How to maximize your event budget in 2025
Author: Amanda Wegner Although inflation is slowly receding and interest rates are beginning to fall, meeting and event planners are still facing budget pressures with no relief in sight until 2025. “There are several factors currently impacting meeting and event budgets,” said Amie Devine, CMP, director of global events for The Hybrid Group, SITE Chicago Wisconsin ambassador and board member. "These impacts come from a variety of sources, including economic conditions, rising travel costs and changing trends in the way events are planned and executed. The factors currently having the biggest impact are inflation, travel costs, labor shortages and staffing, price increases for essential event supplies, software licensing and integration costs, and attendee expectations for a more immersive event experience.” Whether in full or in part, these impacts make budgeting a constant challenge for planners as they strive to balance increasing costs, client demands and quality, while also achieving event goals and objectives. “The key is to be resourceful, focus…
Event: Charging Infrastructure Summit tackles plug-in issues
Discount for 6 peopleth annual plan The Edison Electric Institute estimates that by the end of the century, the United States will need about 9.6 million charging points to support the approximately 18.7 million electric vehicles on the road. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, as of April 2023, there were 136,513 charging ports at 53,764 public and private charging stations. The significant increase in electric vehicle charging infrastructure will have a significant impact on the grid and create significant challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.Hosted by Smart Grid Observer 6th Annual Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Summit - North America, East, On January 28-29, 2025, top industry experts and utility professionals will convene in Atlanta to examine how growing electric vehicle adoption will impact the network and what investments are needed to ensure grid stability and efficiency. Case studies of current utility programs and deployments will be discussed, looking at refining strategies, identifying technologies and implementing…
How event strategists can boost leadership confidence
Gross profit is the most important metric for leaders. By understanding and tracking this key metric, event organizers can increase your credibility and value with senior leadership during the recovery process. By Dave Lutz, CMP Attendance is just one of the variables needed to understand event gross profit recovery. (regardless of media group) To maximize event gross profit, you need to connect the dots, applying attendance, revenue, and expense trends based on your business model and industry. The top-performing pre-pandemic annual conferences and trade shows we analyzed generated 55-65% gross profit. In 2024, gross profits from these same activities declined. 20 points. For this purpose, gross profit is calculated by subtracting direct activity expenses (not including wages, overhead, or appropriations) from total activity revenue and dividing by total activity revenue. Although many major events are close to recovery in terms of revenue, the main reason for the decline in gross profit is a significant increase in expenses (approximately 30%). For…
7 Ways to Stand Out at Event Industry Networking Events
A library of event planning resources, hourly rates for tax advisors, and ads into luxury event planning. These items will cost you a fortune in Benjamins. But if you have the support of a strong network, you have access to these and more resources that budding event planners in New York City need. To build a helpful professional community, you need to attend a steady stream of networking events and make a good impression. In this article, we share the top tips New York City event planners need to shine at their social events. 1. Set network goals Be prepared for any social event you want to attend. You can do this by creating a network target before replying. Ask yourself what exactly you want to get out of the networking event you want to attend. Of course, your “umbrella” reason is to grow your event planning business. However, the ways in which networking events can help you achieve this…
Take your corporate event or fundraising gala to the next level by
MEET (Meetings | Events | Entertainment | Travel) For more than 20 years, the MEET family of products has provided regional and national resources that empower corporate, association, medical, educational, independent and religious meeting and event planners to learn about relevant vendors, industry news, technology innovations and resources that impact their planning group How and where business is done.
