A summit meeting is an event that brings people together with a common interest or goal. It can be hosted by businesses, nonprofits, industry associations, and other organizations. The key to hosting a successful summit is creating content that is relevant to the audience and provides them with valuable information they can use. The summit format can also vary, from keynotes and panel discussions to workshops and networking events.
The Summit of the Americas is a hemispheric process for addressing problems of common concern. It is the result of an initiative by President Clinton to convene a series of summits to address the major challenges facing the countries of the Western Hemisphere, which had been neglected during the Cold War and were being reshaped in new and more complicated economic and social circumstances.
Among other things, the Miami Summit established the Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action that established a framework to expand prosperity by developing free trade in the region; to promote democratic governance and international security; to combat drug trafficking; and to ensure sustainable development of the Hemisphere. It was the first time that all 34 nations of the Organization of American States participated in a Summit.
Large-scale summits, like those held by political organizations or governments, tend to be focused on tackling global issues and finding solutions to these problems. These events are often attended by world leaders or other influential figures and are aimed at addressing a wide range of political, social, economic, and environmental issues. Summits held by professional associations in industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education are more likely to focus on specific topics and seek to help attendees solve real-world challenges with a practical approach.