#164 Rethinking Next-Gen Events

On this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the events industry while emphasizing the enduring importance of human connection. This episode — recorded live at Event Tech Live London — features Colja Dams, Co-CEO of VOK DAMS, in conversation with Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief of Skift Meetings. As CEO of VOK DAMS, Dams brings a unique perspective on how technology is reshaping event experiences without compromising their fundamental purpose: bringing people together meaningfully. The conversation explores the fascinating intersection of cutting-edge AI capabilities and traditional event management principles, touching on everything from attention spans in the TikTok era to the future of mindful events. Dams's insights, drawn from his company's extensive experience managing thousands of events annually and their recent partnership with Cvent, reveal a nuanced understanding of how AI can enhance rather than replace human expertise in the events industry. Key Discussion Points: Attention Spans and Event Design: The decreasing attention span of modern audiences is reshaping event formats, moving away from lengthy sessions toward impactful 20-minute presentations while still maintaining opportunities for deep-dive content through masterclasses and breakouts. Personalization and Human Curation: While AI can help with personalization, human curation remains crucial. Some events are now offering specialized guided experiences for VIP attendees, creating "events within events" that maximize value through human expertise. Data-Driven Decision Making: AI and automation are transforming event management by providing comprehensive data analysis capabilities, helping organizers make informed decisions from strategy to execution while learning from past events' successes and failures. The "Burger Model" of AI Implementation: Successful AI integration requires human input at both ends of the process - initial prompting and final editing - similar to how smartphone photography still benefits from human expertise despite advanced AI capabilities. The Future of Mindful Events: While digitization continues to advance, the future of events lies in creating meaningful personal connections. Technology should enhance rather than replace these human interactions, focusing on generating valuable in-person experiences. Dams emphasizes that while AI and automation are transforming event management, the human element remains crucial for creating meaningful experiences. The future lies in finding the right balance between technological efficiency and personal touch. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftMeetings and never miss an update from the meetings and events industry.

What happens when AI meets authenticity in the meetings world? As we unpack 2024's most significant shifts - from game-changing acquisitions to unprecedented cost pressures - the Skift Meetings editorial team reveals how these developments are catalyzing a fundamental reimagining of events for 2025. Drawing from our comprehensive Skift Meetings Megatrends 2025 report, we explore how today's challenges are spawning tomorrow's innovations: multi-generational event design that spans Gen Z to Boomers, mental health-conscious programming that's reshaping attendee experiences, and sustainability measures that are no longer optional but business-critical. Join us as we connect the dots between 2024's lessons and the transformative solutions emerging for 2025. Read the full Skift Meetings Megatrends feature now. Connect with Skift Meetings Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Subscribe to @SkiftMeetings and never miss an update from the meetings and events industry.

This episode of the Skift Meetings podcast tackles a pressing question: As much as our industry has become consumed with promoting wellness at events, are meetings actually integrating these practices? Skift Meetings editor Barbara Scofidio and executive editor Andrea Doyle are joined by Kelly Bishop, founder of Wellevate Experiences, to explore the gap between wellness ideals and real-world applications. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

Join us for an in-depth look at IMEX America 2024, the latest edition of the largest trade show dedicated to meetings, events and incentive travel professionals. With over 15,500 attendees and 86,000 meetings, this year’s IMEX celebrated the global meetings and events sector. We discuss the buzz on the floor, the unique activations, and how Las Vegas’ iconic landscape—amid F1 construction and city-shaping events—added to the drama. Tune in to explore everything from personalized activations to wellness sessions and why baseball stadiums are emerging as the next big venue trend. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

The nonalcoholic beverage industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sophisticated options. Zero Proofed is one company that is promoting this movement to redefine mocktails and promote mindful drinking.  Challenges include the high sugar content in traditional mocktails, limited menu visibility, and higher costs of premium nonalcoholic spirits. Zero Proofed’s mission aligns with broader movements like "sober curious" and "mindful drinking," advocating for intentional and healthier drinking choices without the drawbacks of alcohol consumption. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

In today’s episode, we’re gearing up for one of the biggest events in the meetings and events industry—IMEX America 2024. Join Miguel Neves, Andrea Doyle, and Barbara Scofidio as they discuss their personal experiences, offer valuable tips for navigating the show floor, and share strategies for maximizing your time at IMEX. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this episode will guide you through everything from booking appointments and networking to surviving the whirlwind of Vegas. Tune in for expert advice and a look at what’s in store for this year’s IMEX America! Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we take a closer look at the Skift Meetings Forum, a one-of-a-kind event that brought together senior meeting planners, thought leaders, and industry experts in the heart of New York. From Seth Godin’s thought-provoking keynote to groundbreaking discussions on diversity, peer-to-peer learning, and the unique venue experience at the Glass House, this episode covers all the key takeaways and lessons shaping the events industry's future. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

The highly anticipated Skift Meetings Forum is an event tailored for senior meeting planners that promises a full day of thought-provoking and industry-shaping discussions. Hosted in the inspiring Glasshouse in New York City, this forum is more than just a conference—it’s a space for candid, high-level conversations about the most pressing topics in the meetings industry. From diversity and inclusion to captivating the next generations and geopolitics, the forum’s carefully curated sessions bring together industry heavyweights like Seth Godin and leading CEOs to offer new perspectives and spark change. Join us as we unpack the insights, preparation, and unique approach that make this forum an unmissable event for senior planners. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

Planners need to rethink every aspect of their events—marketing, hotel and destination choices, room setups, F&B, wellness, gifting and more—with their younger attendees in mind—a candid conversation with one of the top names in event design. Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.

Skift Meetings editors discuss the potential implications the U.S. presidential election and the many other elections happening worldwide in 2024 could have on the meetings industry. There's plenty to consider based on previous administrations' policies on some of the most contentious topics on the political agenda.  Connect with Skift Meetings LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings X: https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftmeetings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftmeetings/ Subscribe to @Skift Meetings to discover the future of meetings.