How to help event professionals affected by Los Angeles fires
Meetings and event professionals are among the many devastated by wildfires raging across Los Angeles. Here are some disaster relief resources that can help. Wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area - so far, they have killed 24 people, destroyed 12,000 buildings and homes, and burned an area of more than 60 square miles. And, with high winds expected to continue sweeping the region Wednesday and the Palisades and Eaton Fires continuing to burn, the danger isn't over yet. According to reports, fortunately, downtown Los Angeles has escaped the impact of the wildfires, and the Los Angeles Convention Center is continuing to hold meetings and events as planned. But that doesn't mean meetings and event professionals in the greater Los Angeles area escaped the personal devastation of the fires. To help those displaced by the recent wildfires, HotelPlanner mobilized its call center team to provide 24/7 service to help residents find alternative housing for themselves, their families, and even…
12 Instagram strategy ideas for event planners to make more money
There are probably dozens of social media platforms. But when New York City event planners discovered Instagram, they all disappeared. With its emphasis on dazzling visuals, Instagram is the perfect medium to showcase your event planning portfolio. And with its rich content and creative features, Instagram won't bore you like other social media platforms (looking at you, TikTok). In this article, we share 12 ways event planners can use smart Instagram strategies to win more event clients. Before you start marketing your event planning services on Instagram As they say, the devil is in the details, and it’s best to research your Instagram marketing strategy carefully before you start posting. These steps will lay the foundation for successful Instagram social media marketing. 1. Start with detailed goals for your Instagram strategy You Already Know You Want to Use Instagram Get more active customers. Your detailed goals will create a roadmap to achieve your goals. Start by setting realistic goals for…
Industry speaks out about data-driven event planning
Driven by technological advances, exhibitions and events are undergoing a revolutionary change. The IAEE will delve into the direction of data-driven incident management in a January 15 webinar, From feelings to facts: The evolution of event datapresented by Annaji Sailer, CRFP, CEM, senior director of exhibitions and strategic partnerships for the Restaurant Facility Management Association, and Dr. Panos Moutafis, CEO and co-founder of Zenus, Inc. Annaji and Panos will explore the fundamental shift in event planning from gut-based decision-making to a more analytical approach. They will delve into the critical role of data in demonstrating event ROI to stakeholders, especially sponsors and exhibitors, and share practical strategies for leveraging metrics to optimize event results. This webinar will also demonstrate how forward-thinking event professionals can use data to not only measure success, but to create a comprehensive picture of team performance and its alignment with broader organizational goals. Here, Annaji and Panos preview the topics they’ll dive into during the webinar,…
The 28th Annual Canadian Event Awards Ceremony Officially Opens
What started as a doodle on a napkin on a red-eye flight from California to Toronto 28 years ago has become the pinnacle of Canadian events industry recognition: Canadian Event Awards (CEA). For nearly three decades, CEA has set the standard for exceptional creativity, innovation and craftsmanship in celebrations, paying tribute to the minds and talents behind unforgettable experiences. CEA honors those who transform ideas into moments that leave an indelible mark. They reward trailblazers who push boundaries and redefine excellence in live experiences. Past recipients include industry legends and Canada's most successful agencies, whose stories are woven into our history. Today, the Canadian Event Awards are more than just an honour, they are the cornerstone of a vibrant, thriving community of event professionals. The annual event has evolved into a much-anticipated homecoming, where Canada’s most creative and accomplished professionals and institutions come together to celebrate, inspire and connect. We invite you to join us in celebrating the journey of…
Lime Venue product portfolio addresses the truth about event food
Lime Venue Portfolio will host “What’s New in Food,” an interactive “Q&A” session at Micebook Expo 2025 to spice up the conversation about sustainable food. Hosted by Jo Austin, Sales Director and Head of Sustainability for Meetings and Events at Compass Group UK&I (pictured), along with Glenda Carlyle, Senior Sales Manager at SEC, the conference promises to explore relevant issues in a fresh and engaging way The most pressing issues in sustainable food trends.This lively format will address hot-button issues in sustainable dining, including:Why does the events industry shy away from beef?How eating venison stacks up against a plant-based diet for the environment.Why counting carbons might be more important than counting calories?Find sustainably sourced salmon.Designed to inform and entertain, this quiz will provide insight into contemporary trends in event food sustainability and provide practical advice for event planners on how to address these trends in their catering decisions. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate their…
Transform your event planning with Kardoe: Ultimate Edition
