From AI to Gen Z: Industry Insights from NACE Experience 2026
In an industry that is constantly evolving to meet customer needs, staying up to date on fresh insights is paramount to your event business’ success. NACE Experience 2026 met the moment with the Mind Your Wedding Business podcast that returned for the second year to host conversations with some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Recorded during the conference and hosted by Kevin Dennis and Michelle Stansfield, these two podcast episodes journey through a range of topics including AI and technology, changing workplace culture, and the importance of relationships. Across two episodes, Kevin and Michelle sit down with NACE leaders, educators and event industry professionals to explore the ideas shaping the industry today. Here are a few of the biggest ideas they explored.
Stronger Teams Start with Better Leadership
“Harmony is not an accident. It’s a design.” – Micah Logan, Chief Strategy Officer, Logan Companies
As business leaders, we often become accustomed to reacting. Rules and guidelines seem to fluctuate as quickly as the latest social media trend and we often pivot to give customers the incredible experiences they seek. While responding to the latest trends is fun, Micah Logan of Logan Companies discussed the importance of intentional leadership for effective organizations and stronger teamwork. Logan asserts that leadership and team dynamics should be crafted intentionally for success.
NACE National President-Elect, Dana Kadwell, echoes Logan’s point in emphasizing that NACE is evolving from the reactive problem-solving that was made more necessary following COVID towards more intentional proactivity. As she prepares to step into the presidency, Dana hopes to address issues by investigating challenges at the root and implementing more sustainable changes.
Multiple Generations Are Reshaping the Workplace
“They are eager, they are achievers, they want to be a part.” – Vernetta Kosalka, Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Similar to previous generations, Gen Z is shaking up the workplace, changing the status quo. Scroll through any newsfeed and you will be met with confusion about how to engage Gen Z at work. Vernetta Kosalka, Assistant Professor of Practice at University of Nebraska–Lincoln, offered her insight on Gen Z in the workplace and encouraged leaders to challenge negative stereotypes while creating an environment for all age groups to thrive. Ariana Adolph, NACE Student Chapter President at Johnson & Wales University, also urged business leaders to approach all generations as individual people rather than focusing on general stereotypes.
Erin Dennis, founder of Evergreen Hospitality Solutions, points out that it’s important to create space to discuss generational differences as workplaces may soon have employees from as many as five generations. Business leaders should facilitate conversations that support more experienced professionals while leaving room for younger employees to contribute.
Technology Is Changing Business but the Human Element Matters More
“Technology is no longer a…nice to have. It’s a need to have.” – Sara Kincaid, President, Aisle Planner Pro
Today’s customers are accustomed to sophisticated digital experiences and Sara Kincaid, President of Aisle Planner Pro, asserts that technology is no longer simply a nice addition to an events business. Clients expect seamless technology and business success depends on it. Similarly, Margaux Fraise, host of the Wedding Summit Series, encourages event businesses to grow beyond just providing basic information. Claiming that most of us are inundated with unprecedented amounts of information daily, Fraise says that stating the basics is no longer a differentiator but translating expertise in digital spaces certainly is. While many companies are testing artificial intelligence’s capabilities in helping to create content that showcases expertise, visibility and confidence coach, Renee Dalo, reminds listeners to preserve the human voice to avoid sounding too similar to other events companies. Dalo urges businesses to use AI as an assistant, not an artist.
The NACE Community Remains at the Center
“We take care of each other.” – Jill Vidal-Raines, NACE National President
One idea was clear throughout these Mind Your Wedding Business podcast episodes: NACE’s value is rooted in its people. NACE National President, Jill Vidal-Raines spoke about the value of our community, support, and relationships. She described NACE as a place where professionals can build relationships across markets, exchange ideas, learn from one another and find support. That sense of connection extends beyond networking to create a community where even competitors are willing to help one another and where members can test new ideas, share challenges and grow together.
That community is also what gives NACE Experience its warm and welcoming energy. Throughout the episodes, several guests compared NACE Experience to “coming home”. In an industry built on relationships, the opportunity to meet face-to-face remains a major part of the conference and a reminder that even as technology and business practices evolve, connection remains at the center of NACE.
Listen to these episodes of the Mind Your Wedding Business -