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This article and those listed below are part of Convene’s June 2025 issue. Find the turn-page versions of this and past issues at in our digital library. Illustrations by Celyn Brazier
Significant funding cuts affecting research institutions and numerous public health programs. Mass layoffs of federal workers. The termination of DEI programs and the recognition of only two sexes, impacting policies related to gender identity and expression. On-again, off-again reciprocal tariff policies on all articles imported into the U.S.
These are but a few of the staggering changes brought about by the first few months of the Trump administration that have forced much of the face-to-face business events industry — which was on track to return to pre-pandemic attendance levels or higher — into uncertain territory. When we conducted Convene’s Meetings Market Survey in late August/early September last year, three out of five respondents anticipated their 2025 event attendance would increase. But now, event organizers find themselves facing a new set of unexpected challenges to keeping their events whole.
How are planners navigating this uncertainty? To get a sense of the landscape, we conducted an online pulse survey from April 7-14, keeping many questions open-ended so as not to prescribe responses, and we also spoke with events industry professionals who are experiencing the impacts of policy shifts. While what’s to come remains uncertain, organizers are pressing ahead — a bit like playing a game while the rules keep changing.
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Earn one clock hour of certification by visiting pcma.org/convene-cmp-series to answer questions about the articles in this cover story package. The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a registered trademark of the Events Industry Council.
Survey Results Show How Business Events Are Being Disrupted
Responses from Convene’s recent pulse survey reveal how meetings and events are navigating a challenging landscape due to shifts in U.S. administration policies and geopolitical uncertainties. READ MORE
New Government Policies Put Global Medical Conventions in the Crosshairs
ABTS is seeing some troubling trends for international health-care events — some of which are due to global misperceptions of current realities in the U.S. READ MORE
3 Strategies for a Weathering a Difficult Season for Meetings
Advice for navigating the challenging environment for conferences, particularly science gatherings, from an exec at a major research institute. READ MORE
Why the WorldPride Human Rights Conference Embraced a ‘Radical Joy’ Approach
Organizing the Washington, D.C.-based human-rights meeting in the midst of DEI backlash required having the right mindset. READ MORE
Recent Budget Cuts and Travel Policies Are Putting Pressure on Association Meetings
MCI’s Erin Fuller on what we’re learning about how global events are being impacted by governmental changes and policies — and where to find the bright spots. READ MORE