All posts by Zach Chouteau

The stage is set, the spotlight is on, and the future of association events is being shaped by the smart and strategic use of AV innovations that truly engage attendees.

In an era of limitless information, the smartest events aren’t the ones with the most data — they’re the ones with the clearest purpose.

In a time where volatility has become the norm, the concept of “being ready for anything” has taken on a whole new meaning.

In a world where geopolitical threats may be unavoidable, the meetings industry is proving that risk does not have to be a barrier to global connection. Instead, it can be a catalyst for smarter planning, stronger partnerships and more meaningful experiences.

In a time when meeting budgets are more highly scrutinized than ever, planners encounter a familiar but increasingly urgent challenge: how to energize attendee engagement without elevating costs.

Safeguarding attendees has always been the highest priority for meeting planners, but protecting the planet from event waste and fallout has grown into a massive emphasis of its own. How can planners focus on these key goals while also juggling the endless additional logistics of making their big functions run seamlessly?

We checked in with a group of knowledgeable planning professionals to gain their insights on outdoor meetings and events that leave a lasting impression attendees won’t soon forget.

The perfect event speaker can energize a conference, ignite a sales retreat or turn a routine meeting into a moment people talk about for years. A misaligned speaker, however, can flatten the energy, confuse the message and leave attendees wondering why they showed up at all.

Incorporating canines at conventions isn’t just a wellness trend. It’s a reminder that joy, comfort and community can come in small, furry packages — and that sometimes, the most meaningful conference takeaway has four paws and a wagging tail.

Here’s a real take on artificial intelligence, with do’s and don’ts, best practices to follow, a look at where AI might be headed and personal insight from planners who have used it to their advantage.