Welcome back to “A Look Back at Tradeshow History.” This month, we turn to January issues from the past 25 years, a snapshot of how the industry has responded to disruption, growth, and change.
Budgets drive every decision. The range of the budgets can be staggering, but one thing stays the same: success comes down to strategy, not just size of spend.” — Cara Michalowski, president of LUXX Exposition Services.
In the high-stakes world of marketing, every exhibit, activation, and event is a shot at building brand love, capturing hearts, and generating ROI. But here’s the truth: Too many agencies promise results and deliver excuses. Storylink Creative doesn’t play that game. They play to win—with you, for you, and alongside you.
One of Canada’s largest convention centers can be found on Canada Place, along with the Pan Pacific Hotel and a terminal for cruise ships. The Vancouver Convention Center (VCC) opened in 1986 and following a 2009 expansion has 466,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 20 meeting rooms and a ballroom.
December closed out a consequential year for Orlando’s meetings and tourism sector, marked by a major convention center expansion, new hotel investment tied to future demand, record tourism metrics, and heavy airport traffic heading into 2026.
As the calendar resets and the glitter settles, so comes the time to face the annual reckoning of forecasts and financial goals. This critical window invites companies to retie their purse strings, rethink their priorities, and reset for a profitable new year.
Chicago closed 2025 with a steady flow of convention, consumer, and civic developments that point to a busy year ahead. New data ranks the city third nationally for scheduled business conferences in 2026, while flagship events including the Chicago Auto Show, Cubs Convention, and Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show set dates and unveiled new programming.
Las Vegas concluded December with multiple large-scale conventions, tradeshows, and consumer events across the Las Vegas Convention Center and Strip-area venues. Activity included technology, design, and sports-related exhibitions, while organizers opened registration for several major 2026 shows.
Retirement. It’s a concept I have spent very little time thinking about… until the last six months.
If you had asked me six months ago when I was going to retire from this industry I would have asked you why I should do that when I still really enjoy what I am doing.
Org design isn’t an HR project. It’s a leadership responsibility, and most companies get it wrong.
More events today stretch across multiple buildings and city blocks. It’s exciting growth, but it also adds a challenge: how to keep the brand experience consistent when every venue looks and feels different.
In Memoriam: James S. Hanlon. September 14, 1960 – December 9, 2025. James S. Hanlon of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died on December 9, 2025. He was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
