Predict Program
The Predict program is focused on supporting the viability and resiliency of the B2B exhibitions industry through insights on market and economic trends presented by experts outside of the industry as well as industry peers, deep dive discussions and new perspectives to shift the conversation from what worked in the past to what is needed for future success.
The 2025 conference was designed to provide insights on trends now, and into the future. As its name implies, Predict will help your organization to be future focused by bringing in experts from outside the exhibitions industry to provide big picture insights into the economic, social, political and digital trends occurring in the global marketplace. Earn 5.75 CE Clock Hours
Day 1 – Thursday, 11 September 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
MATSO Meet Up (Must Pre-Register Early and be a MATSO Organizer)
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Predict Registration & Check-In
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Official Welcome
Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President & CEO, IAEE & Brian Pagel, CEIR 2025 Chairperson of the Board, Executive Vice President, Emerald X
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
The Global Economic Outlook: A Macroscopic Forecast with Dr. Lindsey Piegza
Join Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist, for a comprehensive analysis of the global economic landscape and what is means going forward. Gain valuable insights into current economic conditions, growth projections, interest rates, and monetary policy implications as well as its potential effects on the economy. Explore key macroeconomic trends in consumer spending, investment, and the impact of new fiscal and monetary policies as well as the potential economic effects of these changes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of macroeconomic trends, adapt to market changes, and foster sustainable growth in today’s interconnected business environment.
Presenter: Lindsey Piegza, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Managing Director, Stifel Nicolaus & Co.
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Navigating the Exhibitions Economic Horizon: A Deep Dive on Industry Specific Market Sectors
Join us for a deep exploration into the economic landscape Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company provides a comprehensive analysis of industry-specific market sectors, focusing on the economic drivers that impact exhibitions.
Sacks will give us the latest reports from the CEIR Index, shedding light on its applications across various market sectors and will demonstrate how leveraging CEIR data can empower our industry to make more informed decisions. You’ll gain valuable insights into forecasting techniques to navigate economic cycles effectively, pinpoint market opportunities, and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Presenter: Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Extended Networking Break
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Navigating the Geopolitical Terrain: Impacts on Business and Exhibitions
During a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, businesses, including those in the exhibition and events industry, are faced with a complex web of risks and challenges. From geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties to technological disruptions, the current environment presents a myriad of obstacles for the United States to overcome.
Join us for an insightful session as we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving global status and delve into the specific geopolitical risks that businesses must navigate. Explore the potential implications of these risks for the exhibition and events industry, from supply chain disruptions to regulatory changes and market volatility. Gain valuable insights into strategies to effectively address and mitigate these geopolitical challenges, ensuring resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Presenter: Jonathon Wood, Principal, Control Risks
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
The Experience Economy: Compelling Experiences That Go Beyond Mere Services
Time is the currency of experiences and more valued by people than mundane service activities. In the evolving landscape of the exhibitions industry, understanding the essence of the Experience Economy is indispensable.
As we navigate the post-COVID era where time is treasured more than ever, creating meaningful and impactful experiences has become critical and “investment of time” is extremely valuable. It’s now time to make your strategic choice: What will you do to “best design” time and curate memorable experiences for your stakeholders?
Join us for an engaging presentation with Jim Gilmore, co-author of The Experience Economy, as he delves into the profound impact of compelling experiences on trade shows and exhibitions and explores how to design and curate experiences that not only captivate attendees but also lead to valuable time investment, fostering deeper connections with potential and existing clients.
Presenter: Jim Gilmore, Co-Founder and Co-Author, Strategic Horizons, LLP
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Wrap Up & Preview of Day 2
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Networking Reception
Day 2 – Friday, 12 September 2025
7:45 AM – 8:15 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:15 AM – 8:20 AM
Welcome Back – Day 2
8:20 AM – 9:00 AM
What’s Driving the Consumer Behavior Shift & Why It Matters to Your Business
Join us for an enlightening session that uncovers the driving forces behind the evolution of consumer behavior and why it is crucial for businesses to adapt. In today’s dynamic business landscape, consumer expectations are constantly shaped by a myriad of influences that demand attention.
In this session, we will explore how consumer attitudes and behaviors intersect with market trends and business strategies. By delving into lifestyle choices, interests, spending patterns, and more, we will dissect the core drivers of consumer decision-making. Understanding these factors as well as attendee personas is imperative for businesses looking to stay competitive, agile, and responsive to the changing demands of their customer base.
Gain strategic insights on how to leverage this understanding to fuel business growth and achieve success in a consumer-centric market environment. Learn how to align your business strategies with the evolving consumer landscape and transform challenges into opportunities for innovation and prosperity.
Presenter: TBD
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Brainwave Exchange
Join your industry peers and colleagues in this collaborative setting to exchange valuable insights, share innovative ideas, and find creative solutions to drive collective growth and success.
Facilitator: TBD
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10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Quick Break
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Power Shifts & Storylines: Navigating Global Change and Media Influence
Join Sam Potolicchio, a renowned global leadership expert and geopolitical strategist, and Nick Johnston, publisher of Axios and a leader in shaping the future of news, for a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue. This powerful duo will unpack the global forces transforming markets, politics, and society—and how these shifts influence business strategy, consumer behavior, and trust in institutions.
Together, they’ll explore how event and exhibition leaders can stay ahead of rapid changes in geopolitics, media narratives, and public sentiment. With insights pulled from global policy arenas and the fast-evolving media landscape, this conversation will offer Predict attendees an essential lens for understanding what’s coming next—and how to lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Presenters: Nick Johnston, Publisher, Axios and Dr. Sam Potolicchio, President, Preparing Global Leaders Forum
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Predictions for the Future of Business & Exhibitions
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking closing keynote featuring esteemed presenter, Dr. Sam Potolicchio. Dr. Potolicchio will delve into a wide range of topics, encompassing political, social, and environmental happenings around the world. Through his discussions, he will challenge you to think critically and strategically about the future, providing a deeper understanding of potential trends and developments that may shape our world.
He’ll share his reflections on the predictions he made in the previous year, highlighting what came true and what didn’t.
Presenter: Dr. Sam Potolicchio, President, Preparing Global Leaders Forum
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Closing Remarks and Predict Ends
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Grab a Lunch & Go or Continue the Conversations with Peers Over Lunch
