Planning in 2026 looks different than it did just a few years ago. Timelines are compressed. Teams are smaller. Expectations—from stakeholders and attendees alike—continue to rise.
What planners are asking for isn’t more technology. It’s less friction.

A Common Planner Scenario

You’re sourcing a program with a tight turnaround. You know the general destination, but availability is shifting, inboxes are filling up, and time is already short. You don’t need dozens of responses—you need a handful of good ones.

That’s the gap RFP Valet® was designed to fill.

A More Focused Sourcing Experience

Rather than placing the full burden of sourcing on the planner, RFP Valet® supports the process by helping:

• Refine sourcing needs upfront
• Identify relevant, responsive partners
• Reduce unnecessary follow-up and back-and-forth.

The goal isn’t automation for its own sake—it’s clarity.

Built for How Planners Actually Work

RFP Valet® functions as an extension of a planner’s workflow, not another system to manage. Planners remain in control while gaining support that helps protect time and attention for higher-value work, strategy, experience design, and stakeholder alignment.

Transparency That Matters

With a commission-free model, RFP Valet® supports direct, transparent relationships between planners and partners. Recommendations are driven by fit—not incentives—helping build trust on both sides of the sourcing process.

MASTER TIP: Don’t Stop at Submit—Lean Into the Support

Submitting an RFP is just the starting point.

Once your RFP is completed on ConventionPlanit.com, one of the most valuable next steps is leaning into the personal support of the ConventionPlanit team. They help review your needs, identify strong-fit partners, and manage outreach—so you’re not navigating the sourcing process alone.

Think of it as extending your planning team at the moment it matters most. By engaging the team after submission, planners can reduce follow-up time, avoid unnecessary back-and-forth, and gain confidence that their RFP is reaching the right partners from the start.

The 2026 In / Out List. Plus 2025 Standouts that are Still In

Trends can be helpful prompts — especially when they encourage planners to pause, reassess, and make more intentional choices. Below is a curated look at ideas worth considering for 2026, along with a few proven standouts from 2025 that may still earn their place.

Selected Trends That Are IN for 2026

Simplicity

As timelines tighten and expectations rise, simplifying processes, communication, and agendas can create clarity for both planners and attendees. Fewer moving parts often lead to better outcomes

Mini-Aisles & Flexible Seating

More adaptable room layouts support collaboration, movement, and engagement — especially for programs that prioritize interaction over presentation.

Knights of the Round Table

Drawing from the concept outlined by Gary Hernbroth in his book Twist the Familiar, this approach encourages planners to surround themselves with a trusted group of support professionals—much like King Arthur’s Round Table. Rather than working in isolation, planners can benefit from shared insight, accountability, and collaboration that strengthen both strategy and execution, especially as timelines tighten and complexity increases.

Empathetic Leadership

Leading with awareness, flexibility, and understanding continues to influence how teams collaborate and how events are experienced. Empathy isn’t a trend — it’s a skill set planners increasingly value.

Strategic AI Support

AI tools can help streamline scheduling, data review, and personalization when used as support — not replacement — for human decision-making.

Personalized Messaging

Targeted communication remains more effective than broad messaging, helping attendees feel considered rather than processed.

Hybrid as the Norm

Offering flexible participation options remains a practical consideration for reach, accessibility, and evolving attendee preferences.

Planning for Delays

Building in buffer time and contingency plans reflects realism, professionalism, and respect for everyone’s time.

2025 Standouts That Are Still In

Advisory Boards

When used with intention, advisory boards continue to provide valuable perspective, accountability, and strategic insight — especially during periods of change.

Experienced Colleagues

Experience still matters. What’s evolving is how it’s shared: through collaboration, mentorship, and partnership rather than hierarchy.

Human Judgment & Creativity

Even with smarter tools, human insight remains essential — particularly for relationship-building, nuance, and experience design.

In-Person Connection

Face-to-face engagement continues to hold value, especially when paired thoughtfully with digital and hybrid elements.

The defining trend for 2026 isn’t a single tool or tactic—it’s intentional decision‑making. Planners who simplify, collaborate, and choose thoughtfully will continue to create experiences that resonate long after the event ends.

