This Just In
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Though the U.S. welcomed 68 million travellers last year, the third highest number in the world, it was the only country with a decline in international travel, according to Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Our once $50-billion travel trade surplus is now a $70-billion deficit. While […]
SHELTON, Conn. — In spring 2026, Clarion Events North America announced a host of executive-level promotions. These include: Energy: Wayne Bishop Jr. joined Clarion as Executive Vice President of its Energy Portfolio Paul Daniel joined Clarion as Vice President of Energy Media Leigh Mann was promoted to Vice President of Strategy and Commercial Development for the Energy Portfolio Erin Moriarty expanded her role as Vice […]
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Oct. 20-23, landscapers, contractors and outdoor power equipment operators will gather at the Kentucky Exposition Center for Equip Exposition, which provides four days of education, networking, product testing and entertainment. This year, the show, produced by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), will give attendees additional support with the launch of Equip Academy, which is an education platform featuring all of the show’s offerings online. Attendees receive a […]
CHICAGO — When you think of Baltimore, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Do you think of the $7-billion reinvestment project that’s underway in the city? Or the planned modernization projects happening at the convention center? With new leadership at the city’s DMO, Visit Baltimore, as Kireem Swinton was appointed as President and CEO, and a renewed energy to position Charm City as […]
BAKU, Azerbaijan — When the current conflict in Iran forced the postponement of the 2026 SportAccord convention, organizers faced a challenge familiar to event professionals worldwide: how to preserve confidence and momentum when circumstances beyond anyone’s control derail years of planning. Rather than rushing to find a near-term alternative, SportAccord has taken a long-range approach. Organizers have confirmed that the global sports business summit will […]
CHICAGO — During the annual National Restaurant Association Show, which is produced by Informa Connect, Freeman held one of its Inside Live events, inviting trade show and event organizers to share in 1.5 days of learning, collaboration, hands-on workshops and expo floor tours. The focus of the event, which took place at Chicago’s McCormick Place, was around optimizing outcomes […]
DALLAS — Freeman recently released its Trends Report: What’s Keeping Audiences Away, outlining the way non-attendees evaluate and value events to help organizers understand where they can enhance marketing efforts and ultimately win over this group of untapped professionals. Unlike prior Freeman Trends Reports, this new report focuses on the insights collected from non-attendees, a critical cohort to understand in order to unlock greater […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 28, 2026, leaders from the U.S. events industry will head to Capitol Hill for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s (ECA) Legislative Action Day (LAD). Once again, this year’s LAD will be its largest ever. “ECA LAD is our industry’s Super Bowl in Washington, D.C.,” Tommy Goodwin, President and CEO of ECA, explained. “This year, more than 200 industry leaders and advocates from across the […]
CHICAGO — The lights dim, the crowd hushes and a big-name speaker strides onto the stage. Then, he phones it in with a polished, generic talk he’s delivered a dozen times before. By the time the applause fades, half the audience is mentally checked out and the other half has already left and is on […]
CHICAGO — Trade Show Executive (TSE) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Gold 100 Grand Awards and Women to Watch programs. The deadline for submissions is July 20, and the finalists in the Grand Awards categories and recipients of the Women to Watch awards will be announced on Aug. 3. Finalists and the entire class of TSE’s Women […]
