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More at IMEX
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In an industry where disruptions can strike all too often, meeting and event planners often find themselves on the front lines. Their ability to navigate crises, adapt to uncertainty and satisfy stakeholders is crucial for success. IMEX America’s enhanced learning program is designed to sharpen those skills, providing fresh inspiration and strategies for staying one step ahead in a challenging environment.
This year’s program takes a deep dive into topics that affect how planners do business, with expert-led sessions as well as two insightful new IMEX reports: "The Power of Experiences" and "How to Lead with Impact in Extreme Times."
Among the thought leaders in the program is Dr. Ferron Gray, president and founder of the Grae Matta Foundation, whose message resonates in today’s climate. “Resilience isn’t built during calm times,” he said. “It’s shaped by how you respond when things go sideways.”
A New Era of Experiential Design
According to IMEX’s "The Power of Experiences: Redesigning Events for Human Connection," events are no longer solely evaluated based on return on investment or attendance metrics. Increasingly, their value also lies in the ability to repair the social fabric and address the “silent epidemic” of disconnection.
“The global events industry is having a moment — one that demands reflection and reinvention,” the report states. Attendees are no longer satisfied with passive content consumption; they crave a sense of connection, belonging and authentic experiences.
Gallup’s "2024 State of the Global Workplace" report underscores this shift, noting that 21 percent of employees worldwide report feeling lonely and disconnected on a regular basis. Loneliness can result in everything from reduced productivity to higher turnover, according to Cigna’s "The Business Case for Addressing Loneliness in the Workforce," which is also cited in the IMEX report.
Gray concurs about the importance of belonging. “Connection isn’t a byproduct of good events; it’s the point,” he said. “The opportunity lies in intentionally designing for psychological safety: building environments where people feel they belong, not just where they’re impressed. Many planners still equate engagement with activity, but its emotional resonance — how seen and safe people feel — that drives real connection.”
Embedding Well-Being
Gray's insights, which are included in the IMEX report "How to Lead with Impact in Extreme Times" as well as his session at IMEX America, underscore the evolution of attitudes about wellness in event planning.
“A decade ago, mental health in organizations was treated as a personal issue or a side initiative,” he said. “Today, progressive organizations recognize that wellness and performance are interlinked.”
Gray reports a shift from performative wellness to structural change. “Disruption has accelerated this shift,” he said. “There’s now greater awareness that ignoring mental health is a risk to continuity, reputation and culture.”
He recommends prioritizing “care over control” as a healthier way of dealing with disruption. “When the unexpected happens — and it always does — planners have two choices: tighten control or increase care,” he explained. “In our work, we’ve seen that psychological safety allows teams to respond faster and more creatively. Control can breed fear; care fosters resilience.”
The Value of Clarity and Connection
The importance of clarity is a key message in "How to Lead with Impact in Extreme Times."
“When the world is in flux, we must return to what matters most: people,” said Gray. According to the report, that means letting go of needing all the answers and focusing instead on purpose and presence.
The value of human connection, meanwhile, is confirmed by Accenture’s "Life Trends 2025 Study," cited in IMEX’s "The Power of Experiences." The trend study uncovered an increased desire for real-life interactions, a change caused by distrust of online platforms. As Dr. Gray said: “Focus on what’s human, not just what’s high-tech. Disruption has taught us that hybrid tools and digital platforms mean nothing without meaningful content and emotional resonance.”
Ferron adds that future mental health policy in global organizations will likely be driving by three forces: generational expectations, geopolitical instability and AI. “Gen Z and younger millennials are demanding emotionally intelligent workplaces,” he said. “At the same time, global crises — from conflict to climate — are increasing ambient anxiety. And AI is creating both opportunities and ethical concerns. Organizations that center mental health in their policies will not only retain talent — they’ll lead the next era of responsible innovation.”
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