Industry News
Curated headlines from the trade show and exhibition industry's top publications, associations, and expert blogs. Stay current with exhibitor announcements, show openings, industry trends, and market news from across the events world. Whether you follow technology, healthcare, food, or manufacturing events, our news feed surfaces the stories that matter to trade show professionals, exhibitors, and event marketers.
The Wisdom of Ignorance
As meeting planners, you live in a world that demands certainty. A great location combined with the perfect venue. An engaging agenda with fantastic speakers and thoughtful ways for people to connect, unwind, and recharge. Seamless and engaging AV, creative cuisine, and just the right amount of…
Inspire Your Next Incentive in Sydney
The Lake George Area in New York's Adirondacks is meant for more than just meetings. Luxury, unique venues and spaces, and more await. The post Inspire Your Next Incentive in Sydney appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Case Study: Maritz Elevate 2026
In 2021, Maritz began monitoring its footprint in an effort to become a more sustainable business events company. Since then, the organization has achieved Bronze-level certification under the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for two of its events, Activate 2025 and…
Connect at the Coast
From its convenient transportation options and a plethora of accommodations to its dedicated event partners, versatile meeting spaces, and convention center expansion, GOCAL provides everything you need to make your event a resounding success. The post Connect at the Coast appeared first on Smart…
Toronto Sports Growth Drives Tourism
Toronto’s sports infrastructure is on the rise, shaping its tourism and local business. The post Toronto Sports Growth Drives Tourism appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Your Dashboard Knows Something Happened. It Doesn’t Know Why.
Event professionals have gotten much better at measuring what happens in the room. Engagement dashboards, sentiment scores, real-time analytics – tools that would have looked like science fiction a decade […] The post Your Dashboard Knows Something Happened. It Doesn’t Know Why. appeared first on…
How Smart Woman Summit 2026 Inspired Action
Smart Woman Summit was designed to foster meaningful conversations. From the kick off at a sponsor-speaker salon to Provocateur Circles based on Soundings’ Career Archetypes surveys, participants left knowing themselves, their goals and what they need to do to get there. The post How Smart Woman…
Smart Moves in Sonoma, San Antonio, Dubuque and More
Meeting professionals make industry moves in Sonoma, San Antonio, Dubuque and beyond. The post Smart Moves in Sonoma, San Antonio, Dubuque and More appeared first on Smart Meetings.
What Event Leaders Are Watching for the Rest of the Year
As the meetings and events industry moves into the busy fall conference season, planners are navigating a familiar challenge in a changing environment: attendees expect more meaningful experiences even as budgets remain tight, schedules face greater scrutiny and expectations continue to rise. The…
ASAE Annual Launched Labs and Advocacy/Microcredential Initiatives in Indianapolis
ASAE Annual 2026 at Indiana Convention Center this week was the largest gathering by almost any measure, with 5,300 registered and 500 volunteers, all taking place on the largest trade show floors. It was also one of the most impactful. The post ASAE Annual Launched Labs and…
The New Business of Business Travel
New American Express survey data reveals that major events, emerging destinations and smarter travel infrastructure are reshaping client relationship-building Business travel is starting to look different as companies reach beyond […] The post The New Business of Business Travel appeared first on…
Making Meetings Matter: How Local Businesses Bring Purpose to Team Building
Planners are looking for ways to create experiences that feel purposeful, memorable and connected to the destination. One of the most meaningful ways to do that is by incorporating local businesses and their offerings into team building and group programming. The post Making Meetings Matter: How…
CMP Fellow Spotlight: Get to Know Derrick Johnson
Derrick Johnson, CMP Fellow, carries decades of diverse experience in the meetings world. He now dedicates his talents to event strategy, creative direction and DJing—infusing his industry acumen with creative […] The post CMP Fellow Spotlight: Get to Know Derrick Johnson appeared first on Smart…
The New Incentive Travel Equation
Companies are asking incentives to deliver more than a memorable reward Incentive travel may begin with rewarding performance, but companies are increasingly looking for those trips to accomplish more. NUBA, […] The post The New Incentive Travel Equation appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Sharpening the Budget: How to Avoid Hidden Costs at Your Next Event
Two event experts share practical strategies for forecasting expenses, negotiating fees and making sure every meeting dollar works harder Editor’s note: This summary of the webinar transcript was created with the […] The post Sharpening the Budget: How to Avoid Hidden Costs at Your Next Event…
This Marriott Wants Attendees to Live Like Athletes
Champions from different worlds can now have an experience together at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Florida through its Stay Like a Champion program. Now inching toward a year in operation, the program has been designed to introduce attendees to a mix of the fitness-centric lifestyle of an…
Creature Comforts
How thoughtfully managed animal encounters can support attendee wellness and leave a lasting impression Sometimes the most memorable part of a hotel visit isn’t the lobby or guest room, it’s […] The post Creature Comforts appeared first on Smart Meetings.
New & Renovated: Four Distinctive Hotels Debut New Chapters Across North America
As hotels continue to invest in renovations, rebranding and new developments, meeting professionals have even more inspiring options to consider. This month's standout openings include a luxury waterfront hotel joining a renowned collection, a reimagined mountain retreat, Idaho's largest hotel and…
The Modern Audience Has Moved On. Your Corporate Events Haven’t.
You know the formula. Opening keynote. Breakout sessions. A parade of slide decks. Closing remarks. It's practically a ritual at this point, which is exactly the problem. When every corporate event follows the same script, people know what's coming before it comes. And predictability is the fastest…
The Networking Muscles You Might Forget You Have
They atrophy faster than you thinkHi. It’s me. I know, I know. It’s been a while.For the past couple of years, I had the incredible opportunity to work for a […] The post The Networking Muscles You Might Forget You Have appeared first on Smart Meetings.