April, 2025

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The Importance of Getting Away: Why Event Planners Need to Step Back to Move Forward

Smart Meetings

As event planners, we spend our lives in motion, managing countless moving parts to ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Were problem solvers, multitaskers, and sometimes, even miracle workers. But in the rush to pull off flawless events, one thing often gets left behind: ourselves. Its easy to forget that in order to create exceptional experiences for others, we first need to take care of ourselves.

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Field Report: Things We’ve Never Seen at Trade Shows Until Shoptalk 2025

Event Marketer

Disco balls, a dj, fog and lasers… This wasnt going to be a regular trade show. Shoptalk 2025, a global event for retail and ecommerce, owned by Hyve Group, took over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, March 25-25, bringing together more than 10,000 attendees and more than 225 senior-level speakers from top retailers, including Macys, Inc., Mattel, Canada Goose and P&G.

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10 of Toronto / GTA’s Most Unique “Hidden Gem” Wedding And Event Venues – Part II

EventSource

If you’re in the midst of your venue search or you just like keeping on with the latest venues in Toronto , you’re in luck! Every few months, we compile our top picks for Toronto’s best “hidden gem” wedding places and share ’em out with y’all! This is one of the best ways to find the most unique wedding locations.

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PRESTIGIOUS BRITISH AUTOMOTIVE EVENT, SALON PRIVÉ BECOMES B CORP™ CERTIFIED 

Prestige Events Magazine

Salon Priv is the first Certified B Corporation automotive event in the world Salon Priv, the UKs most prestigious automotive event, has announced that it has become a Certified B Corporation (B Corp ). Following a rigorous 18-month process, Salon Priv, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, joins a global community of for-profit leaders pledging to use business as a force for good, alongside the likes of other esteemed British brands, including The Cotswold Company, Farrow & Bal

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Prospect, Personalize, Profit: The New Way Sales & Marketing Teams Are Aligning with AI

Speaker: Kevin Burke, Founder & Managing Director at Digital One and AI & Automation Consultant

AI and automation are currently transforming the way sales and marketing teams operate. Generative AI crafts personalized outreach at scale, while conversational AI bots are engaging prospects in real time. Robotic process automation streamlines manual workflows by triggering tasks the moment a prospect takes a key action, and advanced AI analytics surface hidden patterns in the pipeline, improve forecasting, and help teams make data-driven decisions with confidence.

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Attracting & Engaging High-Po’s

Velvet Chainsaw

Annual conferences can be an valuable platform for helping your attendees and their organizations develop and retain future leaders, aka hi-pos. According to the Forbes Human Resources Council Expert Panel , a modern high-po (high-potential) workforce strategy involves more than having a list of candidates for succession planning. It is about having actively engaging discussions and preparing your people through experiences, exposure, and education programs to give them the opportunities to gr

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Key Takeaways from MPI and SITE’s Global Meetings Industry Day Livestream

Smart Meetings

Plus: Other GMID celebrations from around the U.S. This years Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) was one to remember. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) teamed up for a lively, eight-hour livestream packed with fresh insights, emerging trends and meaningful discussions around the future of meetings and events.

Meetings 244
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The Brief: Hot Dog High Teas and ‘The White Lotus’ IRL

Event Marketer

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW THIS WEEK This weeks hot takes on hot topics in experiential marketing cover Hot Dog High Teas, The White Lotus IRL and sweet-smelling takeovers. MAX RESORTS TO A REAL-LIFE WHITE LOTUS HOTEL AND SPA It was only a matter of time until Max turned its fictional luxury resort hotel chain into realityif only for a few days. From April 6-8, the network is celebrating the series-three finale of its pop culture phenomenon The White Lotus with a wellness retreat thats just as ostentat

Hotels 254
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Elegance, Florals, and Pure Romance at The Arlington Estate

EventSource

Some weddings just have that effortless magic, the kind that makes you smile from start to finish. Christina and Josephs big day was exactly that. From the heartfelt vows at the Church to the vibrant, joy-filled reception at The Arlington Estate , every moment felt like something out of a dream. And thanks to Purple Tree Wedding Photography , every beautiful detail was captured for them to relive forever.

Venues 283
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Rethinking event menus: Mindful choices for modern attendees

Prestige Events Magazine

By Natacha Allen, Head of Commercial Events The Royal College of Physicians The UK’s relationship with alcohol is shifting, with nearly half (48%) of drinkers planning to cut back or quit in 2025, according to Aviva. Younger generations are driving the trend, with 61% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 68% of 25 to 34-year-olds reducing their intake. Health is a major factor, as many prioritise fitness, mental wellbeing and weight management.

2025 248
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Making the Moment: The Art of Creating Events That Drive Results

Speaker: Aja Bradley Kemp, Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Conversate Collective

In a world where every brand is vying for attention, how do you make your events stand out? ✨ From creative swag strategies to immersive brand experiences, the key lies in fostering real connections that inspire action and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're planning a large-scale conference or an exclusive executive gathering, this session will explore how to elevate event engagement, strengthen brand perception, and maximize ROI.

