This month’s news round-up brings you industry and association news and views from August 2024, including cost vs sustainability, cautious optimism for meetings, IBTM Association Leaders Forum, and more.
Skift Meetings has covered data from CoStar Analytics, Delottie, meeting intelligence provider Knowland, and Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in a recent feature.
It’s positive news – in the first half of 2024, 21 of the top 25 largest hotel markets had higher group demand for meetings than last year.
Check out the optimism for meetings and outlook stats in full, here.
M&C Asia has spoken to planners from the US, UK, and Asia to explore these trends in greater depth. The conversation follows the latest International Planner Sentiment Report 2024, published by The Business of Events think tank, which stated cost considerations now dominate the decision-making process for event buyers across the UK, Europe, and North America.
Read the M&C Asia feature here.
M&IT’s Paul Harvey caught up with Peter Kerwood and Evie Manuel, the people behind Elevate NewGen, to find out about their mission to provide equal access to the events industry for underrepresented talent aged 18-25.
“The biggest thing for the people on this programme is educating them about the events industry, what the opportunities could be, and then giving them the resources to be able to get into it.” – Evie Manuel
Read the inspirational full interview, here.
IBTM World, the world-leading global trade show for the meetings and events industry, has revealed the first details of its 2024 Association Leaders Forum, created in partnership with ESAE (European Society of Association Executives) and sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau.
The industry-leading programme will address practical and strategic issues Associations face today, focussing on the need to balance executive governance and risk management with innovating and adapting to global challenges in order to build a thriving association industry of the future.
Taking place on day one, and tying into the theme for IBTM World 2024 – People.Power.Potential, which will provide a platform to explore and understand how people power can be enhanced by harnessing new technologies – the forum will explore how to integrate AI in Associations’ strategic planning, and how to use the possibilities offered by digital tools to make conferences and events more impactful, engaging and financially sustainable, while continuing the commitment to establish a greener future.
The forum will also try to understand how to prevent burnouts while equipping team members with the right tools and upskilling for them to perform in an efficient and rewarding manner; explore how Associations can prepare for a year of significant electoral shifts and provide insights into how Association leaders can guide members and staff in navigating the geopolitical environment.
Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “We can’t wait for attendees to discover the exciting programme we have planned for them at this year’s Association Leaders Forum. At IBTM World, we strive above all else to always provide genuine value, and tangible take-homes, for delegates. This year’s Forum does just that, supporting association professionals to build an association sector that is not only at the forefront of advancement, but which prospers because of it.”
Now in its fourteenth year, the esteemed list recognises inspiring individuals and teams who continually go the extra mile and play a pivotal role in making their organisations so successful.
We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the 2024 finalists! We know everyone has worked hard to get this far, and we wish everyone the best of luck. And here’s a special shout-out to our EDGE Venues+ members in the final:
You can view the full list of finalists here.
Jacqui, a leading industry expert, joined Clarity Business Travel’s Sharon Bannister, Hotel Football’s Jessica Southworth, and Edgbaston Stadium’s Ros Wilson at The Belfry Hotel & Resort for lively discussion and debate around current industry opportunities, trends, and challenges.
Speaking after the event, Jacqui commented: “From ESG initiatives to the evolution of hybrid events and addressing growing training needs, the speakers covered a lot of ground. It’s inspiring to see how our industry continues to innovate and adapt.”
Andrea Doyle at Skift Meetings certainly believes so! In one of her most recent features for Skift, Andrea highlights how ‘an unconventional celebrity can amplify an event’s impact and broaden its appeal’. And even if you don’t have an Olympic-sized budget, ‘there’s plenty from that playbook for meeting professionals to emulate.’
Read the feature here, including views from the industry, here.
EDGE Venues’ Commercial Director, Scott Ford, summed up this latest monthly Insights:
“August is often referred to as a ‘quiet month’ or ‘silly season’. While I can’t be sure how silly your August was, I’m betting it was anything but quiet!
“Here at EDGE Venues, August was very busy in many aspects, including tech development, client and venue engagement, and business opportunities via the platform. It is great to see the findings from Skift Meetings backing that up, highlighting that groups and events business was substantially higher in 21 of the top 25 meetings and events markets for the first half of 2024.
“As we move into September, we are heading at breakneck speed towards the awards season, and it’s great to see so many of our valued partners and venues being shortlisted in the highly acclaimed miaList this year. We are rooting for you all, and, of course, we will be very happy to help you celebrate!
“IBTM World 2024’s theme of People, Power and Potential really got me thinking. As an industry, meetings and events is surely all about helping to release potential through the power of people. Here at EDGE Venues we are dedicated to helping our various clients reach their full potential, be that venues, agencies or corporates through the power of our ever evolving technology all backed up by our highly experienced people. If you would like to learn more about how we could help you and your organisation please do contact me for an initial chat.”
Missed July’s news round-up? Check it out here!
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