Trade Show Executive

4 days ago | tradeshowexecutive.com | Andrew Warrick

CHICAGO — U.S. politics are anything but predictable. Luckily, the events industry has Tommy Goodwin, Vice President of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), in its corner. Trade Show Executive (TSE) caught up with Goodwin to learn about the issues on ECA’s radar and get the rundown on its 2025 Legislative Action Day (ECALAD). ANDREW: What are the biggest issues on your mind right now?

4 days ago | tradeshowexecutive.com | Andrew Warrick

CHICAGO — Smash Booth Interactive Photo Studio’s HoloGlam — a hologram-style photo booth billed as the first of its kind for the events industry — launched at the Experiential Marketing Summit from April 14-16, 2025. Trade Show Executive connected with Jason Whaley, Smash Booth’s Creative Director, about how this new tech could change the game. ANDREW: How was this tech conceived and created? JASON: It actually started with a client who mentioned wanting a “futuristic theme” at their event.

4 days ago | tradeshowexecutive.com | Andrew Warrick

CHICAGO — Freeman released its latest Trends Report, titled “Unpacking XLNC: The Future of Commerce for Trade Shows and Conferences,” which reveals that commerce is the most valued part of an event for attendees. The report takes a deep dive into Commerce as part of Freeman’s XLNC Framework, which stands for Experience, Learning, Networking and Commerce, and represents the top four reasons people attend and exhibit at live events.

4 days ago | tradeshowexecutive.com | Andrew Warrick

MIAMI BEACH ─ The 800-room Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel has received final approval and funding, paving the way for construction to begin. The property will serve as Miami Beach’s first major convention hotel, enhancing the city’s capacity to attract trade shows. The hotel, slated to open in late 2027, will be connected to the recently renovated Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) via a climate-controlled skybridge.

5 days ago | tradeshowexecutive.com | Andrew Warrick

Before the 2025 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Awards & Summit kicks off in Orlando, TSE spoke with Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, about how the city drives event success. ANDREW: What makes Orlando a unique city for event organizers? CASANDRA: What makes Orlando a unique destination for trade shows is the ease in which planners can create well-attended and productive trade shows of any size.