Kardoe is revolutionizing event planning software for 2025, providing a comprehensive solution for event professionals who need powerful, scalable meeting planning software. As the best-in-class event scheduling software, Kardoe streamlines every aspect of event operations.Traditional event platforms have clunky interfaces, but Kardoe brings speaker management, meeting planning, and program production together into one beautiful tool. This next-generation event planning software eliminates scattered spreadsheets and endless email chains, replacing them with automated workflows and real-time collaboration tools.Event planners choose Kardoe's meeting planning software for its seamless integration capabilities, including our Cvent integration. API and webhook technology ensure your event technology stack works together.Whether you're organizing a large conference or a small board meeting, this event scheduling software has you covered. At the heart of Kardoe is its interactive Run of Show feature, which integrates conversations, tasks and notes in real time. Access it all through our mobile-optimized event platform, putting you in control wherever you are.Main features Our event planning software:Automated…
Why an event planner’s job is climate work
Here are five ways planners can embrace the idea that “every job is a climate job” to design more sustainable activities and move the industry forward. Author: Beth Sulmont Beth Surmont, CMP Fellow, FASAE, CAE “No matter where we work,” says Jamie Alexander, “every job is a climate job.” With global warming having such widespread impacts, Project Drawdown, a science-based climate action nonprofit Alexander, founder of , firmly believes that everyone has a role to play in driving change. While we as an industry are making progress towards more sustainable event practices, how can planners play a climate-centric role to help further this goal? 1. Master waste management In addition to providing recycling bins, planners need to: Learn about compostability— It's great that plates and silverware are "compostable," but what special facilities are required, and what is the correct way to collect these items? Decode recycling symbols 1-7 — Where to put 1 and 2? How clean do they need…
5 lead magnets event planners can leverage to attract more people
When it comes to growing a thriving New York event planning business, planning top-notch events is only one piece of the success puzzle. You also need to continually attract potential customers through your sales funnel. and do That You need a constant stream of new leads. Lead magnets are powerful marketing tools that, once created, will attract new potential customers indefinitely. In this article, we’ll share five effective lead magnets you can use to attract more event planning clients. What is a magnet for event planners? A lead magnet is an incentive to potential customers that entices them to share their contact information. A lead magnet can be literally anything and comes in many forms. They could be free items, exclusive content, attractive discounts, or anything else that potential customers find valuable. Event Planners Can Use Lead Magnets Collect contact information from potential customers. Lead magnets are very effective marketing tools because they offer incentives that attract people who are…
Event Trends 2025: Cooking Stories
5 hot trends in event food stations, from Hanging Surf & Turf to CBD Ramen. Event food stations have become dazzling displays of culinary art, inviting attendees to enjoy a creative and multi-sensory dining experience. They celebrate flavour, culture and individual expression and reflect overall culinary trends such as the use of fresh, local ingredients and personalized dining. The following is Constellation Culinary Group Five top event food station trends for 2025. Hanging Surf and Turf. A multi-dimensional tasting journey including tomahawk steak slathered in herb butter, baked potatoes, oysters cooked on lava, and a seafood medley of shrimp, tuna and braised octopus, finished with miso butter and baked Rich smoky flavor. French Country Inspiration. The station features modern interpretations of French classics, including Miami-style Croque Madame croquettes, French onion soup with crispy bread, planet-shaped truffle mushroom tart with gluten-free cookies and Egyptian-style pancakes with lamb shank, date puree and orange. Flower yogurt, chopped pistachios and honey. The station design…
Enter at your own risk: How to cover your event and minimize your risks
Cameron Smith and Mark Smith Meeting and event planners have reason to be optimistic about their business prospects in 2025: Overall attendance has reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, according to one leading index. Even better, 81% will have an in-person component and 63% will be fully in-person. But even so, planners shouldn't get too comfortable. The business of hosting meetings or events is still a risky business. It’s not just acts of God—like weather instability and natural disasters—that can wreak havoc on the best laid plans. Violence — think active shooter incidents — can expose event sponsors and venue owners to costly injury and wrongful death claims. Risks remain and need to be adequately measured by insurance policies, which should temper the industry's enthusiasm for the post-pandemic climate. Special event and entertainment venue insurance may be helpful. Understanding the ins and outs is crucial. The event cannot continue without special coverage Special event policies can be thought of as peace…
Event Entrepreneurs’ Quest to Redefine Belonging
“I forgot that people first need to find a sense of belonging in their personal lives,” says author Dan Berger, founder of Assemble Hospitality Group, whose primary mission is to help people find a sense of belonging. For entrepreneur Dan Berger, belonging has always been a matter of survival. He immigrated to the United States from Israel with his adoptive parents when he was nine years old. "Between immigration and adoption," he told convene“I’ve always struggled with belonging.” And Berger’s TDiscovery: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging At Social Tables, the Washington, D.C.-based event planning software company he founded in 2011, "I was obsessed with creating an environment that felt like a place of belonging," he says. Berger said the company was built on a startup culture model, with most employees in their 20s “drinking Kool-Aid, eating free snacks and not doing anything else but working and living. Berger has the company's logo tattooed on his arm and regularly holds…
