
Global Business Events: Key Developments Shaping the Industry This Season
Global business events are gaining momentum across key regions as venues, associations and destinations report strong attendance, new partnerships and sustainability gains.

Global business events are gaining momentum across key regions as venues, associations and destinations report strong attendance, new partnerships and sustainability gains.

Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services including venue development, venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales, today announced that Erik Hudson has been named General Manager of the new Mobile Arena, overseeing all venue operations, event programming, staff development, partnerships, and community engagement for the venue opening in 2027.

The Raleigh Convention Center is making substantial progress toward welcoming events back after a fire on the evening of Monday, December 1st. The fire damaged portions of the roof, but thanks to the quick action of the first responders with the Raleigh Fire Department, everyone in the building at the time exited safely, and the interior of the building was unharmed by the fire.

Access TCA has acquired Orlando-based Top Shelf Exhibits, Inc., a full-service exhibit design, fabrication, and rental company, focusing on providing high-touch service and unique design. Top Shelf is known for its affordable solutions and show-floor expertise.

Orlando tourism 2025 saw record expo growth, major attraction updates and airport expansion. See how new projects and travel demand set up a strong 2026.

Metro and the Metropolitan Exposition-Recreation Commission (MERC) are pleased to announce that Cindy Wallace, who has been serving as interim executive director of both the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and the Portland Expo Center, has accepted the permanent role of Executive Director for the two venues. Wallace becomes the first woman to lead both OCC and Expo in their combined history.

Spiro, the global experiential agency within GES, today announced its acquisition of 2Heads, a London-based creative agency renowned for innovative brand experiences across North America and Europe.

ESCA gathered its community in Houston for the 2025 Winter Celebration and Awards at The Astorian, honoring leadership, innovation, service, and rising talent across the exhibition industry. The night highlighted scholarship recipients, industry award winners, and the transition to ESCA’s 2026 leadership.

A couple hours into the first day of MJBizCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Quinn Heyrich began to wonder where his customers are hiding. The few people who stopped by Surfside Solution’s modest exhibit booth paused just long enough to dig into a bowl of Lifesaver mints.

Chicago tourism 2025 saw record convention turnout, rising business travel and major new attractions. Chicago tourism 2025 momentum sets the stage for a strong 2026.


The beMatrix Best of beMatrix USA Awards 2025 will stream live on December 17 at 11 a.m. EST, highlighting new categories and showcasing innovation across the exhibit and event industry.