PRESENTS
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AIME 2020 pre-empted the pandemic. AIME 2025 pre-empted the unfolding of a global trade and intellectual engagement crisis. As a case study in fortunate timing, the Asia-Pacific’s annual meetings and business events trade show illustrated the harmony of globalisation when in full flow. It’s hard to imagine how the AUS$400m of trade reported from this…
True to form, the BestCities Global Alliance continued to use its annual Forum to pursue association impact by gathering members of its association community for shared learning. The methodology for developing greater impact strategies came in the form of the 2nd edition of the ICCA Association Impact Masterclass following its inauguration by Founding Funders and…
From Skift Meetings: The shifting political landscape in the U.S. is casting a shadow over WorldPride 2025, with sponsors pulling out and international travelers facing growing uncertainty. While organizers remain steadfast in their commitment to hosting the global event, concerns over all Pride events are mounting. WorldPride 2025, a three-week celebration in Washington, D.C., May…
By Pádraic Gilligan, Co-Founder, SoolNua: We now live in a global society where conflict, in all its forms, has become the new normal. Game-changing decisions that impact entire industries are being made—and unmade—within 24 hours. Global trade, poverty alleviation programs, pathways to peace, and even fundamental values like inclusiveness are being actively weaponized in a…
From Le Devoir: Cities are fighting over international conferences, whose economic benefits and influence are the stuff of dreams. In Canada and Quebec, organizations support municipalities and institutions that are trying to secure such events. In April 2024, the teams from Tourisme Montréal and the Palais des congrès de Montréal created the Collectif Savoir, whose…
From Skift Meetings: A growing wave of meeting cancellations signals trouble for the business events industry. Providence is one destination already feeling the impact. The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in Rhode Island received its first business meeting cancellation on January 27. The conference, focused on renewable offshore wind energy, included 3,300 room nights…
From Boardroom: Glasgow has reinforced its position as a leader in purpose-driven conferences with the Glasgow Conference Impact Network (GCIN) marking a successful first year. Launched in partnership with the Glasgow Science Festival in March 2024, the initiative has created new collaboration among local stakeholders to ensure conferences leave a lasting legacy. Over the past…
A Reflection on the role of IBTM World in the supporting cast of Business Events: IBTM World has always been a crucial indicator of success within the Business Events Sector. The 2024 edition validated post-pandemic barometer with a notable 15% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. The Significance of IBTM World Presenting a flagship global event…
The Meeting Room Podcast, by Northstar: What’s next for DEI now Trump is back in the White House? Will 2025 be the year AI comes of age? Who’s getting a budget increase and who’s missing out? Join Holly Patrick and James Lancaster as they discuss what 2025 has in store for event professionals.
From Skift Meetings: The National Institutes of Health, a linchpin of global biomedical research, has abruptly canceled its meetings, raising alarm across the medical meetings industry. As the new administration exerts its influence, planners grapple with uncertainty. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S.’s largest research agency, has canceled dozens of meetings under new…
From Destinations International: Destination Vancouver is a non-profit, member-based destination marketing and management organization that promotes the spectacular city of Vancouver, British Columbia, as a premier travel destination. We support Vancouver’s tourism industry through marketing initiatives, event support, and partnerships with local businesses and institutions to attract visitors from around the world with a mission…
From PCMA: Neil Brownlee, head of business events at VisitScotland and chair of the 2025 PCMA Board of Directors and Trustees, talks about how he thinks his perspective as the board’s first non-North American chair will help set the association up for future growth. Neil Brownlee attended his first Convening Leaders in 2011 in Las…
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In this video double-bill, AC Forum – the gold standard of associations in Europe – convened its annual Congress at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in January with impact and sustainability front and centre of the agenda. In partnership with the venue, Glasgow Convention Bureau, the entire Board of Directors, and local universities, the organisation…
IMEX CEO and Iceberg Trustee, Carina Bauer, sets the scene for what will be a barometer of market sentiment in light of geopolitics. Filmed at AIME 2025 in Melbourne, much water has passed under the Yarra River bridge since. Nevertheless, Bauer reflects the ability of the sector to maintain its positivity. The theme of the…
From Skift Meetings: The business events industry is pushing back against U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made ships. While policymakers aim to curb China’s maritime influence, industry leaders warn that these measures will increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and ultimately harm American businesses. Several business events industry associations have joined a coalition of more than 300 groups…
