AI dominated just about every conversation at the GBTA Convention in Chicago this week. No matter where I turned, someone was there ready to tell me about the AI-powered innovation that would make booking my travels better and submitting my expenses easier. Who knows? Maybe AI will even start taking the trips for me and enjoy sitting in the middle seat.
While it’s easy to roll your eyes at more promises about AI, one breakout session made me recognize that some of those lofty promises are indeed coming true. Kimberly Meyer, co-founder of Data Angel, pointed out that fully agentic AI bookings are already happening with smaller meetings. Those agents are analyzing data, conducting negotiations, and sourcing the right hotels. Soon enough, she expects all major hotels to build their own agents. The pace of change is staggeringly fast. By the time you receive this email, one of those agents may already be reviewing your RFP.
For now, head below for the scoop on the $1.285 billion Bending Spoons-Airtable deal, tips for better collaboration with procurement, and a close look at the change-maker connecting the events industry to a pool of two million job-seekers. — David McMillin
DON’T MISS OUT
If an agent is already reviewing your RFP, the question is what the planner's job becomes next.
That debate belongs onstage with peers, not in a vendor demo. On September 22 at the Javits Center, confirmed speakers include Bettina Garibaldi of the FIFA World Cup 26 host committee, Dan Macsai of Time, and Peter Lewis of SXSW, in a room that ran 77% director level and above last year.
WEBINAR
Women power the meetings industry — yet rarely run it. Join Skift Meetings, Elaine Lou Cartas and Monique Ruff-Bell, next Wednesday, 12 August at 11amET, for a candid look at the leadership gap, the barriers behind it, and what's changing. Register for the webinar now.
Sponsored by Visit Atlantic City.
FEATURED STORIES
Bending Spoons Keeps Buying: $1.285 Billion for Airtable This Time
by Andrea Doyle
Bending Spoons now owns a registration platform and planning tool that many event teams run on daily. The company's track record says cost discipline comes before product investment, which means the integration organizers are hoping for is a bet, not a guarantee.
Procurement to Planners: We’re Not the Enemy
by Barbara Scofidio
Procurement is measured on cost savings, while planners are measured on attendee experience. No wonder they think they're on different teams.
Meet the Woman Connecting the Events Industry to 2 Million Job Seekers
by Barbara Scofidio
Along with an army of volunteers, Laura Palker is forging a new career path for students who want to work in events. It’s no easy task.
WORTH YOUR TIME
Five things worth your time today.
Help your attendees win approval for your next conference with a strong justification letter.
Know the warning signs of an AI event scam to protect yourself and your organization’s data.
Get a preview of the $4 billion investment that will redefine the home of Disneyland for a more mature attendee experience.**
Learn how to speak the language of the C-suite to elevate your role from planner to partner.
Make a better business case for your next program with some simple messaging adjustments.
** A sponsored message from Visit Anaheim..
SKIFT PICK: TRANSLATING TRAVEL TRENDS FOR MEETINGS
Booking a European Meeting? Be Sure to Ask About the AC.
Air conditioning penetration in Europe sits at just 20%, compared to roughly 90% in the U.S. As heatwaves get worse and more frequent, Skift’s Tasmin Lockwood highlighted that European hotels are stuck in the middle. They want cool, happy guests, but EU building-energy rules and their own sustainability commitments mean they can’t just crank the AC everywhere. AC units across Europe are expected to more than double by 2050, but that's a 2050 fix for a right-now problem.
If you're booking a meeting or conference in Europe this summer — or really any summer going forward — don't assume every meeting room, breakout space, and guest room will be cooled the way it would be at a U.S. property. Is there AC in the sleeping rooms? In the general session space? Is it centrally controlled, or does someone at the front desk have to turn it on? And in addition to asking the hotel those questions, ask yourself whether your organization has a proper plan in place to respond to potential heat-related health and safety issues.
DON’T MISS THESE STORIES
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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