The highly anticipated Skift Conference Forum returns for its second edition ahead of the renowned Skift Global Forum. Taking place on September 17 at The Glasshouse in New York City, this one-day event brings together the industry’s most influential planners for unparalleled learning, networking, and inspiration.
If you really want to stay ahead of the curve in the meetings industry, here are ten compelling reasons why the Skift Meetings Forum should be on your calendar:
- Experience Skift’s superior editing capabilities live
Skift’s signature editorial approach is at the heart of Skift’s conference forums. Expect robust conversations with senior management, moderated by experienced editors. This is your chance to engage directly with the visionaries shaping the future of the industry, gaining actionable insights you won’t find anywhere else.
- Participate in in-depth peer-led discussions
The purpose of the Forum is not just to provide a listening experience. Our comparative note-taking sessions transform the audience from passive participants to active collaborators. Join a dynamic roundtable discussion that dives deep into pressing issues facing the meetings industry. These courses allow you to learn from your peers and contribute your knowledge and expertise.
- Get groundbreaking insights from Seth Godin
Marketing legend Seth Godin kicked off the event with a keynote address that challenged conventional wisdom. Known for his disruptive thinking, Godin will reveal the future of meetings and marketing in a way that only he can. Be prepared to leave this session with a fresh perspective and ideas that will make you stand out in your industry.
- Learn how TED and its leaders inspire people
Learn how the leaders behind TED conferences create transformative experiences. Monique Ruff-Bell will share her strategies for increasing attendee engagement and community management—insights that can take your event to the next level. She will also share her passion for developing future leaders and how this impacts all of her work.
- Expand your concept of audiovisual excellence
In a candid interview, Encore CEO Ben Erwin will share how the AV giant is preparing for the future as it emerges from the pandemic and emerges stronger. This session provides a rare look at the future of the event production business – a key area for any meetings professional – and how innovation and employee wellbeing are at the heart of success.
- Explore the geopolitical forces shaping industries
With the world focused on the upcoming U.S. presidential election and more than 60 national elections affecting half the world’s population, the forum will address the complex intersection between politics and conferences. Join ALHI CEO Michael Dominguez and ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath to analyze how these forces will impact your campaigns, providing insights that can redefine your strategic approach.
- Find out what’s next for Tech Juggernaught Cvent
Since its founding 25 years ago, Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal has led the conference’s most important technology company to date. Agarwal remains focused and hungry for more. Now under Blackstone’s control, Cvent continues to grow its core business and invest in innovation through acquisitions. But what’s next for Cvent?
- Solving tough problems on DEI
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are undergoing profound changes that are impacting the meetings industry. Two DEI experts, Dr. Brandi Baldwin and Bea Boccalandro, will provide a thought-provoking discussion on how DEI can do more harm than good. Dr. Brandi will also share what’s happening at Tourism Diversity Matters, the DEI industry group of which she serves as board chair that has been rocked by workplace bullying. Additionally, the two will discuss how DEI can exclude rather than include. Expect to leave with a more nuanced understanding of key issues affecting DEI and strategies to implement in your work.
- Get a new perspective on company meetings
How businesses view meetings and events has a profound impact on the entire industry. Bishop-McCann CEO Rob Adams and ELX CEO Nicola Kastner will join us to help reveal the direction of corporate activity. How do companies find the “sweet spot” between the needs of business leaders and the needs of attendees? Their insights into the forces driving corporate meetings will help you adapt your strategy to the changing needs of the business world.
- Explore ways to attract younger generations
With the help of Freeman Senior Vice President of Strategy Ken Holsinger, we’re digging into Freeman’s latest data to understand the preferences of younger participants and what planners need to do to attract them. We also sit down with IMEX CEO Carina Bauer and PCMA CEO Sherrif Karamat to discuss how to attract the next generation of meetings professionals to the industry.
Join us for the 2024 Skift Meetings Forum—the starting point for the future of meetings
Whether you attend in person or can only follow our coverage online, the Skift Meetings Forum provides the critical insights and connections you need to stay at the forefront of your industry. Don’t miss the real conversations that will shape the future of conferences.
