Skift Meetings Podcast

As associate director of meetings at the American Physical Society (APS), Andre Cholewinski plans a portfolio of meetings. The society's largest, the March meeting, brings together 13,000 physicists each year in a North American city.

Meeting planning is not impervious to global socio-political issues, so such issues inevitably impact destination selection. The big question that arises is whether or not to consider destinations with controversial laws. Cholewinski shares why APS chooses to hold meetings in such destinations while actively supporting local causes.

Excluding or even boycotting destinations due to controversial laws can seem like the right thing to do. However, Cholewinski argues it may not be the most effective way to enact change. "Boycotting does not solve the problem," he states, pointing out that such actions often harm local members and service industry workers the most. Instead, Cholewinski advocates for a more constructive approach, focusing on supporting local causes and initiatives that align with an organization's values.

Under Cholewinski's guidance, APS has shifted its strategy towards engaging with destinations in a way that supports local communities and advocates for change from within. Organizations can make a meaningful impact by partnering with local causes, especially those affected by adverse laws. This strategy benefits the cause and allows the event to proceed, benefiting the communities of physicists at these destinations.

Cholewinski's forward-thinking approach impacts the site selection process. APS now incorporates a comprehensive analysis of potential destinations, considering factors such as local laws, human rights campaign scores, and community safety. This meticulous process ensures that event locations align with the organization's values and support safe, inclusive environments for all attendees.

The strategy of supporting local causes over boycotting serves as a model for organizations looking to make a positive impact. APS's approach demonstrates that it's possible to host successful events while also contributing to meaningful change in communities. Organizations can support inclusivity and diversity by choosing engagement over exclusion, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility.

Cholewinski also looks for diversity when building his team. He values a specific trait — scrappiness. Amid the complexities of organizing large events, the ability to react swiftly and efficiently to unforeseen challenges is invaluable. Cholewinski explains, "I need someone that's going to be on-site, and if the building collapses around them, they know what to do right away."

As planners and organizations navigate the complexities of global issues, supporting local causes presents a viable alternative to boycotting, one that not only avoids the negative implications of such actions but also fosters positive change. As the industry evolves, this approach could redefine how organizations interact with destinations worldwide, prioritizing support and engagement over exclusion.

Hard work, resilience, intention, blessings, grit, and luck are what Monique Ruff-Bell, chief program and strategy officer at TED Conferences, attributes to her success. "If anyone told little girl, teenage, or even 20-year-old Monique what she would eventually get to do, she wouldn't have believed you," she says.

Ruff-Bell is the new chief program and strategy officer for TED. She oversees TED's flagship global events and conferences, TEDx programs and initiatives, global partnership sales, and key marketing verticals for the organization. She plays a vital role in shaping and executing TED's strategic plan, contributing to the advancement of its mission, operational excellence, and overall organizational growth.

This new role for TED brings growth areas together under one umbrella. Most know TED for its flagship events like TED, TEDWomen, and TED Countdown, but there were 3,400 other events held last year across 142 countries, bringing together 600,000 attendees in local communities.

Ruff-Bell listens to thousands of TED Talks each year in her role. What would the title of the talk she would give? "How to Smile Through the Pain."

Read on at https://meetings.skift.com/monique-ruff-bell-smile-through-the-pain/

Rob Adams, the CEO and owner of Bishop-McCann, has a storied career that took a dramatic turn from a 12-year stint at tech giant Microsoft to the helm of a premier events company. Adams' transformation journey reveals some profound insights he's gathered along the way. From the simple yet profound mission of creating joy to savoring unique experiences and benefiting from the mindset shift of younger generations, Adams sees a bright future for the meetings industry.

From Tech to Events

Adams started his career in events with a remarkable transition from a 12-year tenure at Microsoft. Adams enlightened listeners with his decision to shift gears, a move that left his colleagues perplexed. Adams' rationale for such a change was steeped in potential rather than just parties.

Creating Joy

Bishop-McCann's mission statement — 'We create joy' — might seem simplistic in wording, yet it embodies the company's profound impact on its clients. Adams stressed the significance of this mission and emphasized the pivotal role of joy.

Savouring the Experience

Adams also revealed a personal practice he maintains during events: taking a solitary moment to create a "mental picture" capturing the essence of the gathering, a practice that encapsulates the fleeting beauty of human interaction and celebration.

Events: A Trilogy of People, Moments, and Memories

Adams eloquently distilled the essence of events into three elements: people, moments, and memories. This philosophy underscores the sensory richness of events, an experience Bishop-McCann strives to perfect. By accentuating the individual attendee experience, Adams envisions a future where events are tailored to create lasting, positive impressions for each participant.

Generational Influence: A Forward-Thrust for Industry Change

According to Adams, younger generations have become catalysts for transformative change across the meetings industry. Their demand for balance, transparency, and defined career development have become benchmarks that benefit all workers. Bishop-McCann has embraced these changes, instituting policies like unlimited vacation, which Adams acknowledges were "influential" and accepted as a boon by all age groups within the corporation.

The Benefits of Competitor Collaboration

Adams wished for the meetings industry to emulate the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging an open exchange of ideas among competitors could, in Adams' view, drive collective improvement and innovation within the industry, a sentiment that resonates with Bishop-McCann's inclusive and progressive ethos.

Our latest report, Event Technology Made Simple, is designed to provide business event professionals with a clear and concise summary of what event technology platforms have to offer today. In this episode take a closer look at:

• Why we created this report
• The current landscape of event technology
• The changes to features and functionalities
• The deal-breaker features we identified

Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, and events.

Visit Phoenix is redefining its role in the community. It is positioning itself as a key player in economic development through strategic storytelling and event management. Lorne Edwards, chief sales officer at Visit Phoenix, highlighted the organization's commitment to driving visitation and showcasing Phoenix's unique cultural narrative.

Behind the Scenes of the Super Bowl

Hosting the Super Bowl required extensive preparation behind the scenes, making it the standout experience for the Visit Phoenix team. Edwards recounted the emotional impact and pride of executing such a prestigious global event, emphasizing the meticulous planning involved.

Shifting Planner Conversations to Intellectual Capital

The dialogues between Visit Phoenix and event planners have evolved significantly. There is now a greater emphasis on intellectual capital and immersive experiences over mere logistics. Jane Vukovich, director of destination services at Visit Phoenix, agreed that integrating the destination's culture and intellectual strongholds into events has become a priority.

Collaboration Is Key

Reflecting on the pandemic's impact, Edwards expressed the necessity for enhanced collaboration within the meetings industry, calling for transparent conversations and joint efforts to elevate the industry's profile. The goal is to foster partnerships enabling the city to leverage its intellectual and cultural assets during events fully.

Through innovative storytelling, attention to detail in massive undertakings like the Super Bowl, and a shift towards integrating intellectual capital into events, Visit Phoenix sets the bar for destinations eager to make a lasting impact on visitors and residents alike.