Meeting planners may not spend much of their days thinking about EBITDA and diluted EPS. But dealmakers do — and today's $3 billion announcement that Informa is buying Clarion shows just how much value they see in meetings and events. It's the second-largest organizer deal ever, and if approved, it will give one company even more leverage across venues and suppliers. Head below for the full story from Andrea Doyle, and stay tuned for more reaction to the news. — David McMillin
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FEATURED STORIES
Informa's $3 Billion Clarion Deal Set to Reshape Events Industry
by Andrea Doyle
New Industry Community Will Focus on Seasoned Pros
by Barbara Scofidio
6 Lessons to Navigate the Future of Events
by Andrea Doyle
Private Equity's $6 Billion Bet on Trade Shows
by Andrea Doyle
Business Events Australia + Skift Meetings
Think designing a more sustainable meeting means paying more money? Think again. As planners work to design programs that take better care of the planet, more of them are finding an answer in Australia.
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WORTH YOUR TIME
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What 20 years of building events proves about their real value.
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What a trade show looks like when the product isn’t allowed on the exhibit floor.
When AI agents might start outnumbering humans in the events industry.
SKIFT PICK: TRANSLATING TRAVEL TRENDS FOR MEETINGS
Out of Retirement, and Into the Reauthorization Fight
Caroline Beteta just retired from leading Visit California, but she isn’t heading for any relaxing beach in the Golden State just yet. Instead, she’s heading to Brand USA as interim CEO, the same temporary gig she held back in 2012. It’s the same title, but it’s a very different job. Congress cut the cap on Brand USA's federal matching funds by 80% last year, the staff shrank 15%, five of 11 board seats sit empty, and funding only runs through September 2027. Beteta calls her priority "singular": getting Brand USA reauthorized.
Meanwhile, America's actual brand is in rough shape. Overseas arrivals were down about 12% year over year in August, and the U.S.-Canada standoff is spilling into conference attendance. If your event depends on international registrations, root for Beteta, but don’t budget around her. Destination marketing takes years to pay off, and Brand USA spent last year fighting for its own funding. Plan 2027 as if international numbers stay soft, and build in virtual or regional options for the attendees who won’t make the trip.
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.
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