EVENTalks by Meeting Professionals International

<p>EVENTalks is a place where meeting and event professionals can get updates on the latest in the meeting industry.</p>

Looking ahead to 2026

Concluding our two-part series with Cvent’s Kelli Kopec and Maritz’ Steve O’Malley, this conversation explores event industry expectations and trends for 2026.

12-19
22:49

Looking back on 2025

Event professionals from two of the biggest names in the industry—Cvent’s Kelli Kopec and Maritz’ Steve O’Malley—reflect on the year that was.

11-20
23:07

For the lulz: A chat about DashCon 2

Simone Miller and Avis Petrie on creating a convention and cultural experience they’d want to attend. This conversation with the amateur, Gen Z event planners behind DashCon 2 is a testament to the interest and skill of the youngest generation of working adults entering the industry.

10-24
37:15

Appealing to tomorrow's event professionals

Caitlin Gaborow and Emily Dietrich discuss the challenges facing next-gen eventpros and what the industry must do to attract and keep new talent.

09-29
35:50

Event design trends

Rachel Andrews and Michael Farrell share what they’re seeing in event design as well as the factors driving those trends.

08-28
43:49

Event pros on gratitude, mental health

Andrea Driessen and MaryAnne Bobrow discuss the importance of focusing on well-being and giving thanks in the meeting and event industry.

07-28
30:48

Event Tech

A conversation about the opportunities, challenges and excitement in event tech with Allyson Keenan from CVENT and Tammy Bradley from AV-CANADA.

06-17
42:48

Making peace with uncertainty

Two event professionals—Tara Liaschenko and Molly Marsh—and author Maggie Jackson (“Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure”) explore the pitfalls and potential of uncertainty.

05-23
57:33

Event Pro Spring Cleaning

Laura Kesselman and Leanne Calderwood discuss the importance of keeping your physical, digital and mental space organized.

04-28
33:07

In Search of Mentors

Planners discuss the importance of person-to-person knowledge sharing and lifelong learning, while also offering advice on establishing mentor-mentee relationships.

03-19
30:47

Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Directives on Event Pros

A heartfelt conversation with leaders from the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association on the importance of inclusivity for successful meetings and events, the detrimental impact of discriminatory mandates on event professionals and the industry at large and how we can all help craft positive change.

02-24
39:16

Planning for 2025 Event Trends

Courtney Stanley and Amani Roberts reflect on the legacy of 2024 and innovations they see impacting the meeting and event industry in the year to come.

12-12
39:48

Mindful Contingencies at Events

Insights to help you craft and deliver safe and secure events in 2025.

11-21
46:43

Money talk on EVENTalks

Eric Rozenberg, host of The Business of Meetings podcast, and Mike Schugt, president of Teneo Hospitality, share insight on the state of business and economic issues impacting event professionals.

10-28
36:48

The Role of Humor at Meetings and Events

Comedians and speaker bureau pros share how humor can best be leveraged at events, what planners must do to make the inclusion successful and more.

09-20
01:15:26

The Ups and Downs of Business Travel

Nicole Seely, director of convention and event operations for the GBTA, discusses travel challenges, cost-saving tips, words on wellness and more.

08-26
26:00

Crafting Learning Landscapes at Meetings

Tahira Endean and Rachel Bandarenko in conversation about crafting optimal learning experiences at meetings and events, inclusive of the needs of the growing neurodiverse population.

07-22
42:47

Essential Al Skills for Meeting Pros

Leaders in event AI share top tips for how meeting pros can best learn how to leverage the new tech across their business. This episode sponsored by IMEX Group.

06-24
51:11

Crafting Your Culinary WEC Experience

MPI's Tanya Philyaw and Renee Simpson (Levy) take you behind the scenes of WEC F&B planning and chat about associated trends.

05-08
29:23

Sustainability Food and Beverage Solutions

A dive into sustainable event F&B with a pair of undisputed experts: WWF’s Pete Pearson and GreenBiz Group’s Morganne Sigismonti.

04-24
39:01

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