We’ve spent a lot of time writing about troubling international attendance trends for U.S. meetings this year, but today’s top story tells a different one. More than 3,500 attendees from more than 100 countries are heading to Washington, D.C. for the B20 Summit. The B20 is the private-sector equivalent of the G20, and this is the first time the summit will be held in the U.S.

The win for the U.S. is only half of it. The bigger lesson is in how the summit will feel for attendees. The B20 has historically followed the same playbook as any major convention, with everything under one roof. In D.C., organizers are spreading out across 14 venues at The Wharf to create a neighborhood-style experience, and they’re pulling it off with just a one-day load-in. Head below to read how. Plus, we’ve got a look at new approaches to event sponsorships and tips for running a successful silent auction. — David McMillin

How are your peers thinking about risk in the destination selection process? What’s next for entry policies and fees? Which regions are making the biggest infrastructure bets for the future? Find out in a new report from Skift Meetings designed to help you get a sense of the future of the global meetings landscape.

This report was sponsored by Destination Toronto and Ottawa Tourism.

Visit Anaheim + Skift Meetings

Big attractions aren’t just about selling bleisure to your attendees. They also typically mean better infrastructure and safety systems, along with more direct flights.

Take a Look at the Pricing Story in Las Vegas

Big conventions love Las Vegas. And in MGM Resorts’ latest earnings call, the love seemed even bigger: The company, which controls 40% of the rooms on the Strip, booked more than 500,000 group and convention room nights last quarter, beating its internal targets. Behind all those attendees, however, there are some trends that could spell trouble — even for the house. CEO Bill Hornbuckle said airfares to Vegas were “about 45%” higher this summer than last, pointing to the disappearance of Spirit Airlines’ low fares and how that changed the way other carriers price the market. High gas prices haven’t helped visitors who drive in, either. To keep rooms full, MGM has been cutting prices. Room rates were flat in July, then fell by mid-single digits in August and high-single digits in September.

If you’re counting on Vegas as a destination that will motivate more attendees to register, it’s worth putting yourself in their shoes. For a lot of them, the flight is now the biggest number in their trip budget. You can’t fix airfare, but you can make the rest of the trip cheaper. Hotels that are giving away rate to fill rooms should be ready to come to the bargaining table. Ask for wiggle room on resort fees and Wi-Fi, and then, pass those savings straight to attendees. And look again at any travel stipend or speaker package you set a year ago, because it’s probably short.

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