At Meetings Mean Business Canada’s March 27, 2025, Annual General Meeting, six newly elected board members were welcomed, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse expertise and strategic insights to help guide the organization’s future direction. The new board members include Susan Freeman (Meet PEI), Ingrid Jarrett (IJM Consulting), Andrew Weir (Destination Toronto), Carly Grace (Rogers Centre Ottawa),…
From Boardroom: For the first time, ESAE hosted a dedicated session in Paris focused on how associations can maximize the long-term impact of their conferences. Sponsored by Singapore Tourism Board, the discussion took place on Wednesday 19 March at M Social Hotel and brought together associations who shared insights on legacy-building, advocacy, and engaging future…
From BizBash: In an effort to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S. and to pressure foreign countries, President Donald Trump recently announced increased tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. So far, he’s imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, as well as 25% tariffs on other imports from Mexico and…
From The New York Times: The Department of Homeland Security said the academic was denied entry because he had “confidential” data from an American lab, not because of his views on the president’s policies. The French government’s claim that a scientist was denied entry into the United States because of an opinion he expressed about…
From The Guardian: A French scientist was denied entry to the US this month after immigration officers at an airport searched his phone and found messages in which he had expressed criticism of the Trump administration, said a French minister. “I learned with concern that a French researcher who was traveling to a conference near…
From Skift Meetings: Federal layoffs are sending shockwaves through the government meetings sector, leading to widespread event cancellations and millions in lost hotel revenue. The ripple effects extend beyond hotels to meeting planners, sourcing companies, and event tech firms who rely on steady government business. Brett Sterenson, president of Hotel Lobbyists, a site-selection company that…
From Dubai World Trade Centre: Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa Group, today announced a strategic venture to create a truly global powerhouse in Exhibitions and Event Management, operating out of the Middle East – South Asia – Africa regions. This partnership between two commercial equals with highly complementary assets and capabilities drives the creation…
From Skift Meetings: The Trump administration’s new tariffs and government travel restrictions are dealing a blow to cross-border business events. With US delegate attendance declining and high-profile cancellations like Canada House at SXSW, the industry faces mounting challenges. “I have had one client try to cancel their leadership summit in Chicago, one client who is…
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Attracting knowledge, investment, and talent to a destination as the 3 pillars of a Knowledge & Creative Economy requires an ability to attract -and convene – business and professional communities from all over the world. The City of Calgary, famed for its Stampede, has emerged as a round-the-clock meeting space for all manner of sectoral…
Between the 8-11th July last year, 1,100 of the world’s leading developmental neuroscientists convened at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland, for the International Congress of Infant Studies (ICIS) to exchange research, education, and stories, but also to propagate future research and understanding of a child’s early learning from years 0-3. Immersive…
From Edinburgh International Conference Centre: The EICC was proud to host the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) 36th Conference, a landmark event that brought a global audience together to tackle HPV-related diseases. Through ongoing education and outreach, the committee is dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy on public health. Alongside the conference the Society created a…
A Gathering of Minds to Combat Dementia: Today, over 944,000 individuals in the UK suffer from dementia. By 2040, this number is projected to exceed 1.4 million, according to Dr. Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the foremost charity in the UK dedicated to revolutionising the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer’s…
The 15th ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting was the Society’s first meeting on the African continent, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 1), South Africa, from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 October 2023. At this meeting, world experts in hip preservation came together to share latest experiences and research with one another,…
From ICC Sydney: Following a bumper year of business events, the ICC Sydney team is proud to share our 2024 case studies, featuring diverse conferences, exhibitions, banquets, and entertainment events. It’s been a pleasure working with our clients to make a difference, by delivering extraordinary experiences that have entertained, educated and helped to drive change…
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The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today that the U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry continues to rebound, recording strong improvement in the fourth quarter of 2024. Tempered performance for completed events – especially in exhibition attendance – set back the Q3 2024 Index value to 89.3 after strong performance in the first two…