5 Social Media Strategies to Make Your Event Hot
Most event planners dream of having their event go viral. The massive impact, explosive brand recognition, and street cred that come with a viral marketing campaign are all powerful temptations for people to go to great lengths to “go viral.” But here’s the thing: Event planners don’t let events go viral. Attendees and social media users made the event go viral. So, the job of an event planner is to Create a killer social media campaign It implements all the elements that encourage users to create, share and participate in campaign activities. In this article, we share five social media strategies to help you do just that. 1. Use social media marketing to tell the story of your event Storytelling is a powerful marketing strategy, and social media is the ideal medium to tell the story of your campaign. The top social media marketing campaigns of 2024 use storytelling to engage your audience. Airbnb, for example, leverages storytelling by inviting…
3 reasons why group dining is the perfect motivational event
Surprisingly, while sightseeing and free time are important components of group travel incentives, group meals are the most important. When the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the SITE Foundation asked which activities were key to incentive program success in their 2024 Incentive Travel Index, who would have thought that group dining would be at the top of the list? But in fact, 51% of respondents believe group dining is the most important activity, although group cultural sightseeing experiences are closely followed by 50%. Group dining also jumped two places in the ranking of the most popular activities among attendees, from third place in 2023 to first place in 2024. Why are group dining so popular for travel incentives? Build relationships, collaboration and teamwork. Eating together makes it easier for people to relax and socialize, thereby strengthening camaraderie and community. When they eat together, they tend to learn more about each other outside of their work roles. Often, the content shared…
Niche activity or not? Why some event professionals
You grow your event planning business by following one simple rule: Say “yes” to everything. From backyard children's birthday parties to Harry Potter themed weddings, no job is too small or too strange for you to develop your event planning skills. But now, a couple approaches you and wants themselves and their guests to dress up as zombies for their wedding. You're wondering if it's time to make a choice about the type of event you attend. In this article, we outline the reasons why you should focus your event planning services on a niche that reflects your event planning goals and passions. Increase your perceived value (and your income) this The perceived value of your business is an objective and emotional evaluation of your event planning services. It reflects what customers expect when they hire your company. Expectations may vary, but quality, uniqueness, and exclusivity are generally emphasized. While there are many factors that contribute to your “perceived value,”…
Why one-size-fits-all event packages won’t work in 2025
If you've browsed Facebook recently, you've probably seen a long list of ads for customized products. You can order a "painting" of yourself dressed up like a medieval duchess. Give your newly engaged sister a Christmas ornament that depicts her and her fiancé as playful elves. You can even put your cat's face on your pajamas. Welcome to the age of hyper-personalization. In the age of Cricut machines and 3D printing, more and more consumers are abandoning big brands and their cookie-cutter products in favor of Etsy shops and curated products. Their preference for personalized service permeates all aspects of life, including event planning services. In this article, we’ll show you why one-size-fits-all event packages won’t work in 2025, and how you can Create a more personalized experience for your customers. Event customers have unique preferences - they expect you to meet their needs It may seem convenient to provide clients with pre-built activity packages. But while off-the-shelf software packages…
Special D Events reveals business event trends for 2025
Some trends that may emerge at this year's gatherings include incorporating local flavors into event cuisine to enhance the authenticity of the destination. ||Photo courtesy of rawpixel.com, courtesy of AdobeDestination authenticity. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides inspiration and event design, and 3D printing is used to produce new elements. Event technology companies, hotels and event agencies continue to be impacted by mergers and acquisitions, with industry consolidation continuing to occur. These are the three key trends highlighted in Special D Events’ “Business Event Trends for 2025” list.The national meetings and events agency, which is also a destination marketing firm in Detroit, said business travelers are looking for opportunities to deeply connect with local culture and community. “Let’s face it, if your attendees traveled across the country to attend your event, never left the host hotel, and then flew straight back home, how memorable would that experience be?” Carol, President and CEO of Special D Events A. Galle said in a more…
Event Marketers’ 10 Most Read Stories of 2024
Roundup: The 10 most-read stories for event marketers in 2024 Please enable JavaScript to view this site.
