Industry Insights & Trends
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future direction of the event industry. This topic includes analysis from leading publications and discussions on overarching trends impacting event professionals at Skift Meetings Forum 2025.
Viral Moments
7
Human connection wins!
Real experiences matter.
Embrace the Challenge
Unbreakable City-Event Bond
Resilience is key!
Market is robust!
Leaders are here!
Key Quotes
5
“At the end of the day, the takeaway is you're selling the future. You're explaining the past and you're selling the future.”
“The highs are so high and the lows are so low. And I just I like I knew that. Like, oh yeah, I know. I'm I'm built for this. Like, like I could do this. Well, let me tell you. Um I was humbled.”
“I really love to interact with them and listen also to their ideas of how to be more sustainable, um, how to cause more impact, how to inject purpose into events.”
“Events are the only authentic communications channel that is out there. And this is why experiences outplay everything.”
“Talent goes to where diversity is. Women, people who look like me, people from the gay community, Hispanic Latinos, they want diversity. the Jenzers, they don't want one-sided.”
Chapters
23
Articles
5
The event industry is experiencing an unprecedented surge in mergers and acquisitions, creating a vibrant seller's market. Howard Givner, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully sold three businesses, including the Event Leadership Institute to PCMA, offers critical insights into navigating this dynamic landscape. His expertise reveals why investors are flocking to events and what owners must do to prepare for a lucrative exit.
In a candid discussion, two trailblazing event founders, Cassandra Farington of MJBiz and Robin of RacquetX, revealed the strategies and sacrifices behind building highly successful industry events from the ground up. Their journeys, though distinct, underscore universal truths about community, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of human connection in business.
The Skift Meetings Forum 2025 left attendees feeling reconnected and inspired, according to recent feedback. Participants highlighted the event's unique ability to foster a vibrant community, sparking new ideas for more sustainable and impactful gatherings.
In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the very nature of authenticity is being redefined. While AI promises unprecedented efficiency and content generation, it simultaneously underscores the unique and irreplaceable value of live human experiences. This dynamic shift presents both challenges and unparalleled opportunities for the event industry.
In an era where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a politicized battleground, event industry leaders are confronting unprecedented challenges. Far from being a fleeting trend, DEI is being championed as the essential framework for building resilient communities, fostering economic growth, and designing truly impactful events. This session explores how pioneering leaders are navigating these complexities, from empowering local economies to cultivating the next generation of diverse talent.
