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.
Inside a 2,800-Guest Diwali Showcase: The Hidden Architecture of Catering at Wall Street Scale
The truth of large-scale corporate catering is that the chaos lives in the prep window, and the calmest day in the operation is the day of the event itself, if you have built the architecture correctly underneath it. A 2,800-guest Diwali showcase highlighted the planning and deliberation that goes…
Highlights From IRF Invitational 2026
Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) Invitational 2026 brought together more than 500 DMCs and incentive planners for four days at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel in Arizona. The post Highlights From IRF Invitational 2026 appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Cabo’s Diverse Landscape Delivers on Dynamic Meeting Experiences
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 Cabo’s Diverse Landscape Delivers on Dynamic Meeting Experiences appeared first on Smart Meetings.
HOW ANAHEIM SUPPORTS THE “CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE” MEETING
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 HOW ANAHEIM SUPPORTS THE “CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE” MEETING appeared first on Smart Meetings.
EIC Sustainable Event Standards: What Planners and Suppliers Should Know
Market data published by WifiTalents in February 2026 reveals that 65% of Gen Z attendees favor events with transparent environmental commitments, and 80% are willing to pay extra for sustainable options. As Gen Z professionals become a larger presence at corporate meetings and events,…
New Orleans Welcomed Tall Ships and Top Chefs
Stately Gallier Hall on St. Charles Street in New Orleans, which has served as a civic touchstone since 1850, this week welcomed global dignitaries as the first stop for Sail250, […] The post New Orleans Welcomed Tall Ships and Top Chefs appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Highlights from IMEX Frankfurt 2026
More than 13,000 industry professionals gathered at IMEX Frankfurt this May, filling Messe Frankfurt with conversations about innovation, sustainability, inclusivity and the enduring value of face-to-face connection. The post Highlights from IMEX Frankfurt 2026 appeared first on Smart Meetings.
What to Expect at MPI WEC in San Antonio
MPI’s World Education Congress has long been known as the annual event for working event planners looking for education, hosted-buyer opportunities and a robust trade show to find news about […] The post What to Expect at MPI WEC in San Antonio appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Fertitta Entertainment Buys Caesars Entertainment for Nearly $18 Billion
Fertitta Entertainment has acquired Caesars Entertainment in an all-cash transaction at $17.6 billion, including the assumption of $11.9 billion of Caesars’ debt.According to a press release by Caesars, Fertitta Entertainment, […] The post Fertitta Entertainment Buys Caesars Entertainment for…
What Are DMOs and CVBs?
Destination organizations provide communities with a wide range of economic, cultural, civic and promotional benefits. In 2024, Destinations International published a report titled Destination Promotion: A Vehicle for Community Vitality that outlines the comprehensive extent of their impact. Here’s…
AI Is Here. Are Event Teams Ready?
Smart Meetings spoke with Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of staffing, consulting and career coaching agency Soundings, which recently released a 12-month benchmark report on AI adoption rates across the business events industry. The post AI Is Here. Are Event Teams Ready? appeared first on Smart…
What I Heard at Experiential Marketing Summit 2026
For the latest trends in attention grabbing, I dropped in on the Experiential Marketing Summit 2026 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The post What I Heard at Experiential Marketing Summit 2026 appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Case Study: HSMAI Las Vegas Chapter Hosts Wellness-Centered Event
Hospitality and Sales Management Association International (HSMAI) Las Vegas Chapter recently held an event at Caesars Palace, where wellness was placed front and center. The post Case Study: HSMAI Las Vegas Chapter Hosts Wellness-Centered Event appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Smart Meetings Executive Experience in Palm Springs Accelerated an Action Mindset
Top event professionals gathered at Thompson Palm Springs this week for the Executive Experience designed to turn up the volume on developing an action-oriented mindset. The post Smart Meetings Executive Experience in Palm Springs Accelerated an Action Mindset appeared first on Smart Meetings.
Turning Surplus Into Service: How Food Rescue Strengthens Community and Sustainability
Behind the scenes of large-scale events, every chef knows the reality that even with meticulous planning and forecasting, high-quality food inevitably remains untouched. For Azad Rawat, executive chef at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, the focus has always been on what happens to that food next, and…
New & Renovated: Elevating Wellness & Luxury
Across the country, hotels and resorts are unveiling transformative renovations designed to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers and event planners. Whether through sustainability-driven design, art-forward experiences, wellness programming or elevated culinary offerings, these…
Smart Moves in Raleigh, Panama City Beach, West Hollywood and More
Meetings industry professionals make moves in Raleigh, Panama City Beach, West Hollywood and more. The post Smart Moves in Raleigh, Panama City Beach, West Hollywood and More appeared first on Smart Meetings.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Toronto
Of the 16 host cities that are set to host FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, Canada will be home to two, in Vancouver and Toronto. The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Toronto appeared first on Smart Meetings.
CEIR 2026 Marketing Spend Decision Report: How Exhibitors Are Managing Their Marketing Resources
The findings in CEIR’s 2026 Marketing Spend Decision Report paint a picture of an industry that has mostly stabilized following years of disruption. While exhibitors remain cautious about spending, face-to-face exhibitions continue to command the largest share of B2B marketing budgets across…
Survey: In-person Events Win Big, But Most Meeting Profs Still Can’t Prove It
Companies are more convinced than ever that in-person meetings and events drive real business results, but a new survey from Global DMC Partners (GDP) indicates 70% of planners continue to […] The post Survey: In-person Events Win Big, But Most Meeting Profs Still Can’t Prove It appeared first on…