What are the top trends expected to have the biggest impact on the meetings and events industry in 2024 and beyond? 

Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Anaheim, Calif., has appointed Mike Waterman as its new president and CEO, effective April 29. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership and sales experience, Waterman comes to Anaheim from Visit Orlando, where he previously served as chief sales officer.

Three travel, tourism and event organizations and two leading hospitality companies recently announced strategic alliances and partnerships to benefit their members and audiences. Take a look!

Destinations International Forms New Partnerships

Destinations International (DI), a leading resource for destination organizations, has been establishing collaborative relationships with event and tourism organizations to spearhead business development efforts for its members.

After a nearly 20-year tenure at NYC Tourism + Conventions, Fred Dixon has been appointed president and CEO of the U.S.’s official destination marketing organization, Brand USA, effective July 15. He is succeeding Christopher Thompson, who announced his retirement in July 2023 and has held the role of president and CEO since 2012.

As an annual international day of advocacy that showcases the incredible and undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses, communities and the global economy, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) will once again gather event industry professionals virtually and in person on Thurs., April 11 to communicate and celebrate the importance of the events industry.

As wellness comes to the forefront for some corporate leaders, planners may be tasked with producing a retreat for their organization. 

In fact, the corporate wellness market was valued at an estimated $61 billion in 2023, and this number is expected to rise to $85 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Where are companies spending on wellness?

For organizers who are truly serious about sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint of their trade shows, meetings and events, incorporating plant-forward menus is more than a culinary trend — it’s a strategic choice that aligns with broader societal shifts, especially among younger generations. By making this change, event organizers can not only enhance the attendee experience but also cut carbon and costs while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Connect is building upon its reputation as a leading provider of experiences, business opportunities and inspiration through an enhanced media coverage offering. Effective immediately, Connect’s portfolio will expand to include:

         •       Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the prestigious online news outlet covering the exhibition, trade show, and events industries since 1996

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) President and CEO Antonio Neri will be the first corporate leader to deliver a keynote address at Sphere in Las Vegas during HPE Discover 20

Celebrated every March, Women’s History Month is an opportune time to celebrate the female achievers of the trade show and events industry.