Tag: Industry Experts

Top 10 Conference Themes for 2026: Expert Guide for Event Planners

Posted on September 30, 2025 by - Industry News & Insights

people sitting at conference with blue background and title text

Corporate events are evolving rapidly in 2026. With 51% of marketers increasing their experiential marketing investment, choosing the right conference theme has never been more critical for driving attendee engagement and measurable ROI.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top conference themes that will resonate with attendees in 2026—backed by industry data and real-world applications you can implement today.

Why Your Conference Theme Matters in 2026

Your conference theme is more than a tagline. It shapes your entire event strategy:

  • Sets attendee expectations and drives registrations
  • Guides content development for keynotes and breakout sessions
  • Influences sponsor engagement and partnership opportunities
  • Creates a cohesive brand experience across all touch points

With 75% of knowledge workers now using AI at work and remote work reshaping corporate culture, 2026 themes must address current workforce realities while inspiring future innovation.

10 Conference Themes That Will Dominate 2026

1. The AI-Powered Workplace: Building Human-AI Collaboration

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond automation into true workplace integration, with 28% of US employees currently using AI tools like ChatGPT for work—double the rate from 2023.

Why this theme resonates:

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Beyond Automation: Building Human-AI Collaboration”
  • Panel discussions with HR leaders on AI-driven reskilling strategies
  • Live demonstrations of industry-specific AI tools with measurable ROI
  • Workshops addressing AI ethics and governance frameworks

Pro tip: Include sessions on “AI anxiety” since 52% of workers express worry about AI’s workplace impact, balanced with practical upskilling opportunities.

2. Sustainability as Strategy: From Commitments to Action

Green initiatives are now business imperatives, not optional CSR programs. By 2026, stakeholders expect demonstrable progress on ESG commitments with measurable outcomes.

Why this theme works:

  • Aligns with corporate ESG reporting requirements
  • Appeals to eco-conscious attendees and sponsors
  • Positions your brand as socially responsible

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Net Zero Now: Turning Commitments Into Action”
  • Interactive Green Tech Expo showcasing sustainable business solutions
  • Carbon-neutral venue partnerships with transparent sustainability practices
  • Case study sessions featuring companies achieving measurable sustainability goals

3. Human-Centered Leadership: Leading with Empathy in a Digital Age

With hybrid work models permanently established, leadership demands empathy, resilience, and adaptability. This people-first approach bridges HR, leadership development, and DEI initiatives.

Why this theme resonates:

  • Employees demand work-life balance, purpose, and belonging
  • Addresses the mental health crisis in corporate environments
  • Creates opportunities for storytelling and authentic connection

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Leading with Empathy in a Digital Age”
  • Storytelling sessions from leaders who successfully transformed culture
  • Interactive workshops on mental health awareness and employee wellbeing
  • Coaching clinics offering personalized leadership development

4. The Future of Hybrid Collaboration: Building Teams Without Boundaries

Even as in-person events return, remote work remains entrenched in corporate culture. Conferences addressing hybrid collaboration strategies capture executive attention and solve real pain points.

Why this theme works:

  • Addresses critical challenges for global organizations
  • Creates natural partnerships with collaboration technology vendors
  • Appeals to both HR and IT decision-makers

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Borderless Collaboration: Building Teams Without Boundaries”
  • Live demonstrations of immersive hybrid meeting platforms
  • Hackathon-style sessions designing better hybrid workflows
  • Executive panels on building distributed-first company culture

5. Diversity, Equity & Belonging 2.0: From Policy to Progress

By 2026, DEI efforts are maturing beyond awareness campaigns into measurable business integration. Organizations now seek data-driven approaches to inclusion with tangible outcomes.

