David Adler raises important issues on the necessity of attending meetings with people who hold diverse perspectives, and the more important point that governments have a responsibility to encourage participation and to participate in such meetings themselves. International meetings shouldn’t become echo chambers if they are to educate their participants and identify solutions to problems.
From Skift Meetings: The sharp decline in global attendance at a recent international medical congress is more than a one-off, it’s a red flag. As political rhetoric escalates, the US is becoming a less viable destination for truly international meetings. Attendance at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in Washington, DC this June…
The US will impose sweeping import tariffs from 7th August, targeting key trade partners including Canada, China, and the EU. Trade shows face rising costs, disrupted logistics, and lost de minimis exemptions. While small to midsize exhibitors may pull back, committed firms see opportunities in maintaining visibility and adapting strategically. From Trade Show Executive…
From Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF): Flanders outlines key steps within their strategic approach to the delivery and measurement of event-driven positive impacts on the local community and wider society. Most events still rely on economic metrics, ignoring the harder-to-measure but vital social outcomes. Flanders’ approach embeds social impact into event planning through co-creation…
This innovative event brought together scientists, local, national and EU-level policymakers, and citizen activists, and ensured policy debates heard from all relevant voices, including those directly affected by this environmental problem. The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) hosted the first ever joint Congress on 10th to 13th…
From Skift Meetings: Budgets are tighter, audiences are more diverse, and the old event playbook is cracking under pressure. Skift Meetings Forum tackles the real-world shifts redefining how event pros plan, prove value, and make destination decisions. There’s no shortage of “trends” floating around in eventland – some recycled, some wishful thinking, and some straight…
ECA continues to advocate for lower visa wait times at US embassies and consulates around the world. As of May 25, 51 US embassies and consulates had average interview wait times of 3 months or longer. Long wait times persist in Mexico, India, Columbia, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries. While wait times…
UFI has released the latest 35th edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, which captures the current status and outlook of the exhibition industry worldwide. The UFI Barometer has been providing benchmark data across key metrics for the industry since 2009, helping organisations to gain insight on trends to help them plan their business…
From Skift Meetings: Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg says meetings are a bigger expense than IT when you add the cost of attendees’ time and salaries. So why is no one at the top in charge? Few corporations view meetings as a critical business function and there’s no one at the executive level who actually owns…
The City Travel Report by CityDNA 2024–2025 marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s urban destinations. Stabilisation replaces recovery as European city destinations adapt to a shifting tourism landscape. Based on benchmarking insights from 128 cities, the 21st edition of the report reveals that growth is moderating—average bednight growth slowed to 5.8% in 2024, down from…
Tourism faces constant challenges, but political instability has emerged as a critical disruptor. How do political shifts affect travellers and how can destinations stay resilient? TOPOSOPHY’s research, based on a 6-country survey and case studies, explores traveller perceptions and offers smart strategies for destinations to build trust and adapt, whether facing a crisis or preparing…
From City Nation Place: Ever booked a trip, only to suddenly feel a nagging doubt as political headlines flare up? You’re not alone. In today’s hyper-connected world, the news doesn’t just inform us; it shapes our choices, especially when it comes to travel. Political instability isn’t just a distant issue anymore; it’s a critical player…
From Centre for Events & Festivals: Why do some international meetings keep circling the same regions, while others roam the globe? Behind every association event is a quiet game of geography, power, and preference — one that shapes who gets access to knowledge, influence, and economic return. While host cities compete aggressively to secure International…
From Freeman: Today’s attendees aren’t satisfied with small talk. They want real, genuine connections, and fresh industry insights. They want a new kind of networking. This component of Freeman’s XLNC Framework (eXperience, Learning, Networking, and Commerce) gives new insights to drive measurable event value by strategically designing modern networking experiences.
From GatheringPoint.news: For too long, the event industry has treated networking like a natural resource — abundant, automatic, and free. Put people in a room, offer wine, dim the lights, and wait for something to happen. Connection, we’ve assumed, is a given. It isn’t. And Freeman’s 2025 Networking Trends Report says so—finally and forcefully.
Informa, the international Live B2B Events, B2B Digital Services and Academic Markets Group, today published half year results for 2025, delivering 20%+ reported revenue growth, increasing operating margins and confirming £150m of additional share buybacks. Group CEO Stephen A. Carter talks through what’s driving Informa’s strong performance and the outlook for the rest of 2025…
From SFA-Connect: Understanding why international business events choose specific host cities is essential for cities looking to attract more conferences and meetings. While factors like accessibility, venue capacity, and destination appeal play a role, a key insight from our analysis shows that the majority of events align closely with the host city’s academic strengths, industrial…
From Headquarters Magazine: Maritime mecca the Bay of Islands will host GeoHab 2027, the international conference for Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping. The event, taking place in Paihia in 2027, will welcome around 200 scientists, industry and technical experts working in marine mapping to support sustainable ocean management and planning. The conference bid was…
Today, the Events Industry Council (EIC), a global federation of Associations and Corporations representing the business events industry, announced the recipients of its annual Global Awards. This recognition, which includes the prestigious Hall of Leaders, celebrates and honours exemplary achievements and leadership at all levels and areas of focus within the global business events industry.
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