March 2018
Amid stories of a drop in the participation of U.S. government–funded scientists at conferences and uncertainty over international travel to the U.S., three experts weigh in on the pressures on international scientific meetings.
Cover illustration by Sara Wong
view digital edition subscribeWhat If Everything You Think About How Attendees Learn is Wrong?
Real learning occurs through discovery, not the delivery and receipt of information.
Three CVBs That are Breaking the Mold for their Destinations
As the competition for events business heats up, some CVBs are reinventing the way they aim to connect with new clients.
Point of View
The founder of Conferon believes that ‘Marriott has misjudged the value that site-selection companies provide.’
What Does Marriott’s Commission Reduction Say About How the Industry is Changing?
Marriott’s decision to reduce commission payouts to third parties raises bigger questions about how the events industry defines and assigns value.
Tony Lorenz on Owning Results
The CEO of AlliedPRA on taking pride in results, his next career goal, and his biggest professional mistake.
Superheroes to the Rescue at Denver Comic Con
While most comic conventions are strictly a commercial endeavor, Denver Comic Con is organized by — and benefits — Pop Culture Classroom, a local educational nonprofit.
‘I Never Let Anybody Hold Me Back’
Karyn Steenkamp, vice president of design and construction at Caesars Entertainment, shares what it takes to strive for gender equality in the workplace.
Toying With a Successful Model
The Toy Association is putting cool ideas to boost attendance at the international Toy Fair to work — even though some may seem counterintuitive.
Behind the Scenes: The Science of Learning
How new ways of providing education at events can be a tricky business.
Looking Ahead: Empowerment and Disruption
Our traditional ways of doing business are being disrupted. What are our opportunities as a result?
Prison System: A Meeting for Confined Spaces
The 2nd International Conference on Carceral Geography was attended by academics in all career stages and from across the globe.
Are You Maximizing Your Digital ROI?
Five best practices for using online tools and techniques to generate attendees and sponsors.
A Real Cliffhanger: Making the Numbers at the 2017 Brazilian Spine Society Congress
The Brazilian Spine Society shored up attendance numbers at its congress during a major recession by relying on a digital-marketing strategy.
Convene’s 27th Annual Meetings Market Survey
The U.S. economy gained momentum in 2017 and the meetings industry followed suit. There may be a few speed bumps in the year ahead, though, business events organizers say, especially for those who plan international events.
Building a ‘Networking Garden’
Getting ready for 3,000 attendees at the IATEFL Conference & Exhibition, in Brighton, England.
‘You Know, We Have a Problem Here.’
The Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference does just what it says on the label — promotes diversity in an industry that has long been underrepresented by women and minorities.
Beacon of Intelligence
At PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2018, beacons were placed on attendee badges to gain insight about audience behavior — with some unintended results.