There’s a lot to be excited about in the event industry in November. This month, we’re seeing speakers make their mark onstage and cutting edge technology unlock completely novel experiences for attendees. And looking ahead to next year, experts are feeling optimistic about the state of the speaking industry. To keep you up to date on some of the high notes, we put together a quick roundup of five event industry highlights for this month. Let’s dig in:
1. Two-thirds of event planners expect a larger budget for meetings in 2025
How about some good news? An Amex Global Business Travel survey of 519 meeting professionals around the world showed a steady expectation of event budget growth across global regions. In North America, 70 percent of planners said budgets would increase in 2025. In-person events continue to dominate, and planners are committed to attendee engagement, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall experience. Get the full breakdown.
2. Malcolm Gladwell apologized onstage and received a standing ovation
For most of us, it’s hard to admit when we’re wrong. But if you’re in the public eye as a speaker, an author, and a renowned thought leader on human nature, that challenge gets a lot more complicated. Malcolm Gladwell recently stood on stage at TEDNext and apologized for the views he wrote in his 2000 book “The Tipping Point.” As he ended his talk with “I’m sorry,” the room erupted in applause. Read three takeaways on how he got it so right.
3. 5 tips on how to show appreciation for your attendees
This time of year is always a great reminder of the importance of gratitude. For event organizers, making your attendees feel your appreciation throughout the event and beyond can be the difference between a lasting, memorable impression and one that fizzles out without making much of an impact. In this piece from Meeting Planners International, read how automation, personalization, creativity, and data can empower you to thoroughly and thoughtfully thank your attendees.
4. What we’re streaming: AAE’s watch list of binge-worthy shows
You work hard. There’s nothing wrong with kicking back, relaxing, and losing yourself in a great TV show. In fact, at AAE, we’re absolutely here for it. With so many options available on streaming platforms, we decided to survey our team to identify some suggestions for you. Turns out, we enjoy a variety of genres, from comedy to animated sci-fi, and had some solid suggestions on what to watch this fall. Take a look at these six titles our team is enjoying at the moment.
5. A new blueprint for how music and tech can intertwine at events
You may not have a “cutting-edge technology” budget. But we all can benefit from the kind of creativity on display at cutting-edge events. The Worlds Away Fest — with its immersive experiences like an AR scavenger hunt, a digital graffiti wall, and virtual merchandise try-ons — was a great example of a cutting edge event. See how they took the attendee experience to the next level, reinventing what the word music festival really means. How will you incorporate this kind of creativity into your 2025 events?
Spot a trend worth highlighting in a future post? Let us know.
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