Deal Making Heats up in the Events Industry

Informa is in the process of buying 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?

The Stand-Up August 6, 2024 by Andrea Doyle View in browser Hi there,   📉 It was a tough Monday. International markets plunged. U.S. markets dropped. Many are worried this is a foreshadowing of a possible recession. This is on the minds of many, but good news is coming out of the events industry. There is an increase in deal-making which demonstrates continued confidence in the sector.   Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with two DEI experts, Dr. Brandi M. Baldwin, PhD, the CEO of Millennial Ventures who is an organizational and leadership psychologist, and Bea Boccalandro who guides corporate boards and executives on how to lead business-smart social purpose, on Skift Meetings' latest podcast.   We chatted about the fact that DEI in many situations is taking a beating. It has even spilled into the presidential race. When used like this, it aims to undermine one's qualifications. But overall, companies are committed to inclusion. This is a preamble to a conversation I will have with both at the Skift Meetings Forum on September 17 in New York City.        Read the full story on Skift Meetings 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Planned Secures $35 Million in Funding, Hopper's CEO Joins Board Planned has secured a significant round of financing and added a travel industry heavyweight onto its board. Up next is expanding AI functionality and travel booking capabilities. Hubilo's Founder Hands Off CEO Title Vaibhav Jain's run at the helm of the company he co-founded in 2014 has ended. Former engineer and product manager Shailesh Hegde takes over. 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