Light, festive, and perfectly suited for the season, the Sparkling Snowfall Sipper is a bright winter drink that feels celebratory without being heavy. With crisp white cranberry, fresh citrus, and a touch of sparkle, it works beautifully as both a mocktail and a cocktail — making it an easy crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.

Mocktail Version

A refreshing, zero-proof option with a wintery glow.

Ingredients

• 3 oz white or red cranberry juice
• 2 oz sparkling water (plain or berry)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• Fresh rosemary sprig (lightly clapped to release aroma)
• Optional: a pinch of edible glitter for a snow-globe effect

Instructions
Fill a glass with ice. Add white cranberry juice and lime juice, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently, garnish with frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and finish with a sprig of rosemary.

Cocktail Version

An elegant upgrade with a festive twist.

To make it a cocktail, add 1½ oz vodka or gin, or replace the sparkling water with prosecco.
For a floral note, add a splash of St-Germain.

Crisp, aromatic, and easy to customize, the Sparkling Snowfall Sipper brings just the right amount of holiday magic to the glass. Perfect for toasting the season — with or without spirits.

Long before weather apps and digital calendars, people turned to almanacs for guidance — not just to track the seasons, but to move through the year with intention. These slim books offered reminders about timing, balance, and rest, encouraging a life paced by observation rather than urgency. As the holidays arrive in today’s always-on world, some of that old wisdom feels especially relevant.

“As the days grow shorter, make your light grow longer.”

Once a call to gather around hearths and candlelight, this idea now invites us to be deliberate about what brings warmth into our days. A quiet walk, a meaningful conversation, or a few moments of stillness can provide a steady glow amid a busy season.

“Gather what you love before the winter sets in.”

Historically, this meant harvest and preparation. Today, it’s about holding close what sustains us — people, routines, and moments that bring comfort and clarity. Not everything needs to be finished before year’s end, but what matters most deserves space.

“Nothing grows without rest.”

Farmers understood that fallow periods were essential for future growth. In modern life, rest serves the same purpose. Slowing down creates room for reflection, renewal, and the creative energy that carries us forward into a new year.

“Many hands make light work.”

This season offers a reminder that sharing responsibility isn’t a weakness — it’s wisdom. Whether at work or at home, allowing others to contribute makes space for connection and lightness.

As the year draws to a close, these time-tested sayings remind us that wisdom doesn’t age — it adapts. A well-tended season, in any era, still leaves room for joy, meaningful connection, and the quiet reset that prepares us for what’s next.

The holidays can be equal parts sparkle and stress — joyful gatherings on one hand, and year-end deadlines, travel logistics, and to-do lists that seem to grow overnight on the other. If joy has slipped a little lower on your priority list, here’s some reassuring news: it doesn’t take much to bring it back.

In a global digital well-being project involving more than 17,000 participants across 169 countries, researchers found that spending just 5–10 minutes a day for one week on small “micro-acts of joy” — such as gratitude, kindness, or moments of awe — led to measurable improvements in emotional well-being, reduced stress, and even better sleep. A few intentional minutes each day can meaningfully shift how a week — and a season — feels.

Here are a few simple ways to invite more joy into the holiday weeks ahead:

Find Awe in the Outdoors

Nature has a remarkable ability to pull us out of our heads and into the present moment. Participants in the study described experiencing transcendental joy when surrounded by landscapes larger than life — oceans, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Many even expressed a sense of awe when viewing the sunset at the end of a dark day – a reminder that a single breathtaking moment can change our perspective.

Practice Kindness — It Comes Right Back to You

Reflect on your core values and how generosity fits into your daily life. Being kind to yourself and to others isn’t just meaningful — it’s one of the fastest ways to lift your mood. Celebrating someone else’s joy or offering a simple act of goodwill delivers an immediate emotional boost.

Revisit Gratitude

Make a short list of eight things you’re grateful for — big milestones, small comforts, or people who made a difference this year. Then, let someone know why you appreciate them. Gratitude strengthens connection, and connection is one of the most powerful sources of joy during the holidays.

Try on a Brighter Lens

It’s easy to assume that difficult experiences automatically lead to negative outcomes. But optimism is a skill rooted in perspective. Take a moment to recall a past challenge and identify the positive result that ultimately came from it. That small mental shift can influence how you navigate whatever comes next.

