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…
Cvent announced that it has earned five awards recognizing its leadership in AI across marketing technology, events and travel and customer engagement. Each recognition acknowledges CventIQ, the AI that powers Cvent’s platform that is purpose-built for the events industry and grounded in the signals and workflows that make events perform. The wins across marketing, event management, and hospitality/travel reflect how far Cvent’s platform strategy reaches, spanning every stage of the event lifecycle from initial planning through execution and post-event…
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…
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…
Nowadays it’s all about AI. All the time, every day, every conversation. And while there is no doubt that AI will help make us more efficient and more resourceful, we need to remember that all AI is not equal, and although you might read about how great an AI tool is working for some people, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Consider what you are trying to accomplish AI cannot do our jobs for us yet (thank god)… but it…
Encore has announced a $100 million capital commitment for 2026 to expand new products and innovations while refreshing and upgrading existing inventory designed to elevate live corporate event experiences through digital and AI‑driven tools, upgraded production solutions and expanded immersive solutions. As organizations place increasing value on authentic, in-person engagement, Encore continues to invest in both its technology and its people, combining advanced tools with technical expertise to help customers create better experiences. “Encore continues to evolve the customer…
Allied Global Marketing (Allied) announced that Adam Cunningham, previously chief strategy officer, has been appointed global chief executive officer. Kelly Estrella, previously chief of marketing operations, has been promoted to chief operating officer. The appointments position Allied for its next phase of growth as an integrated marketing partner to brands across entertainment, gaming, sports, hospitality, tourism and location-based experiences, combining deep category expertise with proprietary tools, data and applied AI. Cunningham succeeds Clint Kendall, who will become a member…
by Angela Zaltsman There is no escaping AI and evolving technology. Artificial intelligence is not something on the horizon—it is already embedded in our everyday lives. From AI-generated answers appearing at the top of online searches to personalized social media feeds shaped by algorithms, we interact with AI constantly often without realizing it. Given this reality, when it comes to meetings and events, the question is no longer if AI should be used, but how it should be integrated thoughtfully…
Artificial intelligence – that all-encompassing technology that is sweeping the world faster than a speeding bullet; transforming industry in every aspect of our lives. Is it insidious? Will we event planners be replaced by a ‘bot some day? For event planners, I would argue that artificial intelligence is a valuable tool. It helps us restructure administration, stimulate new ideas, and simplify communications. Although our work becomes less administration-heavy, the risks around privacy, precision, local perspective, and over-reliance on computer-generated…
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…
