Boardroom Print Editorial Planning (2 Issues)
Issue 1 (Spring / pre-IMEX Frankfurt): The New Economics of Associations
A deep dive into financial resilience for associations – exploring revenue diversification, partnerships, business models, and financial governance in uncertain times. Destinations’ role as strategic partners can be highlighted through investment in association legacy, impact, and long-term collaborations.
Deadline: 25 March 2026
Issue 2 (Autumn / pre-IBTM Barcelona): The Future of Meetings & Knowledge Exchange
Brief: How associations are reimagining meetings as platforms for knowledge transfer, advocacy, and legacy. Focus on hybrid/AI integration, sustainability, inclusivity, and destination partnerships in designing impactful congresses. Destinations’ role in providing ecosystems (universities, innovation hubs, clusters) is central.
Deadline: 25 September 2026
Boardroom Website Editorial Planning
January – Trends to Watch for Associations in 2026
A forward-looking feature on macro trends – geopolitics, AI, sustainability, societal shifts – shaping associations this year.
February – AI & Associations: Promise and Pitfalls
Practical insights on how associations can use AI for member services, events, advocacy – and what risks to consider (ethics, privacy, governance).
March – Talent & Volunteerism in Flux
The struggle to engage new generations of staff, leaders, and volunteers; strategies for associations to adapt. Destinations’ talent/education ecosystems can be tied in.
April – Geopolitics & Risk Management
Associations are operating in a fractured world (wars, polarization, elections). How can they stay neutral, resilient, and mission-driven? What does this mean for event planning and destination selection?
May – Smart Cities, Smart Associations
Brief: Using a few different destinations as case studies, explore how smart city infrastructure benefits associations and their delegates.
June – Measuring Impact: From Legacy to ROI
Beyond delegate numbers, associations and destinations are measuring scientific, societal, and economic impacts of congresses. Who’s doing it well, and how?
July – Sustainability in Action
Moving from pledges to practice – how associations and destinations are embedding ESG into daily operations and events.
August – Digital Communities Beyond Events
How associations build year-round engagement platforms. Best practices, challenges, and lessons from early adopters.
September – Finances for Associations
A focus on new funding streams, corporate partnerships, and governance.
October – The Science of Belonging
Membership is no longer transactional; it’s about purpose, belonging, and diversity. How associations can foster community in polarized times?
November – Health, Safety & Security in a Risky World
From cyber threats to travel disruptions, associations must prepare for multiple risks. Destinations’ role in providing safe, resilient infrastructures.
December – Reflections & Roadmaps
Lessons learned in 2025 and a roadmap for 2026. A mix of association voices and destination insights.
NB: All topics are subject to change.