Opinion

Generic World Cup image

July 15, 2026When the hosts start writing the rules ...James Lancaster asks what lessons international bodies can learn from the FIFA World Cup 2026Read More

Nowhere to run: why Doha was a disastrous choice for the IAAF

September 30, 2019Nowhere to run: why Doha was a disastrous choice for the IAAFThe World Athletics Championships, in Doha, have variously been described as a ‘catastrophe’, a ‘disaster’, and ‘absolutely shocking’ by some of the sport’s biggest names.

No filter: why vertical stages are a pain in the neck

September 16, 2019No filter: why vertical stages are a pain in the neckAs the planet reels from one existential crisis to the next, it is comforting to know there are people literally reshaping the world to make it easier for us to use our smartphones.

The natural born speaker: is there any such thing

August 30, 2019The natural born speaker: is there any such thingI always assume those speakers who claim not to have made any notes are bluffing. That they have, in fact, made copious notes, and memorised them verbatim. The impression they give - that speaking comes entirely naturally to them - is based on a lie, albeit a rather harmless one.

Anniversary vets congress produces essential medicines list in Toronto

August 13, 2019Anniversary vets congress produces essential medicines list in TorontoThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has held its 44th World Congress in Toronto, Canada, while celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Why we need associations to be the adults in the room

August 13, 2019Why we need associations to be the adults in the roomHave we lost the art of civilised debate? It sometimes seems that way.

EIB chair: ‘Ongoing challenge’ with new government appointees

July 31, 2019EIB chair: ‘Ongoing challenge’ with new government appointeesOn the day that Boris Johnson was appointed as the new prime minister of the UK, Events Industry Board (EIB) chair Michael Hirst OBE, spoke exclusively to M&IT about Brexit and government involvement in the meetings and events industry.

No let up in hotel construction despite pleasures of Airbnb

July 26, 2019No let up in hotel construction despite pleasures of AirbnbIf Airbnb was supposed to have put the skids under the traditional hotel model then nobody appears to have told developers who are busily pumping millions into new projects.

“I have read the runes. The meetings industry doesn’t know what’s coming…”

July 15, 2019“I have read the runes. The meetings industry doesn’t know what’s coming…”What will the meetings industry look like in 2029?

Why are industry associations so scared of competition

July 1, 2019Why are industry associations so scared of competitionThe huge number of international trade associations serving the meetings and events industry does not serve the interests of the industry as a whole and does not serve the interests of members.

Food waste: time to banish our FORO (fear of running out)

June 14, 2019Food waste: time to banish our FORO (fear of running out)It is the custom in some Arab countries to keep serving your guests food until they indicate, by way of leaving a significant amount on their plate, that their appetite has been well and truly sated.Show More