As meeting and event programs grow more complex—driven by tighter timelines, flat budgets and rising expectations for immersive experiences—production strategy is moving from a behind-the-scenes function to a central pillar of MICE planning.
To address these pressures, BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has introduced Strategic Production Management (SPM), a new framework designed to shift production from an event-by-event approach to a more centralized, scalable model across full meeting portfolios.
The offering brings together production leadership, creative direction, governance and regional delivery in an effort to improve consistency, cost control and operational efficiency across high-volume programs.
In a recent interview with Prevue, Jenna Monell, Director of Strategic Accounts and Solutions, Production and Creative at BCD M&E, discusses the evolving challenges facing planners in 2026, how organizations are rethinking production scalability and why authenticity and intentional design are reshaping event expectations.
Prevue: What are the biggest challenges planners are facing right now when managing large-scale or high-volume event programs?
Monell: I would say balancing the expectation for quality and innovative production, as well as creative needs, while budgets are staying flat or decreasing. Also, ensuring consistency, both in quality and brand expectations, regardless of event location and market. Frequently, production partners are brought in on an event-by-event basis, and that way of working isn’t driving solutions to these challenges we’re seeing.
Prevue: How are organizations rethinking event production strategy in 2026, particularly around consistency, budget visibility and scalability across multiple meetings and events?
Monell: Organizations have been looking for a solution like SPM. Rather than managing production event by event, SPM takes a more cohesive approach across a customer’s wider program of meetings and events.
It combines production leadership, creative expertise, governance and reporting, and flexible regional delivery based on customer need. This helps customers improve consistency, quality and cost efficiency across a higher volume of activity. It also helps reduce fragmentation when different teams, regions, stakeholders or suppliers are involved in production delivery.
Prevue: What trends are having the biggest impact on production planning right now as attendee expectations continue to evolve?
Monell: Across meetings and events, we’re seeing planning and pre-production lead times get shorter, so the need for flexibility and scalability has never been greater. From a production perspective, organizations need a solid playbook and framework to ensure quality and creativity aren’t lost in these condensed timelines.
We obviously have to bring AI into this equation as well. We’re seeing organizations experiment with how to best leverage AI in their events and production. While it can feel like an easy route, we’ve found that the proliferation of AI has attendees hungrier for creative that feels authentically human.
Prevue: Are you seeing differences in expectations across attendee demographics, such as Gen Z, Millennials and executive-level travelers? How is that influencing event design and production strategy?
Monell: As we’ve seen, the number of Gen Z event attendees grows, the “why” has become more critical than ever. Meeting and event objectives need to be clear, and content must be story-driven and impactful.
Creativity is no longer optional in event design and delivery for these attendees – it is an expectation. Across production strategy, content must be intentional, authentic and have the opportunity to shine on screen and in the room.
Prevue: How are planners balancing the growing demand for immersive, experience-driven events with operational efficiency and cost management?
Monell: Across organizations, we’re seeing meeting owners being asked to do more for less. While emerging technologies and AI integrations can help gain efficiencies and drive cost savings to a point, what’s really moving the needle here are strong partnerships.
Partnering with a true production and creative agency means you are getting more than AV equipment – you’re gaining trusted advisors and advocates. Immersive, experience-driven events don’t have to deplete your budgets. By working as true partners to understand event goals and return on engagement, we can find opportunities to prioritize attendee experience without inflating cost.
