The article explores a significant trend affecting the conference industry, particularly in the realms of politics and economics, as observed by the author who personally engages in speaking engagements. Starting from October 2024, the author noticed a marked decrease in the number of conferences held, a decline which did not correspond with a reduction in speaking fees. Initially, the drop was minor, but by April 2025, a contraction of over 20% was recorded, escalating to 50% by October of the same year, and further exceeding 60% in subsequent months.

This downturn was first perceived as an isolated incident affecting only the author's career; however, discussions with peers—other speakers in similar niches—revealed that the trend was widespread. The author raises concerns about whether this decline in conference engagements is a universal issue or if it is specifically tied to certain topics within the industry. Such trends may indicate a shift in how audiences consume information and engage with thought leaders, potentially suggesting a more significant transformation in public discourse dynamics.

The implications of this shift are profound as it raises questions about the future of speaking engagements and the platforms through which political and economic dialogue occur. If audiences are turning away from traditional conferences, alternatives such as webinars or virtual forums may become more prevalent, reshaping the landscape of how knowledge is shared and disseminated in these fields.