Why this theme matters:

  • DEI remains a top corporate culture priority
  • Directly impacts talent attraction and retention metrics
  • Creates space for authentic, story-driven programming

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “From Policy to Progress: The Future of Belonging at Work”
  • Fireside chats with diverse C-suite executives sharing authentic experiences
  • Data-driven panels analyzing inclusion metrics and ROI
  • Interactive workshops on unconscious bias and inclusive hiring practices

6. Cybersecurity & Trust in the Digital Era: Building Cultures of Security

As hybrid work increases reliance on cloud platforms, cybersecurity has become boardroom-urgent. This theme appeals across IT, compliance, HR, and executive leadership.

Why this theme is critical:

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Securing the Future: Building a Culture of Digital Trust”
  • Tabletop exercises simulating incident response scenarios
  • Guest sessions with leading cybersecurity firms and ethical hackers
  • Certification workshops offering practical security credentials

7. Wellness & Peak Performance: The Science of Thriving at Work

Employees want holistic wellbeing—not just productivity hacks. Wellness-focused conferences demonstrate genuine employer commitment while engaging attendees on a personal level.

Why this theme succeeds:

  • Links corporate performance directly to employee health
  • Differentiates your event through attendee-centric programming
  • Creates opportunities for experiential activations

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Thrive at Work: The Science of Wellbeing and Performance”
  • Morning yoga or mindfulness sessions integrated into the agenda
  • Keynotes from sports psychologists, neuroscientists, or wellness experts
  • Interactive demos of workplace wellness technology and solutions

8. Globalization & Geopolitical Readiness: Navigating Uncertainty

Companies are rethinking global supply chains, expansion strategies, and operations amid continued volatility. This thought leadership theme positions your brand at the forefront of strategic planning.

Why this theme resonates:

  • Senior executives prioritize geopolitical awareness for strategic decisions
  • High relevance for international corporations and supply chain leaders
  • Creates cross-industry panel opportunities with economists and policy experts

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Navigating the New Global Order: Strategy for an Uncertain World”
  • Case studies on building resilient global supply chains
  • Expert panels featuring economists, diplomats, and geopolitical analysts
  • Scenario planning workshops for various geopolitical outcomes

9. Experiential Technology & Practical Innovation: Tech That Transforms

While metaverse hype has cooled, immersive technologies (AR/VR/XR) play powerful roles in branding and engagement when applied practically. Focus on demonstrable ROI rather than speculation.

Why this theme works:

  • Future-facing without being purely speculative
  • Creates highly engaging, interactive attendee experiences
  • Appeals to marketing, innovation, and technology leaders

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “Experience is Everything: Tech That Transforms Events and Business”
  • Expo halls featuring AR-powered brand activations attendees can try
  • Panel discussions on measurable metaverse and XR ROI
  • Case studies from early adopters showing business impact

10. Data-Driven Decision Making: From Insight to Impact

Data analytics remains central to corporate decision-making across all departments. This universally relevant theme attracts leadership from finance, operations, marketing, and beyond.

Why this theme delivers:

  • Relevant across every business function and industry
  • Tangible ROI discussions attract sponsors and strategic partners
  • Ideal format for benchmarking reports and comparative analysis

Implementation ideas:

  • Theme tagline: “From Insight to Impact: Leveraging Data to Drive Growth”
  • On-stage presentations of industry benchmark reports with exclusive data
  • Hands-on workshops turning raw data into actionable strategy
  • Tool demonstrations showcasing latest analytics and BI platforms

How to Choose the Perfect Conference Theme for Your Event

When selecting your 2026 conference theme, follow this strategic framework:

Align with business objectives

Ensure your theme supports specific goals—whether that’s driving growth, improving retention, or showcasing innovation.

Understand your audience deeply

Research what challenges your attendees face daily. Event planners want to save time, hotel partners want qualified leads, and executives want actionable insights.

Ensure format versatility

Your theme should stretch naturally across keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and activations without feeling forced.

Validate with data

Use keyword research tools to confirm your theme aligns with high-volume search terms like “conference themes 2026” and “corporate event ideas.”

Test with stakeholders

Before finalizing, gather feedback from speakers, sponsors, and potential attendees to refine your approach.

