In the fight against hunger, each of us has a part to play. When community members come together to raise funds and donate food to local food banks, it can multiply the impact of going at it alone.

We know that the demand for food has multiplied in recent months; here’s how event professionals can help, just by expanding their existing events and programming.

Earlier this year, I deleted the Amazon app off of my phone.

In the months before I quit, I noticed that I had been making increasingly impulsive purchases. Not only that, but I was spending money on things that I either already had in some shape or form (like skincare, decor, or household essentials), could get relatively simply from a local establishment, or—and this was a big one—didn’t need in the first place.

Read on for what these lessons mean for the Event Planning Industry!

Image: Craig Barritt

As you may know, Heidi Klum has been hosting Hollywood’s most iconic Halloween parties for decades.

From the theme to her costume, it’s as anticipated as the Met Gala, and has as much buzz on social media to boot.

This Halloween, we’re taking you through 25 years of Heidi Klum’s Haunted Halloween Extravaganza, from the theme to the destination to the costumes.

I remember when I was early in my career, and all people could talk about was Millennials. Our thought patterns, purchasing decisions, and life milestone dates were the topic of countless conversations and think pieces. As a Millennial, I of course need to pass the torch and write about the next Generation: Z. Once again, younger attendees are shaping the future of how we gather. Let’s talk about it!

Abercrombie Fierce Cologne. Gap Dream Perfume. Vacation Sunscreen. Marriott Hotels. What do these brands have in common?

Each of them uses scent to create an immersive (and unforgettable) experience for its customers. It is said colloquially that smell is the scent most closely associated with memory, but did you know there is scientific studies to back up the power of incorporating all 5 senses, but specifically the sense of smell, into events?

In my interview with Byrne Production Services on the Production Value Matters Podcast, I was asked my opinion on the most valuable investment for events, and what is a waste of time and money? My answers may surprise you.

Which question do you think is skipped or fibbed most on my intake form? If you guessed Budget, you are correct! It’s daunting to lay out all of the potential expenses and investments into an event, but it’s absolutely imperative. I’ll show you my no-nonsense strategic budgeting tool: Airtable.

You’re looking to hire an event professional, but are not sure of the exact title, description of responsibilities, or how much to pay them. Time is of the essence in events, so I’ll help you answer this question: Are you looking for an Event Coordinator or Event Director?

Image by Wide Eyed Studios, for the Public Interest Law Center Annual Event 2023

There are few decisions more important than the where of your event, or selecting physical and virtual real estate for your experience. The right venue can help your event planner craft the right experience for your guests, and serve as a jumping-off point for inspiration in all aspects of the event.

Whether you are working with an experienced event planner, your local Convention and Visitors Bureau, a site selection company or a combination of the above, here is a list of questions to ask that will get you started in ensuring that you make the exact right choice for your stakeholders.

Event Planners are the ultimate multitaskers. We have to be thinking both a year ahead and a single step in the most positive direction; we think about all of the intersecting stakeholder needs; we anticipate potential problems that would make most people shudder, and solve for them so they won’t happen (or worst case scenario, if they do, we are there with an immediate solution).

In 2025, there are so many things that we do not have previous experience in solving for, it’s extra challenging to keep up

Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash

As a planner who has never faced certainty career-wise, I am no stranger to Federal decisions affecting meeting outcomes. This time, though, it feels as if there is no end in sight. I’m grateful to be in the company of many talented people in the meetings industry who have been vulnerable about their experiences, and thankful that many industry publications are shining a light on it.

Read on for some harsh realities that the meeting and events industry is experiencing as a result of fraught international relations, immigration policies and back-and-forth tariffs.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Beth Lawrence has been invited to be a judge for the 2025 Northstar Stella Awards!

The Stella Awards shine a spotlight on the trailblazers, the innovators and the exceptional teams that deliver next-level service and groundbreaking innovation to our industry in key areas, such as sustainability, F&B, dedicated meeting facilities, renovations and more.