Demand for future business events is surging back to near-record highs, with Q4 2024 request-for-proposal (RFP) activity reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest Global Events Barometer from the Events Industry Council (EIC). Unveiled on April 17, the data signals a robust comeback for the global events sector—even as it navigates shifting trade policies, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tension. 

The right speaker can have a major impact on a business event. From setting the tone of the gathering to inspiring attendees and offering new perspectives, speakers play a crucial role in corporate event programming. 

To find out which speakers and what topics—such as artificial intelligence, employee connection, and sustainability—are currently most in demand at corporate events across the U.S., we asked some speaker bureaus and corporate event planners to share their thoughts on what’s hot right now.  

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a driving force behind the way corporate events are planned and executed, and food and beverage (F&B) is taking center stage as a key opportunity for planners to reduce the environmental impact of their events. From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and plant-forward menus to minimizing food waste and reducing single-use serve and serviceware, sustainable F&B practices can significantly contribute to an event’s overall eco-footprint.  

As in-person events continue their post-pandemic resurgence, corporate event planners are grappling with a familiar challenge: delivering meaningful networking experiences that live up to attendees’ expectations—and drive measurable value. Now, Bizzabo is stepping in with a new solution designed to help. 

TED Conference’s annual hallmark event, TED2025, took place April 7-11 with a “Humanity Reimagined” theme—which showed itself in nearly all 88 TED Talks that proved artificial intelligence is at the forefront of this reimagined future.  

A historic convention center in Louisville is getting a facelift while a new premium event facility recently opened its doors in downtown Detroit. 

The Annual Partner Meeting (APM), one of ConferenceDirect’s annual signature partner and associate events, recently posted record associate attendance in Philadelphia.

Planning a meeting Salt Lake City? Attending an event or exhibiting at Salt Palace Convention Center? We’ve got the ultimate planning guide. 

After searching for more than one year for a permanent replacement, Choose Chicago has tapped Kristen Reynolds, who has served as Discover Long Island President and CEO since 2015, as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5.

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), celebrated annually in April, is one day of the year where meeting and event professionals around the world step out from behind the scenes to celebrate the importance of their work.