MESA Monthly Member Meetings (4M's)
Takes place in the last week of the month (where possible)
1400-1500 GMT / 1500 - 1600 CET
2025
Next sessions:
Tuesday 18th February Including E-Book Express Showcase from Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
Main topic: AI in Events: Practical Uses & Pitfalls - with speakers Bogdan Maran, Event Technologist - Consultant of Realise, MESA Member and Gordon Glenister, Influencer Marketing & Membership Consultancy, MESA Founding Member and Vamshi Velmajala, Head of Product of Snapsight. AI is reshaping the event industry, from streamlining planning and marketing to enhancing attendee engagement and exhibitor preparation. But how do we ensure AI is a valuable tool rather than an added complexity?
In this session, we’ll explore:
✅ How AI can optimise event planning, networking, and content management
✅ The role of AI in exhibitor success and attendee experience
✅ Practical AI tools for event organisers—what works and what doesn’t
✅ Key industry developments in AI and why staying ahead is crucial
We’ll also discuss the global investment in AI from major players like China and the US and what it means for the future of the events industry.
Join us as we dive into the real impact of AI on events—what to embrace, what to avoid, and how to make the most of this powerful technology!
Moderated by Jelmer van Ast, Founder & CEO of Conference Compass, MESA Patron Member.
Thursday 27th March Including E-Book Express Showcase from Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
Main topic: Guest industry Keynote Speaker: Robert Garcia, Vice President of the International Coaching Federation.
Thursday 24th April Including E-Book Express Showcase from Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
Main topic: Exhibiting at Tradeshows – The Emotional Hook - with speaker Jakob Dyrbye, Founder of The Trade Show Academy, MESA Member. With the enormous investments made in trade show participation worldwide, it's alarming that so few exhibitors truly know their ROI—some estimates suggest as little as 12%. You might think this calls for a radical change, but what if the key lies in small, strategic wins?
🔹 Emotional hooks often have a greater impact than the products on display
🔹 Many exhibitors approach engagement the "wrong" way—are you using the LEFT Model?
🔹 A shift in mindset can make all the difference
Since 2009, Jakob has helped exhibitors measure, document, and improve their success, starting with the right questions. These insights, along with years of participant feedback, led to the creation of The Trade Show Academy, which focuses on how to exhibit successfully, not just what to do.
🚀 In this session, we'll explore:
✔ The LEFT vs. RIGHT Model—and why it matters
✔ The critical role of staff training
✔ Setting clear objectives and optimising your stand zones
✔ Why how you say goodbye is more important than your first hello
Join us for a practical, insightful discussion that will help you transform your trade show approach for greater impact and measurable results.
Moderated by Sebastien Braun, CEO and Founder of idloom, MESA Patron Member.
Wednesday 28th May Including E-Book Express Showcase from Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
Main topic: 🚀 Scaling Smart: Sustainable Growth Strategies for Event Tech Start-ups. Growing an event tech business is exciting - but scaling the right way is crucial for long-term success. Join us for this interactive panel discussion, where three industry founders will share their real-world experiences on building sustainable business models, scaling technology without breaking it, and growing the right team at the right time. Whether you’re working for a start-up, or a small company looking to expand, this session will give you actionable insights to help you scale smart. Don’t miss the chance to learn, discuss, and connect with like-minded professionals! With speaker: Geoffrey Campbell, Managing Director of Oxford Abstracts, MESA Member.
Moderated by Jelmer van Ast, Founder & CEO of Conference Compass, MESA Patron Member.
Tuesday 17th June
Thursday 24th July
Thursday 28th August
Tuesday 30th September
Thursday 30th October
Wednesday 26th November
Thursday 11th December
If you have not received your calendar invite, or the zoom link, please contact Sandie
MESA is my go-to industry body for me and my own well-being and self-interest. It's different from other associations where I'm with my 'tribe', but usually tends to be purely focused on business.
Michael Jackson, Global Conference Presenter - The Other Michael Jackson, MESA Member.
PREVIOUS 2025 SESSIONS
Tuesday 28th January Included E-Book Express Showcase from Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
Main topic: Hot Topics for 2025 - with speakers Paul Cook, Writer, Producer, Facilitator of Paul Cook Storyteller, MESA Member and Bob Toovey, Founder & Owner of Event Planner News (EPN), MESA Member. What are the latest industry trends and hot topics for 2025? Paul and Bob deep dived into some top industry trends and why we should be aware of them.
Moderated by Richard John, COO of Realise, MESA Member.
VIEW OUR 2024 MONTHLY MEMBER MEETINGS (4M'S)