Encore Files for IPO — Hopes to Raise $500 Million
Encore is heading to Wall Street with a compelling growth story and some unresolved financial tensions investors will need to weigh carefully.
Andrea has been covering meetings, events, and trade shows for more than three decades. She is the proud recipient of many journalism awards, the most recent of which was a story featuring Ron Walden, Reed Exhibitions USA’s first Global Executive Sponsor for Race. She received a B.A. from New York University, majoring in English and journalism. She kicks off every summer by participating in the Spring Lake Five Mile run and spends many weekends “down the shore” enjoying Asbury Park’s dynamic music scene.
Private Equity Has Discovered the Events Industry — Now What?
Private equity firms see the fragmented events industry as ripe for consolidation. The challenge is turning relationship-driven companies into scalable financial assets without losing what makes them work.
Kyle Jordan Uses Innovation to Strengthen Human Connection
For Kyle Jordan, innovation isn’t about dazzling attendees with the latest technology. It’s about removing friction to build a stronger sense of belonging and connection.
World Cup Access Restrictions Are Driving VIP Groups Away
No limos. No parking. No tailgating. With MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the July 19 final, event planners have one month to figure out a new playbook.
Routes World Diverts 2026 Conference From Riyadh to Frankfurt
Saudi Arabia has invested billions to become a global meetings hub, but Routes World’s decision to move its flagship event to Frankfurt shows that attendee confidence can outweigh even the most ambitious destination strategy.
Academy of Management Pulls 13,500-Person Conference Out of the U.S.
Seattle’s loss is Vienna’s gain. The Academy of Management's decision to move its annual meeting out of the U.S. highlights how immigration policy and politics are shaping international meeting decisions.
Apollo to Merge Emerald and Questex in $1.5 Billion Deal
By combining Emerald and Questex, the private equity firm will create a company with more than 160 events across North America. The deal underscores growing confidence in live events, but Apollo will need to prove that bigger truly means better for exhibitors and attendees.
Conventions Help Drive San Francisco’s Tourism Recovery
Mega-events like the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup may grab headlines, but San Francisco’s convention business is becoming the real engine behind the city’s tourism recovery.
Disconnect to Connect: The Rise of Phone-Free Events
Scrolling, texting, checking email. Attendees may be physically present at events but are often mentally elsewhere. Some planners think phone-free events may be the only way to get their attention back.
Spirit’s Shutdown Is One More Cost Squeeze on Events
Airlines are replacing Spirit's routes, but not its ultra-low-cost fares. For planners already navigating rising costs, the timing couldn’t be worse.