When was the last time you felt genuinely comfortable at a networking event? If you’re struggling to come up with an example, you’re not alone. Standing in a crowded room with a drink in one hand and a lanyard around your neck isn’t easy for a lot of us.
Last week at IMEX America, I picked up a few simple adjustments that can make networking feel less like a dreaded chore and more like a good conversation with a new friend. Head below to see how to take the edge off at your next event, plus a full roundup of the mood on the show floor in Vegas, a new career initiative from EIC and what SITE’s interim CEO has planned. — David McMillin
FEATURED STORIES
One Woman Leader on the Importance of Curiosity
by Barbara Scofidio
At IMEX America, Optimism Comes With a Price Tag
by Andrea Doyle
Why Networking Receptions Stress Attendees Out — And What to Build Instead
by David McMillin
EIC’s Plan to Help Planners Find New Job Opportunities
by Barbara Scofidio
BESydney + Skift Meetings
Sydney is already one of the world’s safest cities. Now, a new international airport and a slate of new hotels and venues are about to put it at the top of more consideration sets.
WORTH YOUR TIME
Five questions worth your time today.
Where are the 50 new hotels every meeting planner should know about?
What if AI thinks your event is canceled?
After Informa-Clarion, who buys who next?
What holds 1,500 events together during Tech Week?
How can you make a stronger first impression?
SKIFT PICK: TRANSLATING TRAVEL TRENDS FOR MEETINGS
Hotels Can’t Top Summer 2026. That’s Your Opening for 2027.
Wall Street expects U.S. hotels to finish this year strong. 2027, though, not so much. I combed through the fine print of one of Skift’s Daily Lodging Reports last week. Compare Truist Securities’ fourth-quarter RevPAR growth forecast of 6% to 8% for mid- and upper-end hotels to just 2.5% to 4.5% growth for those same hotels in 2027. The main reason: next June and July will be measured against this summer’s World Cup crowds.
To be clear, that’s slower growth, not falling rates. However, it’s important to think about the revenue manager on the other side of your email. Their performance is judged year over year, and they already know summer 2027 will look soft next to summer 2026, especially in former host cities. A group that fills those nights makes their numbers look better. So, be bold and ask for more than you would have a year ago. That could mean a better rate, a lower F&B minimum or friendlier attrition terms. How aggressive should you be? Pay close attention to what executives say about 2027 group pace when third-quarter earnings start this week.
Great events are built on strategy, innovation, and the right resources. The Skift Meetings Toolkit is your go-to hub for best practices in managing meetings and events.
