A summit meeting is a gathering of thought leaders who come together to discuss an issue that’s important to them. The event usually has a well-thought-out agenda that allows attendees to discuss their point of view regarding the chosen topic, as well as present solutions for it. Summit meetings tend to have a more formal tone and atmosphere than conferences, and they typically involve attendees that hold a high-level position within their industry. This includes doctors, surgeons, company executives, and other individuals who help to make a difference in their field of expertise.
Summit meetings have become more popular in recent times, as they’ve helped to bring global issues to the forefront of people’s minds. Summits on topics like climate change and environmental policy have received the most media attention, as they’ve helped to spark conversation about how we can work together to create a better future.
While summits that have no tangible outcomes are often viewed as failures, they’re still important for many reasons. They provide a platform where nation states can interact with each other and exchange points of view, and they also play a vital role in establishing trust between states.
The First Summit of the Americas was convened in Miami in December of 1994 to address the common concerns of the countries of the Hemisphere. The Summit resulted in a Declaration of Principles and a Plan of Action signed by all 34 participating Summit Countries.