Emerging Sub-Themes for 2026 Conferences

Beyond the main themes, consider these rising topics as breakout sessions or specialized tracks:

  • Agentic AI systems and autonomous workplace agents
  • Four-day work weeks and productivity reimagined
  • Skills-based hiring replacing degree requirements
  • Climate tech innovation and carbon accounting
  • Web3 practical applications beyond cryptocurrency
  • Neurodiversity in workplace design and hiring
  • Financial wellness programs for employees at all levels

Making Your Conference Theme Actionable

A great theme does more than headline your event—it creates anticipation, attracts the right audience, and drives measurable ROI.

To maximize impact in 2026:

Before the event:

  • Use your theme consistently across all marketing channels
  • Create content series that explores theme facets
  • Recruit speakers who embody your theme authentically

During the event:

  • Design physical spaces reflecting your theme
  • Create Instagram-worthy moments tied to theme messaging
  • Facilitate peer connections around theme topics

After the event:

  • Publish insights and key takeaways continuing the conversation
  • Create on-demand content extending theme value
  • Measure theme impact on attendee satisfaction and business outcomes

Final Thoughts: Themes That Drive Results

The most successful 2026 conferences will blend innovation with inclusion, addressing AI transformation, sustainability imperatives, wellness priorities, and hybrid collaboration realities.

By selecting a theme grounded in real workforce needs—backed by data and designed for engagement—you’ll create conferences that aren’t just memorable, but measurable.

Ready to plan your 2026 conference? Start with these trending themes, adapt them to your audience’s unique needs, and watch your registration numbers climb.

About Hopskip

Hopskip is the fastest way for meeting planners and hotels to collaborate on sourcing, proposals, and contracts. Get started for free myhopskip.com.

Navigating Hotel Contracts: Expert Advice for Meeting Planners

Posted on September 22, 2025 by - Contracts, Venue & Destination Insights

Hotel contracts can make or break your event. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, large-scale conference, or incentive trip, the fine print matters. In a recent Hopskip webinar, “Ask a Lawyer (Almost) Anything,” leading hospitality attorneys Barbara Dunn (Barbara Dunn Law) and Kelly Bagnall (Holland & Knight LLP) offered a deep dive into what planners and hoteliers need to know when reviewing and negotiating contracts.

From risk mitigation to the evolving role of AI in legal prep, here are the key takeaways from the session — optimized for quick learning and long-term value.

1. Avoid Common Pitfalls by Prioritizing Clarity

One of the biggest red flags in hotel contracts? Inconsistent language.

Barbara Dunn stressed the importance of using clear, uniform terms throughout a contract and cautioned against assuming templates are universally valid. Her advice:

“Slow the process down. Take your time to review terms, and always use a checklist to cover every contingency.”

✅ Pro Tip: Use a contract review checklist for every venue agreement.

2. Understand Indemnity and “Additional Insured” Clauses

Kelly Bagnall broke down a frequent point of confusion: naming the hotel as an additional insured.

“Once named, the hotel can file a claim directly with the group’s insurance provider.”

This underscores the need for both parties to understand their liability and the scope of their coverage. Dunn added that groups should never assume vendor coverage matches their own and should clarify terms before signing.

✅ Pro Tip: Always request certificates of insurance (COIs) from vendors and venues.

3. Focus on Issues, Not Just Language

Rather than engaging in a “battle of the clauses,” Dunn urged planners to take an issue-first approach:

“Come to the table with what matters to your organization and how you want it addressed.”

Likewise, Bagnall emphasized the importance of raising those issues during the RFP stage — not after a contract is drafted.

✅ Pro Tip: Add a legal “needs and risks” section to your internal RFP checklist to surface these items early.

4. Plan for Construction Impacts — Even the Unexpected

Construction is a recurring challenge, and contracts need to account for it. Bagnall pointed out that hotels can’t control everything:

“They often don’t have authority over city-led street work or nearby building projects.”

Planners should build in clauses requiring advance notice of construction and negotiation of remedies if disruptions occur.

