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Michelle Allgauer, senior vice president of education and engagement at the Financial Services Institute (FSI), shares the personal journey that ushered her into the world of event planning—an industry where resilience and relationships are pivotal. From a young age, Allgauer’s curiosity in planning was sparked by family vacation planning. Later, this fascination became a career trajectory when she attended a business conference with her father. Witnessing the intricacies of organizing a private dinner was a life-changing moment. Little did she know this inclination toward meticulous coordination would become her professional trademark. The Value of Gathering Face-to-Face When the Covid pandemic hit, Allgauer quickly realized the solid foundation that personal and professional relationships provided. The crisis underscored the significance of connections as she navigated the unpredictable challenges of event planning amidst a global shutdown. Despite the rise of digital platforms, she passionately believes in the irreplaceable nature of in-person interactions. She is not alone, as FSI members rely on face-to-face meetings for successful networking. Career Growth Allgauer attributes a significant part of her career growth and success to her involvement with Meeting Professionals International (MPI). “I got involved with MPI for the education and I stayed for the community,” she said. She highlights the organization’s role in providing education and networking opportunities pivotal to her career ascension. In the face of the industry’s unyielding pace and high demands, Allgauer sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a beacon of efficiency for overstretched planners. She envisions AI as a tool for operational strategy and a mechanism to improve efficiency. “I want to learn how to be more efficient. I want to help my team reduce some of the stress they’re feeling and help them with AI be more productive,” she said. Crafting Experiences Allgauer’s forward-thinking approach extends to the very nature of event planning itself. She insists, “People want experiences,” underscoring the necessity for events to offer unique and memorable moments. It’s about delivering exclusivity that attendees cannot find elsewhere, creating a lasting impact worthy of their time and investment. She champions crafting bespoke experiences that resonate personally. The experiences she helps create aim to transcend mere information sharing to create events that imprint on the attendees’ memories. Her vision aligns with a generational shift where experiences triumph and an emerging preference for the memorable over the tangible. Allgauer is not just responding to changes in the event planning landscape; she’s anticipating them. By recognizing the enduring power of relationships, driving the transition to experiential events, and embracing technologies like AI, she’s helping steer the industry toward a future where personal connections and innovation walk hand in hand.

As associate director of meetings at the American Physical Society (APS), Andre Cholewinski plans a portfolio of meetings. The society's largest, the March meeting, brings together 13,000 physicists each year in a North American city. Meeting planning is not impervious to global socio-political issues, so such issues inevitably impact destination selection. The big question that arises is whether or not to consider destinations with controversial laws. Cholewinski shares why APS chooses to hold meetings in such destinations while actively supporting local causes. Excluding or even boycotting destinations due to controversial laws can seem like the right thing to do. However, Cholewinski argues it may not be the most effective way to enact change. "Boycotting does not solve the problem," he states, pointing out that such actions often harm local members and service industry workers the most. Instead, Cholewinski advocates for a more constructive approach, focusing on supporting local causes and initiatives that align with an organization's values. Under Cholewinski's guidance, APS has shifted its strategy towards engaging with destinations in a way that supports local communities and advocates for change from within. Organizations can make a meaningful impact by partnering with local causes, especially those affected by adverse laws. This strategy benefits the cause and allows the event to proceed, benefiting the communities of physicists at these destinations. Cholewinski's forward-thinking approach impacts the site selection process. APS now incorporates a comprehensive analysis of potential destinations, considering factors such as local laws, human rights campaign scores, and community safety. This meticulous process ensures that event locations align with the organization's values and support safe, inclusive environments for all attendees. The strategy of supporting local causes over boycotting serves as a model for organizations looking to make a positive impact. APS's approach demonstrates that it's possible to host successful events while also contributing to meaningful change in communities. Organizations can support inclusivity and diversity by choosing engagement over exclusion, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility. Cholewinski also looks for diversity when building his team. He values a specific trait — scrappiness. Amid the complexities of organizing large events, the ability to react swiftly and efficiently to unforeseen challenges is invaluable. Cholewinski explains, "I need someone that's going to be on-site, and if the building collapses around them, they know what to do right away." As planners and organizations navigate the complexities of global issues, supporting local causes presents a viable alternative to boycotting, one that not only avoids the negative implications of such actions but also fosters positive change. As the industry evolves, this approach could redefine how organizations interact with destinations worldwide, prioritizing support and engagement over exclusion.

Martha Donato, founder and President of MAD Event Management, has been orchestrating events and conferences for nearly three decades. Community, collaboration, and connection are the focal points of her work. In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, she shares some of the lessons learned and how the events industry has evolved over the past three decades.

In this episode, Sissi Lygnou, CEO of AFEA, discusses her lifelong ties to the meetings industry via her family's organisation, which she presides over today, and the brief step away in the early 2000s when she went to work for the Olympic Games organizing committee. Lygnou advocates for professional congress organizers, and this episode if full of insights on where she believes industry is currently, what she considers current barriers to industry growth as well as her vision for the future and recommendations to the industry. Get ready for insights, anecdotes and forward thinking from one of the meetings industry’s leading voices. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit www.skiftmeetings.com to get the insider scoop through our news, events, and reports.

