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.
Sports Are Fueling These California Cities
Following the FIFA World Cup 2026 and heading into the 2028 Olympics, Santa Barbara and Anaheim have been and are making a name for themselves in the world of sports. The post Sports Are Fueling These California Cities appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Encore Focuses $100 Million on Planner-Friendly Tools
When the event production company Encore Global announced it was investing $100 million in innovations this year, a little context was in order. We asked Chief Product and Digital Officer Darius Vaskelis and Vice President of Product Management Matt Johnsen to explain what the investment means for…
The Last Manual Process in Event Planning
Citizen Watch America (CWA) offers a portfolio of leading and trusted brands known for their exceptional craftsmanship and design with cutting-edge technology and industry-leading quality and reliability. With hundreds of styles and tastes, and prices for every budget, you're sure to find your next…
Introducing the Promaster WaveTracker: Precision at Sea
Citizen Watch America (CWA) offers a portfolio of leading and trusted brands known for their exceptional craftsmanship and design with cutting-edge technology and industry-leading quality and reliability. With hundreds of styles and tastes, and prices for every budget, you're sure to find your next…
Eight Lessons in Human Connection for Meeting Planners in the Age of AI
AI isn't going away, and it's reshaping every corner of our industry. But the planners and destinations that pair technological fluency with genuine human insight—data-driven intelligence with emotional intelligence—will be the ones who set the pace. The post Eight Lessons in Human Connection for…
What Destinations and Venues Are Saying About Sports Tourism
In a recent discussion with leaders in the sports tourism field, Smart Meetings took the temperature of the industry post-FIFA and learned about what destinations are hearing and how they’re navigating sports tourism. The post What Destinations and Venues Are Saying About Sports Tourism appeared…
Authentic Portland Experiences Took Center Stage at Destinations International
While attending Destinations International (DI) Annual Convention 2026 at Oregon Convention Center this week, attendees saw firsthand that the reality of a visit to the City of Roses is more heartwarming and culturally diverse than some of the headlines that popped up around the country over the…
The All-Inclusive Edge: Designing More Meaningful Incentive Experiences
Smart Meetings webinar panelists share strategies for maximizing value without maximizing budgetsEditor’s note: This summary of the webinar transcript was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.Meeting planners continue to […] The post The All-Inclusive Edge: Designing More…
Get to Know Scott Mifsud
Scott Mifsud, CMP Fellow, is president and co-CEO of Just Right! Destination Management, where he leads a nationwide boutique destination management company. In this CMP Spotlight, Mifsud shares with Smart Meetings the career experiences that shaped his professional approach, the value of building…
Wellness Tourism Association Releases Responsible Retreats Framework
How the new guidelines can assist wellness-focused plannersAs organizations continue to seek new ways to support employee well-being and strengthen workplace culture, corporate retreats are becoming an increasingly popular complement […] The post Wellness Tourism Association Releases Responsible…
Wellness Tourism Association Releases Responsible Retreats Framework
How the new guidelines can assist wellness-focused plannersAs organizations continue to seek new ways to support employee well-being and strengthen workplace culture, corporate retreats are becoming an increasingly popular complement […] The post Wellness Tourism Association Releases Responsible…
Experience Is the New ROI
New research from Amex GBT reveals why memorable moments, intentional design and human connection are becoming the metrics that matter most. Meeting professionals have spent years measuring the success of […] The post Experience Is the New ROI appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Cvent Connect Rebranded Martech Company with Consolidated AI Approach
In front of nearly 5,000 in Nashville at Cvent Connect 2026 and almost that many registered online, Cvent founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal introduced a brand refresh and $1 billion […] The post Cvent Connect Rebranded Martech Company with Consolidated AI Approach appeared first on Smart Meetings.
LEO Events Is Helping Build the Next Generation of Event Professionals
To help prepare the industry’s next generation of professionals, LEO Events launched the LEO Fellows program with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, introducing communications students to career opportunities in corporate events and experiential production. Smart Meetings spoke with Cindy…
Beyond the Prompt: 8 Quick Wins With AI for Event Planners
This is not the moment for digital transformation. It's the moment for a few quick wins with AI. Here are AI tools for some “quick wins,” organized by the job, not the tool, with a few options worth a look for each. The post Beyond the Prompt: 8 Quick Wins With AI for Event Planners appeared first…
Prediction Is Essential for Converting Data into Strategic Advantage
Executive leaders are navigating one of the most transformative periods our industry has experienced in decades. Organizations are under greater pressure to demonstrate ROI, investment decisions face increased scrutiny, and mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the competitive landscape.…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Houston
Houston hosted seven World Cup 2026 matches at NRG Stadium, including one Round of 32 between Brazil and Japan on June 29 and one Round of 16 match between Canada […] The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Houston appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Smart Meetings Leadership Experience in Washington, DC, Encouraged Reevaluating the Attitudes That Limit Our Teams
Top event professionals gathered at Salamander DC last week for Smart Meetings Leadership Experience for an exercise in collective self-reflection that left everyone poised to contribute at a higher leverage at home and work. While the formula has always been to throw planners and suppliers in a…
Live Entertainment and Why It’s the Most Undervalued Investment in Corporate Events
Strategic live entertainment isn't a line item to trim from corporate events. It's one of the highest-return investments a meeting planner can make. Here's why—and how to make the case internally. The post Live Entertainment and Why It’s the Most Undervalued Investment in Corporate Events appeared…
A Beginners Guide to Meetings Management
BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has released a guide for events teams who want better structure in their planning process. Anya Catherine has been with BCD M&E for more than four years, contributing across multiple teams and roles. The post A Beginners Guide to Meetings Management appeared first on…