conferences Archives - Corporate Meetings Network

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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 Operations
Travel Leaders Announces Elevate Canada
2026/07/24

Travel Leaders Network is introducing a new national event for its Canadian members with the launch of Elevate Canada, a dedicated two-day conference designed exclusively for Canadian travel advisors and preferred supplier partners. Elevate Canada will take place at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on October 20-21, 2026, followed by the Pearson Convention Centre in Toronto on October 28-29, 2026. Registration for both events is now open. According to Travel Leaders Network, the conference agenda will focus on Canadian-specific content,…
Breaking News
Creating Impact With Retreat Informed Design
2025/12/22

For years, the conference industry has been locked in a familiar pattern: more sessions, more speakers, more choices, more movement. We try to pack value into every hour — often forgetting that attendees aren’t empty vessels waiting to be filled. They’re human beings with nervous systems, responsibilities, lived experiences, and limits. But the most transformative events I’ve ever delivered — and attended — don’t feel like that. They feel intentional. Spacious. Grounded. Human. And they have more in common…
Event Operations
Not Your Average Conference Rally
2025/10/16

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…
Event Operations
Montréal Hosting a Busy Summer of Events
2025/07/23

The Palais des congrès de Montréal is in full swing this summer, hosting no fewer than 10 international conferences, seven of which are American, held at the Palais between June 21 and September 30, 2025. Events that will attract 17,100 convention-goers and will generate an estimated $64.8 million in economic spinoffs for Montréal and Québec. With large-scale events like the 37th American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference, the 34th International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence and the…
Breaking News
Toronto Leaders Circle Celebrates Winners
2025/04/04

Sixteen Toronto leaders were honoured at the 6th Annual Leaders Circle Recognition Celebration at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 26, 2025. Their efforts helped secure seven international meetings across industries such as life sciences, business, and transportation — events expected to bring nearly 8,000 delegates to Toronto and generate an estimated $25 million in economic impact for Ontario. Through prospecting and research, the Leaders Circle, supported by Destination Toronto and the MTCC, collaborates with industry experts to…
Breaking News
Conference Bookings Robust in Victoria
2025/02/06

The Victoria Conference Centre (VCC) is beginning 2025 with a near-record number of city-wide conferences booked for the year, following strong performance in 2024. In 2024, the VCC hosted 147 events, including 65 large-scale conferences, of which 20 were city-wide conferences. According to Business Events Victoria, the division of Destination Greater Victoria on contract to manage the sales and marketing of the VCC, the venue helped generate: • 94,200 delegate days – an increase of 12% over 2023. •…
Breaking News
Kingston Hotel, Event Centre Complex Opens
2024/12/13

DoubleTree by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton Kingston, along with the Ambassador Event Centre and the Cannery Kitchen & Social, have officially opened their doors. Owned and managed by Manga Hotel Group, the hotel complex boasts a combined 256 guestrooms, 13,500 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, large indoor pool, 1,000-sq.-ft. fitness centre and full-service restaurant. The 129-room DoubleTree boasts beautifully appointed accommodations and amenities. The 127-room Home2 Suites offers all-suite accommodations with fully accessorized kitchens and modular…
Breaking News
Canada Scores 21 Events With Funding
2024/11/01

The multimillion-dollar International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), launched in March 2024 by Destination Canada, has supported 21 successful bids made by Canadian Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to host high-value major international conferences. Created and administered by Destination Canada, and funded by the Government of Canada, the ICAF is a vital component of Destination Canada’s strategy to establish Canada as a leading destination for hosting business events. This is especially important as many Canadian destinations have yet to meet the business-events activity level…
Breaking News
The Future of Events: Trends and Factors
2024/02/23

Over the past decade, the event industry has experienced significant changes, with the recent pandemic being a major disruptor. As a professional in the event space for over a decade, I have witnessed firsthand how the emergence of virtual events revolutionized the way we connect and engage. However, we are now observing a shift back to in-person events (but rest assured, virtual events are here to stay). Through an analysis off our clients, we have gathered valuable insights on…
Event Operations