🐕 Snoop Dogg at the Olympics: Genius or Gimmick? 🏅

Did Snoop Dogg's Olympic appearance shake up the Games in the best way—or was it a risky move that missed the mark?

The Stand-Up August 15, 2024 by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   What happens when you mix Snoop Dogg's laid-back swagger with the prestige of the 2024 Paris Olympics?   For some, it was a brilliant move that brought fresh energy and massive buzz to the Games. For others, it was a head-scratching moment as they wondered how the iconic rapper fit into such a grand event.   But love it or hate it, Snoop Dogg's presence sparked conversation—and isn't that what every event planner dreams of?   Curious whether taking a risk like this could make or break your next big event?   Read the full story on Skift Meetings How Snoop Dogg's Role at the 2024 Paris Olympics Can Inspire Event Planners From beach volleyball and gymnastics to tennis and dressage, hip-hop star Snoop Dogg was in the crowd cheering during the 2024 Paris Olympics. His involvement underscores how an unconventional celebrity can amplify an event's impact and broaden its appeal.   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. Get your ticket now! Spend Thousands to Take the Staff on Corporate Retreats? These Companies Say it Pays Off Travel groups that specialize in corporate retreats are reporting plenty of demand, but convincing some customers of the ROI can be tough.   Start Planning Your Holiday Gatherings: Expert Tips for Festive Celebrations Two industry experts share inspiring ideas for festive holiday gatherings on this week's Skift Meetings Podcast. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. CALENDAR   IACC invites venue leaders and meeting industry professionals to connect at its 2024 IACC Europe Knowledge Festival. The schedule features collaborative workshops, "Let's Talk" sessions, and special events designed to integrate networking, learning, and enjoyment. August 21-22 IBTM Americas in Mexico City, Mexico September 10-12: UFI Americas Conference in Monterrey, Mexico September 13 -15: IACC Europe Knowledge Festival in Surrey, UK Explore our full calendar here. 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. 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. 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. More From Skift Meetings DEI at a Crossroads [podcast] Destination Brief: 5 Ways to Incorporate DC's Cultural Diversity Into Your Meeting Produced in partnership with Destination DC All You Need to Know About Skift Meetings Forum The Biggest Stressors – and Must-Haves – for Senior Incentive Planners Skift Meetings Awards 2024: Meet the Finalists 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