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How will WEC general sessions be different in 2026? 

After each keynote or featured speaker, our commentators will ask the kinds of clarifying, practical questions that lead to actionable insights from inside and outside the business events industry. The format is designed to bridge inspiration and action. The commentators’ desk will translate ideas and inspiration into clear next steps, applicable takeaways and real‑world context. The stage design will support this, creating a dynamic environment that feels more interactive, modern and conversational than in past years. The concept supports our aim to exchange passive inspiration with active industry dialogue—and ensure participants leave each general session with deeper clarity, more relevance and tangible actions they can implement right away.

Why did you decide to make this change now? 

Data is telling us that audiences need something different. Last year, we utilized Bishop-McCann's JOY Index during our general sessions to determine minute-by-minute engagement and sentiment using biometric measurements and facial analysis software. The results confirmed what we already believed: Our sessions scored highly, but in order to further deliver sustained engagement, we need to continue to refine the experience. Our “Inside the Industry” commentators will ensure our general sessions are emotionally resonant and immediately actionable.

Why should attendees be excited about this format update?

This update directly aligns with what our latest engagement research tells us people want from general sessions. The JOY Index showed in real time which moments truly resonated with our community—and the findings were clear: people are most engaged when they emotionally and intellectually connect to the content. Peer‑to‑peer exchanges, call‑and‑response, sensory storytelling and audience participation consistently drove the highest spikes in emotional engagement and neurologic immersion. Our “Inside the Industry” commentators will help extend the conversation—bringing industry peers onstage to ask the questions our industry is actually thinking, unpack ideas in real time and translate them into clear, actionable steps. It’s a smarter format, informed by real data on what makes sessions memorable, energizing and worth the time.

This means attendees get:

• More clarity on how to apply what they just heard.
• More relevance being represented onstage by their peers.
• More value in the form of practical, next‑step guidance.