Trade Shows

The 24th Experiential Marketing Summit brought more than 1,000 brand marketers and event industry professionals to the MGM Grand Las Vegas, May 18-20, for three days of inspiration, deep dives, and play under the theme “Human Connection in the Digital Age Starts Here.” From fast-paced creative challenges to brain dates with peers—and, of course, candid […]

You’ve been in that meeting. You raise a concern about material handling rates that have climbed for the third year in a row. You ask why electrical outlet costs just jumped nearly 20% with no explanation. You point out that the exhibitor manual doesn’t define what “special handling” actually means, but somehow you were charged for it anyway.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026 Annual Meeting brought together more than 40,000 professionals at McCormick Place in Chicago May 29 through June 2 to explore the latest advances in cancer research, clinical practice, and innovation.  Exhibiting at a medical congress comes with a unique rulebook. Commercial and medical affairs functions must remain […]

You hear it all the time: “Trade shows are no fun.” Square disagreed.  For the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show, which took place May 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the brand activated the “Surprise and Delight” sponsorship during the busiest moments just before the doors opened with a skate show and mini-troopers falling from […]

Just as the Experiential Marketing Summit was bringing inspiration to brand marketers, across the Las Vegas Strip, brands were finding new avenues for fandom at Licensing Expo, which was taking place May 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The 2026 edition brought together about 12,500 industry professionals and a record 400 exhibitors, representing IP […]