ARTICLES & INSIGHTS

The Future of Work

Thought leadership from Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings, on AI, workforce strategy, compliance, leadership, and the changing world of work in business events.

Compliance & Workforce Risk

Agile Workforce Strategy

Industry Perspectives

AI & Human Potential

Professional Growth

Compliance & Workforce Risk

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Helping organizations navigate changing regulations and build on a foundation of trust.

Articles

Worker Classification Isn't Paperwork. It's Risk Management.

Most people think classification comes down to what you call someone. Contractor. 1099. Freelancer. It doesn't work that way – It's about the relationship, not the label.

5 Questions Every Event Leader Should Ask Their Staffing Partner About Compliance

Choosing an event staffing partner isn't just about finding qualified talent. It's about protecting your organization from unnecessary risk while ensuring your events run smoothly.

The Event Industry’s Temp Workforce is Under Scrutiny - Skift Meetings

Founder and CEO of Soundings, Tracy Judge, weighs in on the event industry's contractor classification challenges in a new Skift article examining how agencies are navigating growing scrutiny over temp worker misclassification.

The Event Workforce Is Flexible. Compliance Isn't.

For decades, the meetings and events industry has relied on one of its greatest strengths: a highly skilled, flexible workforce capable of scaling up or down to meet the demands of every event.

Compliance Isn't Just a Legal Requirement – It's Becoming a Competitive Advantage

For meeting professionals, agencies, and corporate event teams, compliance is no longer simply an operational consideration – it's becoming a strategic business imperative.

Love is Blind... But Your Hiring Practices Shouldn’t Be

In the reality TV world, drama is part of the game. But for businesses, particularly in the business events industry, drama in the form of hiring mistakes can have real-world consequences…

What Does the New Independent Contractor Rule Mean for You?

The Department of Labor’s new final rule on worker classification is now in effect – what this means for independent meeting planners and the companies that hire them.

Latest Labor Law Changes (Yes, Again!) – What You Need to Know

Update on the latest labor law changes going into effect March 2024 and how they will impact businesses in the events industry.

US Department of Labor Announces Final Rule on Worker Classification

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the final rule to help employers and workers better understand worker classification.

The Definition of Independent Contractor Is About To Change

Business News Daily // With the new Department of Labor proposal on the horizon, understanding who is considered an independent contractor will help understand its potential impact.

Top Legal Issues Meeting Profs Should Be Aware of in 2023

SMART MEETINGS // Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge also shared her perspective on the future of workers classification and how it impacts independent contractors within our industry.

Worker Classification 2023 – How to avoid labor violations & stay protected

The demand for agile staffing solutions in the event industry is increasing and labor laws are changing. Make sure you are compliant and protected.

How to Prepare for the Return to In-Person Events

Demand for in-person events is high, and planning for them in the wake of a work landscape shake-up is still a challenge. Explore the current state of the event industry and how to plan and staff for the return to in-person events.

Articles

August 14, 2026

Worker Classification Isn't Paperwork. It's Risk Management.

August 14, 2026

Most people think classification comes down to what you call someone. Contractor. 1099. Freelancer. It doesn't work that way – It's about the relationship, not the label.

August 14, 2026

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Agile Workforce Strategy

Building agile organizations for a more dynamic and skills-powered workforce.

Articles

September 4, 2026

Pay Without a Playbook: Why Event Industry Salary Data Doesn't Add Up

September 4, 2026

Skift recently dug into a question we deal with on a regular basis: why does salary data for event professionals look so inconsistent? Barbara Scofidio at Skift raised the topic in a story on confusing salary benchmarks in the events industry (Meeting Planner Salaries: Why They Never Agree), and it's worth unpacking here.

September 4, 2026

Articles

Pay Without a Playbook: Why Event Industry Salary Data Doesn't Add Up

Leverage the top strengths from the best talent for the biggest impact

The organizations pulling ahead right now aren't the ones with the biggest teams. They're the ones who've figured out how to combine two strategies that, on their own, are useful, but together, are the winning formula: agile staffing and skills-based hiring.