The takeaway is simple: joy doesn’t require a grand gesture

It’s a small, steady practice. In a season that often asks a lot from us, giving yourself a few intentional minutes each day to pause, breathe, and look for light can make all the difference.

Gratitude feels easy when life is calm — when the inbox is under control, projects are on track, and there’s room to breathe. But for most professionals today, those moments are rare. We’re navigating long days, short timelines, and the constant hum of “too much.” In that kind of environment, gratitude can feel like one more thing on the to-do list — a performance of positivity that doesn’t quite fit the mood.

But that’s exactly why it matters

Gratitude, when practiced honestly, isn’t about denying exhaustion or pretending that overwork feels good. It’s about noticing what’s still working within the chaos — the coworker who offered help without being asked, the project that finally moved forward, the client who showed grace when plans changed. It’s not glossy or grand. It’s grounded.

There’s a misconception that gratitude means looking for silver linings or minimizing stress. In truth, it’s more about awareness — recognizing the small moments of stability that hold us up when everything else feels unstable. Gratitude says, “This part is still solid.” It helps us find center when balance is impossible.

That shift matters in today’s work world. When we’re always on, gratitude becomes a pause button — a moment to breathe, reflect, and reorient. It’s not a productivity tool; it’s a perspective reset.

You don’t need a journal or a list of “three things I’m thankful for.” What makes gratitude sustainable is keeping it simple and specific:

– Micro-recognitions: End your day by noting one thing that went right — however small.
– People first: Send a quick thank-you or message of appreciation without an agenda.
– Reflect backward: Instead of focusing on what’s unfinished, recall what moved forward this week.
– Self-gratitude: Acknowledge your own effort. Gratitude for yourself counts, too.

True gratitude doesn’t cancel out the hard stuff; it lives alongside it.

You can be grateful for your team and still wish you had fewer meetings. You can appreciate your job and still want more balance. Gratitude loses its power when it demands perfection — it regains it when it makes room for honesty.

So this November, skip the pressure to feel thankful for everything.

Be thankful within everything. Notice what sustains you — the people, the progress, the purpose behind the long days. That’s where real gratitude lives: not in the polished moments, but in the messy middle.

Gratitude without the gloss is the kind that lasts.

It’s quiet, grounded, and human. And in a world that constantly asks us to do more, maybe the bravest thing we can do is pause long enough to say, “I see what’s still good — and I’ll hold on to that.”

Dunwoody | Above Atlanta…Beyond Expectations

Combining the amenities of a major city with the welcoming atmosphere characteristic of Southern destinations, Dunwoody, GA offers a distinctive value proposition for meeting professionals. A recent discussion highlighted why Dunwoody stands out as an exceptional choice for meetings.

What is Dunwoody’s unique value proposition for meeting professionals, and how do you communicate that effectively in a competitive market?
Dunwoody offers the convenience of a premier meetings destination with the intimacy of a community-focused setting. Our location is minutes from Atlanta, with walkable access to more than 2,000 hotel rooms, premier dining, and shopping, creates an unmatched ease of experience for planners and attendees. Fly into Atlanta Hartsfield Airport where you can hop on  a 40-minute MARTA ride to Dunwoody. No traffic to deal with. We emphasize our accessibility, affordability, and personalized service as distinguishing factors in comparison to larger, congested cities.

How are you leveraging partnerships with hotels, local businesses, and regional organizations to create a cohesive and attractive meeting destination?

We collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and attractions to create tailored group packages. By working with regional partners and Atlanta’s metro market, we promote Dunwoody as both an independent destination and an Atlanta extension. This approach gives meeting planners full support and distinctive local experiences for their events.

What challenges or misconceptions do you face when selling Dunwoody as a meetings hub, and how are you addressing them to shift perceptions?

A common misconception is that Dunwoody is simply a suburban extension of Atlanta rather than a destination. To shift this perception, we highlight our walkable meeting district, modern hotel properties, vibrant dining scene, and cultural attractions that provide attendees with an engaging experience without the stress of navigating a major metropolitan core. We also share client testimonials and success stories to illustrate Dunwoody’s capabilities in hosting events.

What incentives or support does Dunwoody offer to event organizers that might give it a competitive edge over other cities with similar offerings?

