The Stand-Up (February 4, 2025)

From U.S.-Canada trade tensions to business events on weekends events: see how 2025's biggest changes affect your events strategy.

The Stand-Up February 4, 2025 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Top Stories How U.S.-Canada Tariff Tensions Could Disrupt Business Events The escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada is sending ripples through the business events sector. Industry leaders caution that tariffs could alter the dynamics of cross-border events. Bizly Acquires Kapow to Expand Group Dining Capabilities Bizly has made a strategic acquisition that adds group dining to its vision of becoming the leading global platform for booking events of all types. Certified Meeting Professional Program Gets Major Update, New Exam Coming in August The CMP, the events industry's most recognized certification is getting a makeover. For the first time since 2017, the Events Industry Council is rolling out significant changes to its Certified Meeting Professional International Standards. MEETINGS INNOVATOR Kathryn Frankson From robots to rock 'n' roll stages, Money20/20's marketing guru Kathryn Frankson has a knack for turning heads and raising eyebrows. But behind the wild ideas and viral moments is a seasoned innovator with some serious wisdom to share. 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Started Planning Meetings If you've just been handed responsibility for planning a meeting—and have little to no experience doing so—beware of these 5 common beginner mistakes. Event Tech News Roundup – January 2025 January kicked off 2025 with a flurry of strategic moves in event tech, from major acquisitions in group dining and virtual events to AI-powered product launches. 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. Weekends Are No Longer Off-Limits for Business Events Weekend business events have shed their taboo status, emerging as an opportunity that can enrich, rather than intrude upon, family time. 5 Ways Tight Budgets Are Making Their Mark on Incentives Among the Incentive Research Foundation's annual list of 2025 trends, several are driven by continuing flat budgets and rising costs. Elsewhere in the News An exciting new chapter for TED (TED) How Has AI Changed Travel Planning? (Skift) Lessons from music industry trade show: Embracing disruption, collaboration (The Tennessean) Global Travel Poised for Continued Growth in 2025 (Skift) With L.A. focused on fire recovery, Convention Center expansion is now in doubt (Los Angeles Times) U.S. Safety Investigators Are Reviewing Air Traffic Controller Staffing (Skift) INDUSTRY EVENTS CALENDAR Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) in Melbourne, Australia (Feb.10-12) UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 13-14) RainFocus INSIGHT in Salt Lake City, UT (Feb. 18 - 20) Explore our full calendar of 2025 industry events here. More From Skift Meetings 2025: The Year of the Meetings Maximizer Terrapinn CEO Takes M&A Hunt to LinkedIn - And It's Paying Off 5 Ways to Get Approval to Attend a Conference Nineteen Group Expands into U.S. 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