Past Smart Start guests share insights for Global Meetings Industry Day 2025.
It’s Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), once again! And what a special day it is. Amid rapidly developing technology, trends that you’ve seen start as buds growing into full blossoms and networks that never stop growing, today is a day to celebrate meeting professionals everywhere and their contributions that make the world go round.
To celebrate, the hosts behind the Smart Meetings podcast, Smart Start Radio: Fuel for the Purpose Generation of Meeting Planners, reached out to planners who have spoken on past episodes to hear what they had to say.
And over here at Smart Start Radio, what are we proud of this GMID? Well, what is now Smart Start Radio used to be called Meeting of the Minds. One warm summer day in 2024, Eming and I locked ourselves in the conference room to hunker down and figure out how we could bring our podcast to the forefront of the meetings industry. We ended up with a new name, a new look and a new energy—and since then, Smart Start has grown and grown. For more on this fun origin story, you can check out our first ever episode following the rebrand, Smart Start: Bright Ideas from the Planner’s Toolbox.
If you’re a regular listener, we are forever grateful that you are part of this community. If you haven’t listened yet, now is your chance to join us on this amazing journey. Why not celebrate GMID with some good old-fashioned learning? You can hear from past guests themselves below to get a sense of the incredible industry professionals who come on to share their expertise with every listener.
Tyra Dyson, CMP, DES
See her speak in Smart Start: Better Together: Championing Women in Events.
What makes the meetings and events industry special?
The meetings and events industry is remarkable for its substantial economic impact and its sensitivity to global occurrences. Major world events invariably influence our sector, highlighting the critical role tourism plays on the international stage.
What does GMID mean to you?
GMID is our opportunity to share our story. The hospitality and tourism sector is instrumental in driving the global economy. While the mantra “Meetings Mean Business” holds true, it’s equally true that “Meetings Mean Money.”
Our contributions to a city’s economy—impacting transportation, lodging, dining and retail—are immense. Yet despite this, our industry often lacks the recognition it deserves. GMID serves as a crucial time to advocate for our rights, especially amidst the current challenges we face under new governmental policies.
What are you doing to celebrate?
I plan to attend my city’s local GMID event, joining industry colleagues and partners to discuss current challenges and explore potential solutions together.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next few years? What are you most excited about?
I anticipate meetings and events becoming increasingly experiential, extending beyond traditional venues like hotels and convention centers. Travel empowers attendees, and by immersing them in the local culture and community, we can offer a comprehensive conference experience that truly embodies the essence of the destination.
I’m most excited about attendees forming deeper connections with a city’s community and culture. This personal engagement enables them to see the tangible difference their participation makes in the lives of local residents.
Spencer Glazer
See him speak in Meeting of the Minds: Balancing Act: Navigating Event Work-Life Balance.
What makes the meetings and events industry special?
The meetings and events industry brings people together in meaningful ways, fostering connections that drive business, innovation and community. It’s a fast-paced and ever-evolving field that requires creativity, adaptability and problem-solving to craft memorable experiences.
During the pandemic, we all realized just how much in-person connection truly means, making the return of live events even more powerful. To play a role in bringing people back together and creating those shared experiences is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, it’s about more than just logistics—it’s about bringing ideas to life and creating moments that leave a lasting impact.
What does GMID mean to you?
GMID highlights the significant role that meetings and events play in driving collaboration, innovation and growth across industries and communities. It’s a day to recognize the power of face-to-face connections and their ability to foster meaningful relationships. By celebrating the work of event professionals, GMID underscores the lasting impact that well-executed events have on individuals and businesses alike. It’s a time to reflect on how the industry shapes and connects people, creating opportunities for success and growth.
What are you doing to celebrate?
I’ll be celebrating GMID while wrapping up a large user conference, and it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on all the hard work that goes into creating meaningful events. It’s a chance to appreciate how much collaboration, planning, and dedication go into every aspect of the event. Working alongside my colleagues on this conference has been an incredible experience, and GMID allows me to pause and recognize the true value of our industry. It’s a reminder of how the work we do shapes connections and leaves a lasting impact.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next few years? What are you most excited about?
In the next few years, I see the industry evolving with an even greater emphasis on technology and sustainability.
Hybrid events will continue to thrive, allowing for wider reach and flexibility while maintaining the value of in-person connections. We’ll likely see more use of artificial intelligence to streamline planning and personalize attendee experiences, making events more efficient and engaging. Sustainability will also play a larger role, with event planners focusing on eco-friendly practices, from venues to materials.
What excites me the most is the endless potential for innovation—whether it’s through virtual reality experiences, AI-driven engagement or new ways to reduce the environmental impact of events. The future of the industry feels incredibly dynamic, and I’m excited to see how these trends will shape how we create and experience events.
Alexis Dick, CTA
See her speak in Meeting of the Minds: Discover Professional Growth Secrets.
What makes the meetings and events industry special?
The meetings and events industry is ever-changing, and I love embracing that change. As a kid, I was always rearranging my room, experimenting to find what worked best and made the most sense within the space I had. That mindset perfectly mirrors the event industry: constantly innovating within the “walls” of budgets, venues and goals to deliver something unique and impactful.
What does GMID mean to you?
GMID is a powerful reminder to shine a spotlight on the individuals behind the curtain. These are the planners checking details while others sleep, ensuring every element of an event goes off without a hitch. It’s a day to celebrate the unseen efforts that make every meeting and event a success.
What are you doing to celebrate?
In true planner fashion, I’m thinking years ahead! This GMID, I’ll be conducting a site visit at a potential host hotel in Texas—prepping to create an experience that aligns with everything GMID stands for: collaboration, innovation and connection.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next few years? What are you most excited about?
Continuing education and career growth remain at the forefront of professional development, and events uniquely deliver these opportunities hand-in-hand with networking.
I’m excited to see how AI will transform the industry by creating personalized agendas for attendees. This technology can help participants maximize their time by tailoring schedules to their preferences, timing and career goals. It’s a game-changer that could redefine how we approach events and ensure attendees leave with not only meaningful connections but impactful takeaways.
