We are living in a time of unprecedented technology change. How will these changes affect meetings and tradeshows? Will they remain a central form of education, networking and marketing? Will virtual meetings and other communication technologies replace the need for face-to-face events and exhibitions? Although there will likely be very significant changes in these next few years, there are some strong drivers that bode well for the future of events. Here are five constants that will keep meetings viable in the future.

There is still much confusion in the meetings industry following the May 25, 2018, implementation of the Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Bruce Smith, managing director of London-based Tenax Analytics, helped explain some of the intricacies of the EU and UK regulation and risks for planners and suppliers during his MPI WEC 2018 presentation: “How to Thrive in the New Era of Data Privacy: A Forensic Insight to the GDPR.”

Meetings, event and hospitality tech giant Cvent closed its acquisition of mobile event app pioneer QuickMobile.

Voices in Advocacy inks deal with RAP Index to use advocacy technology to streamline policymaker outreach and influence.

Hospitality and meetings technology giant Cvent announced its moves to acquire event app provider QuickMobile.

If you think robots take the personal touch out of an interaction, think again. Hotel robots are popping up left and right, and Interstate Hotels and Resorts is eliciting quite the warm and fuzzy reactions when making special deliveries with this latest technology.

The City of Arlington announced plans for Esports Stadium Arlington, an esports-specific venue designed to draw competitive gamers and fans from around the world. The proposed venue will be built within the existing Arlington Convention Center in collaboration with architecture firm Populous.

Social media channels are a key strategic marketing choice for meeting and event planners.

While meetings industry organizations scramble to figure out GDPR, Cvent wants to let you know it’s been on top of it for a while.

Got an extra $25 million lying around in the petty cash drawer you can afford to lose?