Event Weekly Brief: May 27–June 2, 2025
Welcome to the weekly pulse on the U.S. event industry! This past week, May 27 - June 2, 2025, has been marked by significant developments, from the release of top meeting destination rankings to shifts in hotel group business strategies and advancements in sustainable event practices. The industry continues to innovate, emphasizing technology, attendee experience, and environmental responsibility.
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Cvent Unveils Top U.S. Meeting Destinations for 2025
Cvent’s annual list of top U.S. meeting destinations for 2025 highlights Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta. Orlando secured the top spot for the tenth consecutive time, driven by new hotel openings and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Las Vegas and Chicago also saw significant climbs, fueled by major renovations and record visitation. These cities’ sustained high rankings are attributed to continuous investments in infrastructure and strategic event hosting, providing cutting-edge resources for planners.
Published: May 27, 2025
Cvent’s Top 5 Meeting Destinations and 5 Reasons to Check Them Out -
Group Business Becomes Key Focus for Hotels Amidst ‘Uncertain Times’
Hotels are increasingly prioritizing group business as consumer markets become more cautious, leading to a shift from a “supplier market.” Omni Hotels & Resorts, for instance, sees group bookings as crucial for resilience, despite longer sales cycles. They’ve noted a surge in small meeting requests, with online RFPs up by 90% for groups of 25 or fewer. In response, hotels are offering more flexible terms, master account rebates, and significantly reduced Wi-Fi costs, creating a more favorable negotiating environment for event planners.
Published: June 2, 2025
Group Business Turning Hotel Heads During 'Uncertain Times' -
SGS and The PLEDGE on Food Waste Partner for Sustainable Events
SGS, a global certification company, has partnered with The PLEDGE on Food Waste, a leading certification program for food service providers. This collaboration, part of SGS’s IMPACT NOW initiative, aims to reduce waste, improve profitability, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. SGS will provide independent audits and certification services based on The PLEDGE’s framework of 7 pillars and 95 criteria. This partnership signifies a move towards quantifiable, auditable standards for food waste management in the event industry.
Published: June 2, 2025
SGS and The PLEDGE on Food Waste Join Forces to Tackle Food Waste | SGS -
2025 WSOP Mystery Millions Draws Record-Breaking Field in Las Vegas The $1,000 Mystery Millions event at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas achieved a historic turnout with 19,654 total entries, the largest in its history. This popular bounty event saw two players, Tyler Montoya and Thomas Zanot, each win $1,000,000 mystery bounties. The overwhelming success highlights the appeal of unique, high-engagement event formats that incorporate elements of surprise and shared emotional experiences. Event planners can learn from this approach to boost attendance and engagement.
Published: June 2, 2025
WSOP 2025 WSOP MYSTERY MILLIONS DRAWS BIGGEST FIELD IN EVENT HISTORY | WSOP.com
Tools & Tips
- Harnessing AI for Event Planning Explore how AI is revolutionizing event management, from optimizing budgets and scheduling to providing vendor recommendations. Tools like Galaxy AI Event Planner offer comprehensive capabilities to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
The AI Tools Every Event Planner Should Check Out (2025) - Expo Pass
Fun Fact
Did you know that a staggering 94% of event jobs require qualifications in organization and project management? This highlights the foundational importance of meticulous planning and execution skills in the dynamic event industry.
https://www.nyccatering.com/event-planning
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Event events or utilized new Event tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.