As we celebrate Convene’s 40th anniversary, we’re looking back at how the business events industry — and the world around it — has changed over the years. Here’s how one farsighted meeting professional viewed the future of technology in 1996.

Staying human-centered while meeting the AI challenge.

A comprehensive new PCMA report outlines the many challenges facing associations, corporate event teams, and DMOs — and the skills and strategies needed to navigate them.

Sydney Lowe, senior manager of events at Heartland Forward, has embraced a piece of advice from Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering: “Good controversy is generative. It allows people to challenge one another without fracturing the group.”

Some news from behind the scenes.

Your colleagues are on the move, find out who is going where.

Going behind the scenes at a starry event.

Hannah Jennings, convention sales coordinator for Visit Denver, loves being surrounded by people whose personal histories reveal the many different ways a life and career can unfold.

Season 10 of the Convene Podcast shows how F&B has evolved from a meal break to become an essential part of the attendee experience and a reflection of the host organization’s values.

Why would a show organizer limit opportunities for exhibitors? Ahead of his ECEF presentation, NACS’ Bob Hughes shares what’s behind the association for the convention and fuel retailing industry’s strategy of restraint.

International compliance is a grey and complex area for medical meeting planners, adding layers of work on top of the rigors of their role. Here’s how they hashed that out during a focus group session at Convening Leaders 2026 — along with some recommended solutions and some resources underway that will provide clarity.