Skift Meetings Forum 2025 Roundup

The key insights from our flagship event

View in browser Unsubscribe Wednesday October 29, 2025 The Skift Meetings Forum 2025 Edition Enjoy our special edition of The Stand-Up, filled to the brim with the highlights of Skift Meetings Forum 2025. 🗓️ And save the date for Skift Meetings Forum 2026 on September 22 in New York City. Insights   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief Purpose, Participation, and the Power of Listening Budgets and politics may dominate headlines, but at the Skift Meetings Forum 2025, industry leaders emphasized a different measure of value: the depth of community, the inclusivity of participation, and the serendipitous moments that spark real engagement. Insights   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief Why Brands Are Doubling Down on Live Events in the Age of AI Noise Brands are making bold experiential moves, and the events industry stands to benefit — if it delivers on the promise of meaningful experiences. Event Design How Unexpected Moments and Places Elevate Attendee Experience Together With   Marriott Bonvoy Events™ Alice Harrington-Caravello, managing vice president, sales and distribution at Marriott International, discusses how weaving in hidden gems and local culture can elevate attendee experiences and deepen event impact. Want to dive deeper? Download the Skift Meetings Forum 2025: 8 Takeaways to Power the Events of Tomorrow report now. Business   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Why Investors Are Suddenly Bullish on Event Companies Private equity firms and strategic buyers are eyeing the events industry, seeing growth, resilience, and human connection as strong investment drivers.  Event Management   Barbara Scofidio Editor When Plan B Becomes the Norm for Corporate Events Corporate event leaders from Prudential Financial and Forrester say they are being increasingly forced to rely on backup plans or cancel their events altogether. More Highlights FIFA World Cup and Sail4th Planners Share What's Ahead for NYC  The organizers of FIFA World Cup and Sail4th, both scheduled for next July, shared with the audience at this week's Skift Meetings Forum how they operate under pressure.   - Barbara Scofidio   Meet Your Attendees Where They Are: Event Design Advice from TED, Pinterest, and Forbes Listening to your audience enables you to deliver the experiences they seek, and some they never would have expected. - Barbara Scofidio   How Association Leaders are Dealing With Visa Delays, Funding Cuts, and Political Headwinds Uncertainty looms large in the events industry, but association leaders are finding ways to adapt, even as attendance remains soft. - Andrea Doyle   Lessons from Austin and SXSW on 'The City as a Venue' With Austin's convention center offline until 2029, Visit Austin and SXSW are reframing the city itself as the venue. Planners gain flexibility through decentralized event formats, while attendees experience deeper immersion in Austin's cultural, culinary, and creative identity, turning logistical challenges into opportunities for innovation. - Visit Austin + Skift Meetings   Why Events Need Memorable Moments From an on-stage bar to a "Circadian Cove": The author of "Our KPI is Joy" shares strategies for infusing events with moments of connection and renewal. - Barbara Scofidio   Building Bold Events from the Ground Up Two female founders shared how outsider perspectives, community building, and entrepreneurial grit are key to building successful events. - Andrea Doyle   Destination Leaders Say Diversity Is Good for Business Despite political pushback, destination leaders say diverse leadership and supplier practices remain a competitive edge. - Andrea Doyle   C2 Bets on Creativity as the Strongest Event ROI As other business festivals expand worldwide, C2 is making a compelling case for locally inspired creativity and connection. - Miguel Neves   Blending AI With Human Insight for Strategic Gains AI is everywhere in events, but the smart move is human-led. Use AI to automate the admin, not the judgment — and stay well clear of the creepy line. - Miguel Neves Explore all Skift Meetings Forum 2025 content Defining the future of events. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | Skift Meetings Stand-Up from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.