Explore why the events function can no longer sit on the sidelines of wider corporate strategy. With rising pressures, flat budgets and shifting attendee expectations, event teams must operate as part of the business—not just support it. In this IMEX‑exclusive session, ELX shares new findings from its latest global research.

Grounded in insights from senior event leaders across the ELX community, the discussion reveals the challenges shaping today’s most influential event teams. Expect a candid look at stalled innovation, stakeholder alignment, the realities behind “innovation theater,” the AI capability gap, and the urgent talent priorities influencing how teams recruit, upskill and lead.

Learning outcomes:

Identify key trends from ELX research and what they mean for the future of the industry

Discover new leadership behaviors and cross‑functional capabilities defining future‑ready event professionals

Gain insight into how top organizations are evolving to stay strategically relevant, innovative, and resilient

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: 0.75

* CMP/CEU Approved: Domain F: Talent Management, 0.75 credit

* CSEP Approved