Annual Association-wide Holiday Event » Exhibition City
(All photos are from LV Photo) By Danelle Dodds, Exhibition City News The night is ringing in for one of the biggest hospitality networking events of the year. On December 12, nine associations came together for the industry-wide association holiday party at Giada De Laurentiis' stunning flagship restaurant, Giada's, at The Cromwell Hotel. Participating associations include the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA), National Association of Catering and Events Las Vegas Chapter (NACE), PCMA Southwest and Pacific Chapter, Experience Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), Vegas Wedding Rooms, MPI Southern California Chapter, HSMAI Las Vegas, Skål International Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Territory. To the surprise of no one, this coveted seasonal event was in high demand, selling out a week before the date. Tickets sold out quickly, which makes perfect sense. Not only is the venue located at one of the hottest restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, but the attendees are a who’s who of the events and experiences…
6 reasons why New York’s event network continues to thrive
When the temperatures start to drop in New York City, it's hard to push yourself out the door unless absolutely necessary, like cinnamon rolls for modern bread and bagels. You know, important stuff. When freezing rain is involved, other things, like slogging through a First Friday meeting at the local meeting hall, seem less important. However, networking remains a popular strategy for growing your event planning business, even if it means braving the cold. 1. Enhance the image of your event planning business online In the event planning industry, getting your name out there is everything. This is because many events, such as weddings, birthday parties, and bar mitzvahs, are special occasions with an emotional impact. If your customers (or someone they trust) know you personally, they are more likely to trust you on these important occasions. Make the web an important part of you event planning marketing strategy Expand your circle of potential leads. 2. The Internet can increase…
Create a schedule for stress-free event planning
Planning an event is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it’s a trade show, corporate event, or product launch, having a solid schedule can turn chaos into calm. Think of it as your trustworthy roadmap to keep you organized, on track, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. With the right plan, you can focus on creating a memorable experience rather than scrambling to meet deadlines. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of timelines, share a step-by-step timeline for event planning, and provide some tools and tips to make the process seamless. Why timelines are critical to event success Let’s face it – event planning can be stressful. But schedules are your secret weapon. It keeps all the moving parts in sync and ensures nothing is missed. If not, you're stuck in last-minute confusion and missed opportunities. Why a timetable is needed: Get everyone on the same page: Your timeline is the central hub…
Best of 2024: Event Technology
Listen to audio How event technology can help planners create better events in 2024 The secret to any great event is ultimately event technology, which adds the finishing touch to the visual beauty. Whether it’s lighting, video components or artificial intelligence application integration, each element shapes the structure of the event. Here are some of the top stories we're producing in 2024 to help planners improve their event design with the technology we have available. Smart Technology: Event Technology at IMEX America 2024 This year's IMEX America showcased technological advancements, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence, highlighting the potential to simplify event planning. Amy Kramer, head of innovation at Maritz, discusses the pros and cons of free versus enterprise AI tools. Kramer said that while enterprise solutions like Microsoft Copilot offer scalability and integration across platforms such as Teams, Outlook and SharePoint, they are also more expensive. Kramer also shared Maritz’s artificial intelligence application to improve collaboration and information…
The modern marketer’s guide to event sustainability
The Modern Marketer’s Guide to Event Sustainability – The Event Marketer Please enable JavaScript to view this site.
Sitka | Event Industry News
Sitka exists to make events more sustainable, engaging and valuable for everyone involved. Our event platform bridges the physical and digital realms, giving organizers the tools to create a better visitor experience, increase exhibitor ROI, generate additional revenue and streamline team operations. Our platform is fully modular to meet the unique needs of your event. Our functional scope includes:event appindoor navigationInteractive mapclue retrievalEvent data and analyticsAppointment arrangementevent sponsorshipRegistration and TicketingAt the heart of Sitka is the Digital Event Companion, a white-label event app that puts event information, scheduling, exploration and real-time updates directly into the hands of your visitors. User-friendly interactive maps and seamless blue dot indoor navigation make it easy for them to explore the venue stress-free. For organizers, Sitka turns sustainability into profitability. From cutting printing costs to unlocking valuable sponsorship revenue streams that offset contract costs, our platform helps grow revenue while supporting the environment. Additionally, detailed real-time analytics such as heat maps and app engagement data…
Delekite | Event Industry News
Previous articleSeen Presents strengthens creative leadership team with two groundbreaking female hiresnext articleSustainability events: VOK DAMS launches SDGs event compass To have your company included in the Supplier Directory please email directory@eventindustrynews.com or call +44 (0) 1777 802 111
Sustainability events: VOK DAMS launches SDGs event compass
Sustainability has become a core responsibility in event and live marketing. Customers, partners and employees are increasingly demanding that events be planned in a responsible and sustainable way. This is a challenge that the events sector must address. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an internationally recognized framework for making event solutions more sustainable. The updated international standard ISO 20121:2024 now emphasizes the link between activities and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.VOK DAMS – the event and field marketing experts – respond to these developments by launching the “SDG Event Compass”. This practical tool helps event managers incorporate sustainability measures into their event and on-site marketing strategies while systematically aligning them with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The aim of the SDG Event Guide is to provide clear, structured guidance to future-proof and significantly more sustainable events.A global framework for sustainable activitiesThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide an internationally recognized framework for businesses to align campaign…
Seventa event brings local vendors together for Christmas
With collaboration at the heart of planning, Seventa Events, Cambridge Dining Co., Evolution Dome and more than 19 local and independent businesses came together on December 11, 2024 to host an end-of-year celebration for 3,000 employees of a leading technology provider .Simon Brooks, founder of Seventa Events, explained: "The client's community-driven ethos runs deep and keeping the event as close to home was important to all involved. The client wanted to keep the event as local to Cambridge as possible Our next step is to figure out how far we can take this concept." In order to reduce the impact on the local environment and residents, Seventa Events decided to use its Cambridge Christmas venue as the basis for the event. By working within the existing space, they reduced overall build time, resource usage, and potential disruption to the area.Simon Day, founder of Cambridge Catering, added: “Almost everyone involved is local to Cambridge, so we work on a scale that…
Make your event stand out with luxury linen rental –
MEET (Meetings | Events | Entertainment | Travel) For more than 20 years, the MEET family of products has provided regional and national resources that empower corporate, association, medical, educational, independent and religious meeting and event planners to learn about relevant vendors, industry news, technology innovations and resources that impact their planning group How and where business is done.
