Corporate Event News

09/29/2025

What Event Profs Can Learn from Cracker Barrel’s Marketing Fail 💡

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s logo rebrand attempt is made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The company’s decision to remove “Uncle Herschel” from its longtime logo, despite keeping its familiar rustic color scheme, sparked swift and widespread backlash from loyal customers.

“Rebrands aren’t simply design decisions,” said Stephanie Davis Smith, chief marketing officer at The N2 Company...“they’re trust decisions.”

Read CEN's Full Report below 👇
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/corporate-social-responsibility/what-event-profs-can-learn-from-cracker-barrel-s-marketing-fail

09/26/2025

NIVA Launches First-Ever Live Policy Summit to Push Local Advocacy Forward

Next month’s Live Policy Summit in Indianapolis is a focused gathering for NIVA members, venue and festival professionals, and public officials working to advance legislation shaping the live entertainment industry.

A major topic on the docket: ticketing reform. Lawmakers and industry leaders will dissect Maine’s landmark Public Law Chapter 354, the toughest ticketing legislation in the U.S., which caps resale markups at 10%, cracks down on third-party platforms, mandates upfront fee disclosure, and enforces refunds with fines up to $10,000.

See how it will impact the live entertainment industry below 👇
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/corporate-events-meetings/niva-launches-first-ever-live-policy-summit-to-push-local-advocacy-forward

09/24/2025

Experts & Opinions: Experiential Design Isn’t Just a Trend. It’s the Future.

Experiential design has shifted from buzzword to business necessity,” says Booth Exhibits™ Managing Director Patrick Wells. With today’s trade show attendees seeking connection and memorable engagement over static displays, the exhibition stand has evolved into a strategic platform for interaction.

Brands that turn observation into participation are the ones breaking through the noise... and creating lasting affinity.

Hear all of what he has to say on the matter at the 🔗
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/event-trends/experts-opinions-experiential-design-isn-t-just-a-trend-it-s-the-future

Booth Exhibits Managing Director Patrick Wells argues that experiential design has evolved from industry buzzword to essential strategy.

09/23/2025

Freeman’s Camp Buck 2025: How the Internal Event Drives Connection and Collaboration

From August 5–8, Freeman Company brought together 300 leaders representing all eight of its brands for Camp Buck, the company’s annual internal leadership event honoring founder Donald S. “Buck” Freeman.

Hosted at the newly opened Ga***rd Hotels Pacific Resort San Diego, the program launched with a surf shack–themed welcome reception overlooking the bay. Over four days, leaders embraced this year’s theme, “Come Together”, engaging in connection, collaboration, and future-focused conversations that reflect Freeman’s commitment to advancing the live events industry.

👉 Get the full rundown with CEN at the 🔗
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/corporate-events-meetings/freeman-s-camp-buck-2025-how-the-internal-event-drives-connection-and-collaboration

***rdHotels

09/22/2025

Smart Seating Strategies to Supercharge Your Next Event ✔️

Event planners obsess over dates, venues, and menus... but seating? Often overlooked. From shaping engagement to influencing ROI, where and how your guests sit can define the success of your event. The look, feel, and layout of the chairs do more than fill a room, they create an atmosphere. Seating isn’t just logistics...it’s strategy.

“The best seating arrangement is one that not only looks good, but is also comfortable for attendees—to interact, engage, connect with each other in,” said Bobby Taylor of Taylor Creative Inc.

Read CEN's full article at the 🔗
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/event-strategy/smart-seating-strategies-to-supercharge-your-next-event

From boosting engagement to shaping ROI, the right seating does far more than fill a room.

09/19/2025

12 Venues to Host Events in Cincinnati ⭐️

Home to Fortune 500 giants like Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati is flexing its corporate muscle as a meetings destination.

In August, our team spent two days exploring the Queen City to uncover the best backdrops for business gatherings. From the expansive Duke Energy Convention Center to boutique spaces that spark creativity, here are 12 venues that set the stage for high-impact corporate events.

With CVG Airport reaching a 15-year high in passenger traffic and offering 55 nonstop flights daily, getting to Cincinnati has never been easier.

📍 The ultimate planning guide for events in Cincinnati is here.
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/meetings-event-venues/12-venues-to-host-events-in-cincinnati

The ultimate planning guide for corporate events in the city that’s home to Proctor & Gamble, Kroger and Fifth Third Bank.

09/18/2025

Why Connection Is the Currency of Incentive Travel 🧳

For decades, its value was measured in hard numbers: sales growth, retention, performance. Those metrics still matter, but they no longer tell the full story.

With teams spread out and loyalty harder to earn, a new measure of success is taking center stage: togetherness. It’s an ROI that fuels culture, belonging, and long-term engagement, living far beyond spreadsheets.

