The Skift Meetings Forum 2025 brought together the brightest minds in events to explore how our industry is evolving — and thriving — in a world that’s anything but predictable. From navigating uncertainty with creativity and resilience, to embracing AI as a true collaborator, this year’s conversations showed how event professionals are redefining what it means to connect.

Attendees left inspired by stories of innovation and human connection — from turning challenges into opportunities, to designing experiences that celebrate authenticity, wellness, and inclusivity. The message was clear: the future of meetings is brighter, bolder, and more human than ever.

Skift Meetings Forum 2025 By The Numbers

320
ATTENDEES
77%
DIRECTOR LEVEL OR ABOVE
66%
15+ years EXPERIENCE
55%
PLAN EVENTS FOR 5000+ ANNUALLY
50%
$5 MILLION+ ANNUAL BUDGET

Skift Meetings Forum Agenda

At Skift Meetings Forum, sessions are built for planners who think ahead — no fluff, just timely conversations and real insights you can act on.

We dived into the biggest challenges and boldest opportunities shaping the future of events.

  • Weaving Commerce and Creativity Into an Iconic Experience
  • Corporate America: Dealing With Uncertainty
  • Delivering Event Activations that Elevate Brands
  • Navigating Geopolitics: Association Leaders Steering Through Unprecedented Times
  • The New Rules of Event Leadership: Bold Vision, Real Community, Lasting Impact
  • How AI Is Shaping Tomorrow’s Live Experiences
  • Blending Human Insight with AI for Strategic Gains
  • Does Diverse Leadership Lead to Better Events?
  • Inside the Mega-Event Machine: How Cities Host the World
  • Building Bold Events from the Ground Up
  • Mastering the Exit Strategy: Insights on Selling Event Businesses
  • The Power of Listening

🗓️ 👇 Click to Unlock The Full Agenda

2025 Speakers

From top event strategists and tech innovators to rising entrepreneurs, Skift Meetings Forum featured industry leaders shaping the future of business events.

Keynote Listeners

At Skift Meetings Forum, we were excited to introduce Keynote Listeners, a bold new initiative designed to deepen engagement and extend the impact of our conversations well beyond the event itself.

This hand-selected group of events industry leaders took on a powerful new role: to listen with intent.

Our Keynote Listeners are more than observers, they are active contributors. Their task is to absorb the most vital insights and emerging ideas from the forum and, in the closing session, share reflective commentary and key takeaways on stage. Beyond the forum, Keynote Listeners helped carry key messages into broader professional and political conversations. 

Keynote Listeners represent a new kind of leadership rooted in curiosity, responsiveness, and purpose.

Skift Meetings Forum Venue

Skift Meetings Forum 2025 took place at City Winery NYC, a uniquely intimate venue in the heart of Manhattan. Known for its warm, modern atmosphere and built-in buzz, it’s the perfect setting for meaningful conversations, bold ideas, and memorable connections — all with a distinctly New York energy.

City Winery New York City
25 11th Avenue (Pier 57), New York, NY 10011

Supported By

MEETINGS INDUSTRY SPONSORS

Translation & Transcription Partner

Event Highlights

View all sessions on-demand here.