News & Trends

What’s happening — or coming up next — in the meetings and events world and beyond.

Planning for Conflict at Your Events

The policies you create to respond to potential harassment and discrimination at your meetings are a strong foundation for handling a variety of conflicts, says workplace harassment expert Paula Brantner.

BY Barbara Palmer June 12, 2024

Artisans Craft Ribbon Into a Unifying ‘Social Fabric’

A work of crochet that began as a religious offering has put a town in Jalisco, Mexico, on the map, in the Guinness Book of World Records, and center stage at expo events.

BY Michelle Russell June 11, 2024

Cowbells and Woolen Slippers — Cherished Handmade Gifts From Events

Event goers prize the handcrafted amenities they receive at conferences that convey a sense of place or a personal touch — and provide a lasting memory.

BY Magdalina Atanassova June 11, 2024

How Representing NYC Has Prepared Fred Dixon to Showcase the U.S.

The president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions talks about his new role leading Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States.

BY Michelle Russell June 11, 2024

Events Industry Veteran Reflects on 40-Year Career

Carolyn Pund is retiring from her job in global strategic meetings and digital events management at Cisco Systems, but plans to stay involved in the industry that has given her so much — and to do what she can to contribute to what is yet ahead.

BY Michelle Russell June 10, 2024

An Events Industry Leader’s Strategies for Managing Stress

Here’s what changed SITE CEO Annette Gregg’s mind about workplace mental health.

BY Barbara Palmer June 10, 2024

Taylor Swift: The European Conference Version

Taylor Swift’s globe-trotting Eras Tour continues to attract fans — and spark conferences about the artist’s social, musical, and economic impact. The latest, Tay Day, is being held in Liverpool this week to coincide with the megastar’s concert dates in the city.

BY Casey Gale June 10, 2024

5 Data Points to Attract and Retain Exhibitors and Attendees

At ECEF last month, Sam Lippman culled five main insights from recent Freeman research that should be top of mind for event organizers.

BY Michelle Russell June 10, 2024

Discovering Indigenous Culture Through Crafts and Stories

Marc Forgette, founder of Makatew Workshops, uses Indigenous crafting sessions at meetings and events to help participants focus on the story he shares about his Indigenous heritage.

BY Casey Gale June 10, 2024

How Knoxville Became a Model for Supporting Local Makers

As Etsy’s first official U.S. ‘Maker City,’ Knoxville, Tennessee, is growing the local economy through arts, crafts, and entrepreneurship.

BY Casey Gale June 9, 2024

Bringing AI to Life — as a Conference Presenter

An AI-powered robot named Ameca co-presented part of the Welcoming Session at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) 2024 in Las Vegas, where artificial intelligence in many forms was a hot topic.

BY Barbara Palmer June 6, 2024

‘Just Be Curious’ Advises 36-Year Events Industry Veteran

As she retires from Smithbucklin, Carol McGury reflects on the highlights and challenges that have made her long career at the company and in volunteer leadership roles so fulfilling.

BY Michelle Russell June 3, 2024

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