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How Multicultural Events Create Lasting Impact

IMG

In an increasingly globalized world, events are not just about gathering people in a room but about fostering meaningful connections across different cultures. Multicultural events have the unique power to bridge gaps, celebrate heritage, and create experiences that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. From corporate gatherings to community festivals, embracing a multicultural approach can leave a lasting social and business impact.

2024 195
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A Participants’ Bill of Rights

Conferences that Work

I love the folks (especially my good friend, Jan-Jaap In der Maur ) at Masters In Moderation , a company that has been providing meeting and facilitation services and training in the European Union since 2012. Why? Because their core beliefs about what truly matters at events are deeply aligned with mine. We recognize that events should be designed for and with participants rather than imposed upon them.

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Smart Travel: Omni Cruises to Spotlight Upcoming Eclipse, Dubai Gears Up for Major Travel Convention, Air New Zealand Wows with Boeing Retrofit and More

Smart Meetings

Aiming for a meeting or incentive thats truly once-in-a-lifetime? Oceania Cruises just debuted new celestial cruises that will have your attendees staring up in awe. Comparing APAC airlines for upcoming travel plans? Air New Zealand has a new tantalizing offer in the shape of a totally reimagined jumbo jet. Considering a last-minute trip to Dubai for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025?

Travel 240
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Five Exhibit Trends from the 125th New York International Auto Show

Event Marketer

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) celebrated its 125 th anniversary this year, and all of the biggest players in the automotive biz were in town to celebrate the shows milestone. From April 18-27, hundreds of thousands of car buffs descended on New York Citys Javits Center to explore the exhibits, interact with their favorite brands and maybe event get behind the wheel on a test track.

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Elevate Your Event Experience to the Next Level

In order to create a successful event, you must: Optimize Event Website and Registration Process Utilize Social Media Platforms Effectively Implement Targeted Email Campaigns Harness the Power of Video Content Benefit from a Mobile App Download now and learn how to simplify this process with Eventpedia.

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Love and Laughter Under the Lights at Eagles Nest Golf Club

EventSource

Love, laughter, and a touch of magic set the tone for Alessia and Braydons wedding day. Against the stunning backdrop of Eagles Nest Golf Club , they exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by family and friends. The emotion of the ceremony carried into the night as the reception turned into a joy-filled celebration, with nonstop dancing and unforgettable moments.

Venues 280
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Sustainable MICE Travel Takes a Giant Leap:UK Event Professionals Experience ‘Best In Class’ Flight-Free Journey to Switzerland

Prestige Events Magazine

A groundbreaking collaboration between UK event planners, Switzerland Tourism and transport partners has redefined sustainable MICE travel. In April, 35 event professionals swapped planes for trains on a best-in-class study trip to Switzerland, earning a Distinction in ESG from sustainability experts event:decision. A Blueprint for Sustainable Business Travel With travel accounting for up to 80% of an events carbon footprint, this flight-free trip proved that sustainability and exceptional exper

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Rearchitecting a Trade Show

PCMA Convene

The experiential zone strategy for AIAs show floor followed the same path as an architectural project from start to end inspire, innovate, design, build, and prosper. When Robin Preston, DES, CEM, and the events and sales teams set out to reengineer the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture & Designs trade show, they wanted it to mesh with two other key event elements its architecture tours and education program.

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Why trust is the deciding factor in whether I attend your conference

Conferences that Work

Do I trust you? If teleportation were free, would you still go? I live in rural Vermont, so if I want to go to an in-person conference that isn’t close to me, I need to get on an airplane. The closest airport to me is a two-hour drive. Unless the event is in the northeastern United States, I need a full day to get there and another to return, even longer if it’s abroad.

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Unlock the Secrets of Event Marketing Masters

The greats learn from the greats. Set yourself and your team up for success with tried and tested strategies and insights from event marketing geniuses at Vanta, Partnership Leaders, Quantum Metric, Rocketlane, and Explori.

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Exploring Biophilic Event Design with Bold Catering

Smart Meetings

Moving beyond the traditional Including natural elements in your space, otherwise known as biophilic design, has been trending upward for years nowwith good reason. Its said that this design type, incorporating themes found in nature, like trees, plants and waterfalls, is great for the well-being of your attendees. As an example, in August 2024 Portland International Airport (PDX) implemented biophilic design in its main terminal as part of its $2 billion renovation.

