As the association meetings industry steps into 2025, planners face a rapidly evolving landscape driven by technological innovation, shifting attendee expectations and a renewed focus on sustainability and accessibility.

These convention centers go above and beyond to stand out among the many centers around the country.

Many of the challenges association planners face today stem from continued issues related to the travel industry, ranging from high costs of hotels and flights to obstacles for international attendees getting timely visas to the U.S.

From unique eateries to diverse cultural events, association meeting planners and event attendees have a wealth of opportunities to be exposed to memorable cultural experiences.

In recent years, the approach to planning association trade shows has evolved to emphasize dynamic, modular and sustainable events that prioritize immersive, experience-driven interactions.

Thankfully, not every outing features a calamity, but there are enough moving parts at every expo, trade show and convention to provide plenty of opportunities for something to go sideways. That’s what makes it so important to have preplanned strategies in place to deal with the unexpected.

As associations ramp up efforts to plan international meetings, there are subtleties that play into making them a success.