Volunteer engagement has always been essential to successful events and organizations. In today’s tight labor market, it has become mission-critical.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, innovation can’t be accidental — it has to be intentional. That’s where design thinking comes in.

In today’s event environment, risk isn’t hypothetical — it’s expected. Weather disruptions, health emergencies, cybersecurity breaches, speaker no-shows, protests, travel shutdowns, and reputational threats are no longer “edge cases.”

For many organizations, an event still lives and dies within a narrow window: promote it, execute it, recap it — and move on. But the most successful events today aren’t one‑and‑done experiences. They’re content engines.

As we wrap up 2025, it’s easy to look at the calendar and see a year that moved fast. But when we pause — really pause — what stands out isn’t just how busy the year was. It’s how meaningful the work has been.

Venue contracts haven’t returned to “business as usual” — and they likely never will. While in-person events are back in full force, the way risk, flexibility, and responsibility are negotiated between venues and planners has fundamentally shifted.

Your event doesn’t end when the last attendee leaves the room. In fact, one of the most important phases of your event strategy begins after the doors close — when you analyze what worked, what didn’t, and how attendees actually experienced what you created.

Sponsorship isn’t just a line item on your event budget — it’s a partnership opportunity that fuels innovation, enhances attendee experience, and drives measurable business outcomes for both parties.

As we move into the season of gratitude, I’ve found myself reflecting on the people who make this work not just possible — but meaningful.

How smart planning, creativity, and technology can stretch your budget without sacrificing experience.

In today’s event landscape, engagement isn’t just a metric—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re hosting a leadership summit, a trade show, or a nonprofit fundraiser, success depends on how deeply attendees connect with your content, your brand, and each other.

In the ever-evolving world of meetings and events, the sponsorship landscape is shifting at a rapid pace. For event professionals — whether working in associations or corporate meetings — the traditional sponsorship playbook is increasingly no longer enough.

When it comes to event management, success is often measured by how seamless things appear to attendees — the smiling registration team, the flawless transitions, the on-time sessions.

Today’s donors are more discerning than ever. They don’t just want to support causes that do good—they want to partner with organizations that do good responsibly.

In the past, a site visit meant walking through a venue with a clipboard, snapping a few photos, and checking boxes on capacity, lighting, and layout.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly evolved from a buzzword into a practical tool that’s reshaping the way event professionals plan, execute, and evaluate their programs.

The pandemic forever changed how we gather. What started as a necessity—virtual meetings and livestreams—has evolved into a permanent fixture in the events industry.

In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. For nonprofits, whose missions often center on making a positive impact, hosting sustainable and environmentally-friendly events is not only good for the planet but also strengthens credibility with donors, volunteers, and attendees.

When it comes to planning events, there’s one universal truth: things don’t always go according to plan. A sudden weather change, a high-profile guest canceling, technical failures, or a social media backlash—these can all escalate into full-blown public relations (PR) crises if not handled effectively.

No matter how much planning goes into a corporate event, the reality is this: something unexpected will happen.