Downs, and walk in the footsteps of legends like Muhammad Ali – all without boarding a shuttle bus.   Download the guide today to get a look at how Louisville can help you reimagine your next program. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift Meetings. Skift, 35 W 31st St., Frnt 1, New York, NY 10001, USA Manage preferences

AOM's Annual Meeting won't be returning to U.S. soil until at least 2031  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Read online 🐘 U.S. Politics Driving Conferences Away The Academy of Management's Annual Meeting was held almost exclusively in the U.S. for nearly nine decades. It won't be returning to U.S. soil until at least 2031.   Miguel Neves, Skift Meetings Editor-in-Chief May 19th, 2026 IN THIS EDITION Challenges ahead for VIP World Cup groups at MetLife Stadium Business events generate $1.3 trillion globally, but remain “invisible” U.S. politics blamed for 13,500-person conference moving from Seattle to Vienna Plus, Routes World swaps Riyadh for Frankfurt and we recognize Women Leader in Meetings Betsy Gonzalez and Meetings Innovator Kyle Jordan Read on below.     FEATURED STORIES World Cup Access Restrictions Are Driving VIP Groups Away  By Andrea Doyle No limos. No parking. No tailgating. With MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the July 19 final, event planners have one month to figure out a new playbook. GET THE STORY Business Events Are the 'Invisible Industry' Behind $1.3 Trillion in Sales  By Barbara Scofidio The $1.8 trillion of total GDP generated by business events globally in 2025 would rank the sector as the world’s 16th-largest economy — if it were a country. GET THE STORY Academy of Management Pulls 13,500-Person Conference Out of the U.S.  By Andrea Doyle Seattle’s loss is Vienna’s gain. The Academy of Management's decision to move its annual meeting out of the U.S. highlights how immigration policy and politics are shaping international meeting decisions. GET THE STORY         ICYMI: Where Medical Meeting Planners Can Count On Higher International Attendance Melbourne Convention Bureau & Business Events Australia + Skift Meetings Are you worried about a potential drop in registration numbers? Find out where some of your peers are turning for above-average global participation.  GET THE STORY         WEBINAR We’re unpacking what medical meetings look like in 2026, with compliance, budgetary pressures, measuring engagement, and mastering AI all top of mind. Joining us are three experts offering diverse perspectives: Jody Brandes (Gilead Sciences) Pat Schaumann (Schaumann Consulting Group) Samantha Steinkeler (Meetings & Incentives Worldwide) REGISTER NOW         EVENTS Skift Meetings Forum On September 22, Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together event leaders for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape. GET YOUR SEAT         DON’T MISS THESE STORIES Betsy Gonzalez: There’s No “I” in Team By Barbara Scofidio A well-known industry veteran, FM’s Betsy Gonzalez is a true believer that it takes a team to make things happen.  View Article Routes World Diverts 2026 Conference From Riyadh to Frankfurt By Andrea Doyle Saudi Arabia has invested billions to become a global meetings hub, but Routes World’s decision to move its flagship event to Frankfurt shows that attendee confidence can outweigh even the most ambitious destination strategy. View Article Kyle Jordan Uses Innovation to Strengthen Human Connection By Andrea Doyle For Kyle Jordan, innovation isn’t about dazzling attendees with the latest technology. It’s about removing friction to build a stronger sense of belonging and connection. View Article         Skift Meetings Toolkit 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. EXPLORE THE TOOLKIT         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.       DEFINING THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2026 Skift 35 W 31st St. New York, New York 10001, United States Terms of Service