At IMEX 2024, industry leaders delved into the reasons behind failed events, challenging the perception of success and failure. Introducing the Four Pillars of Failure, they highlighted common pitfalls such as lack of empathy, absence of vision, limited dialogue, and narrow stakeholder focus. The discussion emphasized the need to shift the industry’s culture by viewing failure as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a stigma. To foster a learning mindset, panelists encouraged open dialogue, data-driven decision-making, and seeking diverse perspectives. This session underscored the crucial role of embracing transparency, empathy, and continuous improvement in the pursuit of transformative event experiences.