Meeting and Event Industry

The AI Hospitality Alliance has named a founding advisory board consisting of global hospitality and technology professionals. The board’s role will be to guide responsible AI use in the hospitality sector during 2026.

Ireland is leading a €180 million EU Presidency Programme in 2026 that targets security, AI, EU expansion, and online safety. Multiple European countries are involved in this initiative.

The Professional Convention Management Association will hold its Convening Leaders event in New Orleans in 2029, highlighting the city’s role in the meetings industry. PCMA is a prominent organization within the business meetings sector.

The Parti Québécois has pledged to withdraw Quebec from the Alto high-speed rail project if it forms the next government. This announcement indicates a major policy shift regarding the infrastructure plan.

John Tanzella, chief of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, has passed away at 61. The IGLTA paid tribute to his lasting impact on LGBTQ+ travel leadership.

Choose Chicago recently hosted meeting professionals to promote the upcoming opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The event also focused on encouraging future business events connected to the Center.

A new hotel is planned near the Las Vegas Convention Center to increase lodging options for conventions and business events. The development focuses on supporting the city’s meeting and event sector.

Kigali is emerging as a leading African city for business events, with a clear focus on expanding its conference tourism sector. The capital is shaping new prospects in the continent's meetings industry.

FIEXPO Latin America 2026 is set to take place in San José, Costa Rica, from June 8 to 11. The event will host over 200 exhibitors from the Americas and Caribbean, focusing on the meetings industry.

The ICCA Middle East Summit 2026 is set for June 10-11 at Jordan’s King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center near the Dead Sea. It will host representatives from Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and others, focusing on business tourism and regional networking.