Andrew Sheivachman

A combination of small-city hospitality, modern facilities, a collaborative approach, and an effort to show off individuality is winning over event organizers who tend to select big cities for their conferences.

It should come as no surprise that the government isn't following its own rules when it comes to securing the traveler data it seizes from personal devices. Another reminder to take precautions, even if your chance of getting searched is rather low.

The Starwood hack wasn't the first data breach at a major hotel chain, and it won't be the last. As the meetings and events sector becomes increasingly digitized, so too does the risk increase when it comes to cybersecurity.

Business travelers want choice, and it seems they feel that online booking tools provided by their companies are too restrictive. More are turning to online travel agencies instead.

Travel management companies are working to rebuild the complicated systems that actually let them sell and manage travel. Those who decide to stick with their existing technology stack will likely be left behind.

Airline distribution is one thing, but travel management companies need to totally revamp their systems to provide comprehensive tracking and service across all elements of a trip. It's unclear whether these baby steps will turn into a giant leap for the sector.

Fast mobile data connections will allow event technology providers to do all kinds of cool new things. Event planners should pay attention as 5G begins to emerge in cities around the world and shifts how attendees act at events.

Arriving soon: 5G mobile internet. But it will likely be years before it is deployed around the world in any significant ways. Travel companies, along with event professionals, should start planning now for a future defined by ubiquitous access to high-speed data.

Attendees are tired of conferences in the same old locations, and it just so happens that secondary cities are more affordable for planners. Expect to see increased diversity in event location in the years ahead.

Traditional conference cities are still the default choice for events organizers, but rising costs and strained capacity are making secondary cities more appealing. And some are working hard to show their unique benefits.