Key Takeaways from the 2023 Canadian Meetings + Events Expo
The 2023 Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) took place on August 15 and 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It brought together industry professionals, exhibitors, and enthusiasts for a dynamic experience. CMEE is Canada’s largest and longest-running tradeshow and conference for meeting and event professionals. We were thrilled to have a booth at this year’s Expo to showcase our service offerings.
Here are some valuable takeaways from our sales team who attended.
Mark Millar – AI, Networking, and the Live Event Experience
“I found there was a surprising level of interest in artificial intelligence. Many attendees inquired about AI applications, showcasing an industry inclination towards embracing technological advancements. I was surprised by how many attendees expressed a strong desire to return to fully live events. The Expo itself was a networking haven.”
Mike Walther – Navigating Event Evolution and Fostering Lasting Trust
“I heard from most clients that they are moving back to in-person events, but they now almost always have a hybrid component. Whether that means hosting remote presenters, remote interactive attendees, or creating a view-only link, this is almost always a requirement. I feel that a successful event transcends stages and screens. Attention to detail in design, even minor touches like a splash of colour on walls, plays a pivotal role in curating the desired event atmosphere. The foundation of successful event execution lies in the trust and partnership between planners and production teams. Planners rely on their production partners for seamless collaboration from event ideation to realization, given the complex nature of managing various elements.”
Trevor McCurdy – Reconnection and New Connections
“I found immense value in reconnecting with existing clients and industry contacts, reigniting relationships, and strengthening rapport. I also enjoyed forging new connections with planners and producers — it was a great opportunity to expand my professional network.”
Tyler Marshall – Embracing the Atmosphere
“The CMEE was an immersive experience defined by its vibrant atmosphere. From the captivating learning lounges to the creatively designed booths on the tradeshow floor, the Expo exuded an elevated energy. The engaging info sessions made my first CMEE memorable.”
The 2023 CMEE left attendees with multifaceted insights and reflections on the industry’s trajectory. From the evolution of event formats to the importance of connections and atmosphere, these takeaways paint a vivid picture of the tradeshow’s impact on the minds of its attendees.
Save the date! Next year’s Canadian Meetings + Events Expo will take place on August 13 and 14.