Since joining Maritz in 2011, President and CEO David Peckinpaugh has led the company through significant growth. 2024 has been another banner year for the St. Louis-based private company, which provides registration, housing, sourcing, contracting, event management, and exhibitor services for some of the largest U.S. trade shows and business events around the globe. In July, Maritz acquired Convention Data Services (CDS) from Freeman, creating one of the largest registration providers in the U.S.  

ConferenceDirect took its annual tentpole client event, the CD+Forum, to the happiest place on earth—Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts in Orlando, Fla. From Nov. 13-16, 190 of the California-based meeting and event planning firm’s customers networked and acquired new skills while nestled between Walt Disney World’s Epcot and Magic Kingdom theme parks (talk about a hub of creativity and innovation!). 

As a meeting professional, knowing the average pay for colleagues in the industry is invaluable when you find yourself in the market for a new job or when it comes time to ask for a raise.  

During this season of giving, the Javits Center in New York City continues to shine as a beacon of sustainability and community support with one of its most dazzling donations to date: a 15-foot, 1,100-pound crystal chandelier.

Originally designed by Baskervill and manufactured by Bluebird Lighting, the $18,000 masterpiece was showcased at Boutique Design New York (BDNY), a trade show for boutique hospitality brands and designers held Nov. 10-11 at the Manhattan facility.

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), which generated more than $500 million in economic impact for Toronto and the Province of Ontario during its 2023/24 fiscal year, appointed Kathy Haley as its new president and CEO, effective November 26.

Apple’s AirTag tracking devices have been around since mid-2021, but meeting professionals may be more interested than ever in the button-like units, with a new feature the company announced on November 11 called Share Item Location. 

The new feature allows users to share the real-time coordinates of lost or misplaced items with third parties. 

Cvent flexed its muscles as a global leader in event management during the milestone 25th iteration of its annual meetings, events, and hospitality technology conference, Cvent CONNECT Europe. 

Fal.Con, cybersecurity platform CrowdStrike’s annual conference, has seen some impressive growth over the last few years. In 2022, the show welcomed 2,800 attendees; then 4,000 attendees in 2023; and now 6,000 attendees at this year’s show, which took place in September at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  

 Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.  

Currently under construction with a $1 billion investment, the new VAI Resort in Glendale, Ariz. is on track to open its initial phase in Q4 2025, redefining the concept of meetings and hospitality by integrating luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge entertainment and versatile event spaces.

For event professionals seeking something fresh and groundbreaking, the upcoming opening of VAI Resort presents a new option that promises to elevate the guest experience through innovative design and entertainment.