Last month, Jennifer Murphy, Vice President of Meetings & Incentives at Atlas Travel, participated in the Skift Meetings Forum in New York City.
This event, part of the larger Skift Global Forum, brought together industry leaders to discuss how economic uncertainties, climate change, technological advancements and shifting traveler demands are reshaping the future of travel.
The event’s theme, “Travel’s Great Renewal (and Reckoning),” was reflected in its innovative format, featuring short, interactive sessions designed to encourage peer-to-peer discussion.
Presentations lasted just 30 to 45 minutes, followed by roundtable conversations, creating an engaging atmosphere for professionals to exchange insights. Key sessions included:
- Making Events Matter: Seth Godin emphasized the importance of pushing people out of their comfort zones to inspire growth and choosing clients who align with your business values.
- How Geopolitics Impact the Business of Events: This session explored how visa delays, political unrest and global conflicts are affecting travel, highlighting the importance of prioritizing meaningful meetings.
- Putting Connection at the Heart of the Attendee Experience: Sheraton Hotel showcased its Sheraton Transformation approach to fostering connection through localized, mini-meeting spaces and personalized experiences for business travelers.
- DEI at the Crossroads: Panelists highlighted the challenges of implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, stressing the importance of open conversations to avoid miscommunication.
- Captivating the Next Generation of Event Professionals: This session discussed generational differences in company loyalty, with younger generations seeking authenticity and proposing reverse mentoring for older generations.
- From David to Goliath of Event Tech: Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal explained how AI is streamlining event planning, allowing professionals to focus more on attendee experiences.
- Inspiration from the World of TED: Ted Talk’s Monique Ruff-Bell shared insights on building effective teams, sticking to consistent business models and defining roles clearly.
- Challenges & Opportunities Shaping Corporate Events: This session addressed shifts in event management post-pandemic, the rise of Gen-Z and concerns over AI's role in event planning.
At the event, Jennifer also participated in Skift’s Soap Saves Lives initiative, where attendees assembled sustainable hygiene kits to support those in need, underscoring the importance of corporate social responsibility in the events industry.
Jennifer’s attendance at the Skift Meetings Forum demonstrates our company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and continually enhancing the value Atlas Travel delivers through innovative event planning.