Next month’s participants Predict, the annual conference on the outlook for the exhibition sector will have the opportunity to experience an inspiring lineup of external experts covering a wide range of pressing global topics when they gather on September 12-13 at MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino in Oxon Hill, MD.
Produced and hosted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)The annual event brings together B2B exhibition industry leaders to learn and discuss emerging trends that could impact trade shows over the next three to five years. Predict’s forward-looking programming is designed to give attendees the edge they need to make more informed decisions and maintain competitive strategies in a rapidly changing business landscape, according to CEIR officials.
The conference will feature insights into global economic, social, political and digital trends from experts from inside and outside the exhibition industry, such as AI innovators, economists, business intelligence specialists and policy analysts, as well as in-depth discussions and fresh perspectives to prepare leaders for future business challenges and future-proof the industry.
“Predict combines quantitative and qualitative forecasting to prepare exhibition professionals for the future,” said Marsha Flanagan, IAEE president and CEO. “We analyze industry data through the CEIR Index and partner with thought leaders to gain deep market insights. This powerful combination gives attendees the tools they need to position their trade shows and businesses for success.”
Here are seven sessions you can’t miss at Predict 2024:
Navigating the Global Landscape: Insights on Economics, Geopolitics, and Expos: Adam Sacks, Chairman of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, will share key insights on the global economic and policy landscape, and explain the CEIR Index, its relevance to different market sectors, and how the industry can leverage CEIR data to make smarter choices. Addressing the current economic situation, its effects on exhibitions, and forecasting future impacts, this session will also teach attendees how to address these challenges, identify market opportunities, and make strategic choices in a rapidly changing world.
Geopolitical landscape and its impact: Dane Chamorro, Partner at Control Risks and Head of Global Risk Analysis and Business Intelligence for the Americas, will provide an overview of the current global situation and focus on the key political risks that companies need to be aware of. Chamorro will explore how these risks, ranging from political tensions to economic uncertainties and technological disruptions, could affect the exhibitions and events sector, including potential issues with supply chains, regulatory changes and unpredictable markets.
The future of risk: Matt Carmichael, director of the Trends & Foresight Lab at global marketing research and advisory firm Ipsos and editor-in-chief of What future for us?will look at the different risk areas and how to approach them holistically. In addition to guiding participants in preparing for likely scenarios in the exhibition sector by presenting the general forces and trends shaping the future, it will also look at how these trends can affect brand image and reputational risks.
The Future of AI in Exhibitions and Events: Noelle Russell, Founder and Director of AI at the AI Leadership Institute, an AI innovator and practitioner, will explore how AI is transforming the exhibition and events industry, and how AI can drive innovation and support human creativity rather than replace it. Focusing on generative and applied AI technologies, she will share real-world examples of more than a dozen AI models that can improve business operations, create breakthrough solutions, and drive growth, while addressing the potential risks, challenges, and ethical concerns of AI.
Decoding the AI Revolution: Artificial Intelligence Today and Tomorrow: Sean Watson, futurist and senior vice president of special projects at Trend Hunter, will provide key insights into the ongoing AI revolution and its future potential, covering real-world applications of AI, industry advancements, and the impact of AI across various sectors. Watson will shed light on current AI trends, challenges, and opportunities for business and society, as well as how AI is reshaping our present and future.
Managing the Impact of Elections: A Trade Show Organizer’s Guide to Preparing for the Uncertainties of 2024: Dr. Clifford Young, President of Polling and Societal Trends at Ipsos, will provide a comprehensive overview of the global political scene, focusing on the upcoming US presidential election. Young will share the latest predictions on each candidate’s chances of victory, and outline various scenarios showing how the business landscape could change depending on the winner and what those changes could mean for the trade show industry.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead: Unveiling Perspectives for Tomorrow’s World: Predict’s closing keynote will be delivered by Dr. Sam Potolicchio, Chair of the Preparing Global Leaders Forum and Founding Executive Director of the American Councils’ Center for Global Leadership. Exploring a wide range of global issues, including political, social, and environmental developments, Potolicchio’s presentation will challenge attendees to think critically about the future, provide insights into potential trends shaping our world, and offer a deeper understanding of future developments. He will also review his predictions from the past year, discussing which ones came true and which ones didn’t.
Register for Predict 2024 here.
Don’t miss any news related to the event: subscribe to our weekly newsletter HERElisten to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!