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 […]
PORTLAND, Maine — For a few years, the event organizer Diversified participated in United Way’s annual Day of Caring, which brings together volunteers from numerous companies across the U.S. Diversified’s employees really enjoyed this opportunity, but the organization wanted them to work together on volunteer projects, instead of being distributed across various sites. Around 12 years ago, Diversified decided to create its own Day of Caring: It selects a day every spring to send its teams into the greater Portland community to help non-profit partners with important work. The 2026 edition was held […]
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 — There’s been plenty of industry research and analysis coming out in the past few months that could give any event professional a leg-up on the competition. From findings around exhibitor spending to event performance benchmarks to key insights around audience acquisition tactics, industry research is meant to provide a snapshot into the current […]
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 […]
CHICAGO — For anyone, a new job can seem daunting. While it’s important to be grateful for exciting opportunities, a new position or promotion comes with numerous challenges, such as taking on vast responsibilities and navigating unfamiliar situations. Trade Show Executive’s Young Professionals Corner connected with leaders at Clarion Events, which recently announced a host of major hirings and promotions, to create a guide for transitioning into a new role. Leigh Mann, Vice President of Strategy & Commercial […]
LAS VEGAS — For more than two decades, William Flangas, CMP, CVP, CEM, Director of Convention Services at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), has helped make Vegas one of the world’s top trade show destinations. Flangas has worked with some of the industry’s largest shows, including CES®, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the National Association of Homebuilders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS). Trade Show Executive’s Young Professionals Corner sat down with Flangas to learn about his career, work for LVCVA and advice for […]