The tweaks made at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s Annual Meeting and Expo offer a valuable reminder for all event professionals: Transformation doesn’t need to happen overnight — taking even small steps represents progress.

Budget cuts, visa headaches, and a six-week government shutdown in the U.S. proved to be no match for STEM and government meeting planners — and one innovative educator who understands the value of conferences.

From how Spark can help planners uncover registration patterns and drive earlier action, to Jahkini Bisselink’s insights on cultural intelligence, generational connection, and trust — here’s what’s new on the Convene Podcast.

Design strategist Natalie Nixon on how a fundamental reframing of our notion of productivity could transform your meetings.

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

Anasthassia Bohne-Gattesco, sales manager at Messe München, knows the value of what she has absorbed from living and working in different countries.

How a sustainability event grew from a small meeting into a global gathering — and embedded its values into every facet of its design along the way.

From how Convening Leaders 2026 is raising the bar on sustainable event design to what this year’s Meetings Market Survey reveals about AI, DEI, costs, and shifting industry expectations — here’s what’s new on the Convene Podcast.

We hope Convening Leaders 2026 gave you plenty of opportunities to learn, meet colleagues in the industry, and form some lasting memories. We’re sharing a few things the Convene team heard — or overheard — these past few days that have stuck with us. Safe travels home!

Holly Barnett, project manager at Touchpoint Meeting Services, sees tight budgets as a challenge she can meet by using data to understand what audiences actually want.