In the world of event planning and management, staying updated with the latest trends, insights, and best practices is crucial. As we step into 2024, the landscape of events continues to evolve, blending technology, sustainability, and innovative engagement strategies. For event professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve, a wealth of resources is available. Here, we’ve curated a list of the top 12 blogs, podcasts, and newsletters that are essential for any event professional’s must-follow list in 2024.

Blogs

1. Sarcon  

   • Website: Sarcon  
   • Focus: Latest trends, event planning, management tips, marketing strategies, and technology.
   • Why Follow: Sarcon blogs are a treasure trove of information covering a wide range of topics from event strategies to engagement techniques.The blog provides valuable insights into leveraging technology to enhance event experiences. It is a great resource for both novice and experienced event professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and stay ahead of industry trends.

2. BizBash

   • Website: BizBash
   • Focus: Event ideas, news, and resources for event professionals.
   • Why Follow: With its finger on the pulse of the industry, BizBash offers a blend of creative ideas, practical tips, and the latest event news.It’s particularly useful for inspiration, with numerous case studies and real-life events featured. Their coverage of different event types and sizes makes it a versatile resource for professionals working across the spectrum of the industry.

3. Smart Meetings

   • Website: Smart Meetings
   • Focus: Meeting planning, hotel and venue reviews, and professional development.
   • Why Follow: Smart Meetings is particularly strong in offering actionable content. It is ideal for corporate event planners, this blog provides comprehensive insights into meeting planning and professional growth.Each article is not just informative but provides clear, practical steps that professionals can apply to their events. Their hotel and venue reviews are detailed and useful for site selection, and they often feature advice from industry leaders.

Podcasts

1. Event Tech Podcast

   • Listen on: Event Tech Podcast
   • Focus: The latest in event technology.
   • Why Listen: Staying updated on event technology can be daunting, but this podcast makes it manageable and interesting. The hosts discuss the implications of new technologies, interview creators and users, and sometimes provide live reactions and reviews from tech showcases at events.

2. Meetings Today Podcast

   • Listen on: Meetings Today
   • Focus: Discussions with industry leaders about challenges and trends in the meetings industry.
   • Why Listen: This podcast stands out for its in-depth interviews that delve into the challenges and successes experienced by top professionals in the industry.It’s not just about trends and tips but also about understanding the bigger picture of the event industry’s evolution.

3. EventIcons

   • Listen on: EventIcons
   • Focus: Interviews with influential figures in the event industry.
   • Why Listen:  EventIcons allows you to hear directly from the pioneers and current thought leaders in the events world. The format is engaging and often allows listeners to submit questions, making it an interactive learning experience.

Newsletters

1. The Skift Meetings 

   • Subscribe at: Skift
   • Focus: Latest trends and innovations in the meetings and events industry.
   • Why Subscribe: Skift is known for its forward-thinking approach and deep analysis, making it invaluable for innovative professionals.Skift provides a global perspective, combining news with analysis and commentary. It’s particularly strong in covering how broader economic and societal trends affect the event industry, making it ideal for strategic planning and future-proofing your events.

2. Event Planner News

   • Subscribe at: Event Planner News
   • Focus: Curated news and articles for event professionals.
   • Why Subscribe: This newsletter is a great way to get a quick digest of the most important news and articles in the event planning industry. It covers a range of topics from event design and management to industry trends and tips.

3. MeetingsNet

   • Subscribe at: MeetingsNet
   • Focus: Dedicated to the meetings and incentives industry.
   • Why Subscribe: MeetingsNet offers a comprehensive look at the industry, with resources tailored for corporate meeting planners, association professionals, and more. Their  newsletters provide insights into best practices, case studies, and industry trends.

Hybrid (Blog + Podcast + Newsletter)

1.  Event Industry News

   • Website: Event Industry News
   • Podcast: EIN Podcast
   • Focus: Latest news and trends in the event industry.
   • Why Follow: A comprehensive resource offering a mix of articles, podcast episodes, and a newsletter.  The podcast brings voices from various sectors, providing diverse insights and experiences, while the blog and newsletter cover  a wide range of topics, from technological advancements to new venue openings, and provides a good mix of news, opinion pieces, and interviews.

2. Techsytalk

   • Website: Techsytalk
   • Podcast:  Event Hustler Show
   • Focus: Event technology and innovation.
   • Why Follow: Techsytalk is focused on the intersection of events and technology, offering insights into the latest tools and how they can be used to enhance event experiences. It offers a blend of blog articles, podcast episodes, and newsletters focusing on the latest tech trends in the event industry. It’s particularly useful for those looking to increase their event’s tech savviness.

3. PlannerWire

   • Website: PlannerWire
   • Podcast: PlannerWire Podcast
   • Focus: Event technology, marketing strategies, and planning tips.
   • Why Follow: PlannerWire is an excellent resource for event professionals looking to stay updated on the latest in event technology and digital marketing. The blog provides practical advice and insights that are useful for both corporate and independent event planners.

Conclusion

The blogs, podcasts, and newsletters listed above represent the best of 2024, offering a diverse range of perspectives, insights, and the latest trends. By regularly engaging with these blogs, podcasts, and newsletters, event professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and future directions of the event industry. Whether it’s learning about the latest in event technology, discovering creative and innovative event ideas, or keeping up with global event news, these resources will provide invaluable knowledge and inspiration.