Barbara Scofidio

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Events Industry Rallies to Have Its Own NAICS Code

Jan 14, 2025 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

According to the Exhibition and Events Workforce Development Federation (EE-WDF), the events industry generates more than $1 trillion annually and supports 5.9 million jobs in hospitality, tourism, technology, and other related fields. Yet, the events industry is not named in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) – and a group of event planners is trying to change that. NAICS codes are updated every five years, and the deadline is fast approaching.
New Passport & Real ID Rules for 2025

Dec 27, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

The meetings industry is scrambling to prepare for several significant passport and visa changes taking place in 2025. New international and domestic ID regulations, aimed at enhancing security and streamlining border control processes, will impact planners and attendees alike. Communication is key: Planners organizing both domestic and international meetings need to be proactive about informing attendees of these changes early on, to avoid last-minute issues.
‘Tis The Season - Convene Turns Meeting Venue Into a Christmas Market

Dec 23, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

Hospitality company Convene, which offers meeting and event venues in the U.S. and UK, transformed one of its London locations into a turnkey Christmas experience. It was so successful, that plans are in motion for a 2025 return. The inaugural Convene Christmas Market was nearly sold out. It drew over 610 guests per event from December 9-20, 2024. Designed for groups of 500 to 1,000, the market blends entertainment, experiential design, and curated food and beverage.
How to Build a Smart Event Data Strategy to Maximize ROI?

Dec 23, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

Have you ever planned an event and felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of guesswork involved? Will the right people show up? Are your sessions hitting the mark? Is the budget really worth it? The good news is that the guesswork ends when data takes center stage. A solid event data strategy empowers you to deliver events that captivate attendees, meet business goals, and maximize ROI, from pre-event planning to post-event analysis.
Independent Planners Voice Need for More Support

Nov 22, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

For independent planners, getting the job done while seeking out the next client is a daily juggle. On top of that, there’s the minutiae of running a small business. All the while, they must compete with much bigger companies for the same business. “I have been an independent third-party planner for about 8 years now,” said Kathi Almeida, president of Cornerstone Meetings & Events.
The Challenge of Non-Exhibiting Suppliers at Trade Shows

Nov 22, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

“Suitcasing” is a practice loathed by trade show organizers. It’s when a salesperson attends a trade show as a visitor, not an exhibitor, and conducts business out of a suitcase. While suitcases are no longer required, the practice persists. Many exhibitors and show organizers see this as stealing, as these people engage with attendees to do business but don’t pay for the right to do so. At least not in the same way as exhibitors do. Others see this “guerilla marketing” as a standard business method.
Clarion Events Makes Another Acquisition – Are More Deals Coming?

Nov 14, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

Clarion Events has acquired Eaton Hall Exhibitions, a company specializing in highly targeted, pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings. This acquisition launches a new division. Clarion Connect, dedicated to events that facilitate one-to-one meetings. Eaton Hall, based in NJ, organizes forums for sectors such as banking, law enforcement, and hospital security. Kelly Comboni, president of Quartz Network, Consero Events, LeftField Media, and now Eaton Hall will lead the new division.
Are Convention Centers Worth It?

Nov 13, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

Cities spend billions to build and renovate large convention centers – is it worth it? That’s the question raised by a recent New York Times article. According to Skift Meetings research, 22 new convention centers are under construction and 60 new projects are in the pipeline across all tiers. Dallas, Austin, and Los Angeles each have big expansions underway. The premise of the Times story is that companies are spending less on conferences and attendance is down.
No Trays of Bacon or Plastic Bottles: Steps to a Sustainable Event

Nov 12, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

What are the steps to becoming a “sustainable event?” And what does it actually mean? FICP – the association for financial and insurance conference professionals – has applied for certification from the Events Industry Council and events director Ellie Hurley shared what she’s learned so far. The effort has been years in the making. Hurley’s first stop was the EIC website, which has a wealth of free information, including webinars, how-to-guides and white papers.
Independent Properties: When the Hotel Becomes the Experience

Oct 31, 2024 | meetings.skift.com | Barbara Scofidio

When people describe independent boutique hotels, they usually emphasize the small touches: The wildflower bookmark they got when they checked out a book from the library at The Betsy in South Beach, or the vast vinyl collection at The Verb in Boston.