Behind the Scenes

Michelle Russell, editor in chief of Convene, offers her perspective on the business events industry through stories in the latest issue of the magazine.

Unpacking the ‘Half a Glass’ Meetings Economy

Looking at our Annual Meetings Market Survey through the lens of optimism vs. pessimism.

BY Michelle Russell December 8, 2025

Limiting Situations

Constraints can be negative — or used as an opportunity to engage event participants. We explore how one event did just that in Convene’s October issue.

BY Michelle Russell October 10, 2025

‘We’ve Walked These Paths Before’: How the Meetings Industry Is Adapting to the DEI Backlash in the U.S.

A common theme emerged in our coverage of how organizations are responding to attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

BY Michelle Russell July 30, 2025

How Are Deep Cuts by the U.S. Government Affecting Meetings?

One slice of the current administration’s impact on the events industry.

BY Michelle Russell June 2, 2025

How the Circular Economy Is Driving Creativity at Meetings

Realizing our planet has limited rather than endless resources has the opposite effect on our creativity, making us more rather than less innovative.

BY Michelle Russell March 18, 2025

The Pitfalls of Predicting the Future

We’ve changed things up this year with our Annual Industry Forecast to give you more pointed insights for what may lie ahead.

BY Michelle Russell November 7, 2024

What Art Can Teach Us About Networking

Finding a common interest — whether it be elephant sculptures, paintings, or something else — is one way to elevate conversations and cultivate connections.

BY Michelle Russell October 24, 2024

What Needs to Change for a Better Events Industry

Some radical and ripe ideas to reinvigorate the events industry — and why it is slow to evolve.

BY Michelle Russell August 2, 2024

The Lasting Legacy of Medical Meetings

Amidst debate over intermittent fasting, release at American Heart Association of a new study underscores the crucial function of medical and scientific gatherings in sharing research with the public.

BY Michelle Russell March 29, 2024

Cultivating Better Listening at Events

Mastering the ‘language of listening’ — sometimes by simply not talking — improves our personal and professional relationships.

BY Michelle Russell February 9, 2024

Meeting Planners Struggle for Recognition

“We are so much more than layers of specs,” said one respondent to our Salary Survey who is seeking consideration from a boss.

BY Michelle Russell December 10, 2023

Some Trends We Didn’t Foresee

Here are some new developments in technology — possibly for events — that have caught our attention.

BY Michelle Russell October 30, 2023

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