Working in the events industry, whether you’re an organizer or a supplier, the pressure’s on to make your events more sustainable. That’s why we’ve consolidated our planet-friendly practices at IMEX Frankfurt into one report—saving you time, energy and resources (and so you can benefit from our 20-plus years of learning and practicing). The report’s rich…
From TravelPulse: The Trump Administration’s escalating global trade war poses significant “high-risk consequences” for the U.S. travel industry, including potentially causing sharp declines in travel demand, according to a new report. Published by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, the report says there is a “risk to the US travel sector should trade disputes and…
From ASAE: A new pulse survey conducted by ASAE reveals that many associations are experiencing financial strain, operational disruptions and strategic uncertainties in the current political and regulatory environment. These findings highlight the complex and evolving landscape that associations must navigate as they continue to serve their industries and professions. The pulse survey, launched earlier…
From IMEX: In a world of growing social disconnection, events have the power to do more than just bring people together – they can heal, inspire, and transform. Our latest report The power of experiences: Redesigning events for human connection, reveals how event professionals can create experiences that foster trust, engagement, and well-being. Backed by…
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The new UFI chief executive, Chris Skeith OBE, shares his vision and mission for the global association of the international exhibitions sector. With an immediate focus on advocacy, talent acquisition, and sustainability, Skeith is on a mission to accumulate the data and storytelling that are crucially important in realising these three pillars during his tenure….
Well, if you’ve travelled through a record-breaking extratropical cyclone to get to the BestCities global craic in Dublin, hosted by Convention Bureau chief Sam Johnston, why wouldn’t you?! The 2025 edition of the BestCities Global Forum in the Irish capital did indeed feature both pubs and the greatest of craics, amid which the Director at…
By Kai Hattendorf: Good food for thought from Simon Anholt on public perception of countries this week at BI Norwegian Business School – and how countries can work to improve their global standing. For me, these points stood out from his data: Overall, the trend in global perception of countries has been positive between 2008…
By Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange: Attendance is not just a number. It reflects engagement, impact, and return on investment. And today, it is at risk. Last week, I published the first of four articles inspired by my recent LinkedIn post, which went viral. In that post, I highlighted several significant risks facing…
From Boardroom: As medical associations seek to ensure long-term engagement and professional development, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) has successfully redefined young professional involvement. At the EANM’24 congress in Hamburg (October 2024), a series of targeted initiatives helped bridge the gap between early-career professionals and the broader nuclear medicine community, providing structured opportunities…
From Skift Meetings: As policy shifts create challenges for business events, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange, has voiced her concerns on LinkedIn. The industry response she has received highlights the need for advocacy to protect in-person gatherings. In a post on LinkedIn, Nicola Kastner, CEO of the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), warns…
From PCMA: It may seem premature to sound the alarm, but here goes: Trump’s executive order directed toward transforming government spending will likely have a significant impact on meetings in the scientific, health-care, and academic sectors. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cost-efficiency initiative executive order includes a section for “Non-Essential Travel Justification”: “The Agency…
By Kai Hattendorf: I am an avid follower of Edelman’s Trust Barometer ever since I attended an early presentation of it in the year 2001, and this year’s presentation a few weeks ago at the WEF in Davos makes for sombre reading, stating that “political polarization and deepening fears giving rise to a widespread sense…
From TSNN, by Tommy Goodwin: Since taking office in January, one of President Donald Trump’s key initiatives has focused on making the U.S. federal government more cost efficient. One recent executive order calls for federal agencies to create a system “that centrally records approval for federally funded travel for conferences and other non-essential purposes.” While…
From ASE News: The Positive Impact of Business Events Report is an overview of the immense value that business events deliver. From significant economic contributions, to community engagement and sector growth, to education, trade and investment; business events create real change and lasting legacies for Victoria. The informative and comprehensive report features case studies from…
By Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group: Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us our blind spots. And sometimes it takes circumstances. I remember about 8 years ago every business newsletter I read invited me to intentionally disrupt my company as a path to profit and growth. It’s easier said than done. A few years…
