In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we review highlights from the Skift Meetings Forum, which brought together 250 senior meeting planners, thought leaders and industry experts on September 17 in New York City.
focus
- Differentiation – Editors discuss what sets the Skift Conference Forum apart from other industry events and its mission to provide unparalleled education and networking for advanced planners.
- favorite course – Seth Godin offers impactful advice like making meetings more like intimate conversations in the break room. Discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion were central to the event, which included panels from Dr. Brandi Baldwin of Millennial Ventures and ESG consultant Bea Boccalandro.
- Venue layout scene – Compared to the typical hotel ballroom, the Glass Room provides an inspiring environment filled with natural light and an open, inviting atmosphere.
- peer learning -The “Comparing Notes” session is a highlight of this event, allowing participants to brainstorm spontaneously.
- future plans – The team is considering more interactive formats, site visits for next year’s forum and additional networking opportunities.
Episode summary
From a thought-provoking keynote by marketing guru Seth Godin, to an inspiring talk by TED Chief Project and Strategist Monique Ruff-Bell, to groundbreaking discussions on topics ranging from diversity to politics, Skift Meetings’ educational programs are First class. Attendees also had various networking opportunities throughout the day, with a campus tour taking them to one of the city’s most innovative venues, The Shed in Hudson Yards.
Unlike many other meetings industry events designed around connecting buyers and sellers, the Skift Meetings Forum is focused on providing in-depth, thought-provoking education for planners seeking new insights. “I think our conference is unique because it’s so focused on content,” said editor-in-chief Miguel Neves. “We treat every session like an in-depth story. First, we decide on the topics, then figure out which speakers are best suited to talk about those topics. Then we do a lot of research. We prepare, and then we dive in. We We had multiple calls with the speakers and then when we were on stage we tried to do a concise interview.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and walls of windows offering views of the Hudson River, the Glass Room offers a stunning alternative to the typical hotel ballroom. Attendees were energized by the environment and content.
Going forward, the Skift Meetings team plans to further improve the event and incorporate more interactive elements. Stay tuned to learn more about their future plans in our podcast.
