The Stand-Up

February 25, 2025

Edited by Miguel Neves

Hi there,

From sustainability metrics to hidden hotel fees, this week's top stories tackle the complexities of modern meeting planning.

If you're striving for sustainability, recycling and going plastic-free are just the beginning, there's a lot more that can be done.

Innovative site sourcing approaches, like those championed by MCI, are setting a higher bar on sustainability. The company is changing its event sourcing process to emphasise transparency and data. It's a shift that could inspire the entire industry.

Speaking of inspiration, Catalonia is giving us a masterclass in blending business with local flavor. They're proving how a destination can attract top-tier meetings by weaving innovation into its cultural fabric. It's a reminder of why place matters in events. (Content created collaboratively with the Catalunya Tourist Board)

For global planners, expansion opportunities like Opus Agency's move into Asia Pacific highlight the growing appetite for live events in dynamic regions. The acquisition of The CWK underscores the potential for growth and transformation in the APAC market.

For those managing event budgets, the looming threat of sneaky hotel fees is impossible to ignore. The key to controlling your costs? Knowing where these charges hide and how to negotiate them away before they balloon your expenses.

And if your upcoming meeting is welcoming children, your to-do list just got a little longer. Keeping young attendees safe while protecting your company from liability requires careful planning and clear boundaries.

As always, we'd love to hear from you. What are the hot topics keeping you up at night? Got a great story to share from your latest meeting? Hit reply and let us know; we're all ears.