The Skift Meetings Forum is where the future of meetings gets written in real time. The full lineup of Skift Meetings Forum speakers is now revealed, and it reads like a who’s who of event industry leaders, creative disruptors, and technology visionaries. With only 2% of seats left, this is your moment to claim a front-row seat to the conversations defining meetings innovation.
- Monique Ruff-Bell, Chief Program and Strategy Officer, TED Conferences
- Judy Lee, Senior Director of Global Brand Experiences, Pinterest
- Jessica Charles, Vice President of Programming & Events, Forbes
Leadership in events takes fresh courage. These leaders share how to build meaningful communities while creating impact that lasts.
Weaving Commerce and Creativity Into an Iconic Experience
When business meets artistry, unforgettable experiences are born. This session unpacks the secret recipe behind iconic events.
Corporate America: Dealing With Uncertainty
- Tavar James, Vice President, Global Head of Events, Forrester
- Barbara Rohloff, Global Sourcing and Procurement Lead Category Manager, Prudential Financial
Corporate leaders step forward with strategies for thriving through volatility and turning challenges into opportunities.
The Power of Listening
- Tahira Endean, Head of Program, IMEX
Great events start with great listening. This session explores how tuning in closely creates programming that truly connects.
Building Bold Events from the Ground Up
- Cassandra Farrington, Co-Founder and Board Chair Emeritus, MJBizCon and MJBizDaily
- Robyn Duda, CEO & Co-Founder, RacquetX
Building a major event takes more than grit. These founders share stories of vision, persistence, and daring to go big.
Inside the Mega-Event Machine: How Cities Host the World
- Bruce Revman, Co-Host City Manager, FIFA World Cup ’26 New York New Jersey Host Committee
- Chris O’Brien, President, Sail4th 250
Mega-events transform cities into global stages. Learn how host leaders manage the spectacle, the logistics, and the spotlight.
Navigating Geopolitics: Association Leaders Steering Through Unprecedented Times
- Carine Desroches, Meetings & Events Director, National Kidney Foundation
- Marilyn Jackson, President & CEO, American Alliance of Museums
- Jeanine Kelly, Senior Director, Event Operations, International Council of Shopping Centers
Association leaders share how they are guiding communities through geopolitical headwinds with clarity and resilience.
The City as Venue: Lessons from Austin and SXSW
- Tiffany Kerr, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Austin
- Alex Casolaro, Director, Credential Sales, SXSW
Austin rewrote the rulebook by turning the city into the stage. Here’s how the model inspires new ways to host.
Blending Human Insight with AI for Strategic Gains
- Matt Parlier, Director, Event Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships, American City Business Journals
- Colja Dams, CEO & Owner, VOK DAMS Agency
Human intuition meets AI intelligence. Discover how this pairing reshapes event strategy for sharper results.
How Diverse Practices and Leadership Create Better Events
- Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO, Meet Boston
- Al Hutchinson, Former President & CEO, Visit Baltimore
Diverse leadership builds stronger events. Two seasoned voices share proof that variety fuels creativity and growth.
Delivering Event Activations that Elevate Brands
- Kat Tooley, VP of Global Events and Experiential Marketing, HubSpot
- Brendan Brown, Global Head of Strategy & Planning, George P. Johnson
Bold activations can turn an event into a brand-defining moment. Here’s how top leaders craft experiences that elevate.
Mastering the Exit Strategy: Insights on Selling Event Businesses
- Howard Givner, CEO, Heathcote Advisory Group
Exiting well takes wisdom. Howard Givner reveals the strategies behind building value and knowing the right time to sell.
How Unexpected Moments and Places Elevate Attendee Experience
- Alice Harrington-Caravello, Managing Vice President, Sales and Distribution, US East, Marriott International
Surprise has power. Learn how unexpected touches transform experiences into lifelong memories.
Keynote Listeners: From Reflections to Action
- Liz Lathan, Co-Founder & Chief Community Officer, Club Ichi
- Amy Calvert, President & CEO, Events Industry Council (EIC)
- Nicola Kastner, CEO, Event Leaders Exchange (ELX)
- Vincent Polito, CEO, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
- Martin Boyle, CEO, International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO)
- Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
- Cameron Curtis, CEO, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (LGBT MPA)
This group of influential listeners will amplify ideas, reflect on themes, and translate discussions into industry-wide action.
Join the Conversations Defining the Future of Events
Skift Meetings Forum speakers represent every corner of the event world: corporate executives, association leaders, mega-event organizers, technology pioneers, and creative builders. The sessions combine practical strategies with daring ideas, arming attendees with tools for today and vision for tomorrow.
Secure your seat before the last spots vanish.
