Event professionals have always been asked to create big moments. That part is not new. What has changed is the scale of inspiration clients are now bringing into the planning process. A client may arrive with a Pinterest board, an AI-generated image, a celebrity gala reference, a luxury hotel lobby, a fashion runway, and a budget that looks more like it was written on a notepad during a coffee meeting than built for a full-scale immersive environment. (I say…
While the value of incentive travel remains strong for the year ahead, optimism is balanced with caution. The Incentive Research Foundation’s Industry Outlook for 2026: Merchandise, Gift Cards and Event Gifting reports a mix of optimism and emerging challenges across North America and Europe. Economic and financial confidence among organizations is high, with more than 90 per cent of respondents in both regions expressing a positive outlook for the year ahead. However, this optimism is tempered by flat budgets,…
In the audiovisual (AV) industry, the distinction between commodity and service has long been a contentious issue. As AV professionals, our value extends far beyond the equipment we provide. Yet, too often, we find ourselves compensated only for the equipment that makes it in the room, while our expertise, creativity, and design skills go unrecognized and underpaid. This imbalance not only undervalues our work but also threatens the innovation and quality that define our industry. The Commodity Trap A…
When it comes to organizing live events and meetings, the ambiance and visual presentation can significantly impact the overall experience. Lighting is a crucial component of this, setting the mood and highlighting key elements of the event. However, navigating the costs and options for lighting and AV equipment can be daunting for event organizers and planners. Some costs can seem low or high depending on the supplier, making event planners scratch their heads and ask why. Here are the…
After two years of remote and hybrid arrangements, most event professionals are optimistic and expect in-person events and budgets to increase in 2023, according to the 12th annual Global Meetings & Events Forecast, produced by American Express Meetings & Events. The 2023 Global Meetings & Events Forecast is based on a survey of 580 meeting and event (M&E) professionals across the value chain in 23 countries, as well as interviews with industry leaders. Key findings from the report include: 77 per cent…
Convention centres have been hit hard by COVID-19, with many still seeing staff layoffs and rising budget deficits nine months into the pandemic. Although a coronavirus vaccine is on the way, there’s still a long road ahead as it may be summer or even longer until the vaccine is available to everyone. And then, even after the health crisis is under control, attendees may not flock back to in-person events, at least right away. As a result, venues are expected…