By Kai Hattendorf | Business Transformation, Global Advocacy, Association Management: What is the one thing every event professional bemoans regularly? Right: “NOBODY understands what we are actually doing.” This is why advocacy for our sector matters. So, this week, let’s look at the one document empowering us to change that – giving us a…
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The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program specifically serving the needs of international convention centre managers! Designed to address the critical need for centres to maintain fully qualified staff in a highly competitive industry, the AIPC Academy provides a targeted, cost effective form of training and development along with the means to…
The Business of Events (BOE) 2025 converges the dual pillars of leadership within an intergenerational workforce: mastery and intellectual prowess. Building on BOE 2024’s exploration of the duality between Unlearning and Relearning, BOE 2025 unites experienced and emerging leaders for real-time discussions. Participants will delve into crucial dualities — Skill and Strategy, IQ and EQ,…
The UFI Food & Beverage Experience aims to equip exhibition professionals with the food and beverage trends and innovative catering solutions for delivering exceptional client experiences. As the industry faces increasing pressure to meet evolving client expectations, this will serve as a vital source of inspiration and practical insights. By fostering connections between catering partners,…
At IMEX you can enjoy expert education, explore the latest event trends and experience your most productive days of the year. Whether you’re an events newbie or a pro (or anything in between), IMEX is exactly where you need to be. Discover 200 free education sessions at IMEX Frankfurt. More information coming soon in 2025.
The third edition of ETOA and City Destinations Alliance’s B2B workshop, Destinations Exchange Europe, will take place in London on June 2-3, 2025. This B2B event offers a dynamic blend of commercially driven meetings, insightful knowledge sessions, and valuable opportunities to discuss product development and operational challenges. 28 pre-scheduled B2B business meeting slots to meet…
Our lineup is all about igniting ideas, creating breakthroughs, and shaping the future of the meetings, events and incentives world, so come and share your game-changing ideas and insights with our global audience of corporate, agency and association planners. With C-suite executives through to those just beginning their event professional journey, and your expertise will…
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
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TMS APAC is the ultimate business platform for MICE professionals, featuring global destinations, venues, hotels, and other key MICE suppliers. Powered by an exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme, the event brings senior decision-makers in meetings, conventions, events, and incentives to a dynamic tradeshow floor. With a seamless pre-scheduled meetings platform, attendees can connect directly with top…
Destination West enables attendees to experience firsthand the most desirable destinations, hotels and activities for successful meetings, while making invaluable business connections. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive magazine. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education specific…
Registration is OPEN for the 2025 UFI MEA Conference! Join us for the most important gathering of exhibition industry leaders in the MEA region, hosted by the EECA Authority at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. Egypt offers substantial business opportunities in the exhibition industry, positioning itself as a regional hub for trade and…
Immerse yourself in an inspiring environment surrounded by passionate professionals who share your same challenges and goals; boosting economic development and knowledge transfer. Build connections in emerging and non-emerging sectors, expand your network of contacts in a multi-sector way. Go beyond traditional connections and immerse yourself in a universe of business relationships.
This interactive session is designed for CVB professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage in peer-led discussions on key industry topics such as: AI & Innovation; Staffing & Funding Challenges; Sustainability & Risk-Sharing; Destination Legacy & Success; And more, as topics are determined on participants’ suggestions! After the discussions, we’ll continue with a…
IMEX is where every part of the global events industry comes for a high-value, high-return boost of real business, real relationships and insights, all designed to make working life easier and more profitable. Keep up with the latest events industry trends, polish your professional skills and stay ahead. By attending as many of our 150…
ECA’s 2025 Legislative Action Day will bring leaders and advocates from across the business and professional events industry to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to meet with their elected officials in support of ECA’s top public policy priorities. “From tax reform to workforce development, 2025 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for…
Small & Boutique Meetings — Northstar’s premiere hosted-buyer event designed specifically for small and boutique-sized meetings — bringing together highly-qualified meeting buyers with destinations, hotels, DMCs and other suppliers ready to welcome smaller events. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this exclusive group.
