By Amy Calvert, EIC President and CEO
As we reflect on the 40th Anniversary of the Hall of Leaders recognition, an inspiring Global Awards ceremony and the extraordinary energy of IMEX America, we are reminded of the need to share the stories of legacy impact beyond an evening of celebration. These stories and achievements represent our shared values and define our global business events community. They reflect creativity, resilience, and purpose. EIC has prioritised Advocacy and Workforce as part of its Vision 2030, and we remain committed to sharing these stories widely. Doing so honours our workforce, inspires the next generation, and strengthens our collective capacity to attract and retain talent.
In these moments, we are reminded that business events remain essential and more relevant than ever. They not only drive vast economic and social impact, they serve as one of humanity’s most powerful antidotes to division, isolation and polarisation. In an increasingly complex and fragmented world, gathering—intentionally, inclusively, and with purpose—creates the conditions for better understanding and allows us to build the trust and confidence needed to innovate and adapt.
This is the spirit behind the EIC Futures Landscape Series: a year-long exploration of the macro forces and key issue shaping the future of our industry. It also highlights the need to priortise scenario planning for building resilience and relevance. Developed in collaboration with our EIC Council members, Strategic Partners, industry stakeholders, and the global research firm Ipsos, and through the generous support of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Foundation, the study examines 12 topics influenced by seven interconnected macro forces—from technological transformation and shifting demographics to economic redistribution and political polarisation.
This month’s focus on Talent and Workforce Development could not be timelier. Across the global landscape, we see organisations wrestling with how to nurture a new generation of leaders, equip teams for rapid technological change, and sustain wellbeing in an industry built on connection and service. These are not abstract challenges—they are lived realities for event professionals everywhere.
The World Economic Forum released its Future of Jobs report earlier this year. While skills related to digital transformation and technology literacy remain ever present, I was relieved to see softer skills — like critical thinking, curiosity, empathy, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning — called out equally. This balance offers us a window into how we must advocate for and support our sector. We have a unique advantage — our work is human connection. The generous question we must ask ourselves: Can we build a message and culture that represent our sector reaching and inspiring the talent we need to secure our future?
The Futures Landscape Study and this series are invitations to explore those questions together. Each month, we will spotlight one of the study’s key themes—sharing insights, case studies, and voices from across our network. Through these stories, we will celebrate progress, confront challenges honestly, and strengthen the connective tissue that binds our global community.
As 2025 winds down and we look ahead to a year marked by the next EIC Economic Significance Study and the celebration of Global Meetings Industry Day, we are reminded of the power that comes when we unite to tell our most compelling story.
Our unity remains the greatest catalyst for impact.