An Event Professor’s Neuroscience Bookshelf
Janet Spestad Janet Sperstad, a CMP Fellow, is professor emeritus at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, where she founded the nation's first associate degree in meetings and events management in 2002. Sperstad, who was inducted into the Event Industry Council Hall of Leaders in 2017, is a pioneer in another area: incorporating the principles of mindfulness and neuroscience into her event management courses as well as keynotes and workshops presented around the world. Sperstad, who holds an executive master's degree from the NeuroLeadership Institute, was the show's first guest. convene's podcast launched in 2016, in which she talks about mindfulness and meetings. “When I think about mindfulness and bringing it into our world of events and meetings, it’s really about creating space in the brain to think more deeply, to drive deeper moments of meaning, to make connections, and to create Some blanks.” When we asked Sperstad to recommend a book for event professionals, she shared four classics. Each one,…
How to know when it’s time to re-evaluate your event planning
You're working hard to grow your event planning business. Bookings are booked, calendars are full, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on an ever-growing to-do list. But despite all your efforts, you still fall short of your financial goals. Maybe you're skimping on takeout, or choosing to stay home while your friends go to the club. Whatever it is, the results of your efforts feel underwhelming. In this article, we share some signs that it might be time to reevaluate your event planning rates. Different types of events you want to follow You think planning your dream wedding is your calling. But now you're rethinking your event planning niche because you've experienced a drunken groom, a bride, and a surprising "I object" from a jilted ex. It goes without saying that different types of events receive different rates. You'll need to reevaluate your event planning rates if you find you want Expand into different event…
Starting an event planning business? 5 reasons to look for one
You've been planning big events since you were little. When your mother shamelessly recommends a pizza combo at the greasy neighborhood joint, you fire her from your birthday party plans. Instead, you start making party favors, decorations, and homemade cakes. You invite your entire freshman class and your basement party is the biggest event ever. You know you have found your calling. Now you're ready to take the plunge and realize your dreams and open your own event planning business. honor! Don’t forget to add a mentor to your list of things you need to succeed in event planning. In this article, we share five reasons why having a mentor can help you achieve your event planning goals. 1. Mentors can increase your business’s chances of survival Guidance will help your fledgling event planning business navigate the critical first few years. SCORE, a nonprofit that provides free mentorship to entrepreneurs, reports 87% of customers are still open One year later.…
Event predictions for 2025
Author: Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddis Millennial and Gen Z event attendees prefer immersive experiences, personal relevance, and instant engagement—trends that will transform meetings and events. 2024 for sure eventA whole year. Marketers have embraced key trends such as data-driven personalization, automation and increasing influence. Soon, the new year will bring even more new tools, strategies, and technologies that will allow us to better engage and communicate with trade show and conference audiences and attendees. For the year ahead, we predict… “Artificial Intelligence will transform global audience acquisition and engagement.” — Anjia Nicolaidis, Group Director, International Strategy AI technology will solve two of the biggest challenges in international event marketing – analyzing complex patterns in global audience market data and achieving true cultural relevance at scale. We have begun using AI to identify geographic markets with the greatest growth potential and develop targeted campaigns that resonate with local business culture and preferences. My team will continue to leverage AI analytics to assess market…
Exciting Notre Dame event experiences 24/25
The University of Notre Dame, Indiana, is known not only for its academic excellence but also for its vibrant campus life, rich traditions and exciting activities. Whether you're a student, faculty, staff, alumni, or visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some upcoming Notre Dame events you won’t want to miss. Notre Dame Traditions and Events 1- Football games and tailgating No visit to Notre Dame would be complete without the exciting atmosphere of watching a Notre Dame football game at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium. Exciting action on the field combines with lively tailgating parties where friends and family come together to enjoy good food, good company and the excitement of game day. Be sure to check the college calendar for upcoming football games and events. Whether you're watching a Notre Dame football game for the first time or you're a longtime fan, the energy at a Notre Dame football game is unmatched. For game schedules, ticket…
How to Host a Trade Show Event in Bad Weather
How to Host a Trade Show Event in Bad Weather - Instent adroll_adv_id = "ZMQL3GAXAVANREU4TLIJ2D"; adroll_pix_id = "LIL2DE6Z35EUZBEQ3WJJBD"; adroll_version = "2.0"; adroll_current_page = "Other"; adroll_currency = "USD"; adroll_language = "en_US";
