The first-ever Skift Meetings Forum launched in September of 2023 at the newly opened North Javits extension of New York’s world-famous Javits Center. It was an opportunity for some of the industry’s top leaders to share insights on the evolving landscape of meetings and events.

Top concerns included labor shortages, shifting demographics, travel bans, the disruptive potential of AI, the shifting role of associations, and the growing movement around sustainability.

Drawing from the forum’s sessions, this report covers a range of insights into the future of meetings. Topics include:

• BUSINESS: Why industry leaders like Maritz are consolidating, and what it can teach us about the wider market.
• ATTENDEES: How demographic trends spell major shifts in event design.
• POLITICS AND SAFETY: What DMOs are doing to help event organizers advocate for constructive change in a polarized political climate.
• AI: How AI technology is already reshaping the world of meetings and events - and where it will take us next.
• EVENT COMMUNITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS: How communities are now central to all things event-related, from associations to venue sourcing platforms.
• SUSTAINABILITY: Why coming together as an industry will be essential to true progress towards a greener future.

In this report, presented in partnership with New York City Tourism + Conventions, we explore some of the key highlights from the most interesting sessions at the 2023 Skift Meetings Forum.

1. Introduction
2. Consolidation Is the Future With Maritz Leading the Way
3. Event Design Evolves With Next Gen Event Attendees
4. Travel Bans and Politics Influence Group Travel and the Meetings Industry
5. AI Technology Will Boost Productivity in the Event Industry
6. Event Communities Create Strength in Numbers
7. Sustainability Progress Requires Big-Picture Thinking