
IFES Sets 2026 World Summit for Munich
Join us in Munich from June 16-19, 2026, for the IFES World Summit 2026 as we come together under the theme “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s

Join us in Munich from June 16-19, 2026, for the IFES World Summit 2026 as we come together under the theme “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s

Waterfall-like LED rock walls, 3D-printed sculptural forms, and mushroom-themed environments stood out during a recent EDPA Mountain/Northwest webinar on EuroShop 2026. However, the biggest takeaway

At the end of February, I attended my first EuroShop. Held in Düsseldorf, Germany, this premier international retail expo takes place once every three years. According to Messe Düsseldorf, the 2026 edition welcomed more than 81,000 trade visitors from 141 countries and featured 1,840 exhibitors from 61 countries across 14 halls. There was no shortage of innovation, conversation, and, of course, beautiful stands.

Europe’s March mix runs from show-floor programming to venue-side changes that planners notice fast. Spain surfaces a steady drumbeat around AI in education. Germany’s retail show circuit keeps testing new zone formats and curated content.

The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) will host its Annual Conference 2026 in Bilbao, Spain, from 28 June to 1 July 2026. Taking place at the Euskalduna Bilbao Conference Centre, the event will gather convention centre leaders and industry experts from around the world for three days of strategic dialogue, peer exchange and forward-looking insight.

International briefs this month track planner-facing updates across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East. Venues and organizers moved on three fronts: new in-house services, sustainability reporting, and forward bookings tied to delegate volume and room nights.

Brussels, Belgium – Increasing ESG requirements and the growing demand for verifiable sustainability standards are increasingly bringing ISO 20121 into focus for companies in the event industry. With the “Quick Guide ISO 20121 – Sustainability Management in the Event Industry”, the fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V. and IFES – International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services have published a practical guide to the application of the international standard ISO 20121. The book is published by Springer Gabler Verlag and is aimed specifically at companies in the event industry.

The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), together with fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft, has opened registrations for the next iteration of its ISO 20121 Convoy Training Programme, continuing a proven, industry-led approach to sustainable management in the exhibition and events sector.

International briefs this month span strong January buyer traffic in Hong Kong, new show launches and venue activations in India and Australia, and a packed 2026 calendar across Europe and the United Arab Emirates, with organizers emphasizing attendance targets, exhibitor growth, and expanded programming.

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and PCMA have formalised a strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, last week in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The agreement strengthens cooperation across thought leadership, professional education, research, and emerging leader engagement within the global business events industry.

The 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will be celebrated on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, under the theme “Exhibitions drive opportunities.”

Venues and destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East close out 2025 with strong results and forward-looking commitments. From record revenues and major capital investments to expanded exhibition footprints and new association partnerships, operators are positioning for sustained demand in meetings, conventions, and live events.