Bishop-McCann’s Strategic Growth Cements Its Industry Influence

KANSAS CITY, MO – February 27, 2026 – Bishop-McCann, a global meetings and events agency, has secured a coveted spot on the inaugural Skift Meetings M&I 15, a definitive list recognizing the 15 most powerful and influential U.S. companies in corporate meetings and incentive travel. The inclusion is a significant validation of the company's strategic direction, which has blended aggressive expansion with pioneering technological innovation.

The Skift Meetings M&I 15 provides a data-driven, editorial perspective on the corporate meetings landscape. For Bishop-McCann, the recognition highlights a period of intense and focused growth.

“We are proud to be recognized by Skift Meetings as one of the most influential firms shaping the corporate meetings and incentive landscape,” said Rob Adams, CEO and partner of Bishop-McCann, in a statement. “This acknowledgment underscores our continued investment in talent, innovation and global partnerships, ensuring we help our clients navigate an increasingly complex environment with confidence and creativity.”

Defining Influence in a Data-Driven Era

The launch of the M&I 15 list signifies a shift in how the industry measures success, moving toward quantifiable metrics to define influence. Skift Meetings’ methodology focuses on four primary criteria from the previous calendar year: company headcount, the total number of meetings managed, the number of incentive travel programs executed, and, most critically, the total number of room nights booked. This last metric serves as the primary benchmark, offering a clear measure of the sheer volume of business a firm directs.

Bishop-McCann’s inclusion places it among an elite group of industry powerhouses, including BCD Meetings & Events, Fox World Travel, and Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc. (M&IW). The list is not merely a ranking of size but a curated assessment of market impact. By focusing on voluntarily provided proprietary data supplemented by public information, Skift aims to create a transparent benchmark for executives to research and evaluate the sector's largest operators. This data-centric approach underscores a broader trend: in the modern meetings industry, influence is proven through measurable results, not just reputation.

A Blueprint for Growth Through Strategic Acquisition

Bishop-McCann's ascent has been significantly accelerated by a deliberate and aggressive acquisition strategy. Over the past five years, the company has integrated three key firms, each acquisition carefully chosen to expand its capabilities, talent pool, and market share.

The expansion began in January 2020 with the acquisition of the meetings and events division of ASE Group, Inc. This was followed in March 2022 by the purchase of ONYX, a Kansas-based agency specializing in clients across diverse sectors like pharmaceuticals, dining, and manufacturing. The ONYX deal was particularly instrumental in bolstering Bishop-McCann's incentive travel services.

Most recently, the company acquired MTI Events in July 2025. A fellow Kansas City-based firm with over 35 years of experience, MTI brought a wealth of seasoned talent and deep expertise in event and incentive travel. This latest acquisition solidified Bishop-McCann’s position as a dominant force in the Midwest and enhanced its ability to deliver creative, large-scale programs with strategic insight. This calculated growth has not only expanded the company's service offerings but also deepened its expertise, allowing it to serve a broader and more complex client base.

The Future of Engagement: AI and the JOY Index

Perhaps the most forward-looking element of Bishop-McCann's strategy is its investment in proprietary technology designed to measure the intangible: joy. The company's AI-powered JOY Index™ represents a groundbreaking step in quantifying attendee engagement and emotional impact, moving far beyond the limitations of traditional post-event surveys.

The JOY Index™ combines artificial intelligence and neuroscience through two innovative platforms:
* Zenus AI: This platform uses anonymous facial scanning to read the collective energy and responsiveness of a room, tracking expressions and attention levels multiple times per second to gauge real-time engagement.
* Immersion Platform: Developed by neuroscientist Dr. Paul Zak, this technology uses data from attendees' own smartwatches and fitness trackers to measure subtle changes in heart rate. These biometric signals can indicate neurologic immersion by detecting the release of oxytocin and dopamine—neurochemicals associated with connection and excitement.

By layering this anonymous, aggregated data over session transcripts, Bishop-McCann can pinpoint exactly which moments and messages resonate most with an audience. This provides clients with unprecedented, actionable insights, enabling on-the-fly adjustments during an event and informing future content strategy. More importantly, it provides a concrete method for connecting experience design with a measurable return on investment (ROI), a long-sought-after goal in the events industry.

Navigating a Transformed MICE Landscape

Bishop-McCann's recognition and innovative approach are well-timed, as the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is experiencing a profound transformation. After a strong post-pandemic recovery, the market is projected for robust growth, with some estimates placing its value at over $1.4 trillion by 2034. This growth is fueled by a confluence of trends that Bishop-McCann appears poised to capitalize on.

Technology is at the forefront of this evolution. AI, augmented reality (AR), and hybrid event platforms are no longer novelties but essential tools for extending reach and enhancing engagement. Simultaneously, there is a countervailing demand for more human-centric, personalized experiences. Attendees increasingly seek genuine connection, cultural immersion, and flexible schedules over packed itineraries.

Furthermore, sustainability has become a core expectation, with clients and attendees demanding eco-friendly practices and greater social responsibility from event organizers. In this dynamic environment, firms that can successfully blend technological efficiency with authentic human connection and strategic insight will lead the way. Bishop-McCann's dual focus on scalable growth through acquisition and deep, tech-driven understanding of the attendee experience positions it as a key player shaping the future of corporate events.