The Old Playbook Will Not Work for Today’s Corporate Events

Data, substance, and sustainability take center stage at today's corporate events.

The Stand-Up September 26, 2024 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   The traditional approach to corporate events—long presentations and jam-packed schedules—no longer works. Audiences expect more engaging, purposeful events.   At the 2024 Skift Meetings Forum, Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange, and Rob Adams, president of Bishop-McCann, explored what it takes to meet corporate event expectations.   Kastner and Adams discussed using data effectively to provide real business value and avoid surface-level fixes. They also covered sustainability and the perils of failing to address environmental impact   The message is clear: data, business strategy, and sustainability are critical to modernizing corporate events in 2024.   Here are more reports on sessions from the 2024 Skift Meetings Forum. The Old Playbook Will Not Work for Today's Corporate Events Next-Gen FOMO: Why Actual Face Time Beats Screen Time for Gen Z. Monique Ruff-Bell's TED's 40-year Evolution and Leadership Journey How Geopolitics Shape the Future of the Meetings Industry Is DEI Becoming a "Dirty Word" in the Meetings Industry? Seth Godin on Transforming Meetings TOP STORIES The Old Playbook Will Not Work for Today's Corporate Events Data, substance, and sustainability take center stage at today's corporate events. Intentional Serendipity: Event Tech and the Future of In-Person Networking Created collaboratively with Stova Event technology shouldn't replace in-person connections but enhance networking opportunities that strengthen business relationships. Dubai To Invest $2.7 Billion in What Will Become the Largest Exhibition Venue in the Middle East Dubai is looking south to expand its convention capabilities at the former site of Expo 2020. NEW REPORT Beyond Eco-Friendly: Putting Sustainability at the Center of Meetings and Events Created collaboratively with Destination DC What began as a way to think about making meetings and events more eco-friendly has evolved into implementing steps to create an ecosystem for meetings, events, and conferences — as well as their host destination — to thrive.   In this report, we examine the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem for events from the perspectives of planners, attendees, and the host destination. DOWNLOAD REPORT Next-Gen FOMO: Why Actual Face Time Beats Screen Time for Gen Z Stop planning meetings like it's 2010. Gen Z doesn't have the same values as Boomers, and planners who don't evolve may find themselves out of step. Breathe New Life Into Meetings in Whistler Created collaboratively with Tourism Whistler Whistler, British Columbia, shines as a meetings and incentives destination with its natural beauty and planner-friendly amenities. 28 Top Tips for IMEX America Do yourself a favor. Check out our unofficial guide to surviving — and thriving — at IMEX America. LIVE EVENT @ IMEX AMERICA Skift Meetings Innovation Lab at IMEX America 2024 Sponsored by the Budapest Convention Bureau The Skift Meetings Innovation Lab features editorial presentations with fresh industry insights that foster collaborative peer-to-peer discussions. This is a planner-only session for meeting and event planners participating in IMEX America 2024. REQUEST YOUR INVITATION Seasonal Event Ideas To Wow Your Clients Year-Round As the calendar turns, so do the creative possibilities for eventprofs. Here are the best seasonal event ideas that are timely, practical, and audience favorites. Time to Chill: Planners' Post-Meeting Rituals It's not always possible to take time after a meeting to get back to equilibrium, but many planners consider it a must. Ten event organizers share their relaxation rituals. Monique Ruff-Bell Reflects on TED's 40-year Evolution and Her Personal Leadership Journey TED's chief program and strategy officer took center stage at Skift Meetings Forum, inspiring 250 meeting professionals to think strategically about their careers.  SKIFT MEETINGS REPORT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IMEX Meetings With Meaning: An Introductory Guide to Harnessing the Positive Impacts of Meetings and Events   Sponsored by Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Destination Toronto, Hilton, Meeting Destination Vienna, Snoball, Tourism Montreal, and Visit Lauderdale   With insights from industry experts, strategies, and relevant case studies, this report presents a starting point for more impactful, purposeful meetings and events. DOWNLOAD REPORT Seth Godin on Transforming Meetings Seth Godin has spent decades inspiring thousands of audiences to make change happen. At Skift Meetings Forum, he shared some strong advice for planners. How Geopolitics Shape the Future of the Meetings Industry As the world's geopolitical landscape shifts, the meetings industry finds itself again navigating uncharted territory, making it more critical than ever to speak the language of politics. Is DEI Becoming a "Dirty Word" in the Meetings Industry?  As DEI departments face widespread downsizing and political tension, experts argue that building an inclusive company culture matters more than having a dedicated DEI department. UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS: PCMA Convening EMEA in Barcelona, Spain (September 30-October 2) IMEX America in Las Vegas, NV (October 7-10) ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE (October 20-23) Explore our full calendar of industry events here. San Francisco Travel Names Its First Female CEO San Francisco is still far off from seeing a full recovery in its conferences and meetings business. Hiring a permanent CEO for its destination marketing organization is an important step. Oak View Group and OCESA Team Up to Offer Hospitality at Four Mexico City Venues Oak View Group, a company that has made its mission to positively disrupt the venue management sector, is entering the Mexican market. Women Leaders in Meetings: Janet Dell, CEO of Freeman For the first time in its 97-year history, Freeman is being led by a woman. Janet Dell took the helm on July 1, replacing Bob Priest-Heck, who retired. Here are the keys to her success. More From Skift Meetings Identity Crisis: What Exactly Is a Meeting Planner? Comfortable, No-Hassle Attire: Planners' New Wardrobe 14 Ways to Upgrade Your Awards Program To ensure there are no pauses in our communication, please add our email address to your contacts: meetings@skift.com. 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