Cautious Optimism for Meetings

In the first half of this year, 21 of the top 25 hotel markets saw increased group demand, with conferences and trade shows the key drivers of this growth.

The Stand-Up August 8, 2024 by Andrea Doyle View in browser Hi there,   Meetings matter. In the first half of 2024, 21 of the top 25 hotel markets saw increased group demand, though overall levels remain below 2019 when adjusted for inflation. Conferences and trade shows are key drivers of this growth.   Meeting attendance was the biggest driver of travel growth in 2023 and that is expected to continue in 2024.    We also share details about the $51-million expansion of the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland. It is being called a game changer for the city as it was completed in time to host more than 5,000 attendees gathering this weekend for the ASAE conference.        Read the full story on Skift Meetings Cautious Optimism for Meetings In the first half of 2024, 21 of the top 25 hotel markets saw increased group demand, though overall levels remain below 2019 when adjusted for inflation. Conferences and trade shows are key drivers of this growth, with significant recovery in regions like Asia Pacific and North America. Cleveland's Convention Center's Expansion Ready for ASAE's Annual Meeting A multi-million renovation and expansion of the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland is complete just in time to welcome approximately 5,000 attendees to the American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Exposition. Deal Making Heats up in the Events Industry Informa is in the process of buying Ascential, the owner of Money 20/20 and Cannes Lions conferences. Hyve Group is purchasing the Possible conference. What do these deals mean to the meetings and events industry? Olympics opening ceremony in Paris unfolded under an unexpected veil of rain, adding an unplanned layer of drama. But this was just the beginning. DEI at a Crossroads In the latest episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we focus on DEI programs. There may be some rollback after the urgent push for creating such programs after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and redefining of terms, but overall, companies are still committed to DEI. NEW REPORT Reimagining Luxury Venues for Meetings and Events: New Strategies and Insights Sponsored by The Grand America Hotel    Increased financial constraints mean planners must figure out how to deliver VIP experiences and source high-quality venues on a tighter budget, with many now looking to high-end hotels in secondary destinations as an ideal solution. Download our latest report to explore the shifting concept of luxury in an evolving era of meetings and events. DOWNLOAD Skift Meetings Forum We're gathering the meetings industry's brightest minds for our flagship event. Don't miss our one-day exclusive learning experience on September 17 in New York City.   Tickets are $695; complimentary VIP tickets are available for invited senior planners. Hotel Strikes Threaten Events: Are You Ready? More than 13,000 hotel workers in four U.S. cities may vote for strikes in the coming weeks. Picket lines are a real possibility that will disrupt meetings and conventions. Lessons fro Event Planners from the Paris Olympics: Take Risks, But Have a Plan B The Olympics opening ceremony in Paris unfolded under an unexpected veil of rain, adding an unplanned layer of drama. But this was just the beginning. Inside C2: How its Creative Director Is Transforming the Conference Experience C2 has always been high on the list of the world's most creative events, often resembling a conference meets carnival. We checked in with C2's creative director to find out what worked this year and how the event has evolved since the pandemic. Skift Meetings Awards 2024: Meet the Finalists For the second year, Skift Meetings Awards will once again celebrate the business events industry's most respected and innovative suppliers. View the 2024 finalists now. CALENDAR   "In Unity, We Thrive" is the theme of ASAE's 2024 Annual Meeting. This gathering of association leaders promises to help attendees navigate ever-evolving workplaces, missions, and members to transform challenges into opportunities. August 10-13: ASAE Annual in Cleveland, OH August 13-15: SISO Summer Conference in Philadelphia, PA August 21-22 IBTM Americas in Mexico City, Mexico Explore our full calendar here. Destination Brief: 5 Ways to Incorporate DC's Cultural Diversity Into Your Meeting As the nation's capital, Washington, DC, has a mix of international allure and enriching opportunities that can transform meetings into a monumental experience.   Produced in partnership with Destination DC Informa Offers $1.6 Billion to Buy Ascential, Looking to Grow Lions and Money20/20 Brands Event and publishing giant Informa has big plans to expand into the marketing and financial technology verticals. Groupize Acquires The Vendry, Adding Supplier Marketplace to Meetings Management Offering The combined platform promises to be a new type of all-in-one offering combining meeting and travel management with venue and vendor sourcing. More From Skift Meetings All You Need to Know About Skift Meetings Forum The Biggest Stressors – and Must-Haves – for Senior Incentive Planners Why Australia Is Attracting Global Appeal Among Meeting Planners Created in partnership with Business Events Australia To ensure there are no pauses in our communication, please add our email address to your contacts: meetings@skift.com. Skift, 35 W 31st St., Frnt 1, New York, NY 10001, USA, (516) 399-0304 Manage preferences