IN THIS EDITION
Challenges ahead for VIP World Cup groups at MetLife Stadium
Business events generate $1.3 trillion globally, but remain “invisible”
U.S. politics blamed for 13,500-person conference moving from Seattle to Vienna
Plus, Routes World swaps Riyadh for Frankfurt and we recognize Women Leader in Meetings Betsy Gonzalez and Meetings Innovator Kyle Jordan
Read on below.
FEATURED STORIES
World Cup Access Restrictions Are Driving VIP Groups Away
by Andrea Doyle
No limos. No parking. No tailgating. With MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the July 19 final, event planners have one month to figure out a new playbook.
Business Events Are the 'Invisible Industry' Behind $1.3 Trillion in Sales
by Barbara Scofidio
The $1.8 trillion of total GDP generated by business events globally in 2025 would rank the sector as the world’s 16th-largest economy — if it were a country.
Academy of Management Pulls 13,500-Person Conference Out of the U.S.
by Andrea Doyle
Seattle’s loss is Vienna’s gain. The Academy of Management's decision to move its annual meeting out of the U.S. highlights how immigration policy and politics are shaping international meeting decisions.
Melbourne Convention Bureau & Business Events Australia + Skift Meetings
Are you worried about a potential drop in registration numbers? Find out where some of your peers are turning for above-average global participation.
WEBINAR
We’re unpacking what medical meetings look like in 2026, with compliance, budgetary pressures, measuring engagement, and mastering AI all top of mind.
Joining us are three experts offering diverse perspectives:
Jody Brandes (Gilead Sciences)
Pat Schaumann (Schaumann Consulting Group)
Samantha Steinkeler (Meetings & Incentives Worldwide)
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.
EVENTS
On September 22, Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together event leaders for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape.
DON’T MISS THESE STORIES
Routes World Diverts 2026 Conference From Riyadh to Frankfurt
by Andrea Doyle
Saudi Arabia has invested billions to become a global meetings hub, but Routes World’s decision to move its flagship event to Frankfurt shows that attendee confidence can outweigh even the most ambitious destination strategy.
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.
