In This Issue
July 2026
The meetings industry's economic impact is on full display. What's the number behind the industry that contributes more than manufacturing, air transport, telecommunications equipment and several other large-scale industries? $1.3 trillion. You can find out where this impact is coming from most and what this means for meeting planners at large. Wondering what the latest trends in medical meetings are? Let's just say legacy dinners are out and increased engagement is in. And in meeting spaces more generally, connection is the name of the game.
Features
July 31, 2026
Health and WellnessSpaces That Connect
The demand for secondary cities and towns is occurring at a moment when development possibilities are more restrictive. Construction costs remain elevated, and financing pressures—coupled with longer project timelines—continue to…
July 28, 2026
The Rx for Medical Meetings
From hybrid meeting formats and AI-powered engagement tools to real-time translation and sophisticated attendance tracking, the industry is embracing innovations that extend the reach and effectiveness of events while helping…
July 23, 2026
Paradise Is Calling
Island destinations such as the Caribbean and Hawai‘i are proving their value goes far beyond beautiful beaches There is a reason why island destinations continue to dominate incentive travel wish…
July 9, 2026
Reports & Surveys$1.3 Trillion: Business Events Economic Impact
Bringing more than two people together for business events has an outsized impact greater than the sum of its parts. This fusion-level exponential amplification on inputs goes unappreciated because the…
July 1, 2026
TrendsASAE: On a Mission
As ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, prepares to gather thousands in Indianapolis for three days of learning, growing and inspiration Aug. 15-18, we asked ASAE President and CEO Michelle…
In Every Issue
August 7, 2026
Brilliant ExperiencesHidden Gems: Below the Radar
Millions of years ago our hominin ancestors dwelled within caves, and some 20,000 years ago Paleolithic artists created the Lascaux Cave paintings, often called the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory, in…
August 4, 2026
StrategyMeetings MBA: Return on Feeling
How do we measure an event's value. For a while, it's been ROI and ROO., but there's a third dimension our industry rarely names, let alone measures: return on feeling…
July 30, 2026
Smart Reads: Why Meeting Profs Need a Seat at the Strategy Table
Sasha Frieze makes the case for elevating meetings from logistics to leadership For decades, meeting profs have been asked to do more with less. Build community. Drive revenue. Launch products.…
July 21, 2026
Essential F&B: Aye, Aye to Marine Veggies!
When gathering at coastal venues, incorporating marine vegetables—seaweeds such as kelp, nori, dulse and wakame—into event meal plans is an exciting way to add a wave of wow and an…
July 13, 2026
TechnologyCruising Into an AI-Plus Event Future
MGME Vice President of Business Strategy Cindy D’Aoust As former president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and chief operating officer of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Cindy D’Aoust…
July 28, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsWell Done: The Connection Effect
Loneliness and social isolation remain major concerns since the conversation about a lack of connection among American adults peaked in 2023 after an advisory by the United States Surgeon General…
July 2, 2026
CareerContracting Celebrity Talent for the Win
A clear, thorough contract can set everyone up for success and eliminate problems. We asked Michael DeMarco, founder and CEO of Celebrity Direct Inc, also known as the Event Planner’s…
Notes from the Road
July 27, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes From the Road: Spokane
Along with the Davenport Hotel, Spokane itself is one meeting attendees should experience, from the dining options to the lively Riverfront Park.
July 22, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes from the Road: Chicago
For a live demonstration of what “the world’s most welcoming events” can feel like, I dropped in on a Hilton Live customer event at Hilton Chicago in May and found…
July 16, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes From the Road: Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of those destinations that seems instantly familiar, even if you’ve never visited. The Harbour Bridge, the waterfront and the skyline are recognizable around the world. Neighborhoods blend…
July 14, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes From the Road: Toronto
Three years ago, the epicurean raters at Michelin discovered the bounty being lovingly presented in the capital of Ontario and revealed one of the worst-kept secrets in the culinary world.
July 7, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes From the Road: New Orleans
Locals in The Crescent City are working to protect the environment in the best way they can. Along with its CSR opportunities, there are plenty of memorable venues to meet.
July 2, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsNotes From the Road: Monterey County, California
Across two visits—one centered on the serenity of The Sanctuary Beach Resort and another immersed in the waterfront energy of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa—Managing Director Kate Zaliznock discovered a…
Destination Features
July 7, 2026
Hotels & DestinationsCentral & Northern California: California Dreaming
Few regions offer meeting planners as much flexibility as Central and Northern California. Within a few hours’ drive, attendees can move from the headquarters of the world’s most influential technology…
Past Issues
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