She introduced the concept of collective effervescence as a reminder of the power of shared human experiences to build resilience and adaptability.
Economic horizons: navigating the tides of global change
Following Neil’s warm Scottish welcome, economist and bestselling author Noreena Hertz delivered a thought-provoking keynote on the complex interplay between economics, politics, technology, and society. Her message was clear: business event leaders must rethink strategy and leadership in a world defined by constant change.
Hertz highlighted growing levels of anxiety across Europe, with one in two Europeans reporting feelings of anxiety or depression in the past year and discussed the pressures facing Generation K (Gen Z), who are experiencing a global mental health crisis. She introduced the concept of collective effervescence as a reminder of the power of shared human experiences to build resilience and adaptability. A lively Q&A with Panos Tzivanidis, Director of Corporate Events & Services at the International Olympic Committee, further explored how organisations can cultivate purpose and empathy amid global uncertainty.
He challenged leaders to design connection by intent, not by chance and to view emotional intelligence as a strategic imperative rather than a soft skill.
Mapping the dots: trust, empathy and mental health in an over-connected world
Futurist and author Thimon de Jong took delegates on an insightful journey into how empathy, trust and cultural intelligence are becoming core business drivers. He challenged leaders to design connection by intent, not by chance and to view emotional intelligence as a strategic imperative rather than a soft skill.
De Jong identified three forces reshaping business and society, including the rise of the escape economy and the paradox of technology: the more we rely on AI, the less we use our own intuition and creativity. He urged organisations to introduce AI pilot projects thoughtfully and to embrace cross-generational mentoring, particularly between Generation K and more experienced professionals. His session reinforced a key truth: event professionals are the real-life facilitators of human connection.
This forward-thinking discussion called on destination leaders to embrace innovation and stewardship as guiding principles for sustainable growth.
Co-creating the future: DestinationNEXT and the evolution of meetings
The DestinationNEXT session focused on redefining success within the meetings industry. Three key takeaways stood out:
- Success metrics must go beyond economic impact.
- Volume growth should no longer be the main goal.
- Every project should consider its social impact.
This forward-thinking discussion called on destination leaders to embrace innovation and stewardship as guiding principles for sustainable growth.
Participants learned to adapt communication styles, understand the “why” behind their messaging, and apply practical frameworks to strengthen leadership communication.
Unlock the power of impactful communication
A standout workshop for senior professionals explored how intentional communication drives influence and collaboration. Participants learned to adapt communication styles, understand the “why” behind their messaging, and apply practical frameworks to strengthen leadership communication. Key insights included: bringing people with you through alignment, understanding diverse perspectives (“triple positioning”), and using the sandwich approach for constructive feedback.
From economic resilience to emotional intelligence, Convening EMEA 2025 provided a powerful reminder of the business events sector’s role in shaping meaningful human connections, something Scotland continues to champion on the global stage.
