A business events industry research study
How Ready Are You for the AI-Powered Future of Work?
Work is changing fast, and every industry—including business events—must adapt to artificial intelligence. Soundings launched the AI Impact Survey to understand where we stand, what teams need, and how to help professionals prepare for an AI-enabled future.
Phase IV of the AI Impact Survey is Live!
Through an innovative algorithm, you’ll instantly receive your AI Engagement Personas as well as practical learning ideas tailored to your unique AI journey. This practical framework helps both individuals and leaders assess readiness, close skill gaps, and build confidence in an AI-enabled future.
Your participation helps deepen our research, refine the AI Engagement Personas, and shape the tools, training, and strategies the business events industry needs to move forward with confidence.
MPI AI Mastermind Series
Powered by Soundings
Tuesday, February 24th at 3pm EST
Wednesday, April 1st at 3pm EST
Join a peer-led AI adoption experience for business events professionals. Discover where are you in the AI journey and increase your AI readiness during one of two facilitated virtual sessions, complete with peer breakouts and practical exercises.
Download the Phase III
AI Impact Report
The latest key findings reveal that the future of AI adoption is now mainstream – yet organizational strategy is stalling.
76% of surveyed event profs are using AI tools, technologies or workflows
59% say that lack of understanding of AI benefits is the biggest barrier – a 10% increase from Phase II
Future AI usage continues to shift from content to operations
37% of companies are hesitating to change talent strategies as AI and autmoation become more prevalent
Qualitative & Quantitative Data Collection
Phase I Survey Complete
Phase II Survey Complete
Phase III Survey Complete
Phase IV Survey Live
Phases
Multiple choice and short-answer survey to collect qualitative and quantitative data from both independent talent and organizations in all roles across the business events industry.
Analysis & Publishing of Findings
Phase I: Pilot Study + Persona Framework Complete
Phase II: From Wake-Up Call to Transformative Understanding
Presented at IMEX America
Phase III: Experimentation, Execution, and the Friction in Between
Development of findings into white papers, trade publications, and presentations to help solve the following business issues: reshaping team structures, skill requirements, and future roles.
The AI Impact Cohort for Teams
For lasting transformation in an AI-empowered workforce, your organization must develop the mindset, skillset, and toolset needed to thrive alongside technology. This framework is designed to empower business event professionals to strategically lead with AI to enhance – not replace – human connection, creativity, and collaboration.
Organizational Clarity & Confidence:
Participants move from uncertainty to shared understanding – gaining psychological safety, identifying fears and barriers, and aligning on where AI truly adds value. This creates a confident, informed foundation for adoption.
Practical Skills & Actionable Tools:
Through hands-on exercises, tool comparisons, use-case exploration, and personalized skill assessments, participants develop the real-world capabilities needed to leverage AI in event planning, marketing, and operations.
Roadmaps for Sustainable AI Adoption:
The cohort culminates in personal learning plans, team upskilling strategies, and a 90-day organizational AI roadmap – ensuring long-term momentum, internal champions, and readiness to lead transformative change.
Backed by Soundings research insights, industry-wide data, and our deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption in the business events industry, this program will maximize your team’s AI adoption potential and help them unlock new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.