The Future of the Events Industry Is Personal

The relationships formed at this year’s inaugural International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, show the potential of new personal connections formed at events.

What has struck me most in my early weeks as editor in chief is the generosity of the Convene community. Longtime readers, contributors, and industry leaders have reached out with warm welcomes, thoughtful notes, and offers of support — gestures that speak volumes about the strength of this publication and the people who surround it. I’m deeply grateful.

Gabrielle Weiss

I also want to acknowledge Michelle Russell, whose leadership and editorial vision shaped Convene into the trusted, thoughtful, and creative media platform it is today. Working alongside her has been a gift. Michelle has been generous with her time, insights, and institutional knowledge.

The Convene team has been another bright spot — curious, professional, and committed. Their passion shows in every story, every detail, and every conversation.

As I continue learning Convene’s history and immersing myself in its editorial DNA, I’m also reflecting on what I can bring to this publication — a media asset that plays a fundamental role in the meetings and events ecosystem.

When I entered this industry years ago as a managing editor for another trade publication, I was told something that has proven true time and again: the people we cover — trade show organizers, event strategists, producers, creators, innovators — become like family. It is an honor to help bring this remarkable community together through journalism: to create platforms where event professionals can learn from one another, share what works (and what doesn’t), and exchange insights that help them succeed. That sense of purpose is what excites me about our future — both as an industry and here at Convene.

A bit of behind-the-scenes context: Michelle began this issue, and I had the privilege of closing it. Fittingly, our content this month captures the spirit of that evolution beautifully. Our cover story explores what it means to “break the mold” when designing for connection. As research continues to show, even in an age of extraordinary technological advancement, the desire to meet face to face has only grown stronger — and event professionals are responding with formats that prioritize authenticity, interaction, and community. Across the magazine, you’ll find examples of that courage and creativity in action.

You’ll see it in Ascent, where leaders navigating DEI pressures are redefining inclusion with resilience and clarity. And you’ll see it in Innovative Meetings, where a “human library” seeks to transform learning environments through empathy-driven, unconventional experiences.

These stories reflect a truth our industry knows well: Progress often begins with the willingness to rethink what’s possible. And that’s something this community does particularly well.

As I step into this role, that willingness is what inspires me most. I’m excited about the future — for our industry, for this community, and for Convene. I look forward to continuing this journey with you, learning from you, and shining a light on the ideas and innovations that move us forward. Please send me your ideas and experiences — my door is always open as we embark on a powerful new era for our industry.

Thank you for the warm welcome — and thank you to our advertisers and partners whose support makes this work possible. I’m thrilled to be here.

Rethinking Global Energy

In April, the nonprofit Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative (FFTI), along with the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands, hosted the inaugural International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, in Santa Marta, Colombia. The event brought participants from 57 countries together for five days of conversation and debate about one of the thorniest — and most urgent — issues of our time. Read about their purpose and process in this issue’s Social Impact.

Gabrielle Weiss is Convene‘s editor in chief.