IN THIS EDITION
How the Ebola outbreak is impacting events across Africa.
10 alternatives to serving sweets at events.
Event tech experts share where AI shines and where it doesn’t.
Plus, our new report on AI & the future of events, UFI confirms Bahrain as 2026 congress host, Prague gets started on convention center expansion and we celebrate Clare Melton.
Read on below, but first have your say in our poll!
What's your favorite way to use AI in events?
FEATURED STORIES
Ebola Outbreak Impacting Events Across Africa
by Barbara Scofidio
This week’s cancellation of a prominent African financial conference comes as confirmed Ebola cases surge, raising questions about whether more meetings will follow.
10 Alternatives to Serving Sweets at Events
by Barbara Scofidio
As attendees strive to eat healthier, here are 10 ideas for replacing decadent desserts and sweet treats as room gifts.
Don't Buy AI, Buy the Outcome
by Andrea Doyle
Event tech’s real differentiator isn't AI, it's whether the technology saves time, improves attendee experiences, or drives measurable business results.
Louisville Tourism + Skift Meetings
A new guide looks at how Louisville is giving planners access to hard-to-replicate local experiences — from VIP distillery visits to trackside trifecta tutorials and banjo-picking airport arrivals — to design memorable events.
NEW REPORT
Our latest report uncovers how AI is transforming the event experience and provides crucial insights for anyone looking to invest in event tech today.
What’s inside:
A vision of a reimagined the ideal AI-powered event experience.
A plain-language explainer on LLMs, agentic AI, and MCP.
130+ AI-native event tech tools mapped across event phases.
Questions to ask and red flags to look out for buying event tech.
RECOGNITION
The Skift IDEA Awards features five meetings and events categories: hotels, venues & convention centers, destination marketing organizations, event technology, and cruise lines.
Submit your entry by July 1.
DON’T MISS THESE STORIES
Bahrain Confirmed as Host of November UFI Congress
by Andrea Doyle
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is moving forward with its plan to host its flagship annual congress in Bahrain later this year. The move signals confidence in the Gulf, despite the recent conflict and ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting the region.
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.