10 event trends to ring in the new year
Here are the top ten activity trends Global DMC Partners predicts will impact the industry in 2025. Change is the only true constant you can rely on, and this is especially important when it comes to meeting and event trends. With new technological innovations, shifting consumer priorities and a variety of global challenges on the horizon, "the focus will remain on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events," said Global DMC partners Catherine Shoret, President and Chief Executive Officer. The following 10 event trend predictions according to Global DMC Partners, a global network of independent destination management companies and professional event service providers, will help shape meetings and events in the coming year. Break away from traditional site selection methods. Immediately after the pandemic, attendees want to stay closer to home and more familiar. That's now changing, according to Global DMC Partners. Instead, the trend now is for events to seek out lesser-known destinations for their projects, as well as more exotic destinations…
Will event technology costs drive low-tech choices?
To help planners create a more immersive experience, Austria Center Vienna provides them with PolySTAGE, a flexible 3,300 square foot video display composed of 52 LED panels and a combination of LED banners, two LED Sidewall and spatial audio displays. (Ilhan Erdogan photo) In Freeman's 2024 Organizer Trends Report, more than half of meeting organizers surveyed believe technology, including apps and digital displays, is the most important experience element in meetings. While attendees also rated technology highly—44% selected it as the leading experience element—even more (64%) prioritized immersive experiences. One factor contributing to the gap is that more event attendees now take it for granted that technology will be incorporated than previous generations of attendees, said Ken Holsinger, senior vice president of strategy and research at Freeman their daily lives. Five years from now, three-quarters of attendees will be Millennials and Gen Z, who use their phones to check in at conferences and hotels; use apps to navigate meeting agendas…
Planner grapples with fatal food allergy reaction at event
The recent death of an event attendee from a food allergy has led some event organizers to comment on how seriously event planners take attendee health concerns. The recent death of a social media influencer from an allergic reaction at a brand event has sparked discussions about the duty of care within the event professional community. Disney influencer Dominique Brown, 34, died on December 5 at an event hosted by retailer and frequent Disney collaborator BoxLunch after noticing the lack of black women on Disney’s social media platforms , co-founded the Black Girl Disney social media platform. Los Angeles. According to reports in publications such as The GuardianBrown has a severe peanut allergy and is convinced the allergen is not a component of the food she eats. She reportedly felt ill after eating the food and died shortly after. The news led a number of event organizers, including Shameka Jennings, MTA, CMP, DES, CAE, Chief Events Officer at EventsNoire, to…
Budget dilemma is event planners’ biggest challenge
cost What is your biggest cost-related challenge? The dramatic increase in the cost of self-driving after the pandemic - described by planners as "astronomical", "ridiculous" and "unreasonable" - has left planners feeling trapped, with little flexibility to use external supplies due to exclusive agreements business. Planners have expressed frustration that venues and hotels are cutting services while raising fees, leading to growing feelings of unfairness and dissatisfaction. References to “hidden fees,” “resort surcharges,” and “significant drops in service” suggest planners were blindsided and frustrated with the service providers they relied on. Planners say they often discover hidden or unexpected expenses after budgets are finalized, leaving them scrambling to pay for them. Inflation is a pervasive problem that compounds planners' dilemma. Costs are rising faster than revenue or registration fees, leading to a sense of helplessness. The common theme of “budgets go down, expenses go up” reflects planners’ dilemma between sticking to tight budgets and meeting attendee’s high expectations. Labor costs,…
Toronto Museum of Illumination: Redefining the event experience
The Toronto Museum of Illumination is a place where ordinary events become extraordinary. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Distillery District, this unique space offers event planners a fully customizable environment, making it the ideal backdrop for corporate events, celebrations, product launches and brand events. This venue stands out because it not only hosts events but immerses your guests in the story. The walls of the venue came to life with high-definition visuals that changed in real time, creating an atmosphere throughout the event. Whether they are landing on the moon, wandering the African savannah, or discovering new products or developments, guests become part of the story. The experience goes beyond passive observation – it is interactive, allowing guests to deeply engage with their surroundings. A good example is Estee Lauder "Own the Night" Event produced by OMG Events. At the event, the brand launched its skincare range using projections in the Illuminarium, immersing guests in an atmosphere that reflected…
