Speaking News You Can USE!
How Leaders Can Encourage Real Debate
So called “open debate” can often be just another path to rubber-stamping. Real disagreement requires digging in. “We welcome dissent here.” Executives and volunteer leaders love to say that, understanding that it’s important to include debate and fresh ideas. But...
The Benefits of ‘Cognitive Estrangement’ in Meeting Design
Participants take a physical stand on an issue in ‘Creative Tensions.’ People don’t leave the world at the door when they come to an event,” Alex Gallafent reminded the audience at the beginning of his PCMA Convening Leaders session, “More Than One Way to Think,” in...
The Numbers Don’t Lie: What CEIR Benchmark Data Says About Healthcare B2B Exhibitions
According to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), healthcare B2B exhibitions represent the single largest sector in the U.S. exhibition landscape – and yet, many organizers are still leaving measurable performance gains on the table. CEIR’s Performance...
This Week on the Convene Podcast: Setting the Tone for Civility, Designing Inclusive Events, and Leading Through Change
Here’s what’s new on the Convene Podcast this week. Article: Setting the Tone for Civility A code of conduct for events should go beyond preventing harassment and set the standard for treating fellow participants with respect. Written and read by Michelle Russell,...
How the Spokane Convention Center Turned a Reception Into a Site Inspection
Drummers kept the beat as the Spokane Tribe of Indians dancers performed. The AMC Institute (AMCI) Annual Meeting is a small event — between 200-300 participants — but it can pack a big punch. That’s because AMCI is a nonprofit organization that supports, promotes,...
Minority Conferences Face Lower Attendance
Navigating shifts in the business world and larger society is nothing new to the National Black MBA Association. The crowds have been noticeably thinner than usual at some major conferences held in the past few months,” a December 2025 Nature article noted. Those...