We provide custom incentive programs, including financial support based on room nights, marketing aid, and planning resources to ease the organizer’s workload. Our high-touch, personalized services ensure that every planner has a direct point of contact within our team. For example, attendees receive a warm welcome letter from our Mayor. Swag bags and selfie stations are provided for groups, not just large conventions. This level of accessibility and promotional support sets Dunwoody apart from larger, more transactional destinations.

How do you measure success in attracting meetings and conventions, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most critical to your growth strategy?

Our success is measured by several key metrics, including room nights generated, repeat bookings, new planner engagement, attendee satisfaction, and economic impact. Balancing quantitative KPIs with qualitative feedback from our partners and planners helps align our approach for both immediate results and long-term growth as a premier meetings destination. 

Reported by Maureen Pickell, CTC | Director of Global Accounts & Media Relations | ConventionPlanit.com

               IMEX America 2025 – “The super bowl of the events Industry”

Coined by Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Association CEO and President, the above tagline accurately summarizes the biggest ever edition of IMEX America, held October 7–9 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The exhibition welcomed 17,683 participants with 6,145 global buyers of which 4,700 were hosted. 3,700 exhibiting companies representing 80+ countries took part in over 92,000 scheduled meetings with planners – over 77,000 of which were pre-scheduled one-to-ones along with group appointments and presentations.

The ConventionPlanit.com team (Katherine & David Markham and Maureen Pickell) networked with both planners and suppliers to talk details and establish valuable connections. In this volatile time for our industry, it was uplifting to be part of an endeavor that proves our global business events community continues facing firmly forward!

As usual, the hall presented sessions and exhibits that were thought-provoking, immersive and multi-sensory. For example, CP.com supplier partner Visit Anchorage presented a striking digital display featuring Alaska’s iconic scenery that had the power to make every attendee stop and stare! Walking the aisles meant dodging performers in sparkling outfits, feathered headgear and more sedately attired wandering robots.

And, when the educational sessions, the networking and the “doing business by the mile” across the biggest exhibition floor to date became overwhelming, there was a Resilience Room just outside the hall to “foster the physical, emotional and mental well-being of attendees” by emphasizing soul over mind.

To best summarize this important event, I usually end with a quote by the CEO and “down-to-earth” team leader of the IMEX organization, Carina Bauer:

“This has been a record-breaking week where we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it is for our industry to meet face to face, to shake hands, do business and build bonds. The strength in numbers across the board is a sign of a sector that’s both purposeful and powerful right now.”

Carina Bauer, CEO IMEX

IMEX America continues to offer an incomparable opportunity to make connections in the meetings, events and incentive industry. Save the date – October 13–15, 2026 and see you next year at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center!

In the spirit of October, let’s talk about a workplace trend that’s a little too spooky: ghosting. It happens when someone simply stops responding — to an inquiry, proposal, or follow-up — and it leaves the other side in the dark. While it’s rarely intentional, silence can create frustration and erode trust in professional relationships. The good news? A few mindful communication habits can keep your connections strong — and your reputation glowing.

Start with Clarity

Let others know when they can expect a reply — and feel comfortable asking the same. A quick “I’ll get back to you by Friday” helps manage workloads and avoids unnecessary follow-ups. If a full answer will take longer, say so; clarity builds trust.

Respond, Even Briefly

A short acknowledgment — “Got your message, working on it and will circle back soon” — shows accountability without demanding much time. Even small responses demonstrate reliability and help others plan accordingly.

Be Honest, Even When It’s a “No”

Most ghosting happens because people want to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. But saying “thank you, we’ve decided to move in another direction” is kinder than silence. It offers closure, preserves goodwill, and leaves the door open for future opportunities. After all, business needs evolve — and today’s “no” could be tomorrow’s “yes.“

Offer Understanding — to Others and Yourself

Before deciding that someone has ghosted you, pause. We can never fully know what’s happening on another person’s plate — unexpected travel, staff shortages, or personal challenges can easily delay a reply. Keeping that in mind helps us approach others with a little more patience — and sometimes creates the space needed for reconnection.

Master Tip:
Accountability and empathy are powerful partners. Together, they strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and keep communication alive — even when answers are delayed. By showing up with honesty and understanding, we make our professional circles a little less haunted and a lot more human.