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Clients want as much value for their event spend as possible. That has always been the case, but global economic uncertainty adds greater pressure on planners. It may be hard to turn work away, but when does enough become too much?

In this episode of the Event Manager Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Bzdawka, chief executive officer of Knowland, a hospitality data analytics and technology company.

As Skift Meetings has been reporting all summer, events have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels. However, Knowland, a data and hospitality technology company that tracks meetings and events volume is optimistic that the industry will be back to 100 percent by the end of 2023. This is a result of pent-up demand as well as the lifting of corporate travel restrictions.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are strategic business imperatives event planners look at when choosing the site of their next gathering. Demographics and the political climate are also important facets of a destination being considered for an event.

Staffing shortages continue to hurt the event industry, and employers across the globe are scrambling to fill jobs. In the U.S. alone, there are around 10.7 million vacancies. Can apprenticeships help the event industry find the staff it needs?

In July, Skift Meetings reported that post-pandemic event attendance stalled at 65 percent, a stat that made waves in the industry. According to just-released data, we were correct and Freeman points out much else about attendees has changed.

In the latest episode of the Event Manager Podcast we are joined by Joe Schwinger, Chief Product / Innovation Officer of MeetingPlay + Aventri + Eventcore to discuss the importance of being able to embrace change and pivot.

A comprehensive menu of sustainable initiatives at event venues continues to grow and although they are mostly positive, many are also confusing. The nuanced differences must be kept in mind. 

When Salman Rushdie was stabbed on stage in full view of the audience at a speaking engagement at the Chautauqua Institution, it was the latest in a series of high-profile attacks during public events. What can event planners do to ensure this doesn't happen at their gatherings?

It’s a hot market right now for job seekers in the event industry, with most of the opportunities coming from third parties. Companies that laid off people during the pandemic are wary of staffing up too quickly and are turning to agencies instead. Facing a scarce candidate pool, employers are not only boosting pay but are addressing quality of life issues. 

Rehiring and reskilling conference center staff is a priority of the industry and must be complete before group business returns to where it was pre-pandemic. 

This episode features Jennifer Brisman, founder and CEO at VOW in a conversation about making technology work for event management.