The Stand-Up (January 16, 2025)

The power of vulnerability, a business retreat on a yacht, new awards, a visioning workshop and more...

The Stand-Up January 16, 2025 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   As we reach the midpoint of January, the PCMA Convening Leaders event in Houston has just wrapped up. Attendees were inspired by the insights of acclaimed researcher Brené Brown, who delivered a powerful message on the transformative power of vulnerability and how it can set you apart in the competitive landscape.   In a bold departure from the ordinary, a boutique business retreat set sail on a yacht in the stunning waters of Croatia. Two executives revealed to Skift Meetings how this daring choice of venue was instrumental in achieving remarkable results.   SkiftX worked in collaboration with Convene to explore the role that venues play in uniting remote teams. With virtual connections being the day-to-day norm, the choice of venue can be a game-changer.   We're also happy to share some news about the Skift Meetings Awards, which will now be part of the Skift IDEA Awards, making the program bigger and better than ever.   Lastly, we had the pleasure of connecting with Tyra Dyson, who is leading a visioning workshop designed for planners eager to transform their dreams into tangible achievements.   I hope you enjoy reading our latest content, and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts and comments with us by simply replying to this email. Top Stories In an AI World, Brené Brown Says Vulnerability Is Your Competitive Edge In an era of remote work and AI, the renowned researcher argues that emotional awareness isn't just feel-good fluff, it's the key to making business meetings work. Business Retreat Trades Conference Rooms for Croatian Waters Good luck getting your finance department to approve "retreat on yacht in Croatia" as a business expense. But before they shoot down your ambitious plans, share how these executives found that trading boardrooms for ocean views delivered real ROI. AWARDS The Next Era of Skift Meetings Awards Exciting news! Skift Meetings Awards will now form part of the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards, making the program bigger and better than ever. Apply early to secure the best entry rate. How Meeting and Event Spaces Foster Employee Connection in Today's Hybrid World Created collaboratively with Convene Planners can maximize interaction among office staff members by meeting in person and creating experiences outside of the office in unique venues. Learn how Convene has designed its venues to meet the demands of companies bringing together teams of remote workers. Planners Use Visioning to Start Off 2025  Visioning can be a powerful tool to start the year. But it's not enough, says Tyra Dyson, who leads a workshop for planners focused on turning visions into reality. TRENDS REPORT Skift Meetings Megatrends 2025 Explore the industry's most transformative trends for the year ahead, from the innovative use of AI for personalized experiences to a growing emphasis on authenticity, sustainability, and well-being. INDUSTRY EVENTS CALENDAR GO WEST in Edmonton, Canada (Feb. 2-4) Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) in Melbourne, Australia (Feb.10-12) UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 13-14) Explore our full calendar of 2025 industry events here. More From Skift Meetings Event Planners Unite to Support Peers Affected by California Fires Events Industry Rallies to Have Its Own NAICS Code The Silent Power of Seating Charts Five Predictions from Scott Galloway that Signal Change for Business Events 8 Ways to Protect Attendees From Norovirus This Winter Visa Delays Impact Chinese Exhibitors at CES, Underscoring Struggles for International Business Events Harry Potter Meets Immersive Networking at The College of Extraordinary Experiences 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