Prospecting is the key to success. If you are not talking to the right people and organizations, you will not be successful for long. The wrong matches are short lived. Success is not a station you arrive at; it is a way of travelling. We need to be focused on prospecting for our success travels. I am asked all the time by meetings, conferences, events and other sponsorship selling properties who they should be calling on — who is…
For years, corporate events have been measured by attendance, aesthetics, and applause. Did guests show up? Did the room look beautiful? Did people have fun? These are still valid questions, but they’re no longer enough. Today’s audiences expect experiences that mean something and as event professionals, our job has evolved. We no longer just design what events look like, we must design how they make people feel, what they stand for, and how they create impact. Purpose-driven event design…
Every day my inbox is filled with offers to learn about AI and IA and all the newest technologies emerging in the security industry. According to the emails, technology will save us and keep us safe. It’s the premise that CCTV cameras, biometrics, AI assisted screening devices, app based wearable accessories, are not just ideological notions but real tools that will enhance security measures and will mitigate risks. AI driven applications can detect crowds forming, alert venues of impending…
by Stephanie Rose When you think of a conference rally, what comes to mind? For many attendees, it is rows of chairs, the usual keynote, polite applause, and a networking hour that feels more like small talk than connection. Jennifer Thacker, CEO of R3 Events, believes that the formula is tired, and she has made it her mission to change the way conference rallies energize audiences. “Corporate clients don’t need another predictable session,” says Thacker. “They need an experience that…
We’re often asked the same question this time of year: “How much should we budget for our holiday event?” It’s such a common concern that my colleague Adam Dolgin recently collaborated with myself and my lead event manager Dima Hijazi on a blog for our website titled “Holiday Event Budget Plan: How Much Does a Corporate Holiday Party Really Cost in Toronto?” . The piece sparked a lot of conversations with clients, and it reminded us just how central…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming one of the most transformative tools in the meetings and events industry. For both planners and suppliers, AI offers a faster, smarter way to work. It can help personalize attendee experiences, streamline logistics planning, and boost event ROI. From AI-powered chatbots and live caption translation to automated budgeting and predictive analytics, AI technology is making it easier than ever to create events that are engaging, efficient, and responsive to ever changing client demands.…
In an era when audiences, sponsors and employees hold organizations to higher standards than ever, creating an ethical event is no longer a side consideration; it’s a core business strategy. So, what exactly makes an event “ethical,” and how can experienced planners go beyond basic checklists to deliver real impact? An ethical event goes beyond environmental sustainability to examine how every decision (before, during and after the gathering) affects people and communities. It’s about fairness, inclusivity, and transparency across…
As a not-for-profit festival and event producer, I’m constantly looking for ways to help my events become financially sustainable. After years of producing events, I’ve realized that there’s a revenue stream that often gets overlooked by event organizers: experiential marketing or XM. Experiential marketing can help your bottom line while creating incredible experiences for attendees. What’s the Difference Between Sponsorship and XM? Traditional event sponsorship is a true partnership with comprehensive marketing benefits for the sponsor including pre-promotion, PR…
by Shannon Byck and Joe Nishi Hotel websites can make every ballroom look like a Broadway stage and every guest room seem fit for royalty, but reality does not always match. An in-person or virtual site inspection before signing a contract is a smart move. It helps you avoid surprises and is also the perfect way to start building a relationship with the hotel team. Especially when working with a new property, it’s tough to know from proposals, emails, and…
Events are not just about good content and programming. They are about how people are made to feel, the relatable moments shared, the connections made amongst attendees and whether they choose to share their experience with others long after the event has passed. There are certainly many factors that may contribute to the overall event success, but the true measure of a good event lies in the experience and how memorable it was. So how do we intentionally design…
