Thanksgiving is almost here and before I sit down with family and friends who still aren’t exactly sure what I do or that event organizers aren’t party planners, I thought I would reflect a bit on why I love being in the events business.
If you are like me, you may catch yourself in the middle of a show floor — phone in one hand, lukewarm convention center coffee in the other — and think, “Why on earth do I love this chaos?” Or maybe you’re on your third site visit or second city in two weeks, you ask yourself, “Am I built for this… or is this Stockholm Syndrome with lanyards?”
Yet here we are — still showing up, still believing in the power of face-to-face meetings, and still grateful to belong to this wild, wonderful, caffeinated corner of the world. And in 2025, there are more reasons than ever to be thankful.
We Work in the Only Industry Where “Controlled Chaos” Is a Compliment
It’s often listed as one of the top 10 most stressful jobs and we live for it!
Late shipments? Unread exhibitor emails? Misprinted badges? Speaker no-show?
To us, that’s just Tuesday morning.
We’re thankful because events reward the scrappy, creative, calm-under-pressure types — and we’ve proven that no AI, no economic curveball, and no fire marshal visit can stop us. And even better yet, while we deal with that stress, we get to spend it surrounded by smart and dedicated colleagues who genuinely care about content, community, commerce and and connections. That’s rare. And worth appreciating.
We Get a Front-Row Seat to Human Connection
In a world where half the population prefers meeting over Zoom in pajama pants or sweats, we create and curate the spaces where authentic relationships and connections happen, both by accident and by design. Buyers and suppliers meet. Education and ideas are sparked. Perspectives shift. Industries evolve.
And yes, we also create the awkward moments — like exhibitors who really should’ve proofread their booth graphics — but that’s all part of the uniqueness.
Face-to-face events aren’t just alive in 2025; they’re thriving. Look, we tried virtual events, and, as quickly and safely as possible, we rushed to be back in person.
We Make Cities Our Canvases
There’s nothing quite like watching our host cities or venues transform: boisterous lobbies, vendor parties, packed restaurants and bars, Ubers filling up, and others wondering why everyone is carrying matching tote bags. It starts the moment we see a sign for our event at the baggage claim area.
Events power commerce.
Trade shows power industries.
And we get to be the reason a destination or venue hits its goals. That’s an impact worth celebrating.
We Get Paid to Create Moments People Remember
Think about that. I am not talking just the Instagrammable moments, but the business of giving people goosebumps — creating experiences that inspire, surprise, educate, and reconnect.
Whether it’s a general session that gives people chills or an exhibit hall moment that changes someone’s career, we produce the memories people take home.
That’s not a job. That’s a privilege.
We See the Best and Worst — and Still Believe in the Best
From the exhibitor who decides to drive their vehicle down the show floor during the opening night reception (true story)
…to the attendee who asks for the third reprint of their badge since they once again left it in their hotel room (again… true story)
…we experience it all and have better stories than any other profession.
But we also see innovation with new products and services launched at our shows, members connect, industries thrive, and the magic that only happens when people gather with purpose.
Our Industry Reinvents Itself Every Day
Every year brings a new challenge, a new theme, a new “must-try education format,” or sometimes a new rule that needs to be written.
But 2025 feels different. We’re not just reacting (or reusing our 2019 playbook)— we’re designing events with all our audiences in mind. We are finally leveraging AI to help plan and execute our overly long to-do lists. We are thinking about sustainability. We are also constantly finding new ways to generate revenue for our organizations.
It’s energizing. And messy. And completely addictive.
So, What Are You Thankful For?
As we prepare for the holiday, Expo! Expo! and the final days of 2025 — a year where innovation is accelerating, audiences and our members are shifting, and expectations have never been higher — it’s worth asking:
What still excites you? What keeps you wanting to still organize that event, year after year? What are the moments that remind you that this industry is still the best place to be?
Take a moment to reflect while you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal this year. Because in the event professional community, gratitude shouldn’t just be a seasonal activity — it’s fuel for the next great trade show or event you will build.
PS – Sorry, Grandma, I plan more than parties.
