Apr 25, 2025
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.
Released quarterly, the Global Events Barometer addresses the need to monitor the industry’s progress over time and by key global regions and countries. Created by EIC’s… more
Apr 24, 2025
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.
Bonny Ghosh, editorial director of business media company Inc.:
"At Inc. we’re… more
Apr 23, 2025
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.
So how can corporate event planners work with their venue’s culinary team to bring sustainability to the… more
Apr 16, 2025
The Annual Partner Meeting (APM), one of ConferenceDirect’s annual signature partner and associate events, recently posted record associate attendance in Philadelphia. Held March 16-20 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and Pennsylvania Convention Center, the event attracted more than 235 qualified ConferenceDirect associates, who met and conducted business during 4,618 trade show appointments. Total attendance was 955.
What they’re saying: “We are thrilled by the record associate attendance at this year’s APM,” said Jerry Horan, president and CEO, ConferenceDirect. “This event… more
Apr 08, 2025
According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), event sustainability means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy. For most events, this usually translates into cutting back energy and water usage and reducing waste. But some event organizers are going the extra mile to make a difference by launching initiatives such as using algae as ink or offering onsite sustainability tours.
EarthX
From its humble beginnings as an Earth Day street festival in Dallas, EarthX has now grown into a large-scale,… more
Apr 01, 2025
Workday Rising, the annual customer conference for the public company that sells an AI platform for managing people and money, earned the highest possible level of sustainable event certification from the Events Industry Council (EIC) for its 2024 event. The platinum-level certification is the first awarded to a technology company.
Workday Rising 2024, organized in partnership with George P. Johnson (GPJ), Freeman, Allegiant Stadium, and Mandalay Bay, was the company’s biggest gathering yet, with more than 30,000 in-person and digital attendees.
Backstory: Held Sept. 16-19 at Mandalay… more
Mar 26, 2025
The Events Industry Council (EIC) unveiled its Futures Landscape Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors poised to shape the global business events industry in the coming years. Released on March 10, this forward-looking report synthesizes insights from a global survey of business event stakeholders, as well as a series of think-tank workshops consisting of leaders from EIC’s more than 60 members, strategic partners, and volunteer leaders sharing their unique insights and perspectives.
Developed in collaboration with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (… more
Mar 25, 2025
"Accessibility is a mindset," said Kyle Shearer, director of Event Operations at TED, from the main stage at the recent Connect New York 2025. He stressed to the audience of event planners that accessibility must be integrated into the early design process.
With years of experience under his belt, Shearer shared invaluable strategies for making events more inclusive, drawing from personal experiences and industry practices. Accessibility is an opportunity, not a burden, he said.
"The goal is progress, not perfection," he added.
Context: Shearer has worked at TED for more than 14… more
Mar 21, 2025
The next generation of event attendees isn’t just looking for networking or education—they’re searching for connection. Gen Z and Millennials are forging new pathways between their digital lives and in-person experiences through "Fourth Spaces”—events that turn online interests into in-person engagement opportunities, according to a new cultural intelligence study by Eventbrite. For corporate event organizers, this shift presents a unique opportunity to rethink event design and programming to better meet evolving attendee expectations.
Backstory: Eventbrite, a global events marketplace that… more
Mar 20, 2025
Did you know that incorporating wellness into events can significantly improve attendee satisfaction and net promoter scores without necessarily increasing budgets? By weaving tailored wellness experiences into events, planners can not only create more engaging and impactful event experiences that drive engagement, elevate attendee wellbeing, and foster a greater sense of community but also address the growing demand for wellness in professional settings. After all, when attendees feel physically and mentally balanced, they are more engaged, focused, and open to new ideas.
Possibly no… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is more