Meetings Today's annual Meetings Trendsetters list recognizes 20 outstanding individuals who have made an outsized impact in the meetings, events, conventions and incentives industry.

Our Meetings Trendsetters are chosen through nominations from our audience of meeting and event professionals along with input from the Meetings Today editorial team and former Trendsetters winners.

These are the people who keep us relevant while fostering a sense of purpose in our professional lives.

They say words can move mountains—but in 2025, the right voice can move industries, ignite movements, and reshape the way we think. In an era defined by rapid change and global uncertainty, the demand for speakers who offer more than motivation has never been higher. 

Audiences are craving depth, insight, and authenticity—and the leaders on this list deliver all three in spades. These speakers don’t just talk—they transform. From boardrooms to global forums, they challenge assumptions, spark new thinking, and leave audiences not just inspired, but ready to act. 

There’s a reason why so many wellness-forward conversations start with “look at Europe.” Europeans have a reputation for knowing how to live: not just work hard, but truly savor life. They draw boundaries, take their time at meals, walk more and prioritize social connection in a way that’s both refreshing and inspiring for anyone coming from the “always-on” hustle of the U.S.

Attending IMEX Frankfurt, I got a firsthand lesson in how this approach translates to our industry. It’s not perfect—but there’s plenty to celebrate and a lot for the meetings and events world to learn.

Caesars Entertainment's Wellness Roadshow is a six-city tour designed to immerse meeting and event planners in holistic wellness experiences, demonstrating how intentional design can enhance event outcomes. At the Phoenix stop, held at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, attendees engaged in activities like sound baths and breathwork sessions, emphasizing the integration of wellness into event planning. Speakers, including wellness consultant David T. Stevens, highlighted the connection between wellness and improved ROI, noting that such initiatives can boost Net Promoter Scores without additional costs. The event underscored the importance of engaging all senses to create meaningful, sustainable experiences that resonate with attendees.

Travel professionals often face sleep deprivation due to demanding schedules involving early site visits, late-night networking, and tight itineraries. To combat fatigue and maintain peak performance, the article suggests strategies like the "nappuccino"—drinking a cup of coffee followed by a 15–20 minute nap to enhance alertness. Other recommendations include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, using blue light–blocking glasses, keeping hotel rooms cool and dark, and limiting alcohol intake before bedtime. For clients, advisors are encouraged to select accommodations with sleep-friendly amenities and to schedule downtime upon arrival to help travelers adjust. Prioritizing rest not only benefits travel professionals but also enhances the overall travel experience for clients.

​The Smart Meetings article "Fitness on the Go" highlights the growing emphasis on wellness amenities in hotels, particularly for frequent travelers and event professionals. It showcases how properties like Fontainebleau Las Vegas are investing in expansive, well-equipped fitness centers that cater to both novice and seasoned exercisers, featuring natural light and versatile equipment. Industry expert David T. Stevens notes that the pandemic has shifted wellness from a luxury to a necessity in the hospitality sector, leading to a greater integration of health-focused facilities and programs into hotel offerings. This evolution reflects a broader trend of prioritizing holistic well-being in travel and event planning.

DescripIn light of health advisories, this article explores innovative approaches to event receptions, considering the U.S. Surgeon General's call for cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages and the growing demand for alcohol alternatives.tion goes here

The ways in which health and wellness fit into the events industry continue to evolve. In the past few years, there has been a major shift from wellness being simply about a good spa day (though, who could say no to that?) to prioritizing the day-to-day well-being of people.

The past year’s health and wellness stories have focused on matters of growing concern, from neurodiversity and accessibility to how people can build their sense of happiness in work as well as in life.

Olympian Meeting, in collaboration with #Fit4Events, has launched the inaugural Olympian Wellness Awards to recognize and incentivize innovation in attendee wellbeing and human-sustainable meeting practices.