The UFI European Events Week is where around 300 exhibition industry leaders from Europe and beyond meet, network and learn together for 5 days every summer. We have evolved the UFI European Conference and associated events to become the UFI European Events Week, including the main European Conference, and additional topical content and networking opportunities.
4 key messages highlight how exhibitions unlock potential for industries, individuals, communities, and companies: Exhibitions drive collaboration and innovation to transform businesses and industries; Exhibitions enable new, emerging and established talent to grow and succeed; Exhibitions power economic development and societal progress for countries and communities; Exhibitions amplify reach, build brands, foster connections and drive…
Our one-and-a-half-day event provides you with a unique opportunity to meet and network with European colleagues managing city cards schemes; to share knowledge and insights to stay ahead of the latest market trends & anticipate customers’ needs; and to grow your business in a sustainable way as well as strengthen your professional expertise. The participants’…
Incentive Live offers a compelling agenda that makes this event a must-attend for industry professionals. In addition to one-on-one appointments with top incentive destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, merchandise and technology providers, gift cards, and tourism offices, Incentive Live presents leading industry experts providing the latest perspective on industry trends and best practices that…
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A passionate and dedicated leader, Carina Bauer is the CEO of the IMEX Group – an organisation responsible for organising the leading global trade shows for the international business events industry. Carina is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and…
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Chris Skeith has served in the exhibition industry for over 30 years, and is Managing Director & CEO of UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, which represents over 900 organisations in over 90 countries who build, maintain, and support the world’s market places: trade show organisers, venue owners and operators, service providers, and…
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Amelia is a pioneer of BESarawak with over 21 years of branding, marketing and PR experience whose career in the sector began as a sales coordinator. Within 12 years, she helms the organisation as a CEO. Coming from the indigenous Bidayuh tribe of Sarawak, she is passionate about developing her homeland and providing opportunities for…
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Tommy Goodwin is Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), a newly-formed association dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s advocacy and member engagement work on behalf the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the…
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Geneviève is a Canadian industry professional based in Montreal. She has 26 years of experience in congress management and consultancy services for national and international associations and has managed international events in over 20 countries. Geneviève has been active at elevating the industry’s capacity in sustainability and value creation since 2006, when she was an…
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Nigel started his career at the head office of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam. He was part of the event organizing team of the association and served 7 years organizing a host of events on all continents. During his tenure he gained extensive project management skills and was responsible for implementing…
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Barbara Jamison Heads up the European Business Team at London & Partners (London Convention Bureau), the Mayor’s official promotional agency for London. Barbara’s experience in the industry has covered every aspect of tourism in Global markets… youth and educational tourism, tour operating, Destination and Event Management, Major Events including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic…
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After four years of study at the Ecole Hôtelière (Hotel School) in Lausanne (Switzerland), it was quite natural that his career should be oriented toward this sector. From 1998 to 2009, he worked with Martins Hotels, overseeing the development, management, and acquisition of hotels. His diverse expertise spans business management, hotel development, marketing, and team…
Jane loves life in the Nordics and the spirit of Scotland. Her expertise is based on 20 years of experience across the global meetings industry. Over this time she has been fortunate to have gained wonderful experience and friends from working for some great hotels, a convention centre, a destination marketing organisation, a PCO, and…
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Senthil Gopinath has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held a wide range of positions, including CEO of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and Vice President of Kuoni. In 2006 Senthil moved to Dubai to work for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) arm of Emirates Group….
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Lesley joined BestCities in 2017 as Market Development Director, and was Managing Director from January 2020 to July 2023, following the decision of BestCities to award extending the management contract to GainingEdge. Lesley is a strong supporter and advocate of the beyond tourism impacts of meetings. In 2017 BestCities formed a collaboration with ICCA to…
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Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, the Members and the Business Partners he will be spearheading a transformation programme which will result into an entirely new value proposal to Convention and Exhibition Centres across the globe based on the changing needs of the members and the challenges they are…
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