A recent article published in Convene and BizBash feature trends to watch in 2019 for meetings and event technology.   As meeting professionals we are always following what the latest and greatest options are to enhance a meeting or perhaps add a new technology piece to the exhibit hall floor.    Here is a quick summary from both articles.   
Meeting Trends:  
1)  Big data
2) Guidelines around technology used in group settings.  
3).  New Benchmarks are emerging - inclusivity & measure will play an important role in meeting and events.  
4).  Naps, yes, you heard that correct.  With a focus on wellness, pods for taking naps can be used at meetings for your attendees.
5).  Inclusivity is ascending.  

Event Tech Trends
1.  AR has more practical uses.
2.  Behavior tracking improves
3.  Business travel goes high tech - more enhanced travel and housing platforms for event planners.
4.  Portable office spaces grows - use smartpods, could be a great sponsor opportunity.  

You can read more about each with these links:   
Meeting trends for 2019 
​Event Technology trends for 2019

​Spent time touring a phenomenal unique event venue called Peck & Bushel located in Colgate, Wisconsin. Bartolotta's manages the venue which offers 3,000 sq ft of space in a brand new barn. Imagine dining among the organic apple orchard or enjoying an upscale dinner overlooking the beautiful pond on the property.
#corporateevents #peckandbushel #bartolottascatering

A recent article featured in the Eventbrite Blog provided 26 event tends predictions for 2019.   Several hi-lights were:   
*Wellness will be prevalent on the agenda
*Venue prices will be more transparent.
*Unique venues with a story will be in high demand.
*Live data will help planners be more effective.

You can read the entire list here.  

Milwaukee just hosted members of the DNC on Monday to have another look at the facilities, hotels, etc.   The decision is nearing, we should know if Milwaukee has been selected in January/February 2019 to host the July 2020 National Convention.   A recent article from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel broke down the pro's and con's about each city.   You can read about Milwaukee's strengths to get the bid here.   

According to the recent article, it looks like it's under discussion and has a long way to go before a financial package is worked out.   Let's hope this happens sooner rather than later.  Milwaukee needs to expand the convention center in order to be competitive.  You can read the entire article here. 
​#visitmilwaukee    #milwaukeeconventioncenter