November 2015
Cover Story/CMP Series
Are You Finding the Best Speakers for Your Events?
How are you finding, hiring, and working with speakers — and is there a better way?
Cover photo illustration by Aaron Dyer
Features
15th Annual Meetings Industry Forecast
In 2016, the Asia-Pacific region will lead the world in, travel growth, global exhibitions will increase by 4.5 percent, hotel occupancy will push 70 percent, and virtual-reality technology will come into its own. Read in our facsimile edition.
A New Model for Teamwork
Convene talked to corporate executive and speaker Michelle Stacy about building teams that enhance the meeting experience.
Applying Positive Psychology to Meetings and Events
Instead of asking the question that psychology has always asked — What goes wrong with people? — harness the power of what goes right.
Is One of These 'Invisible Forces' Holding You Back?
Former attorney and CNN commentator Mel Robbins talks to Convene about how to harness fear to improve your career.
Are You Ignoring Your Gray Rhinos?
Author Michele Wucker discusses the consequences of ignoring the obvious, whether it's a cultural phenomenon or a seemingly small issue at work.
A New Model for Customer Loyalty
We talk to entrepreneur Johnny Earle about how uniqueness drives experience -- and creates loyalty among your attendee base.
Departments
Annual Orphan Train Riders Celebration
The strange history of indigent and orphaned children from Eastern cities who were transported to Western farms in the early part of the 20th century is celebrated each year in Kansas.
Microsoft's Hybrid Meeting Gamble
Microsoft has expanded the reach of its CIO Summit by rethinking the hybrid experience.
Supported Article Food & Beverage
Reinventing the Lunch Meeting
First Seating’s guiding principle is that the team that cooks and eats together, strategizes and grows together.
A New Twist on CSR in London
The London Heart Trail was created in conjunction with the European Society of Cardiology Congress to raise awareness of — and take steps to improve — heart health.
3 Strategies for Intentional Conference Design
Attendees have more choices than ever for professional development and making informed purchasing decisions. How do you make your event stand out?
Plenary
WEFTEC 2015
The Windy City welcomed more than 25,000 water-processing technology and safety workers for the 2015 Water Environment Federation Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference.
Hooray for Hollywood
Here's what I saw on the red carpet and from the first row of the mezzanine at the 67th Primetime Emmys.
NAVC Conference 2016
Each year, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) hosts the largest veterinary conference in the world.
A World of Cultures in Malaysia
We tour some of Malaysia's most stunning meeting venues on a five-day trip to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
4 Design Principles to Apply to Your Meetings
From event to event and year to year, how can you keep the look and feel of your meetings fresh?
Musical Chairs for Meetings
Group dynamics change during the course of a meeting. Why should the room set stay the same?
The Matchmaking Trick That Improves Attendee Networking
How do you create meaningful interactions — authentic and low-key — between sponsors and attendees?
Who’s Down With Airbnb?
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em: why Airbnb is undeniably an integral part of the meetings industry.
Also In This Issue
5 Ways to Carpe Diem
Our annual Meetings Industry Forecast helps prepare your events for the future.