Event Operations

The Rise of Sustainable Corporate Gifting
2026/10/15

By Shelley Milne and MaryBeth Reeves For years, sustainable corporate gifting has focused largely on reducing environmental impact: less packaging, fewer disposable products, recycled materials and more responsible sourcing. Those considerations still matter. But the next evolution of sustainable gifting asks a bigger question: Can a corporate purchase not only reduce harm, but actively create positive impact? We see an opportunity for organizations to approach gifting through a dual-impact lens, selecting products that are environmentally responsible while also supporting people,…
How AI Is Reshaping the Events Industry
2026/10/14

Artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to backstage crew member. It’s already working behind the scenes at conferences, trade shows, corporate gatherings, and marketing activations around the world. For event planners and marketing teams, this is one of the most exciting shifts our industry has seen in years – a chance to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time crafting experiences people love. So where does AI actually make a difference? Let’s break it down across the…
Create Fresh Event Design Experiences
2026/10/02

As attendees become more design-savvy, the bar for creating events that feel curated, modern and set the vibe is higher than ever. Event design and specializing in “live format UX (user experience)” is a growing approach. As a 30 year veteran in corporate events, I have seen trends come and go. Seeing the same rentals, signs and looks at events creates a same-sameness that attendees tire of quickly. We find our clients in the tech and financial spaces demand…
Working With a DMC in Western Canada
2026/10/01

Before a planner decides who should help deliver a program, the destination has to be right. For Canadian corporate groups, Western Canada makes a strong case. British Columbia and Alberta are home to award-winning 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts, secluded wilderness lodges and a plethora of enticing activities that challenge personal boundaries and leave participants exhilarated. Our seasoned American clients see that draw. Some Canadian planners have a different perspective and look outside our borders. There is…
Human Experience Is the Future of Events
2026/09/18

We have more tools than ever to make events smarter, faster and more personalized. AI can help us build agendas, analyze attendee data, create content, recommend connections and streamline almost every part of the planning process. But as our world becomes increasingly digital and AI-enabled, I believe the greatest value of live events is becoming increasingly human. People don’t just want to attend. They want to feel something. They want to participate, contribute, laugh, play, learn, connect and leave…
Event Planning Starts With Looking Up
2026/09/16

By Sarah McVanel The future of events isn’t about choosing between trends or timelessness—it’s about looking up, anchoring to foundational values, and building agendas that align everything from AI to hybrid work, under what truly matters. Suppose you have a strong foundation of understanding what your members and audiences need, anchored in values, capabilities, and addressing root issues. In that case, you have a solid foundation to look up and see the trends, future, and innovate on what’s next. One…
Managing Sustainability With Small Steps
2026/09/03

When I was asked to write this article, my first reaction wasn’t excitement. It was anxiety. I started sweating. My instinct was to redirect the request to someone else who specializes in this topic — someone who could speak to carbon offsets and waste audits with real authority. Sustainability is, without question, the subject I know the least about. But shying away from what we don’t know isn’t going to help any of us grow. So I decided to…
Local Flavours Create Exceptional Events
2026/09/01

Great events are not only remembered for the moments they create, but also for the culinary experiences shared around the table. Food has become an opportunity for planners to connect people, tell a destination’s story and offer attendees an authentic taste of the place they are visiting. Many venues incorporate locally sourced and seasonal ingredients into menus to showcase regional flavours and support local farmers and producers. Chefs are increasingly looking to nearby farms, fisheries and producers to shape…
Why Corporate Events Are Bigger Than Ever
2026/08/20

Something is happening in the corporate events industry that hasn’t happened at this scale before. Live, in-person events aren’t just recovering from years of virtual-first programming—they’re surging past pre-pandemic levels with higher attendance expectations, larger production footprints, and audiences that arrive with fundamentally different standards for what a corporate event should feel and look like. For corporate planners, the message is clear: showing up is no longer enough. The audiovisual production behind the event is now inseparable from the…
How Food & Beverage Transform Events
2026/08/06

Think back to the last corporate event you attended. While you may not remember every presentation or agenda item, chances are you remember the atmosphere, the conversations, and perhaps even what was served. That’s because food and beverage have evolved far beyond simply feeding guests—they’ve become an integral part of the overall event experience. As an event planner, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful food and beverage choices can completely transform an event. They influence how guests interact, how long…