✅ Pro Tip: Include a force majeure clause that covers construction-related disruption or noise.

5. Federal Orders Rarely Trigger Cancellations

Can an executive order or federal emergency void a contract? Usually not.

“In my opinion,” Bagnall explained, “government declarations have not typically met the bar for cancellation clause exceptions.”

Instead, Dunn recommended proactively negotiating language to account for known or possible risks such as pandemics or travel bans.

✅ Pro Tip: Work with legal counsel to customize your force majeure language based on current global realities.

6. Be Smart with AI Tools in Legal Prep

AI can be a helpful co-pilot, but it doesn’t replace a lawyer. Dunn and Bagnall agreed that while tools like ChatGPT can help explain legal concepts or generate ideas, they come with serious limitations:

“Never input sensitive or confidential information into an open AI system.”

✅ Pro Tip: Use AI to understand terminology, then verify language with a qualified attorney. See this resource from the ABA on how legal professionals are evaluating AI.

Final Thoughts: Legal Strategy is a Competitive Edge

This webinar reaffirmed that contracts aren’t just a formality — they’re a strategic tool.

Whether you’re a planner or a hotelier, investing time in legal education and contract negotiation pays off in avoided risks and smoother events. As Barbara Dunn put it:

“Protect the meeting as the asset that it is.”

Missed the webinar? A full replay is available on demand — watch here.

Want to stay ahead of future events like this? Follow Hopskip on LinkedIn for updates.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney before making legal or contractual decisions.

About Hopskip

Hopskip is the fastest way for meeting planners and hotels to collaborate on sourcing, proposals, and contracts. Get started for free myhopskip.com.

What Every Event Planner Needs to Know About Music Licensing

Posted on July 8, 2025 by - Contracts, RFP Best Practices

Webinar graphic titled “What Every Event Planner Needs to Know About Music Licensing” featuring headshots of Barbara Dunn and Michael Owen.

There’s nothing quite like music to set the tone for an event. Whether it’s energizing a room before a big keynote or filling awkward silence between sessions, the right track can turn a meeting into a memorable experience. But with great playlists come great responsibilities—specifically, legal ones.

That’s the message industry veterans Barbara Dunn (barbaradunnlaw.com) and Michael Owen (EventGenuity) drove home during their recent webinar, “Legalese with the Lady: Music Licensing for Business Meetings.” They pulled back the curtain on music rights and offered some much-needed clarity for event planners. Here’s a quick walkthrough of their most practical takeaways.

Why You Can’t Ignore Music Licensing

Music might feel like background filler, but it plays a starring role in the emotional arc of an event. As Owen put it, “Imagine your CEO being announced on stage without music. It just feels… off.” That energy—the lift, the excitement—is why music is so valuable. And when something has value, it’s protected.

Dunn reminds planners that music is considered intellectual property, just like photos or artwork. “Our laws are built to protect creative works,” she says. That means you’re dealing with something someone owns every time you hit play.

So, What Exactly Is a Music License?

Think of a license as a formal permission slip. You’re not buying the music itself—you’re paying for the right to use it in a specific context. This applies whether using live musicians, playing a recorded track, or piping in hold music during a breakout session.

Owen breaks it down simply: “You want to borrow music—and you want to do it the right way.” Without the proper license, you could be on the hook for more than just a slap on the wrist.

The Hidden Risk: Who’s Responsible?

Here’s where things get real. If unlicensed music is played at an event, it’s not just the DJ or AV team who’s in trouble. It could be the event host, the planner, the venue, or even the brand sponsoring the event.

Dunn doesn’t mince words: “Vicarious liability is real. If you’re in charge, you could be held responsible.” That risk isn’t just theoretical—it could mean fines, lawsuits, or reputational damage that’s hard to shake off.

Blanket Licenses: The Smart Shortcut

The good news? You don’t need to license every song individually. Organizations like ASCAP and BMI cover most commercially available music—up to 98% of what you’d ever want to play. A “blanket license” from them gives you wide-ranging coverage across thousands of songs.

