In pictures: C&IT's first US Forum begins

Bank Sadler’s director of production Jon Coventry began the opening session at C&IT's first US Forum with a presentation on global predictions around budget, hotel rates, meeting spend, event space and property.

The panel, which also included ConferenceDirect conference manager Bonnie Doucher and Crescendo's engagement director Russell Allen, led the session on how to choose secondary destinations and cities.

After pre-arranged one-to-one meetings between buyers, agencies and suppliers, a second panel session before lunch looked at enhancing attendee experience.

The afternoon began with a look at combining event tech with data with Pico + general manager Lee Roth, Cision's head of field marketing Victoria Morrisson and INVNT CEO Scott Cullather, before a final session called 'Crime Talks' from former Scotland Yard DCI and Right Angle Corporate director Steve Gaskin.

Arrivals at the luxury country house hotel began on Wednesday, before dinner with Bateaux Windsor with a river cruise on the Thames on a beautiful riverboat called the Melody.

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