ConferenceDirect held its 2026 Annual Partner Meeting May 17-20 at Hilton Americas-Houston in Houston.
The event drew 927 attendees. It also included 3,846 tradeshow appointments, 61 education sessions, peer discussions, award recognition, sustainability efforts, and a community-service initiative.
APM connects partners and associates
The Annual Partner Meeting connects ConferenceDirect partners with the company’s associates for meetings, education, and networking.
During the event, ConferenceDirect recognized several 2025 honorees. Matthew Dykstra was named Associate of the Year. Maureen Nyamongo was named Global Sales Organization of the Year from a major hotel chain. Mike Ditter was inducted into the Chairman’s Hall of Fame.
Education covered technology and business planning
The education program included general sessions, breakout sessions, and peer discussions. Topics included artificial intelligence (AI), analytics and reporting, sales, leadership development, financial planning, customer retention, conference management, contract negotiation, and event technology.
In addition, the event included peer-to-peer discussions on industry topics, best practices, and problem-solving.
“We are incredibly proud of the continued growth, collaboration, and innovation showcased at this year’s Annual Partner Meeting,” says Jerry Horan, president and chief executive officer of ConferenceDirect. “APM represents the very best of ConferenceDirect, bringing together our associates and partners to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and prepare for the future of our industry.”
Sustainability and community efforts included
ConferenceDirect included sustainability and wellness efforts throughout the meeting. For example, those efforts included lower-carbon menu selections, bulk beverage stations, reduced food waste strategies, digital-first event materials, recycling, reusable water bottles, and alternative transportation options.
The host venue, Hilton Americas-Houston, also supported the effort through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified operations. In addition, the venue used energy and water conservation programs, food waste diversion, and community partnerships.
The event also supported The Landing, a Houston organization that serves survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. IHG sponsored the initiative.
About ConferenceDirect
ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solutions company based in Folsom, California. Founded in 1998, the company provides site selection and contract negotiation, conference management, housing and registration services, event technology, strategic meetings management programs, incentive programs, cruise services, experience design, green meetings, vendor management, and marketing support. For more info, visit www.conferencedirect.com.
Press release submitted by ConferenceDirect. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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