Trendsetters

The 2023 Meetings Trendsetters Blazing Trails in the Events Industry

These are the 20 meetings and events professionals who have been named this year's 2023 Meetings Today Trendsetters.

Graphic that reads Inclusivity for All with a rainbow-colored flower made of hands.

A Trailblazing Association Planner Shares His Tips for Event Accessibility

American Anthropological Association planner Nate Wambold has taken massive strides making the association’s events accessible. Here is his advice for his meeting professional colleagues on how to start their journey, and the proper mindset to strive for.

Maritz Global Events' Amy Kramer on Disruptive New Meetings Tech

Amy Kramer, innovation leader for Maritz Global Travel, discusses the "new language of events," which includes disruptive technology such as NFTs, the Metaverse and generative AI.

Jolene Jang on Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the Meetings Industry

Leading Asian American inclusivity consultant Jolene Jang discusses the many facets of the Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and the challenges faced by this massive demographic in the meetings and events industry.

Stop Box-Checking: High Achievers, People-Pleasing and Rediscovering Your Authentic Goals

Who are you living for? Devon Montgomery Pasha, director, North America for Event Design Collective and founder of DMP Creative, LLC, shares her perspective on working on your own goals versus the goals of others, identifying box-checking behavior and taking back control of your life.

Podcast sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

DEI Update: Meetings Diversity Leaders Greg DeShields and Sheila Alexander-Reid Share Their Perspectives

Meetings Today touched base with two leading DEI proponents, Greg DeShields, executive director of Tourism Diversity Matters, and Sheila Alexander-Reid, executive director diversity for PHL Diversity (a division of the Philadelphia CVB) to get their take on successes as well as the challenges ahead.

Naomi Hollas Shares Her Steps to Success in the Events Industry

Naomi Hollas “fell into the industry,” but once she found it, events became her passion and her story became one of success. Now, she shares her event industry experiences to help others reach their goals.

Graphic of shape of California made up of diverse people.

3 California Tourism DEI Leaders Who Are Making a Difference

California is taking a leading role in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism and meetings and events industries. Here are three Golden State tourism and education leaders who are blazing the way to a more equitable future for all.

Tracy Stuckrath, Founder, thrive! meetings & events

The Case for Plant-Forward, Default-Veg Menus at Meetings

The concept of “default veg” is on the rise. Tracy Stuckrath details the benefits of plant-based meals. Greener by Default sets the table.

Why Aren't Sustainability and Net Zero as Important in the U.S. as in Europe?

Meetings Today interviewed James Rees, executive director, conference and events, ExCel London and former president of the International Congress and Convention Association, about the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and other major sustainability efforts underway in Europe and North America.