EM event design stems from the love of sports
Dylan’s bar mitzvah was a stylish celebration that perfectly blended tradition with modern elegance. A black and gold color scheme sets the tone, creating a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere. emerging market activities Carefully plan every detailand the stunning decor and design total number of activities It reflects both the importance of the occasion and Dylan's unique personality. The venue was transformed into a vibrant, inviting space that effortlessly balanced the reverence of the ceremony with the excitement of the celebration that followed. One of the highlights of the evening was the energetic dance floor, which led to a platform designed to resemble a sports grandstand. This subtle nod to Dylan’s love of sports didn’t overshadow the elegance of the entire event. Behind the DJ set, a stunning screen displayed Dylan's custom monogram along with photos of him and his loved ones, making the celebration even more personal and intimate. "I just want to say thank you for all your hard…
Consumer-first event participants
Attendees at the American Geophysical Union's 2023 Annual Meeting sat at the AGU Virtual Center in Zurich, Switzerland, watching a presentation broadcast from San Francisco. (Source: Tuule Müürsepp) When researching business event trends for 2025, I kept coming back to a few phrases I saw over and over again: intentionality, human connection, and meaningful interaction. These sentiments reflect a larger ongoing trend across society: After the pandemic ends, consumers are expressing a desire to seek connection with purpose, according to global marketing consultancy Mintel's 2025 Global Consumer Trends Report. The report adds that social groups have become a necessary part of how people plan for the future - given the complexity of the big problems we face, such as global warming, "it is neither logical nor desirable to address them alone". But consumers (aka attendees) have higher expectations when they gather together. One of the five biggest business trends Forbes Story predicts that the focus in 2025 will be customer…
Best Events of 2024: Event Safety & Security
Listen to audio Attendees’ safety is paramount before luxury accommodations, experiences, meals and all other services are provided. Although these other events able Happens without security and if the safety of attendees is in question then it's doubtful it would have happened will. Here are a few stories from last year covering the many security checkpoints attendees have to navigate from the airport to their hotel rooms. Flight safety under close scrutiny Aviation safety has become more of a concern as more travelers are flying post-pandemic and several air accidents have occurred. To find out, we spoke with Sheldon H. Jacobson, professor of computer science and aviation safety analysis researcher at the University of Illinois, about the risks associated with traveling at 30,000 feet. Millions of hotel key card locks have been found to have a security flaw. What does this mean for planners? At a private event in Las Vegas, a team of researchers discovered a hacking technology called…
Explore climate change and events with Helen Shepherd,
Chicago—Helen Sheppard, Director of Global Sustainability at RX, speaks trade show director An overview of how climate change is impacting exhibitions and how event professionals can successfully navigate this moment. ANDREW: How do you predict the impact of climate change on the events industry? Helen: We may already be seeing the effects of climate change on our activities. Extreme weather events do not necessarily occur more frequently in different parts of the world, but they are more severe. Scorching weather in India disrupted events and there were flooding in Dubai...unusual for the region. In the United States, tropical storms in Florida are causing damage. We must anticipate that these extreme weather conditions may cause disruption to our activities. I also think that the industries we serve are experiencing the negative impacts of climate change – that’s where the events industry can provide support, because we have the opportunity to help our clients address these challenges… (and) be a knowledge partner…
Leslie Lotten Named Director of Event Services » Exhibitions
Submitted by Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans new orleans – The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has promoted Leslie Lotten to its new director of event services. Lotten will oversee the overall management and execution of all event-related services at the convention center, including event services, exhibit services, UPS store and box office operations. Lotten has nearly four decades of experience at NOENMCC, including her most recent role as assistant director of event services. During this time, she honed her expertise in strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and client satisfaction, all of which are critical to ensuring a seamless event experience at one of the nation's top-performing convention centers. "We are very proud to announce Leslie Lotten's promotion to Director of Event Services," said Michael J. Sawaya, President and CEO of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. "Leslie understands people. She takes the time to get to know each client so that we can…
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