For an event to be truly successful, it must instill a feeling of belonging, which in turn is an act of inclusion. That is exactly what Google's Xi Days did.
Julie Coker, CEO and President of the San Diego Tourism Authority, discusses community; mentorship; destination boycotts; and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Corporate planners are building new centers of event excellence in new and collaborative ways. Some aim to inspire the entire meetings industry, while others focus on standardizing their event design and procurement processes.
Pollution, morality, cultural genocide — Destination Canada’s partnership with TED featured authentic presentations on uncomfortable topics. They spurred vulnerable conversations among guests. Openness was on tap, with no room for PR spin.
Australia is looking to quickly rebuild its pipeline of international events following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Hosting the region's industry trade show and relaunching an iconic destination showcase event is a sign that Australia means business.
The festivalization of events trend reached a whole new level in 2022 with a private three-day experiential music festival featuring superstar Bruno Mars. Corporations globally are investing in festival experiences as strategic incentives to attract and retain young talent.
Hundreds of workers employed by food services company Sodexo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando who were ready to strike have reached an agreement that includes a historic minimum wage increase from $13 to $18 an hour and a pension.
$2 billion is a high price to pay for extending the Seattle Convention Center. But this investment is not just about hosting more events, it's also about revitalizing the city's neglected downtown core.
Accessibility is a buzzword in the business events industry but is there a true effort to ensure all attendees, including people with disabilities, can participate?