Our 10th annual list of the year’s most innovative meetings looks a bit different this time around. In recent months, many business events shifted to a virtual environment, while others were postponed or canceled altogether. Narrowing down the list was especially tricky in a year when every event was innovative just by the nature of its existence—but on the flip side, we’ve never been more inspired by the smart strategies and out-of-the-box thinking we’re seeing.
Due to the mid-autumn timing of this annual feature, this list is essentially divided into two. We’ve profiled five in-person gatherings from before COVID-19 hit, which engaged attendees through reconceived layouts, creative networking initiatives, eye-catching sponsor activations, and other steal-worthy takeaways. But we’ve also chosen five virtual events that totally turned the concept on its head, going beyond the standard Zoom meeting to build memorable, immersive environments that engage attendees in meaningful ways.
You’ll also notice that some longtime staples of the list are missing due to postponements or cancellations. But the side effect of that is that some unexpected gatherings get to shine—like a financial software vendor’s conference that used immersive activations to promote diversity and inclusivity, or a paint company’s internal meeting that engaged attendees around the world through experiential thinking.
One thing we can promise: All 10 of these meetings offer smart takeaways for any type of gathering, whether it’s live, online, or a combination of the two. Click through the links below to learn from their smart strategies.
1. Workday Rising
2. Go West
3. Collision From Home
4. PlanetIMEX
5. Create & Cultivate LA
6. VidCon Now
7. Verizon Media's Build It: WFH
8. Wedding & Portrait Photographers Intl.
9. Facebook's GMS 1World Un-Summit
10. PPG's Inspire U Regional Leadership Meeting
A version of this story appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of BizBash.
