Attendees of next month’s Predict, the Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference will have the opportunity to experience an inspiring lineup of external experts covering a diverse range of pressing global topics when they converge Sept. 12-13 at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Oxon Hill, MD.

Produced and hosted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the annual event brings together B2B exhibitions industry executives to learn and discuss emerging trends that could impact trade shows over the next three to five years. Predict’s forward-looking programming is designed to provide attendees with the edge they need to make more informed decisions and maintain competitive strategies in a rapidly evolving business landscape, according to CEIR officials. 

The conference will feature big-picture insights on global economic, social, political, and digital trends presented by experts inside and outside of the exhibitions industry, such as AI innovators, economists, business intelligence specialists, and political analysts, as well as deep-dive discussions and new perspectives to prepare leaders for future business challenges and ensure the industry’s future. 

“Predict blends quantitative and qualitative forecasting to prepare exhibition industry professionals for the future,” said Marsha Flanagan, president and CEO of IAEE. “We analyze industry data through the CEIR Index and partner with thought leaders for deep market insights. This powerful combination offers attendees the tools to position their trade shows and company for success.” 

Here are seven sessions you won’t want to miss at Predict 2024:

Navigating the Global Landscape: Insights on Economy, Geopolitics, and Exhibitions: Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, will share key insights on the global economy and political landscape, as well as explain the CEIR Index, its relevance to different market sectors, and how the industry can harness CEIR data to make smarter choices. Covering the current economic situation, its effects on exhibitions, and predictions for future impacts, this session also will teach attendees how to address these challenges, identify market opportunities, and make strategic moves in a fast-changing world.

Geopolitical Landscape and Its Impact: Dane Chamorro, partner at Control Risks and head of Global Risk Analysis and Business Intelligence for the Americas, will provide an overview of the current global situation and focus on key political risks that businesses need to watch out for. Chamorro will explore how these risks—ranging from political tensions to economic uncertainties and tech disruptions—might affect the exhibition and events industry, including potential problems with supply chains, changes in regulations, and unpredictable markets.  

The Future of Risk: Matt Carmichael, head of the Trends & Foresight Lab at global marketing research and consulting firm Ipsos and editor of What the Future, will delve into various risk areas and how to think about these topics as a whole. Besides guiding attendees on preparing for likely scenarios in the exhibitions industry by introducing big-picture forces and trends shaping the future, he will also delve into how these trends can affect brand image and reputation risks. 

The Future of AI in Exhibitions and Events: AI innovator and practitioner Noelle Russell, founder and chief AI officer of the AI Leadership Institute, will explore how AI is changing the exhibitions and events industry, as well as how AI can boost innovation and support human creativity rather than replace it. Focusing on both generative and applied AI technologies, she will share real-world examples of more than a dozen AI models that can improve business operations, create groundbreaking solutions, and drive growth, as well as address AI’s potential risks, challenges, and ethical concerns. 

Decoding the AI Revolution: Artificial Intelligence Today and Tomorrow: Covering real-world AI applications, industry progress, and AI’s impact across various sectors, Sean Watson, futurist and senior vice president of Special Projects at Trend Hunter, will offer key insights on the ongoing AI revolution and its future potential. Watson will highlight current AI trends, challenges, and opportunities for businesses and society as well as show how AI is reshaping our present and future.

Navigating the Election Impact: A Trade Show Organizers’ Guide to Preparing for 2024’s Uncertainties: Dr. Clifford Young, president of polling and societal trends at Ipsos, will provide a thorough overview of the global political scene, focusing on the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Young will share the latest predictions on each candidate’s chances of winning, as well as outline various scenarios showing how the business landscape might change depending on who wins and what these changes could mean for the trade show industry.  

A Look Back and The Road Ahead: Unveiling Insights for Tomorrow’s World: Predict’s closing keynote will feature Dr. Sam Potolicchio, president of Preparing Global Leaders Forum and founding executive director of the Center for Global Leadership at American Councils. Exploring a broad range of global issues including political, social, and environmental developments, Potolicchio’s presentation will challenge attendees to think critically about the future, provide insights into potential trends shaping our world, and offer a deeper understanding of upcoming developments. He will also review his predictions from last year, discussing which ones did and didn’t come to fruition. 

Register for Predict 2024 here.

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