Is 2026 the Industry's Next Big Stress Test?

The booking engine is still running, but political tension, cost pressure and slower growth are testing planner resilience in 2026. MORE

Middle East Shockwaves Hit Meetings Industry

The joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran have sent immediate tremors through global travel networks — and meeting planners are already feeling the aftershocks. Here’s what the Gulf crisis means for the global meetings industry. MORE

The Price of Presence: What Business Travel Data Means for Meeting Planners

Business travel isn’t just back — it’s doubling down on premium destinations. MORE

Cultural Competency Is the New Revenue Strategy for Meetings

The era of cultural awareness as a “nice-to-have” is over now that cultural competency has become a revenue driver for meetings and events. MORE

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Who’s New at ConferenceDirect in March 2026

Welcome to ConferenceDirect’s newest associates! MORE

ConferenceDirect is a global meetings solutions company offering site selection/contract negotiation, conference management, housing & registration services, mobile app technology, virtual and hybrid events, marketing support for meetings, and strategic meetings management solutions. It provides expertise to 4,400+ associations, corporations, and sporting authorities through our 400+ global associates. www.conferencedirect.com

MeetingMentor is a business journal for senior meeting planners that is distributed in print and digital editions to the clients, prospects, and associates of ConferenceDirect, which handles over 13,000 worldwide meetings, conventions, and incentives annually. www.meetingmentormag.com