Our Key Takeaways:
🔑 Why Togetherness Matters Now
🔑 Shifting the ROI Conversation
🔑 Designing for Connection
🔑 Measuring What Really Counts

Read our full article sponsored by MCI
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/incentive-meetings/why-connection-is-the-currency-of-incentive-travel

Here’s how incentive travel is evolving beyond traditional financial metrics to prioritize meaningful human connections and togetherness.

09/17/2025

Experts & Opinions: Quality Over Quantity––The New Event Swag Strategy

Event marketing is undergoing a fundamental shift. According to Rodney Hart, MBA, Vice President of Events at RainFocus, the era of mass-produced giveaways is being replaced by intentional strategies that prioritize sustainability, personalization, and measurable attendee engagement.

💬 Swag is no longer a peripheral element. "As expectations rise and sustainability matters more than ever, it’s time to rethink swag as a strategic, intentional part of the event experience."

Read Hart's full thoughts on the matter below:
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/event-trends/experts-opinions-quality-over-quantity-the-new-event-swag-strategy

RainFocus's Rodney Hart explores how event marketing is evolving from mass-produced swag giveaways to strategic and sustainable.

09/16/2025

What’s New in Event Tech: New Acquisitions and AI Solutions 📲

From AI agents to operational resiliency solutions, five event technology companies have unveiled new innovations set to transform event management. LASSO, Conference AI, GlobalMeet, Personify A2Z Events, and RainFocus announced a mix of acquisitions, AI-powered capabilities, and platform integrations aimed at streamlining operations, improving attendee experiences, and driving event monetization. Collectively, these developments highlight a growing focus on technology-driven strategies to address critical challenges across the events industry.

CEN has the full report for you at the 🔗
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/event-technology/what-s-new-in-event-tech-new-acquisitions-and-ai-solutions-from-lasso-conference-ai-globalmeet-and-more

From AI agents to operational resiliency solutions, five event technology companies recently made significant announcements.

09/15/2025

Impact XM Acquires Shelton Fleming, Expands European Operations 📣

Impact XM has expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of London-based boutique event management agency Shelton Fleming + Impact XM on Aug. 19. The deal, which adds 33 employees to the team, underscores the rising influence and maturity of experiential marketing on a worldwide scale. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the move strengthens Impact XM’s positioning as a leader in the experiential space.

“Our strategic plan to expand Impact XM’s presence in the EMEA region began some time ago, with Enigma Creative Solutions being our first acquisition in the market in 2024,” said David Bottrill, Managing Director of Impact XM Europe.

This latest acquisition highlights the industry’s accelerating momentum toward integrated, global experiential solutions.

Read the full report at the 🔗
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/corporate-events-meetings/impact-xm-acquires-shelton-fleming-expands-european-operations

The deal strengthens Impact XM’s global presence, adds 33 employees, and signals the growing maturity and influence of experiential marketing worldwide.

09/12/2025

Connect Marketplace Miami 2025 By the Numbers—and the Moments That Made It Unforgettable

This year’s Connect Marketplace lit up the Miami Beach Convention Center with three action-packed days of high-impact networking, strategy, and celebration:

📊 38,072 one-on-one meetings powered by AI matchmaking across seven dedicated tracks (from association to sports).
👥 3,330 attendees, including 1,100 hosted buyers (190 first-timers) making serious business connections.
🎤 200 exhibitors + 32 speakers delivering insights on trends, negotiations, and the future of events.
🚢 BizBash Innovation Forum debut with 120 trailblazing attendees, capped off with a Seafair Yachts excursion.
🎶 Unforgettable moments: a Miami-style opening reception, surprise “red carpet” paparazzi, and a high-energy Flo Rida concert to close it all out.

Relive the stats, stories, and standout moments from Connect Marketplace 2025 below:
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/conventions-expos/connect-marketplace-miami-2025-by-the-numbers-and-the-moments-that-made-it-unforgettable

09/10/2025

Experts & Opinions: Template to Triumph––Corporate Events Done Right

RainFocus SVP of Industry Strategy, Brian Gates explores how event marketing templates are transforming corporate event planning. From maintaining brand consistency to integrating event data with broader marketing strategies, these templates empower teams to streamline planning, accelerate customer journeys, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

With 58% of event teams planning to host more small, recurring events, the demand for smarter, scalable solutions has never been higher. Templates simplify the complexity, helping teams stay agile while nurturing relationships, enhancing visibility, and driving growth.

💡 The future of field marketing is efficient, data-driven, and template-powered. Read all about it below:
https://www.corporateeventnews.com/event-planning/experts-opinions-template-to-triumph-corporate-events-done-right

RainFocus Senior Vice President of Industry Strategy explores how event marketing templates can serve as essential tools for corporate event teams.