Us, Oct. 8 -- Lisa Beauchamp from Global Security and Staffing Solutions summed up the desire for a deeper connection: "Networking produces finances, but what I really want from the show is bonding-I'm looking for people who are in the same industry as me, so we can learn and reflect, and grow together. I'm networking yes, but as a support system."

This was echoed later in the AMEX GBT 2026 global meetings and events forecast where one of the opportunities identified was for events-and event planners-to foster micro-communities. Jennifer Nelson, VP Global Strategic Meetings at AMEX Global Business Travel, said: "It's important to create and nourish micro communities within your events-so people feel like they're in a safe space and are r...