Introducing the Skift Meetings M&I 15

The M&I 15 reflects a meetings and incentives sector remade by consolidation — and stress-tested by the Covid pandemic. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser Unsubscribe Thursday February 19, 2026 Dear Reader, Introducing the Skift Meetings M&I 15, the definitive list of the most powerful and influential U.S. meetings and incentive companies. We look at the real cost of free meeting space. And we explore how SITE pulled off its first major meeting in the Middle East. Feature   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief Introducing the Skift Meetings M&I 15 The M&I 15 reflects a sector remade by consolidation — and stress-tested by the Covid pandemic. As mergers and rebrands compressed the field, capabilities have increasingly converged, leaving differentiation to come from corporate structure, service model, and where each firm chooses to specialize. Scale remains the entry ticket, but the gaps in focus are real enough to make buyers look twice at who they're partnering with.   Backstage Briefing       How Data Turns Events into Strategic Assets In this webinar, we'll explore how data transforms events from cost centers into growth drivers. We'll discuss how to define ROI across multiple stakeholders, measure brand visibility beyond impressions, and connect event activity directly to pipeline and revenue outcomes. REgister Now Event Management   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Envato / voronaman Is Free Meeting Space Actually Free? Complimentary space isn't about what's waived; it's about understanding where the cost has been reallocated. There is no such thing as free meeting space, only different pricing structures. Events | September 22 (New York) Skift Meetings Forum 2026 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. More info Incentive Travel   Barbara Scofidio Editor How SITE Pulled Off Its First Major Meeting in the Middle East SITE's members are well-traveled, and many have been to the Middle East before. But for those who had not — and for the association itself — the Annual Conference in Abu Dhabi presented some new challenges.   SKIFT IDEA AWARDS       Recognizing the most impactful and inspiring projects The 2026 Skift IDEA Awards are open for submissions, with five categories dedicated to meetings and events presented by Skift Meetings: hotels, venues & convention centers, destination marketing organizations, event technology, and cruise lines. Apply Now Popular Content Destinations ICCA's Return to Africa Raises Inclusion Questions Ahead of 2027 Kigali Congress As global associations expand into fast-growing destinations, inclusion and human rights are becoming as critical as infrastructure and airlift. - Andrea Doyle   Event Logistics & Operations Naboo Raises $70 Million to Scale AI-Powered Events Procurement Platform Unlike many event tech startups that treat AI as a feature, Naboo is building it into the backbone of enterprise event procurement — automating sourcing, negotiation, and payments at scale. - Andrea Doyle   Destinations Cycling Trade Show Cancels as ICE Enforcement Disrupts Minneapolis Events Industry A major cycling industry trade show is the latest gathering to be canceled in the Minneapolis area as federal immigration enforcement actions continue to disrupt the region's meetings, tourism, and hospitality sectors. - Andrea Doyle Defining the future of events. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | Skift Meetings Stand-Up from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.

First Round of Judges Announced for the Skift IDEA Awards

Meet the global leaders shaping this year's Skift IDEA Awards and secure the lowest entry rate. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser Unsubscribe   Announcing This Year's Judges FIRST ROUND OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS REVEALED PURCHASE NOW. HAVE UNTIL JULY 1 TO SUBMIT. We are excited to announce the first round of judges for this year's Skift IDEA Awards, bringing together an exceptional group of leaders from across travel, tourism, aviation, technology, and global brands. More to be announced. These industry experts will help recognize the most innovative brands, destinations, and executives shaping the future of travel. First Round of Judges: Jonathan Gómez Punzón CEO Málaga Tourism Board Meaghan Ferrigno SVP, CFO, and Chief Data and Analytics Officer Destination Canada Dr Nadia Bastaki Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer Etihad Aviation Group Amy Martin Ziegenfuss Chief Marketing Officer Carnival Cruise Lines Edison Chen Vice President Trip.com Group Chris Miller Senior Vice President of Sustainability Aspen One Anna Sawbridge Director of Travel Google UK Julie Lehnis Global Strategic Meetings Manager Apple Inc Quentin Remy Head of Global Procurement and Strategic Sourcing mci group Jay Shabat Senior Analyst, Airline Weekly Skift This distinguished panel represents a global cross section of expertise across airlines, destinations, cruise, technology, sustainability, procurement, and corporate travel. Their insights and leadership will help spotlight the boldest ideas and most impactful achievements in travel. You can secure your entry now at the lowest rate and take advantage of early bird pricing before it ends on March 12. When you enter now, you lock in the best price and have until July 1 to complete and submit your entry. PURCHASE ENTRY AT LOWEST PRICE Defining the future of travel. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Whatsapp   |  Bluesky   |  Threads You received this because you are subscribed to Marketing Emails from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.