One of the greatest misconceptions in the events industry is that hospitality belongs to consumer festivals, while efficiency belongs to B2B conferences. In reality, the most sophisticated platforms understand that hospitality is strategy — regardless of audience. In...

When we began exploring the possibility of launching DC Food + Wine Festival, I realized something that challenged my own assumptions. Washington, D.C. is not the first city that typically comes to mind when discussing nationally recognized culinary destinations. Yet...

In the live events industry, education has long been a core component of value. Conferences are built on the idea that bringing people together to share knowledge, perspective, and experience can move an industry forward. For years, strong programming was defined by...

As leaders in the global live media and events industry, we spend a lot of time thinking about how people connect — not just inside a ballroom or on an expo floor, but across an entire ecosystem. For us, events aren’t standalone moments. They’re part of a larger...

At Fast Forward, I’ve always believed that mentorship shows up in the moments where trust meets opportunity. When I was asked to recommend panelists for SISO, Lisa Mae immediately came to mind. It would be her first time speaking on a stage like that — a meaningful...

When you run lean, every hour counts and every decision delayed has a ripple effect. After recently losing two key operations team members to exciting new roles (Proof we train them well!), I found myself facing a familiar challenge: a growing list of day-to-day...

One of the most important responsibilities we have as leaders is making time—not just to build what’s next, but to invest in who will build it. At Fast Forward, mentorship isn’t a talking point; it’s a practice. That means creating real access, real responsibility,...

The global live media and events sector is undergoing a profound transformation — shaped by new technologies, shifting audience expectations, and the rapid pace at which ideas move. But amidst all this change, one truth remains constant: industries rise or fall on the...

Fast Forward Partner, Michelle Metter, discusses the future of live events and what event producers are doing to adapt during COVID-19.   Q: What are some of the biggest ways that COVID-19 has impacted the event industry? A: Like so many industries the live and...