Revolutionizing Events: Key Takeaways from the Skift Meetings Forum and Skift Global Forum

Having just returned from New York and the Skift Meetings Forum and Skift Global Forum, I’m still buzzing with learnings and a-ha’s, as the IMEX team can attest.??

The event was packed with thought leaders offering fresh perspectives on how the events industry is evolving, and what we need to do to keep up with a new pace of change that’s, frankly, breathtaking.???

Let’s start with the observations of author and marketing entrepreneur, Seth Godin - one of the outstanding highlights of the forum for me.??

Seth Godin: Rethinking the Purpose of Meetings?

Godin challenged us to completely rethink what meetings and events are for.??

He reminded us that the old model of meetings being about efficiency and convenience are out the window. Gone for good.?

Instead, he argued, the most successful meetings create transformation. They should be a place and a platform where something changes; where planners set out to engender change in their audience.??

Godin’s core message? We’re no longer in the business of just getting people together to share information – they can do that from home.??

We’re now – or should be - in the business of creating tension that leads to change. That’s what makes meetings powerful in 2024 and beyond.??

My biggest single takeaway from his session was about the future of events: if you can create environments where people connect in a meaningful way, you’ll thrive. Our opportunity is to rethink the status quo and focus on making those connections deeper and more transformative.??

Today’s events should leave people changed, not just informed.?

All of which leads me seamlessly to a shameless plug for the IMEX Talking Point for 2024/25 – Impact. Our own focus on Impact this year and next is all about change; encouraging, leading and celebrating positive change in our industry and the world beyond.??