Industry News

Updated: May 20, 2021

In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.

Associations 

Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.

Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM) | CAEM is Canada's national association for professionals who are involved in the production, management, and planning of expositions and events. They aim to provide education and access to industry-specific suppliers and services for their members. Check out the Events and you can see information about Membership and Directories here.

Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) | CanSPEP is a national organization of Independent Event Professionals and event planner entrepreneurs, and has been in operation since 1996. Visit the Industry Resources page.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) | MPI is an international organization of meeting planners. Visit the Planner Resources section. The BC Chapter website provides information on area specific Events.

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) | PCMA represents more than 6000 meeting industry leaders from 17 chapters in the US, Canada and Mexico. Check out their News & Industry Insights and Learning Products pages.

 

Magazines & Trade Journals

Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online. 

Canadian Special Events Magazine | Covers the Canadian event industry and features news, editorial content, venue reviews, and supplier features. Published approximately 4 times per year as an online flip book magazine, with articles published online on a regular basis.

Special Events Magazine | US-based resource for event professionals who design and produce special events in hotels, resorts, banquet facilities and other venues. Published 6 times per year.

BizBash | This US-based resource covers event news and trends, as well as assistance in finding venues, suppliers, and idea for various areas. Their BizBash: Bicoastal magazine is publish 5 times per year and both the current and back issues are available online for free.

MeetingsNet | MeetingsNet provides content specifically for those planning corporate, association, and medical industry meetings. MeetingsNet publishes a monthly digital magazine, also available through an interactive magazine app. They also have a print magazine that contains its own unique content.

Successful Meetings | Magazine targeted at meeting planners which provides resources and ideas on how to create and execute all types of meetings.This magazine takes a broad look at the meetings industry, including research and financial news. It also focuses on meeting destinations and what they have to offer. Published on a monthly basis.

Blogs

Midcourse Corrections Blog | Regarded as something of an "insider's information" source, this US-based resource is advertising free and has been running since 2009. It is run by Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, a group of 7 event consultants who collectively write the blog. The blog features articles about industry trends, conference ideas, and tips for event planners.

techsytalk | With a strong focus on the tech side of the event planning industry, the primary focus of this blog is on how event planners can incorporate new tech tools into their events. techsytalk also includes industry news and how-to articles for busy professionals. Liz King Events, a New York based company, power the blog. The articles are also posted on Liz King Events blog page.

Meetings Today | In addition to their regularly published magazine, US-based Meetings Today runs a blog which publishes how-to articles and provides insight into challenges for event planners.

Event Planning Blueprint | Offering everything from the comprehensive Everything You Need to Know About Starting an Event Planning Business checklist to party ideas, the Event Planning Blueprint blog is run by Melania Woodward, who has been an event planner since 2004, planning events for large festivals and celebrities.

Start & Run an Event Planning Business | This self-published e-book by Cindy Lemaire and Mardi Foster-Walker is a comprehensive guide to the creation of an event planning business. This book covers every aspect of running an event planning business, from getting started to pricing your services and working with suppliers. With more than 40 years of industry experience between the two authors, this book may be just what you need to help you get started.

Consultant Websites

MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.

Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.