Artificial Intelligence Usage, Meaningful Indigenous Community Engagement, and Fresh Perspective Highlighted in Smart Monday at IMEX America 2024

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

At Smart Monday, powered by MPI, event professionals, buyers, and suppliers came together for a dedicated day of learning ahead of IMEX America 2024. The day featured thought-provoking sessions that touched on a variety of topics, including negotiation strategies, the growing use of AI in the event industry, and working with Indigenous communities to create more meaningful events.

The event brought together dozens of global experts who provided fresh perspectives, seasoned advice, and actionable insights. A recurring theme was the need to polish negotiation skills, especially given the challenges faced by event planners today.

Mastering Negotiation: A Key Focus Area

One of the standout sessions was led by Gaylen Paulson from the University of Texas, who delved into the art of negotiation. Paulson emphasized that effective negotiation is rooted in understanding the other party’s concerns. He introduced the 80/20 rule of negotiation, where 80% of the focus should be on the other party’s needs, while only 20% should center on one’s own interests. “Perspective-taking is crucial for effective negotiation,” Paulson remarked, underscoring the importance of empathy and strategic thinking.

Hannah Donohue, a hosted buyer from Wounded Warrior Project, echoed the importance of strong supplier relationships. “We host around 7,000 meetings a year, and it’s crucial to maintain long-term relationships with suppliers to facilitate nuanced budget conversations,” she said. This sentiment was mirrored by Courtney Rose, Director of Events & Travel at Gradient Financial Group, who shared her experience negotiating with hotels. “Before COVID, attrition rates were generally set at 20%, but now they’ve dropped to 15%, and hotels are less flexible on this point.”

AI as a Game-Changer for Event Professionals

In a session focused on technology, Mitch Mitchem, CEO of HIVE Interactive, shared insights on how AI is already streamlining tasks in the events industry. From scriptwriting to data analytics and sales emails, Mitchem outlined how AI is saving event planners considerable time, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategic decisions. “AI is a huge time-saver, particularly in data analytics and creating slide decks,” Mitchem explained.

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Attendee Valerie Smith from Comcast was eager to learn more about how AI could be better integrated into her organization’s events. “AI is what everyone’s talking about—I’d like to know how best to integrate this into our events, whether it’s registration, speakers, or communications,” she commented.

Indigenous Community Engagement: Moving Beyond Tokenism

Michael Drake from Destination Vancouver delivered an impactful session on working with Indigenous communities in a more meaningful way. He discussed Canada’s efforts in the process of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous First Nations and highlighted how event planners can go beyond token gestures. “In Canada, we’re in the process of truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous communities. Event planners can make a meaningful impact by engaging these communities directly. Don’t just invite them to welcome your event—include them as speakers or provide free passes. Additionally, sourcing local products or services from Indigenous suppliers can make a big difference,” said Drake.

This focus on Indigenous collaboration resonated with many in the audience, particularly those looking to create more sustainable and socially responsible events.

Making a Bigger Impact: MPI Keynote by Andre Norman

Earlier in the day, MPI Keynote Speaker Andre Norman, also known as the Ambassador of Hope, shared an inspiring message about making a deeper impact through events. Drawing on his work in the prison system, Norman encouraged event professionals to think beyond surface-level appearances and aim to create events that truly matter. “There are people all over the world who are struggling and need hope. Everyone in this room who plans events can decide to make a more meaningful impact. You can do that!” he said, motivating the attendees to think about the broader societal impact of their work.

Fresh Perspectives at Smart Monday 2024

Smart Monday at IMEX America 2024 brought together a wealth of expertise, from practical negotiation techniques to the game-changing role of AI and the importance of working with Indigenous communities. As the event industry continues to evolve, sessions like these ensure that event professionals are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and insights to drive meaningful change and create more impactful, inclusive events.

Attendees left with fresh ideas and actionable strategies to implement in their own roles, whether focusing on improving supplier relationships, integrating AI, or making events more socially responsible. As IMEX America 2024 officially kicks off, the conversations from Smart Monday are set to shape the tone for the rest of the event.