Expert Opinion
Washington DC: A city of substance and strategy for global business events
Iain Stirling speaks with Melissa Riley, senior vice president of convention sales and services at Destination DC. With more than two decades of experience promoting Washington, DC as a premier global meetings destination, Melissa shares how the city continues to evolve beyond its political identity to showcase its culture, innovation, and diversity. The discussion explores Destination DC’s strate...
Events: The No.1 marketing channel for building trust
Adam Stanley, managing director of global creative events agency Event Concept addresses the relationship economy and how events can help brands connect in the ways that matter: Business success isn’t just about what you do. It’s about who you know, and more importantly, who trusts you. Positive relationships drive loyalty, open doors, and turn customers and colleagues into brand champions....
Canada’s business events industry embraces sustainability as new standard while navigating global uncertainties
CMW had the pleasure of speaking to Virginie De Visscher, executive director of Business Events at Destination Canada, as she discusses how the industry is transforming with sustainability shifting from differentiator to essential requirement. With Canada hosting 2,555 business events in 2024 and generating $47 billion in economic impact, De Visscher explores changing attendee expectations, geopol...
The rise of off-the-beaten-path destinations
Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International, on why lesser-known destinations represent the next growth frontier for the MICE sector Shifting attendee expectations The MICE industry has always been tied to people’s movements – how they travel, congregate, and prioritise value. Increasingly, both leisure travellers and business professionals are turning away from traditional hotspo...
The USA: Incentive travel’s birthplace and the engine of a global mindset
Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) consultant Pádraic Gilligan on why the global business events industry still carries America’s DNA. The roots of incentive travel For those of us working in incentive travel, it’s worth remembering that the industry owes its very existence to one place: the United States of America. Incentive travel could only have emerged in a culture that unapologet...
It’s a kind of magic…
MPI correspondent Paul Cook explores the idea of creating inclusive event environments Designing for everyone Is there a kind of science – or even magic – behind designing successful inclusive events? As events evolve, the answer seems clearer: inclusivity is about creating environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued. At the most basic level, inclusivity means ensuring that all attendees...
Designing impactful experiences: A conversation with Tahira Endean, head of programming at IMEX
Iain Stirling speaks with Tahira Endean, head of programming at IMEX, about the evolving landscape of event education and design. With over 250 sessions and 300 speakers, IMEX America’s learning program is a masterclass in intentionality, innovation, and inclusivity. Tahira shares how her team’s global perspective, passion for human-centred experiences, and commitment to well-being and community b...
Business events in New Zealand: Optimism, innovation, and opportunity in 2026
As New Zealand prepares to welcome the world to its new International Convention Centre in 2026, the country’s business events sector is brimming with fresh energy and ambition. With major infrastructure projects coming online, government backing at the highest levels, and a spirit of collaboration driving innovation, the industry is positioning itself as a global leader in delivering world-class ...
From Arizona to the Windy City
New CEO at Choose Chicago, Kristen Reynolds shares some of her big plans for the city’s conferencing agenda. Kristen Reynolds has had quite the journey to reach the top of one of America’s most influential destination marketing organisations. As the new CEO and president of Choose Chicago, she’s taken the helm promoting a city that hosts citywide conferences every single day – a pace that wo...
Julie Coker talks tourism: Growth, sustainability, and New York’s global spotlight”
Julie Coker, recently appointed president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the travel and hospitality industry to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Having held senior roles in Philadelphia, San Diego, and with Hyatt in Chicago, she now oversees the strategy for attracting visitors, driving business events, and ensuring New Y...
How to set the scene for genuine success at Davos
Cassie Barnes, client director, Smyle at WEF in Davos, shares some tips and strategies for success on one of the world’s biggest and most influential meeting stages: The World Economic Forum (WEF) provides one of the most important dates in the calendar for over 2,500 political, business and academic leaders who descend on the small town in the Swiss Alps every year. WEF has grown significantly in...
Caesars Entertainment launches guide on wellness at events
The Caesars Entertainment National Meetings and Events team has expanded its leadership in wellness-focused event programming with the launch of a comprehensive white paper on wellness for industry professionals. The guide builds on its innovative wellness menus, Global Wellness Forum, and Caesars Entertainment’s recent nationwide wellness road show in the US. “We introduced our wellness menus in ...