Skift Take
Boom times for the meeting and events sector are disrupting the status quo, putting pressure on planners to do more with less. We are entering a period of unprecedented change for the industry.
All the signs of a growing and prosperous meetings industry were on display at IMEX America here in Las Vegas this week, with big parties and countless press conferences held by global destinations and hotel brands.
The reality for meeting planners, however, is much more fraught. The surge in demand for events has led to an increased workload for planners, with rising costs and complexity putting the pressure on the entire process.
Furthermore, the specter of future commission cuts from the major global hotel chains has them on edge, particularly those who rely on such payments to fund their business operations.
Event professionals at IMEX America told Skift they expect other major chains to follow the lead o