Agile staffing isn’t how fast you can fill roles, it’s how deliberately you do it.

Most organizations wait to staff up until they're understaffed, post a role, wait weeks to fill it, and hope the person they hire is as good on the job as they were in the interview. That's not a talent strategy. That's damage control.

Designing Agile Teams Around the Work (Not the Travel)

You may be wondering – if travel is getting harder, more expensive and more scrutinized… what actually needs to change? The answer is not to reduce travel, but to be more intentional about why it exists.

5 tips to survive layoffs in your organization

Prepare your organization to withstand layoffs with five effective strategies you can implement with your today.

How agile talent solutions create more sustainable events

Three ways organizations can support sustainability initiatives and contribute to the overall success of an event and its community.

Hire stronger teams – consider talent’s strengths

Supporting strengths when hiring talent can have a lucrative impact on individual work and teamwork– especially when building agile teams.

5 benefits of focusing on soft skills in your organization

Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in the future of work; they are essential to maintaining innovative, successful teams.

Worker Classification 2023 – How to avoid labor violations & stay protected

The demand for agile staffing solutions in the event industry is increasing and labor laws are changing. Make sure you are compliant and protected.

Event professionals are community builders

Revive and Innovate: Vision for the Future, Part 5 – Event professionals are community builders. Learn how leading organizations are prioritizing community building in the event industry and the implications for attendee experience.

The future is physical and digital

Revive and Innovate: Vision for the Future, Part 4 – The future is physical and digital. Soundings Founder Tracy Judge shares the insights she gained from connecting with industry leaders about the future of the industry and how we can prepare for a continually shifting event model.

There is a global shortage of talent

Revive & Innovate: Vision for the Future blog series, Part 3: There is a global shortage of talent We explore the impact this talent shortage has on the industry, what it means for the future of the industry, and how we can solve for it.

Partnerships are critical for growth

Revive & Innovate: Vision for the Future blog series, Part 2: Partnerships are critical for growth. We discuss the unique but crucial shift in partnership that must take place for us all to be successful in the event industry.

DEI & Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

Revive & Innovate: Vision for the Future blog series. Part one: DEI & Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

Revive & Innovate: Vision for the Future

Revive & Innovate: Vision for the Future blog series. Five key themes Soundings Founder Tracy Judge identified during a month of industry events travel.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Agile Staffing & DEI

Exploring the symbiotic relationship between DEI initiatives and agile staffing, and how it helps create workplaces that respect and elevate all types of talent and sustainable companies.

Why the Event Industry Must Prioritize Gen Z Recruitment

The rise of the freelance economy and voluntary attrition presents an opportunity to bring Gen Z talent into the event industry.

6 Advantages of Hiring Freelancers

The freelance revolution is changing how companies work and how quickly they grow. Hire freelancers to gain access to specialized talent, elevate your product or service, and save time and money.

The State of Talent Report

Stay up to date and prepare for the future of work with Soundings’ State of Talent report.

The Best Event Industry Certifications for Event Professionals

As the industry changes, event professionals must upskill and stay current on industry certifications. Learn how to stand out from the competition and remain relevant in the changing industry.

How to find the best talent for your organization

Through conversations with hundreds of organizations, Soundings has identified key corporate talent needs and how to solve them. Explore how to find the best event talent solutions in the current work landscape.

5 Ways for Talent to Specialize their Expertise

Talent in the event and hospitality industry must stay up to date on the latest certifications, technologies, and expertise–not only to stand out from the competition but also to help meet customers’ needs in the changing work landscape.

The New Workforce is a Skill Set Workforce

The new workforce has a focus on specialized skill sets, changing the working relationship between organizations and talent.

How to Prepare for the Return to In-Person Events

Finding your place in the Great Reshuffle

The Great Reshuffle has presented many meeting and event professionals with the opportunity to reassess their work-life balance and pursue a successful freelance career.