Sure, it might feel like extra paperwork. But Owen puts it in perspective: “It’s like hiring an EMT for your event. Hopefully, you never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad they’re there.”

Myths That Trip Up Planners

One of the most common misconceptions? That private, invitation-only events don’t count as public performances. Not true. As Owen explains, “The law sees any gathering beyond close family or friends as a public performance—even your corporate board meeting.”

There are only a few narrow exceptions, like religious services or in-person classroom teaching. Unless your event clearly falls into one of those buckets, assume a license is required.

Cost vs. Consequences: It’s Not Even Close

A lot of planners hesitate over the cost, especially for smaller meetings. But as Dunn points out, “It’s easier—and cheaper—to keep you out of trouble than to get you out of it.” Fines for infringement can stack up fast, not to mention the legal headaches and PR mess.

Compared to the price of a license, it’s just not worth the risk.

The Takeaway: Respect the Music, Respect the Process

Music can be the soul of an event—but only if it’s used responsibly. As Dunn says, “Licensing protects the rights of artists and keeps your event compliant.” Owen, reflecting on the role music plays in his own life, sees it as more than entertainment: “Music enhances every moment.”

Bottom line? Don’t let licensing confusion derail your event. With a little planning and the right permissions, you can amplify your impact—without stepping on any legal landmines.

Wrap-Up: Stay Tuned, Stay Legal

Music has the power to elevate every moment of your event—but only when it’s used legally and thoughtfully. As a planner, you’re not just curating experiences; you’re managing risk, protecting your clients, and upholding the creative rights of artists.

So before you press play at your next meeting, make sure you’ve got the proper licenses in place. It’s a small step that goes a long way toward keeping your events compliant, professional, and unforgettable.

Want more insights on avoiding legal pitfalls and planning smarter events?
Explore free resources and expert tips at the Hopskip Sourcing Academy.

The Case for Single Hotel Contracts Over Addendums

Posted on June 30, 2024 by - Contracts

Introduction:

In a recent HopSkip webinar, industry experts Sean Whalin (Co-founder and CEO of HopSkip), Barbara Dunn (Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP representing groups), and Lisa Sommer Devlin (Devlin Law Firm, P.C. representing hotels) discussed the common practice of attaching company addendums to standard hotel contracts.

10 Tips to Boost Your Hotel Event RFP Response Rate

Posted on January 9, 2024 by - Contracts

Introduction

In the dynamic world of business meetings and events, efficiency is key. Your success hinges on how effectively you can communicate with your hotel suppliers, and that communication begins through your RFPs (Request for Proposals).

As a planner, your ability to elicit swift and suitable responses from hotels can significantly impact the success of your events. This guide delves into ten key strategies to consider implementing in your RFP process, leading to quicker, and more aligned responses from hotels. 

Addressing Economic Downturns in Your Hotel Contract Clauses

Posted on October 4, 2023 by - Contracts

The information provided in this video does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information in this video may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.

Introduction:

Hotel contracts are like high-stakes bets on the future, and the unpredictability of economic cycles can make these bets even riskier. Both hotels and meeting planners aim to mitigate risks, but how can this be done when economic downturns are factored in?

In our recent webinar, Sean Whalin (Co-founder and CEO of HopSkip) sits down with legal experts Barbara Dunn (Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP representing groups) and Lisa Sommer Devlin (Devlin Law Firm, P.C. representing hotels) to discuss the complexities of incorporating economic downturn clauses in hotel meeting and event contracts.

TL;DR:

What Clauses Can Be Added to Hotel Contracts to Mitigate Economic Downturns?

  • Hotel contracts are futures agreements, locking in terms of future services and inventory.
  • Both parties assume risks and modifying contracts based on economic downturns usually gets pushback.
  • Experts suggest booking conservatively and building flexibility into contracts rather than relying on economic downturn clauses.
  • Site selection and best-rate negotiation can also provide buffers against economic uncertainty.