Audio visual (AV) is a critical — albeit often overlooked — component of successful events. Depending on what the planner needs, an event’s AV may appear invisible or it can take the spotlight. Either way, every large event needs some kind of AV.

AV providers come in as many shapes and sizes as there are kinds of events. There are large and small companies, in-house and independent providers. The right AV partner can make or break your event, and planners should evaluate these options as carefully as you would a venue and caterer.

A brand-new decade is upon us and seasoned meeting planners are looking for ways to keep up with innovative event industry trends. Whether it's eco or social responsibility, ensuring attendees have invigorating meeting spaces with beautiful views, healthy menu options, latest technology or unique breakout sessions, here are experiential ways to incorporate five key industry trends into your 2020 events.

The outlook for the events industry is bright through 2020. Human beings are driving to connect with each other, to experience things together. We look for opportunities to connect and grow, and events are a means through which this occurs. And more events mean more need for event planning services.

As the industry evolves and faces new issues like physical and cyber security, increasing diversity and changing expectations from attendees, event planning as a profession will need to evolve as well.

Because I’m a sustainability consultant, you may assume that I believe in human-caused climate change. Until recently, I’ve avoided talking much about climate change to my professional audience, because I want to avoid being polarizing or political.

If you’re a regular reader of my posts, you know that this year’s monthly columns explored ways to make 2019 the “Year of You.” From self-growth, reflection, healing, encouragement, forgiveness and accountability to our final topic – self acceptance and promotion.

As we get closer to year-end, our thoughts turn to holidays, peace, love joy, harmony, goodwill to all … and what better way to start your holiday season than by taking the CEN annual reader survey?

Our brief (less than 10 minute) reader survey drills down on the topics and types of content that you care about, and is also a great way to let us know if there is anything we’re missing — or anything we missed the boat on.

Social media success involves more than having tons of followers and likes. Significant reach and impressions can be vital ingredients to your social media soup. However, the ultimate test of your efforts comes down to driving brand loyalty, lead generation and, ultimately, customers. Here are the most vital stats for measuring the efficacy of your social media management.

Planning an event, whether it's a team-building trip, an outing for key clients or executives, or a conference, takes an enormous amount of organization. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the to-dos piling onto your list, take a deep breath and remember that your work is worthwhile.

When we asked 14 of the smartest women in event technology to name the top tech trends for the coming year, two findings jumped out:

1) There is no single trend that will dominate discussion (though there are a couple that definitely got more mentions); and

2) There are a LOT of tech trends that event professionals will need to watch!

These 14 brilliant women actually provided 36 responses covering 17 different topics. There were a wide range of one-off answers, among them:

In January I committed to making 2019’s columns about YOU. From lifelong learning and goal setting to finding a support team and being accountable, we’ve covered a lot of ground. With the year 90% completed, how are you feeling in the present moment? Share your story by emailing me at christy@strategic.events.