Notes From The Road

Three Things in the Meetings Industry I’ve Noticed First Hand

I’m not judging, I’m just sayin’. Here’s what I’ve seen in the latter part of 2025 and early this year as we move forward with meetings and events.

1. Themes Set The ToneThe first thing is not a new one, but one that is coming back and I applaud it. Conference themes. What it does is focus everyone’s thinking and helps all involved—planners, caterers, vendors, designers, and speakers. I’ve seen themes based on the locale, the year an association was founded, and just a fun theme (time travel, superheroes, tropical) all make for a memorable event. As a speaker, emcee, and DJ it really helps hone in on what can make a conference the one people point to as the best ever.

2. Venue Matters

I’m lucky to live in San Diego, one of the best conference venues in the country. We have the weather, facilities, and it’s a place people want to come to. That said, it’s not centralized, or cheap. That’s why I’ve seen an uptick in events moving to Las Vegas (it kinda has it all) and smaller venues like San Antonio and Milwaukee. Surprisingly, Orange County is hosting more conferences now than in the past.

3. Connections are Everything

I’m seeing more of an emphasis on planned and facilitated networking. This is good for me because it’s what I do. Attendees often say it’s the connections and interaction that make the expense of attending a conference worthwhile and meeting planners are listening. I’ve been asked more than ever to host or run networking events that create better connections—which I am happy to do and do well. It’s a win for everyone (attendees, vendors, and the association.)

Lee Silber is a popular presenter who also conducts facilitated networking events, serves as an emcee and DJ as well as musical entertainment, and is often a vendor at many events, giving him a unique perspective and insights into the meeting industry as a whole.