Industry News
Curated headlines from the trade show and exhibition industry's top publications, associations, and expert blogs.
Why Retention is the Real Growth Strategy
Are you running a growth strategy for your event or a replacement strategy?
We don’t just check boxes. We change the experience.
In Portland, Oregon, you’ll find the space, authentic experiences and local insight to create something that stands out.
This Week on the Convene Podcast: Designing Net Zero Events and Why Community Beats Content with Mark Adams
From how the Net Zero Conference embedded sustainability into every element of its design, to Mark Adams’ case for why community — not content — represents the next big opportunity for business events — here’s what’s new on the Convene Podcast.
Blazing New Trails
The Professional TrailBuilders Association joined with American Trails to host the latest International Trails Summit, bringing together more than 850 industry professionals for three days in Madison, Wisconsin.
Stitching Together a Resistance Movement
The quilts on display at an annual convention didn’t just showcase artistry and technique, many spoke volumes about social issues.
Brianna Clark | PCMA Member Spotlight
Get to know PCMA Member Brianna Clark, Department Chair of the Event and Hospitality Management Department, High Point University
In the Age of Endless Content, People Choose Connection
A trailblazer in creating digital networks and new business models, Convening APAC 2026 keynote speaker Mark Adams talks to Convene about communities, networks, and who we are after AI.
The Benefits of ‘Cognitive Estrangement’ in Meeting Design
A global creative leader at IDEO walked event organizers through three mindsets that innovation and design-thinking experts use to create extraordinary experiences.
This Week on the Convene Podcast: Setting the Tone for Civility, Designing Inclusive Events, and Leading Through Change
From why event codes of conduct should go beyond compliance, to Laura Nelson’s guidance on sober‑inclusive, wellness‑forward design, to Pauline Nguyen’s insights on self‑leadership and emotional resilience — here’s what’s new on the Convene Podcast.
How the Spokane Convention Center Turned a Reception Into a Site Inspection
A progressive opening reception gave a group of association management industry professionals the chance to mix with local artists — and to see the ins and outs of a convention center in a far more engaging way than a formal facility tour.
Minority Conferences Face Lower Attendance
The effects of anti-DEI policies are being felt by associations representing minority professionals, particularly when it comes to their events. Here’s how the National Black MBA Association is navigating those changes and other macroeconomic shifts.
Inside a 90-Day Meeting Makeover
Embracing people-first design helped 2026 Visionary Awards finalist Mindy Grubb reimagine eXp Realty’s 5,000-person flagship annual event in just three months.
This Digital Events Strategist Is Zooming Out to Serve a Global Community
How 2026 Visionary Awards Finalist Kimberly Inniger shaped ORCID’s digital and hybrid events to ‘meet our community where they are.’
Reimagining Event Inclusivity From the Inside Out
Association planner and 2026 Visionary Awards Finalist Kyle Jordan’s decade with the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association has helped him reimagine inclusivity for his own events portfolio
2026 Visionary Awards Showcase the Professionals Elevating Our Industry
PCMA’s annual awards ceremony will recognize business events industry changemakers and highlight the impact of gathering in person on May 7 in Washington, D.C.
Unite Here Highlights How Federal Immigration Raids Are Impacting Frontline Workers
A new report shows the broad impact of recent U.S. immigration policy and ICE activity on the hospitality industry.