About six years ago, we were all designing virtual and hybrid event strategies from scratch. Zoom was never more of a verb than in mid-2020!

As the years have progressed and we continue to innovate, it’s clear that some of the components of the virtual event experience are here to stay. Companies are continuing to invest in events with an in-person component, while working with content and marketing teams to create a multifaceted campaign from their content.

It’s the topic on many Event Committees’ minds: How do we design an event schedule that is exciting to the attendees, gives tangible takeaways, allows time and space for networking and time and space to rest? How do we make sure that we make the most of the time we have with our stakeholders at the annual event?

Thankfully, we have many sources of information and inspiration to learn from! Industry powerhouses like BizBash, CVent and the Symbol Awards put together annual reports and make recommendations based on trends. Read on to learn the top event program design tips for 2026, including one sourced from Beth Lawrence herself!

Image from PCMA “Convene” Magazine

Recently, PCMA published their “What’s Ahead for the Events Industry In 2026” report, and it’s telling. Each year of my several-decades-long tenure in this industry has been different and presented its own logistical challenges. This year is no different, and yet as we know with what is happening locally and globally, it could not be more unprecedented.

Ah, that pesky word again.

Don’t worry! Your favorite Strategic Event Planning Expert is here to answer all the questions for you and present some real-life examples of how to tackle the most pressing event planning and event management challenges you may face this year.

Image above from Fred Again’s official Website

As you may know if you’ve been following me for a while, music and entertainment heavily influence my lens on event and experience planning.

On LinkedIn and Instagram, I've shared my experiences at Beyoncé's Lemonade and Renaissance tours; my superfan perspective of Dave Matthews Band shows; the once-in-a-lifetime Missy Elliott show I attended in 2024, and most recently, The Knocks, Dragonette & Aquaria's Revelation experience in New York.

From community building, to audience engagement, to sound, lighting, and stage design, there is much we can learn from each live entertainment experience.

When designing a request for proposal (RFP) or call for applications for event planning & management, it can be challenging to determine what your actual needs are. This is especially true if your event is the first of its kind, or if you are looking for outside help after relying on internal team members to run your previous events. It’s important to consider your available resources (that’s time, team, and budget) and what you will need to bring in from outside sources before entering into a contractual agreement for event planning and management services.

Let’s face it: Event Management professionals are already mentally in 2026 and beyond, so when the holidays come around, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic, the meetings, and the merriment and forego the very-important administrative tasks you’ve avoided all calendar year so far. Not to worry! With a few weeks left, we’ve got you covered. This article will cover our top tips for event management professionals to be prepared for the New Year. My advice? Set a timer for each. Put on some Christmas Carols or Holiday Classics if you want to.

Today, I’m spilling the tea.

In my decades of event management and strategic event development, there are a few top questions that come up over and over. In this blog, I’m sharing the answers to those questions. Bookmark for your 2026 planning!

“I look at the big picture before I look at the details. That’s how I plan events with impact.”

My conversation with Eric Rozenberg on the Business of Meetings podcast was so enjoyable! He brings so much knowledge and passion for the industry to the table, and I absolutely loved learning more about him and sharing more about my story.

The holidays are here, and we’re still over here trying not to shop on Amazon (no matter how tempting it may be!) Luckily, we have traveled to many locations over the years that have great, local options to choose from. Below is a favorite, unique gift idea from every city we’ve managed events in. If you’re from the cities below, comment with your favorite local treat or maker!

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.