Skift Meetings

Skift Meetings, formerly known as EventMB, has established itself as a top online destination for insights, advancements, and learning in the event sector. Every day, thousands of event professionals worldwide turn to Skift Meetings for the latest trends and technology updates.

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From Boston to Tulsa: High Costs Push Meetings to Smaller Cities

1 week ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

The rising cost of meetings is prompting planners to rethink where they host events. Lower hotel rates and service fees in smaller cities are making once-overlooked destinations more attractive. According to the 2025 CWT-GBTA Global Business Travel Forecast, the average daily cost per meeting attendee is projected to reach $169, up from $162 in 2024. These costs include accommodations, food and beverage, AV, meeting space, activities, transportation, and technology.
One of Nation’s Largest Trans Conferences Ends Annual Event, Latest LGBTQ Cancelation

1 week ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

After more than 20 years, the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference — one of the largest transgender-focused events in the United States — is ending its in-person gathering. Instead, organizers say they will shift to year-round LBGTQ+ programming under a new name: the Charlene Arcila Trans Wellness Collective.
Trump 2.0 Disrupts Meetings Industry in First 100 Days

2 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

President Trump's second term began with a series of executive orders that immediately impacted the meetings industry. On Inauguration Day, January 20, Trump signed the Executive Order, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” It eliminates federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. All federal DEI staff were also placed on leave. Federal agencies responded by canceling or scaling back DEI-related events.
Major Shakeup at SXSW: Hugh Forrest Ousted Amid Broader Changes

2 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Miguel Neves

Skift Take The departure of senior leaders, combined with the impending loss of the Austin Convention Center, signals a pivotal moment for one of the world's most influential conferences. Hugh Forrest, the longtime leader of South by Southwest (SXSW), has been terminated as president of the organization amid what appears to be a significant restructuring.
Association Events Feel the Impact of Federal Policy Changes

3 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

Attendance at U.S.-based meetings has declined, especially among participants from Canada, Europe, and Central Asia, according to new research from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). These regions have historically maintained strong representation at association events held in the U.S.Canada leads the decline with an average drop in attendance of 41.5%.
Cvent Resumes Acquisition Spree Buying Spatial Tech Company Prismm

3 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Miguel Neves

Skift Take Despite current economic headwinds, Cvent has restarted its acquisition spree by adding one of the few companies that specialises in 3D visualization of event spaces. Event tech giant Cvent announced on Thursday the acquisition of Prismm, a 3D spatial design technology company that supports 5,000 customers and 500,000 new events per year. This follows a series of four acquisitions in 2024, which included event marketing platform Splash in September.
Commerce, Not Content, Drives Events, New Freeman Report Finds

3 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

In its latest research, Freeman found that today’s events are focused on conducting business, surpassing education and networking as the primary drivers for in-person participation. The data shows that in-person events remain the most trusted channel for product discovery and sales. “Face-to-face events are today’s public square.
Cvent Connect Heads to Nashville in 2026 After Two-Year San Antonio Run

3 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

Cvent will bring its flagship user conference, Cvent Connect, to Nashville in 2026, from July 13 to 16. Discussions to bring Cvent Connect to Nashville began at IMEX Las Vegas two years ago, said Rachel Andrews, Cvent’s senior director of meetings and events. “Its convention center, walkability, and entertainment offerings make for a standout attendee experience.
Women Leaders in Meetings: Pat Schaumann

4 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

When the U.S. passed the Open Payments Law in 2010, the meetings industry had yet to fully grasp the extent to which it would impact the planning of medical events. Pat Schaumann, president and CEO of Schaumann Consulting Group, not only understood the implications, but she created a playbook. Schaumann, whose career spans over 30 years in the hospitality and meetings industry, has a simple approach to leadership. “Leave things better than I found them,” she said.
Tariffs, Fees, and Rising Costs: How Planners Are Coping

4 weeks ago | meetings.skift.com | Andrea Doyle

In the current economic environment, business event planners are facing significant cost pressures. “A 38% cumulative increase across nearly every category of event execution, including F&B, AV, staffing, room blocks, and production from 2019 to today is a reality,” said Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange.