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Q&A: How One Event Speaker is on a Mission to Support Sober Lifestyles

Event Marketer

I stopped drinking and then went back on the road as a speaker, and I started to see what life was like on the other side as an attendee who doesnt drink. For Nelson, its all about starting the conversation among event planners, attendees and, most importantly, venues to rethink how we orient networking and food and beverage.

Speakers 278
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Q&A: Mark Cooper at 2025 IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange

Smart Meetings

Thats why we include speakers on negotiation, influence and professional development. SM Food has played a big role in this event. MC Food waste management is a core focus. In our Copper Skillet competition, chefs are judged and penalized on food waste. We also avoid food and beverage minimums at our conferences.

2025 241
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Getting More Value from Conference Keynote Speakers

Velvet Chainsaw

Not long ago, becoming a professional speaker was a third step in a thought leaders career path. Keynote speakers should be chosen wisely. From a conference design perspective, we believe the current best practice is to bookend your conference by opening with a strong-thought provoking speaker and closing with inspiration.

Speakers 278
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Competent logistics are the new meeting minimum

Conferences that Work

They assume that meetings will consist of sessions with speakers on a stage. And they assume that when attendees are not in sessions, we should ply them with food and drink and entertainment. Far more space is devoted to entertainment and food and beverage. The meeting industry has redefined novelty as creativity.

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An Outstanding Year for Venues of Excellence

Prestige Events Magazine

Featuring top industry speakers addressing key trends and challenges, alongside a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing essential services and products for the hospitality sector, the conference was a resounding success.

Venues 263
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Two Tensions Keeping Senior Event Professionals Up at Night

Velvet Chainsaw

The big three include food & beverage, A/V + production and speakers/entertainment. Utilizing industry speakers for one of your keynote slots. Any cut-backs made in these categories can negatively impact your attendee value proposition.

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Culinary Experience in Vegas Nourished Relationships

Smart Meetings

Accessible, healthy, creative food and the people who order F&B for events took center stage at Smart Meetings Culinary Experience at Paris Las Vegas this week. The Power of Catering Tracy Stuckrath Meeting professional choices about food and beverage orders impact everything from sustainability, engagement and inclusivity to budget.