Spring 2016 | The Next Issue

Spring 2016 | The Next Issue

The Next Issue: Ever been in line at a deli, the DMV or a coffee shop and heard the person behind the counter yelling, “Next!” Then a moment later, “Next!” and right on down the line as you speed shuffle through the process? At times, that is how the meetings industry feels.

Less than 10 years ago, you started to get a handle on promoting your conference to members through Facebook. “Next!”

Soon, you adopt a strategic meetings management program and roll it out. “Next!”

You make your event more sustainable and eco-friendly. “Next!”

You create an event app and spend a year convincing attendees to use it. “Next!”

Time and technology are moving at breakneck speed. Right as you were getting used to Instagramming memes from your conference keynote speakers, you find out having a live presence for your event on Snapchat is the next big thing. Last year you were  strolling through walk-throughs and site visits tapping on your Apple Watch. But do you know about IoT yet and how it will affect your meetings and conferences in the near future?

Only a moment ago you and your cohorts were the rising industry stars, and now here we are with a bunch of hot shots and next-gen leaders in our annual 40 Under 40 feature. On top of that, we dared to dub it “The Next List”!

I wish I could tell you things were going to slow down, but it’s simply not true. Besides, what’s the fun in that? Grab on and hold tight—the future is coming, and it involves booth-side dining on the convention floor, engaging attendees in elevators and more. In the following pages, we’ll show you what’s up next!

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