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Coachella 2025 Experiential: Pit Stops, Perfume Pods, Glimmers and High Tea

Event Marketer

The desert was hot, but the sets were hotter at this years Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, hosted April 11-13 and April 18-20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Once again serving as the unofficial launch of festival season, the event boasted headline talent including Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone; top-notch f&b from some of the areas best restaurants; and sponsor activations that solved pain points and enriched the festival experience for the tens of thousands of creator

2025 265
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A Luxurious Garden Wedding at Casa Loma

EventSource

A wedding thats equal parts romantic and unforgettable? Brooke and JPs celebration at Casa Loma might be exactly the inspiration youre looking for. From stunning details to heartfelt moments, their celebration had everything you could hope for in a weddingand it was all beautifully captured by the pros at Mango Studios and Kismet Creative Wedding Films.

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INVNT® and Formula E Partner to Deliver Fan Village at 2025 Monaco E-Prix

Prestige Events Magazine

Formula E, the worlds first all-electric motorsport championship, has once again joined forces with INVNT EMEA, the global brand storytelling agency, to create a bold new fan experience for the 2025 Monaco E-Prix. Set against the backdrop of Monacos iconic marina, the Formula E Fan Village will come to life on May 34, offering a free, immersive, and family-friendly activation designed to welcome fans of all ages and backgrounds into the electrifying world of Formula E.

2025 249
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How to Get Speakers, Exhibitors, and Attendees to Promote Your Event With Video

In this best practices guide, you’ll learn how to tap into the cost-efficiencies of advocacy and word-of-mouth marketing with video. Examples include speakers providing a preview of their upcoming sessions, exhibitors creating “please stop by” invitations and attendees creating “looking forward to seeing you” introduction videos. Learn about best practices and programs created by leading companies and associations including ASIS, AUVSI, SuperZoo, National Restaurant Association, World of Concret

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Destination Management Companies: Good to Great

SmartMeetings

A guide to working with DMCs to amplify event impact Planners are superheroesbut heroes still need support from time to time. Planning a great event takes a lot of work, and there are ample opportunities to build a professional support system that makes it easier. One of those opportunities? Destination Management Companies (DMCs). When a planner loops in a DMC, they bring in a partner who is an expert in the locale of their chosen destination, a master at making last-minute changes look flawles

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Making the human spectrogram map even better

Conferences that Work

I get some of my best ideas from my clients. (That’s because consulting when I listen well is a two-way street!) So I wasn’t surprised when, during a recent debrief, a client mentioned a simple way to improve the human spectrogram maps I’ve recommended and run for decades. Read the full article at Conferences That Work The post Making the human spectrogram map even better appeared first on Conferences That Work.

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Q&A: Mark Cooper at 2025 IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange

Smart Meetings

Inside IACC’s vision for a smarter, greener future in meetings and hospitality Attendees at this years 2025 IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange in College Station, Texas, were in for an exciting experience. The annual event offered a wide range of education sessions on sustainability, connection, F&B, leadership and so much more. Mark Cooper Smart Meetings Compared to last year, what made this year’s event different?

2025 241
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Six Slam-dunk Strategies that Engaged Basketball Fans at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four

Event Marketer

Sundays NCAA Womens Basketball National Championship game between UConn and South Carolina drew a sellout crowd of 19,777 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL, and 8.5 million viewers , making it the third most-watched womens Division I title game on ESPN platforms. In the days leading up to UConns 12 th national championship win, tens of thousands of fans showed out in downtown Tampa for the weeks Final Four celebrations and events, with many setting record attendance numbers and reaching maximum capac

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Download Now: 2022 Virtual + Hybrid Event Platform RFP Template - Enterprise Edition

Download 200+ new RFP questions for hybrid and virtual event technology success. After 10,000 downloads, the SpotMe Virtual + Hybrid Event Platform RFP Template is the ultimate procurement tool for event technology. This template is ideal for companies looking for a vendor to fulfill their specific virtual + hybrid event platform needs and requirements!

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Kimia and Shane’s Oh-So-Sweet Wedding at Eagles Nest Golf Club

EventSource

Kimia and Shanes summer wedding at Eagles Nest Golf Club was a stunning celebration that perfectly blended classic elegance with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to the expert planning by Trade Sensation Events , every detail came together beautifully, and Focus Photo & Video was there to capture each special moment. Kimia looked absolutely gorgeous, with her hair and makeup flawlessly done by Toronto Beauty Group.

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beam’s All Members Meeting to spotlight industry future

Prestige Events Magazine

On 30 April 2025, the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel will host beam s All Members Meeting, with a content-rich agenda tackling some of the industrys most pressing topics. The event will feature thought leaders, industry experts, and next-generation professionals exploring subjects ranging from AI in events to Martyns Law and venue security, with a firm focus on innovation, safety, sustainability, and workforce transformation.

Meetings 246
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Decoding Cocktail Hours: The Ideal Flow for Social Grazing

Caterease

Introduction Cocktail hour is often seen as a warm-up to the main event, but when done right, it becomes a highlight all its own. Its where guests loosen up, clink glasses, and casually graze their way into an unforgettable experience. But heres the secret: a seamless cocktail hour isnt spontaneous. Its strategically plannedfrom the food pacing to the layout to how guests move and mingle.