June 24, 2026 7:34 AM

Features

UBC members work from ladders while assembling a tradeshow-style structure in a hands-on training environment.

Building Readiness Through Physical Space

May 11, 2026

In the tradeshow and live-events industry, work happens under fixed deadlines and in temporary conditions. Crews arrive, build complex environments, and operate with little margin for error. In that context, preparation matters as much as execution. One way the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) approaches readiness is through physical, hands-on environments that reflect the constraints of the jobsite.

Your AI Investment Is Failing. Your Leadership Team Is the Reason.

May 8, 2026

I talk to mid-market CEOs every week who’ve done everything right on paper. They bought the tools. Hired the people. Launched the pilots. Gave the all-hands speech about transformation.

Six months later, the meeting notes look better. The emails are more polished. And the organization is still slow, still noisy, still stuck in the same decision loops it was stuck in before they spent the money.

Artificial Intelligence and Tradeshows

May 8, 2026

Over a year ago, in my January ’25 column, titled The Future of Tradeshows, I wrote:

“The Department of Defense began funding AI research in the sixties. Today, AI enhances communication and accelerates analysis and content production. It can impact all phases of a tradeshow: from improving security and event planning, to logistics and production.

Ottawa skyline with Parliament Hill above the Ottawa River, highlighting Ottawa Tourism business events promotion

International Venues Report Shows 2026 Demand

May 7, 2026

International briefs this month span venue operations, certifications, sustainability tools, congress growth, destination marketing, and event technology across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Immersive large-scale Europalco event with advanced lighting and staging in Portugal

Sustainable Lighting and A/V, You Light Up My Life

May 6, 2026

With respect to the “weight of the lift,” audio and visual (A/V), staging, and lighting have the most immediate effect on cost efficiency for a supply chain. It makes sense that this element of the event supply chain were early adopters even if they did not realize they were being more sustainable.

The 1893 Midway: America’s First Amusement Park

May 6, 2026

Before Disneyland and Epcot Center, before travelling carnivals, local amusement parks, and modern-day convention centers, there was the great grandaddy of all entertainment destinations—the Midway Plaisance at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The place was a mile long, 73 acres in size, and “midway” between Jackson Park (home to the Fair) and Washington Park.

The Evolving Voice of the Tradeshow Industry

May 4, 2026

A new generation of professionals is now part of the workforce alongside seasoned talent. The voice of the tradeshow and expo industry is evolving into one that is more collaborative, purpose-driven, and adaptive. Highlighting this evolution inspires confidence in the industry’s future and reassures professionals about ongoing progress.

VIP Spotlight: Pete Bosader

May 1, 2026

Pete Bosader remains a pivotal figure in the tradeshow industry, currently serving as Willwork’s Northeast Director of Operations, and wears many hats. He handles duties in operations, and business development. Bosader has been working in this industry since 1992, associated with Willwork for over 30 years. His relationship with Willwork’s CEO, Bill Nixon, entails a long history of collaboration and mentorship that has shaped Pete’s career and his leadership role.

Employco Celebrates 30 Years

May 1, 2026

Employco marked its 30th anniversary on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with an evening event at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois, celebrating the company’s growth from a family startup into a multigenerational business.

The Industry Needs More AI: Advocacy Involvement

April 29, 2026

In recent years, AI has transformed the business and professional events industry.

No, not that AI. I am talking about an even more transformative AI: advocacy involvement!

Artificial Intelligence vs. Actual Reality: You Can’t Prompt a Handshake

April 27, 2026

We need to have an honest conversation about “Cognitive Dissonance.”

In psychology, it describes the mental discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs. In our industry right now, it describes the gap between the polished fantasy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the sweaty, chaotic reality of a tradeshow floor.

As the Lights DIM!