Skift Meetings

The prospect of a Trump travel ban on 36 additional countries has raised alarm bells across the business travel sector. Companies are scrambling to prepare for what could be the most sweeping set of travel restrictions in recent U.S. history. hubs.li/Q03wlnXm0

According to new Freeman research, just 4% of events have someone explicitly responsible for attendee connection — even though 51% of attendees say networking is the top reason they return. hubs.li/Q03y_Jjt0

Introducing: The Skift Meetings AI Innovation Lab @ IMEX America A hands-on, high-intensity lab for senior event pros who want to stop talking about AI and start using it. 📆 Oct. 6 | 2:30–5:00 p.m. | Las Vegas 🎟 Request your invitation: hubs.li/Q03yHX7T0

The hosted buyer model is getting a makeover. Free flights for packed schedules? That was yesterday’s hosted buyer model. Today’s planners want choice, control, and ROI — and major shows like IBTM and IMEX are listening. hubs.li/Q03ynm_p0

Liz Lathan is redefining innovation in the events industry, not with flashy tools, but with emotional intelligence, bold experimentation, and a deep belief in authentic human connection. hubs.ly/Q03y7ZCW0

Montréal is poised to maintain its position as a top destination for international conferences, leveraging its support services to ease travel concerns, while welcoming visitors like a local. Produced in partnership with Business Events Montreal. hubs.li/Q03xFxM80

Cincinnati is investing $800M to transform its Convention District including a $240M renovation of the Duke Energy Convention Center (reopening 2026) and a new 700-room Marriott HQ hotel (opening 2028). hubs.li/Q03xzNVd0

With the largest convention center on the West Coast, Anaheim has always made life easier for meeting planners. Now, the city’s grand vision the next decade will make every program more exciting for attendees. hubs.ly/Q03xvNTp0 In partnership with @visitanaheim

A proposed 1.5% hotel surcharge would push taxes to 18.89% — the highest among major U.S. convention cities — to fund global marketing, bid incentives, and reclaim competitive edge. Choose Chicago says it's the only way to stay in the game.hubs.li/Q03xnFTY0

Back by popular demand: Monique Ruff-Bell returns to Skift Meetings Forum. Last year she wowed us with insights on TED’s evolution — and she’s just one of many power players this year. 🎟 Price goes up TOMORROW: hubs.li/Q03xfJ1m0

President Donald Trump drew a line in the sand on Saturday, threatening 30% tariffs on August 1 on products from Mexico and the EU. Planners say this will only compound the effects tariffs are already having on all aspects of events. hubs.li/Q03xcZc80

San Francisco Travel has formed a new partnership with Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) to attract more meetings and conventions to the city. The move leverages Anna Marie Presutti's long-standing ties to the ALHI network. hubs.li/Q03x96rt0

Timothy Leiweke has stepped down as CEO of Oak View Group following a federal indictment for allegedly rigging bids at Austin's Moody Center. hubs.li/Q03wHhCg0

Caesars is taking wellness beyond the spa—discover how their new Wellness Roadshow is bringing mindfulness, movement, and balance to business events. hubs.li/Q03wG7wM0 Produced in partnership with Caesars Entertainment

🧠 Want to use AI in your events? Join us at the Skift Meetings AI Innovation Lab at IMEX America — a hands-on workshop for event pros. ✅ Real prompts + use cases 📊 Skift Research insights 🏆 AI Prompt World Cup 🎟 Request invite: hubs.li/Q03wCl_s0

You don’t need to be techy to make smart tech choices. This report is packed with: 🧠 Plain-english advice from 12 industry pros 💡 Easy tips for evaluating demos 💵 A full buyers guide Make better event tech decisions today hubs.li/Q03wl7yx0 #EventTech #EventProfs

Despite a drop in international turnout, InfoComm 2025 gathered nearly 31,000 attendees in Orlando, proving that in times of uncertainty, trade shows matter more than ever. .hubs.li/Q03wyRgF0

Not all platforms are created equal. Some do badging and registration. Others offer matchmaking or heatmaps. This report shows what 85+ event tech vendors actually offer. 📘 Download the Event Tech Almanac 2025 hubs.li/Q03wlrRj0 #EventTech #EventProfs

Event tech vendors often make big promises. Here are seven red flags that separate reliable partners from problematic providers, and how to spot them before signing contracts. hubs.li/Q03wrFYV0

You don’t need more features — you need the right ones. Our latest report breaks down event tech by: 💼 Features planners really ask about 📊 What matters for ROI ✅ Which features are offered by which vendors Download it here → hubs.li/Q03wl6R40 #EventTech #EventProfs