The Demand for Agile Staffing Solutions in Events

Now more than ever the event industry needs agile talent to help the world adapt to the shifting work landscape. An investment in agile talent is an investment in the future of work.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Offstage with Soundings offers key takeaways and emerging trends from conferences and industry conversations around the world.

Industry Perspectives

Articles

July 24, 2026

From Tool to Trajectory: Why Your Tech Stack Is a Career Stack

July 24, 2026

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at Cvent CONNECT by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

July 24, 2026

Articles

From Tool to Trajectory: Why Your Tech Stack Is a Career Stack

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at Cvent CONNECT by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

A human-centered guide to engaging with AI

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at IMEX Las Vegas 2025 by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

Rising Talent: Future-Proofing Your Career in Business Events

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

People: The overlooked pillar of sustainable events

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 moderated by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

Tech meets talent: Rewiring workforce strategies in the age of AI

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

Talent Disrupted: Rewiring the Workforce in an AI-Driven Era

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at Convening LATAM 2025 by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

How artificial intelligence is changing how we work, and why people are more important than ever.

AI & Human Potential

Articles

September 10, 2026

Agentic AI is scaling in the enterprise. Business events is not even at the starting line.

September 10, 2026

McKinsey's new global survey and our own 12-month benchmark study measure different industries. Put side by side, they tell one story: adoption is not the hard part anymore. What you do with it is. And our industry is behind on more than one front.

September 10, 2026

Articles

Agentic AI is scaling in the enterprise. Business events is not even at the starting line.

Tracy Judge Pens Well-Being Column for The Meeting Professional

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured in the July-August 2026 issue of The Meeting Professional!

Tracy Judge Talks AI's Impact on the Events Workforce

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder and CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured as a guest on a podcast episode exploring how AI is changing the events industry!

Preparing an AI-Ready Workforce Is a Shared Responsibility

For decades, workforce development has followed a familiar pattern. Universities prepared students. Employers hired graduates. Then organizations taught people what they really needed to know to succeed in their roles. That model was already beginning to change. AI is accelerating the shift.

Rise of AI and the Readiness Gap.

Soundings set out to answer a question we couldn't find good data on anywhere: how is AI actually changing the way people work in business events, not in theory, but in practice?

You're Already an AI Persona. You Just Don't Know Which One.

Deep dive into how business events professionals actually engage with AI, and what your relationship to this technology is going to be.

(The Meeting Professional) // AI and events: Get curious and adapt with intention

Hot off the press! Meeting Professionals International just published the first edition of the insightful and well-researched "Work in Progress" series by Tracy Judge MS, CMP in the July-August 2025 issue of The Meeting Professional.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Helping professionals thrive at every stage of their careers with practical guidance on growth, resilience, financial wellness, and the changing world of work.

Professional Growth

Articles

September 24, 2026

Getting Cvent Certified: Top 5 Takeaways from Our Cvent Certifications 101 Webinar

September 24, 2026

Soundings invests in talent that invests in themselves, and partners with organizations that share that same commitment. Since 2021, we've worked alongside Cvent to give our community real opportunities to grow, including gaining access to their many career-boosting certifications.

In our recent Cvent Certifications 101 webinar, Emily Butler, L&D Manager at Cvent, shared the exciting updates coming to some of the existing Cvent Certifications, and how they can help showcase your own knowledge and expertise on the platform.

September 24, 2026

Articles

Getting Cvent Certified: Top 5 Takeaways from Our Cvent Certifications 101 Webinar

The Weight We Carry: What Event Professionals Told Us About Burnout, Connection, and What Comes Next

New survey data from event professionals reveals a workforce that loves the work but is quietly exhausted, and shows why peer connection, not more content, may be the strongest fix.

What Are You Actually Worth? A Better Way to Think About Pay in the Events Industry

If you’ve ever tried to figure out what you should be making in the events industry, you’ve probably done what most of us do: search your title, find a salary range, and immediately wonder whether you’re underpaid, overpaid, or looking at numbers that have absolutely nothing to do with your job.

