Olympics Fuel Optimism as Top European Event Agencies Eye Strong 2026

Why four major European event agencies are expecting a strong year ahead. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser Unsubscribe Saturday February 21, 2026 Dear Reader, Bill Gates' last-minute cancellation underscores how quickly marquee speakers can shift from headline attraction to operational risk. Four major European event agencies share why they expect a strong 2026. And Unbridled is growing its international footprint while also investing in more sophisticated content and production capabilities. News   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor European Union / Lukasz Kobus Bill Gates Cancels AI Summit Keynote Hours Before Taking the Stage The last-minute cancellation of Bill Gates' keynote at India's flagship AI summit underscores how quickly a marquee speaker can shift from headline attraction to operational risk.   Backstage Briefing       How Data Turns Events into Strategic Assets In this webinar, we'll explore how data transforms events from cost centers into growth drivers. We'll discuss how to define ROI across multiple stakeholders, measure brand visibility beyond impressions, and connect event activity directly to pipeline and revenue outcomes. REgister Now News   Miguel Neves Editor-in-Chief IOC/ Alisha Lovrich Olympics Fuel Optimism as Top European Event Agencies Eye Strong 2026 As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach the final stretch, they are not just inspiring a world of aspiring athletes; they are also a key driver of revenue and a factor lifting projections for European event agencies. Events | September 22 (New York) Skift Meetings Forum 2026 Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together event leaders 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. More info News How Unbridled Is Expanding Into Europe and Building Deeper Strategic Partnerships Together With   Unbridled With its recent acquisition of London-based OrangeDoor, Unbridled signaled ambitious plans for global expansion. Beyond growing its international footprint, the company is investing in more sophisticated content and production capabilities to empower clients.   SKIFT IDEA AWARDS       Recognizing the most impactful and inspiring projects The 2026 Skift IDEA Awards are open for submissions, with five categories dedicated to meetings and events presented by Skift Meetings: hotels, venues & convention centers, destination marketing organizations, event technology, and cruise lines. Apply Now Popular Content Feature Introducing the Skift Meetings M&I 15 As mergers and rebrands compressed the field of meetings and incentive travel companies, capabilities have increasingly converged, leaving differentiation to come from corporate structure, service model, and where each firm chooses to specialize. - Miguel Neves   Incentive Travel How SITE Pulled Off Its First Major Meeting in the Middle East SITE's members are well-traveled, and many have been to the Middle East before. But for those who had not — and for the association itself — the Annual Conference in Abu Dhabi presented some new challenges. - Barbara Scofidio   Event Management Is Free Meeting Space Actually Free? Complimentary space isn't about what's waived; it's about understanding where the cost has been reallocated. There is no such thing as free meeting space, only different pricing structures. - 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.