Celebrating Impact: Leaders Innovating Meetings

Meet two trailblazers reshaping the meetings industry with innovation, empathy, and life-changing impact.

The Stand-Up December 3, 2024 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there, As we come to the final month of 2024, we are once again spotlighting two remarkable leaders who embody the spirit of impact and innovation in the meetings industry.   Monique Ruff-Bell, TED's chief program and strategy officer, has redefined leadership through strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. From overseeing global events to championing diversity, she's a powerhouse reshaping how we connect and learn.   Meanwhile, Mary Jo Blythe, founder of The Above and Beyond Foundation, is revolutionizing how nonprofits uplift individuals. By zeroing in on hospitality workers and awarding life-changing grants, she's rewriting what meaningful support looks like, one person at a time.   At a time when we celebrate connections, these stories remind us how the power of leadership and compassion can ripple outward, touching lives far beyond our immediate circles.   Who inspires you in your work, and what qualities do you think define exceptional leadership? We'd love to hear your thoughts or examples of other innovators—just hit "reply" and share!   Top Stories Four Ways the Trump Administration Could Impact Medical Meetings Robert F. Kennedy is promising big changes to the healthcare industry if he is confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. When it comes to medical meetings, plenty is at stake. Harris Rosen, Founder of Rosen Hotels, Dies at 85 The news of Harris Rosen passing away yesterday at the age of 85 is rippling across the meetings industry. VIRTUAL SUMMIT (DEC. 4) Best Business Events of the Year - 2024 Sponsored by Stova and Tourism Whistler Get a front-row seat to uncover the best ideas, innovative strategies, and standout successes from this year's top business events. Join us for an exclusive virtual event to dive into six business events that pushed boundaries, sparked connections, and set new standards. REGISTER NOW 5 Skills You'll Need to Rise in Your Association   Randall Barney knew he would need to sharpen certain skills, like public speaking and sales, to work his way up at the World Teleport Association. So he made that his mission. How Can Color Elevate an Event Experience? The transformative impact of color took center stage at a recent event, where design and cuisine merged to create a multisensory experience. WOMEN LEADERS IN MEETINGS Monique Ruff-Bell Monique Ruff-Bell exemplifies leadership at TED rooted in strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and bold thinking. She balances vision with empathy, inspiring others. The Challenge of Non-Exhibiting Suppliers at Trade Shows When sellers do business on a trade show floor without paying for the privilege to do so, it creates two issues: organizers miss out on revenue, and paying exhibitors feel cheated. A recent show put measures in place to stop this from happening. How to Make Meetings Simpler for Exhibitors Created collaboratively with Stova Completing registrations, collecting sponsorship materials, and communicating updates to exhibitors adds time and resources to planners with already-filled plates. Stova's new platform aims to improve the experience for exhibitors and planners. Independent Planners Voice Need for More Support Independent planners are looking beyond their industry associations for the resources and connections they need to build their small businesses. MEETINGS INNOVATOR Mary Jo Blythe Forever changing the lives of front-line hospitality workers – one person at a time – is Mary Jo Blythe's mission as founder of The Above and Beyond Foundation. Meetings Innovator is sponsored by Stova Olympic Lessons in Sustainability, Safety, and Innovation Panos Tzivanidis, director of corporate events and services for the International Olympic Committee shares lessons learned from the 2024 Paris Games.  Meeting Planners Navigate Rising Costs and Shifting Work Models Concerns linger about destination safety, rising costs, audiovisual/tech expenses, and hotel contract inflexibility, according to Future Partners State of the Meetings & Convention Industry research. Are You Prepared for a Mental Health Crisis at Your Meeting? Organizations rarely include potential mental health crises in their risk management planning. The time to start is now. More From Skift Meetings One Planner's Generative AI Journey 8 Economic Trends Affecting Meetings From ALHI's Mike Dominguez Clarion Events Makes Another Acquisition – Are More Deals Coming?  How Freeman Manages a Five-Generation Workforce Are Convention Centers Worth It? Drones and 'Braindates': How FICP Tried to Set Its Conference Apart  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