Preston Krzyzak Talks Combating Loneliness Through Live Events in Meetings Today

Preston Krzyzak, Growth Manager at Soundings, was recently featured in a Meetings Today article exploring how live events can help combat the global loneliness epidemic.

Soundings on the Eventualists Podcast: What Does Gen Z Really Want?

Preston Krzyzak joined hosts Taylor Smith and Hannah Elston to dig into the reality behind the Gen Z labels, unpacking what the next generation actually wants from their careers, from flexibility and financial security to community, purpose, and work-life balance.

Navigating the Job Market: Insights from Gen Z Professionals in the Events Industry

The Soundings Thrive ‘Let’s Talk Gen Z’ panel discussion explores how to better understand the emerging workforce and build a better future together.

How a freelance career supports neurodivergent professionals

Leverage your strengths as a neurodivergent professional and thrive in a freelance career.

Freelancers: Protect Yourself by Understanding Worker Classification

Why should you care about worker classification as a freelancer? Here’s everything you need to know about recent labor regulations, how it impacts you, and how to protect yourself so you continue to get work.

Tips for filing taxes as an independent contractor or employee

Unsure of how to prepare for filing your taxes as an independent contractor or employee? View our checklist of resources to make filing your taxes easier.

How to make your passion(s) your career

Your interests don’t fit in a box, and neither should your career. If you’re considering a career change or desire more professional freedom, this article is for you!

Finding a new career path

If you’re interested in narrowing in on your passions – or discovering a new one – this article is for you! Find the perfect career path for you in the event industry.

Empowering Young Leaders

PCMA // Congratulations to Soundings Chief of Staff Nikki Gonzales on being named one of PCMA’s “20 in their Twenties”!

Mental Health Resources for Event Professionals

In support of World Mental Health Day, we curated a list of mental health tips and resources to help event planners avoid burnout and focus on the work they love to do.

Finding your place in the Great Reshuffle

The Great Reshuffle has presented many meeting and event professionals with the opportunity to reassess their work-life balance and pursue a successful freelance career.

Why We Put Talent First

Soundings sets our talent community up for optimal success by providing them with education, resources, community, and opportunities to shine in their genius zones.

Freelance Toolkit: Top Tools, Resources & Skills Needed in the Event Industry

What freelancers need to plan and run successful virtual and hybrid events.

Common Freelancer Mistakes, and How to Avoid Them

The economy is changing constantly, and with these changes business is being conducted in new ways. Freelancers will need to keep up to date on new technology and soft skills in order to thrive in this competitive job market.

BYOB : How to Build Your Own Benefits Package

Do you love the idea of freelancing, but also love the perks of corporate world benefits? As a best practice, add 15-30% to your rate to offset costs like payroll taxes, 401K matching, insurance and workers’ compensation.

Browse & Search All Articles

Featured

Getting Cvent Certified: Top 5 Takeaways from Our Cvent Certifications 101 Webinar

Soundings' Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales Preview the Ladies Who Lead Lunch: Provocateurs' Roundtable

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, and Talent Experience Coordinator, Nikki Gonzales, sat down with Michael Lyons ahead of the Ladies Who Lead Lunch: Provocateurs' Roundtable with Soundings!

The Weight We Carry: What Event Professionals Told Us About Burnout, Connection, and What Comes Next

New survey data from event professionals reveals a workforce that loves the work but is quietly exhausted, and shows why peer connection, not more content, may be the strongest fix.

What Are You Actually Worth? A Better Way to Think About Pay in the Events Industry

Agentic AI is scaling in the enterprise. Business events is not even at the starting line.

Tracy Judge Talks Responsible AI on Smart Meetings' Smart Start Radio

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured on Smart Meetings' Smart Start Radio podcast, discussing how event professionals can move beyond AI experimentation and start using it strategically!

Pay Without a Playbook: Why Event Industry Salary Data Doesn't Add Up

Nikki Gonzales Named a 2026 Meetings Today Trendsetter of Tomorrow

We're excited to share that Soundings Chief of Staff, Nikki Gonzales, has been named to Meetings Today's inaugural Trendsetters of Tomorrow list, recognizing 10 emerging meetings and events professionals shaping the future of the industry!