In this episode, Dan Macsai, chief events officer of Time Magazine, shares his inspiring journey from editor to events evangelist. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of curating the iconic Time 100 gala and other influential gatherings. Discover the strategies behind Time's remarkable event success and Dan's insights on the future of the events industry. Whether you're an event professional or simply love the power of a well-orchestrated gathering, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and trend forecasts. Tune in to explore the intersection of editorial prowess and event production with one of the leading minds in the business. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit www.skiftmeetings.com to get the insider scoop through our news, events, and reports.

This special edition of the Skift Meetings Podcast focuses on the "Skift Meetings Megatrends 2024" report, an incisive and forward-looking analysis that explores the ten pivotal trends revolutionizing the meetings industry. We navigate the complex interplay between remote work dynamics, AI advancements, and the climate crisis while addressing the impact of polarizing politics and the evolution of event safety and risk management. The report serves as an indispensable roadmap for meeting professionals seeking to craft strategic, impactful events that resonate with the demands of a rapidly changing global landscape. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Don't miss our daily content, as well as our free reports and events.

Mathias Sondermann, senior director of events at SAP, shares his transformative journey from event skeptic to passionate advocate. Sondermann discusses the evolution of events into strategic marketing tools enhanced by technology, especially in a post-pandemic world. He envisions artificial intelligence shaping personalized attendee experiences while maintaining the essence of shared moments. Sondermann also provides insights on managing event-related stress and the increasing recognition of events within corporate strategy. His positive outlook and innovative mindset make this episode a must-listen for event professionals seeking to navigate the future of the industry. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Don't miss our daily content, as well as our free reports and events.

In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we host acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor Joe Pine. Our conversation revolves around turning events into experiences. We explore how events that create memorable experiences are important creators of value and connection. Joe explains the difference between branding and experience. We discuss the incredible power of events to be part of the transformation economy. We detail why it is best to create virtual or hybrid events that go beyond what is possible at in-person events rather than trying to replicate them. And we debate why it’s important for brands to charge directly for experiences. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Don't miss our daily content, reports and events.

Alex Reynolds, co-founder and CEO of Vendelux, discusses how the events industry is evolving by integrating connection-making with data-driven technology. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Reynolds highlights the significance of events in business growth and relationship building. Vendelux's mission is to provide actionable insights into the most valuable events to attend and sponsor, utilizing a vast dataset to offer predictive recommendations. Reynolds foresees a future where events, driven by data and analytics, will become integral to corporate strategies, offering solutions to the current challenges in digital advertising due to stricter privacy regulations. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.

John Hense, CEO of Nth Degree and Fern Expo, champions grit as the essential ingredient for successful events, particularly in the high-pressure world of trade shows. The necessity for face-to-face interactions has intensified in the hybrid work era, a trend Hense believes will only grow. The industry, however, faces challenges like inflation, soaring transportation costs, and a decline in event attendance, especially in international participation compared to the pre-pandemic period. Hense advises those in the industry to immerse themselves on the show floor to appreciate the effort and organization required. Following the merger of Nth Degree and Fern Expo, his focus remains on service, emphasizing the importance of high-quality personnel and event outcomes, especially when service can often be overlooked. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.

Delve into the visionary mind of Colja Dams, CEO of VOK DAMS, as he unpacks the transformative intersection of technological innovation, sustainability, and the enduring magic of live events destined to thrive in a post-pandemic world hungry for authentic connections. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.

Amanda Armstrong is the senior vice president of communications and industry relations at Encore. Her career spans senior planning roles at Enterprise Rent-A-Car before joining Encore, with a wealth of operational and strategic experience. She also led Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as chair of the international board of directors. At Encore, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DE&IB). She also contributed to the company's recent certification as a Great Place to Work in seven regions. Central to Armstrong's role is advocating for a healthier work-life balance within the events industry. "If I could wave a magic wand, it would be to eliminate the stress of event planning while preserving the thrill of execution," she stated. She believes that although technology will continue to play a significant role in shaping events, the essence of in-person connections will prevail. Encore's commitment to nurturing talent is evident through its internal programs like Encore University. Another example is its WAVE (Women in Audio, Visual, and Events) program, which is aimed at creating more inclusive opportunities within the traditionally male-dominated AV field. Its focus on career pathing reflects a growing awareness of workforce retention challenges. It is keenly aware of the evolving expectations of professionals seeking a rewarding career journey. Armstrong stressed the importance of illustrating a clear career trajectory. Furthermore, she believes providing a fair, equitable, and fulfilling work environment is essential to attracting new talent. Reinforcing her belief in continuous learning, she encourages event professionals to become "ever learners," remaining open and adaptable to change. As Armstrong looks ahead, she envisions events that break the mold of traditional formats. To do this, she prioritizes personalized attendee experiences and embraces the unpredictability of human nature. Ultimately, she's driven to ensure every event fosters a sense of belonging, reflecting Encore's ethos for its clients and employees. Armstrong is committed to improving the industry's standards for event professionals and participants. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.