How Our 2025 Event Predictions Played Out

Some reshaped the industry, while others went off course or were impacted by roadblocks.

View in browser Unsubscribe Tuesday January 06, 2026 Trends & Insights   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Megatrends vs. Reality: How 2025 Event Predictions Played Out Predicting the biggest shifts in the events industry is never simple. Some of Skift Meetings' predictions for 2025 did in fact reshape the industry, while others went off course or were impacted by roadblocks.   Webinar       Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 The Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 report identified the transformative forces shaping our industry in the year ahead. Now, it's time to move beyond the page. In this exclusive Backstage Briefing webinar, we aren't just identifying trends; we are exploring why they matter, how they will play out in real-time, and the specific impact they will have on your bottom line. Register Now Event Management   Barbara Scofidio Editor Planners Share How to Cut Event Costs in 2026 As affordability continues to be a top challenge in 2026, planners will be forced to balance broader cost-cutting strategies with small, surgical cuts to their F&B, speakers and entertainment, decor, and gifting.   Trends Report       Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 The Skift Meetings Megatrends 2026 report goes beyond surface-level trends. It equips you with the critical intelligence you need to turn today's disruption into tomorrow's advantage. Sponsored by Choose Chicago, Louisville Tourism and Visit Austin. Download now News   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief Cvent to Buy Webinar Platform ON24 in $400 Million All-Cash Deal Cvent continues to drive event tech consolidation. Its second December acquisition sees it take over a proven webinar platform with a notable list of enterprise clients. Events Skift Meetings Forum 2026 Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together leaders in New York on September 22 for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape. Register Now Popular Content Event Management Dates to Avoid for Events in 2026 & 2027 Timing can make or break attendance, engagement, and the overall success of a business event. Cultural observances, global elections, and seasonal breaks are dates that should be avoided. - Andrea Doyle   Inspiration Skift Meetings' 2026 Meetings Industry Events Calendar Stay ahead of industry trends, connect with peers, and discover new opportunities at the meetings industry's top events. - Barbara Scofidio   Incentive Travel Authenticity, Not Perfection, Drives Ultra-Luxury Incentive Travel At the highest end of incentive travel, polish and perfection are losing their edge. Intimacy, human connection, and authenticity are most desired.   - Andrea Doyle   News U.S. Convention Centers Undergoing Major Transformations in 2026 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for U.S. convention centers. Cities across the country are completing multi-million-dollar renovations and expansions to meet rising planner expectations, offer flexible event spaces, and compete for large-scale conventions. - Andrea Doyle 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.