Leverage the top strengths from the best talent for the biggest impact

Tracy Judge Talks Meeting Planner Salary Benchmarking in Skift Meetings

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured in a Skift Meetings article digging into why meeting planner salary data is so inconsistent across the industry!

Agile staffing isn’t how fast you can fill roles, it’s how deliberately you do it.

Worker Classification Isn't Paperwork. It's Risk Management.

Most people think classification comes down to what you call someone. Contractor. 1099. Freelancer. It doesn't work that way – It's about the relationship, not the label.

Tracy Judge Pens Well-Being Column for The Meeting Professional

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder & CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured in the July-August 2026 issue of The Meeting Professional!

Tracy Judge Talks AI's Impact on the Events Workforce

We're excited to share that Soundings Founder and CEO, Tracy Judge, was recently featured as a guest on a podcast episode exploring how AI is changing the events industry!

Preston Krzyzak Talks Combating Loneliness Through Live Events in Meetings Today

Preston Krzyzak, Growth Manager at Soundings, was recently featured in a Meetings Today article exploring how live events can help combat the global loneliness epidemic.

5 Questions Every Event Leader Should Ask Their Staffing Partner About Compliance

Choosing an event staffing partner isn't just about finding qualified talent. It's about protecting your organization from unnecessary risk while ensuring your events run smoothly.

From Tool to Trajectory: Why Your Tech Stack Is a Career Stack

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at Cvent CONNECT by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.

The Event Industry’s Temp Workforce is Under Scrutiny - Skift Meetings

The Event Workforce Is Flexible. Compliance Isn't.

For decades, the meetings and events industry has relied on one of its greatest strengths: a highly skilled, flexible workforce capable of scaling up or down to meet the demands of every event.

Compliance Isn't Just a Legal Requirement – It's Becoming a Competitive Advantage

For meeting professionals, agencies, and corporate event teams, compliance is no longer simply an operational consideration – it's becoming a strategic business imperative.

Preparing an AI-Ready Workforce Is a Shared Responsibility

The Meeting Professional - Flexibility & Precision

In her latest "Work in Progress" column for The Meeting Professional, Soundings Founder and CEO Tracy Judge explores how the future of work in events will not be defined by job titles, but by how effectively individuals and organizations identify and evolve their skills.

Rise of AI and the Readiness Gap.

Soundings set out to answer a question we couldn't find good data on anywhere: how is AI actually changing the way people work in business events, not in theory, but in practice?

You're Already an AI Persona. You Just Don't Know Which One.

Deep dive into how business events professionals actually engage with AI, and what your relationship to this technology is going to be.

Designing Agile Teams Around the Work (Not the Travel)

The Meeting Professional - The future of work talent without borders

In her latest "Work in Progress" column for The Meeting Professional, Soundings Founder and CEO Tracy Judge makes the case for destination-aligned team design, integrating local freelancers and employees into event planning from the start, not just for onsite execution. The result: reduced travel costs, lower carbon impact, less burnout, and stronger destination partnerships.

Tracy Judge Appointed to CSU AI Workforce Acceleration Board to Support Workforce Readiness in an AI-Driven Future

Soundings Founder and CEO, Tracy Judge, a proud CSU alum, has been appointed to the California State University (CSU) AI Workforce Acceleration Board.

Meet Tori O’Sullivan, Customer Success Manager, Talent Operations, at Soundings

As Customer Success Manager, Tori’s relationship-focused role will help ensure talent placements deliver the highest impact for our clients.

Meet Abby Christensen, Head of Account Success, Talent Operations, at Soundings

Abby brings extensive experience in the meetings and events industry to her role as Head of Account Success…

A human-centered guide to engaging with AI

An Offstage with Soundings® recap of our session at IMEX Las Vegas 2025 by Tracy Judge, CEO & Founder of Soundings.