In today’s remote-first world, associations are no longer just conveners of conferences—they are builders of temporary cities. Each convention, congress, or summit functions like a pop-up metropolis: it requires infrastructure (signage, transport, Wi-Fi), culture (inclusion, wellness, tone), governance (safety, security, ethics), and sustainability. To deliver true value, associations must adopt the Mayor Mindset—seeing themselves not as event managers, but as civic leaders of their niche.
David Adler, Editor, Gathering Point; Founder of BizBash and Washington Dossier, I explore the art of connection, creativity, and collaboration. Author of Harnessing Serendipity.
Events today are far more than scheduled sessions; they are ecosystems where networks densify, knowledge accelerates, and industries set direction. Neurodiversity, DEI, and wellness are no longer optional add-ons but core design principles shaping spaces and experiences. Associations that champion these elements create environments where members feel safe, represented, and motivated to return—strengthening loyalty and advancing industry impact.
The “mayor’s” role goes beyond logistics. Associations steward the economy (sponsorships, exhibitor revenue, attendee spend), infrastructure (routes, signage, connectivity), and social fabric (collaborations, networking, informal exchanges). Just as mayors safeguard a city, associations must prepare for challenges—from harassment prevention to mental health, from sustainability demands to crisis readiness.
Ultimately, events are not only about knowledge transfer or commerce—they are about belonging. By adopting the mayor mindset, associations can create vibrant, resilient spaces that embody leadership, trust, and legacy. In a world where hybrid work erodes daily connections, associations’ events are often the only “city” their members inhabit all year. Lead them wisely.
