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Resource and infrastructure constraints, geopolitical instability, evolving regulations, and increasingly frequent weather and technical disruptions are reshaping how meetings and events are planned – particularly when it comes to attendee travel.

This program kicks off with Kevin Hinton (U.S. Travel Association) offering forward-looking insights into these shifts and practical guidance on how meetings professionals can prepare for continued volatility. The expert perspective is complemented by real-world case studies from strategic leaders, Katherine LaMacchia (Baird) and Rutger Hoorn (Ovation Global DMC), who will share lessons learned and outline tangible updates to protocols, risk mitigation, and contingency planning. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to manage travel disruption with greater confidence, agility, and resilience.

This program qualifies for 1 hour of CMP credit in Domain H: Event Design.

Missed out on seeing this session on the 2026 Fuel Forward Exchange mainstage? Here’s your chance—back by popular demand!

How can leaders maintain a high level of caring and connection while dexterously guiding people through difficult, new, complex, unpopular or otherwise stress-inducing circumstances? Dr. Andrea shares stories, science and practical tools for practicing compassionate agility, defined as “the ability to prioritize empathic connection and support, while deftly and boldly navigating challenge and change.” This session will leave attendees with practical wisdom, inspiring examples and actionable strategies for leading through change and navigating the modern workplace.

Here’s what past attendees shared about Dr. Andrea’s session:
•    “This was a great reset and reminder, as well as a new way of having compassion in the workplace.”
•    “Amazing messages from Andrea—wonderful reminders to be kind to yourself and others, along with strategies to get you there.”
•    “Fantastic speaker. Great energy—so interesting and informative.”

Participants joined their peers for an engaging virtual roundtable that focused on how meeting professionals and hospitality partners were adapting to the dynamic global environment. Through guided group discussion, they explored how global regulatory updates, economic shifts, and changing travel dynamics were reshaping international event and incentive travel. The session concluded with group reflections highlighting key takeaways and actionable insights to plan confidently amid uncertainty.

Your personal brand isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up, especially in those unexpected moments. Whether you’re presenting event data in a meeting to stakeholders, chatting in the hallway, or handling a surprise interaction with leadership, every moment is a chance to reinforce (or weaken) your reputation in the industry.

Packed with practical tips, this session will help you show up as the best version of yourself—every time.

Struggling to keep up with all the best AI tools and latest updates? Get an inside look at the AI landscape that’s shaping how event professionals work today. This session goes beyond the basics, featuring the latest tools, real-world use cases, and expert-level prompts that help you save time, create faster, and think smarter. 

We checked in on tech, trends, and what’s next.
In this edition of FICP Chats, meeting professionals and hospitality partners came together to rethink how technology can enhance every touchpoint—before, during, and after an event. Through collaborative breakouts, participants explored top tech tools that support a seamless planning process and create engaging attendee experiences from start to finish.

In today’s world, event professionals are being asked to do the impossible—deliver more value with fewer resources, juggle rising stakeholder and attendee expectations, adapt to constant change, and still somehow stay inspired. The pressure is real. View this program to connect and deliver in a way that feels better, has a meaningful effect on your events, and impacts positive change within the organization

According to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, the #1 in-demand skill at work today is creativity and innovation. Yet, there are so few places where people can learn actual creativity and innovation that they can use immediately at work. In this webinar, attendees will learn the skills on how to be innovative in their roles to boost productivity and success.