The Current State of Event Technology — Meetings Innovation Report

As we noted last week, technology has the power to transform meetings and to even make them safer. But, as we've also said before, technology can be a pain point for a lot of meeting and event organizers.

This week we're taking a closer look at the overall state of meetings technology by talking to a variety of meeting and event industry professionals to get their takes on the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to event technology today. Read the story here and let us know what you want to see more of when it comes to the evolution of technology for meetings and events.

— Deanna Ting, Hospitality Editor

The Future of Meetings and Events Technology

Planners Weigh in on the State of Meetings Technology Today: Tech companies need to get out of the lab and test their products in the real world, meeting planners say. New technologies, too, shouldn't hit you over the head but ideally work in the background, and be engaging for attendees. Easier said than done.

In the News

Marriott CEO: Trump Is Driving Conference Business Out of U.S. to Canada: The U.S. has already seen a Trump Slump in international tourist numbers so this shift in more meetings’ groups heading to Canada shouldn’t be at all surprising. I mean, why meet in a country where you or your attendees may not even be able to get in?

South Korea Tourism Slump Raises Fears About Upcoming Winter Olympics: Threats from North Korea and prolonged conflict with China are keeping tourism down in South Korea as preparations continue for the Winter Olympics next year. With domestic interest lacking as well, will the Games be a failure for the host country?

Innovative Meetings and Events

How the National Urban League Provides Minority Entrepreneurs With New Opportunities: A "Shark Tank"-style pitch fest is just one way the National Urban League uses a one-day summit to help minority-owned small businesses overcome obstacles.

6 Events Pushing the Boundaries of Creativity: Keynote, coffee break, breakout session, lunch, panel, dinner – the usual lineup at an event. But simply repeating that same pattern over and over makes the experience less enjoyable. As eventprofs, our clients are looking to us to help create events that will stand out and keep attendees buzzing long after the event concludes.

Expert Debate: An Interactive Alternative to a Traditional Keynote Session: Event organizers are always on the lookout for innovative session formats and tips to make their events an unforgettable experience. The organizers of this year’s Festival of Marketing in London hit the nail on the head when they wrapped up the two-day event with a tech-powered expert debate between Mark Ritson and Professor Byron Sharp.

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The Skift Meetings Innovation Report is curated by Skift Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting [dt@skift.com] and SkiftX Editor Greg Oates [go@skift.com]. The newsletter is emailed every Wednesday.

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