For the first time, Fierce Network will honor trailblazers, technologies and companies driving the future of wireless, broadband, cloud and beyond during a ceremony at Broadband Nation Expo in New Orleans on Nov. 19; Entries accepted through Oct. 2

NEW YORK, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Network, a mega portal meeting the needs of decision makers throughout the global communications industry, today announces submissions are open for the 2026 Fierce Network Innovation Awards. This prestigious program celebrates the innovators, disruptors and changemakers behind the most groundbreaking cloud, wireless and broadband technologies of the past year.

For more than 15 years, the Fierce Network Innovation Awards have recognized the trailblazers, technologies and companies driving the future of wireless, broadband, cloud and beyond.

“Our awards program has evolved alongside the connectivity industry—recognizing the technologies, organizations and leaders shaping what’s next. This year marks our most significant expansion yet, with 24 award categories, including 14 brand-new categories that reflect the rapid transformation of our industry. We’re excited to celebrate the next generation of groundbreaking solutions, visionary companies and industry leaders redefining how the world connects at Broadband Nation Expo on November 19,” said Elizabeth Coyne, Editor in Chief of Fierce Network.

The 2026 awards feature 24 categories, including 14 new categories:

• Access Network Innovation (Wireline & FWA)
• NEW: AI in Live Telecom Networks
• NEW: AI-Driven Customer Experience
• NEW: AI-RAN Innovation
• NEW: Autonomous Network Operations
• NEW: Broadband Build of the Year
• BSS/OSS Platform Innovation
• NEW: Data Center & AI Infrastructure Innovation
• Digital Inclusion & Affordability Impact
• NEW: Energy-Efficient Network Design
• Fiber and Wireline Deployment Innovation
• NEW: Industrial IoT & Connected Infrastructure
• NEW: Network APIs & Programmable Networks
• Network Security Innovation
• Network Testing, Assurance & Observability
• Private & Enterprise Wireless Innovation
• NEW: Revenue Enablement Beyond Connectivity
• NEW: Telecom Cloud & Edge Infrastructure
• Tribal & Indigenous Connectivity Leadership
• Wireless Network Innovation (Core & RAN)
• 2026 Carrier of the Year
• NEW: 2026 Innovation of the Year
• NEW: 2026 Innovator of the Year
• NEW: 2026 Operator-Vendor Partnership of the Year

As one of the industry’s most respected benchmarks for excellence, the awards honor the groundbreaking innovations, network and infrastructure advancements, products and services introduced or significantly advanced within the past 12 months.

Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts who recognize the solutions delivering meaningful impact through innovation, performance, customer value and real-world results.

For the first time, the 2026 award winners will be recognized live at Broadband Nation Expo, November 18–20 in New Orleans, putting winning innovations in front of the industry’s leading operators, service providers, technology partners, investors and decision-makers. Register to attend Broadband Nation Expo here.

The program is open for submissions through October 2. For more information about the Fierce Network Innovation Awards and how to submit, visit https://awards.fierce-network.com/.

For partnership opportunities, contact Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com.

About Fierce Network 
The global communications, enterprise and cloud networking and infrastructure industries is converging as the separation between wireless, wireline and cloud ceases to exist while the world’s operators shift toward cloud-native, intelligent, automated networks driven by artificial intelligence. Fierce Network is tracking this sea change by delivering a mega portal of hard-hitting industry news and analysis, designed to meet the needs of today’s decision makers. Fierce Network covers artificial intelligence (AI), automation, fixed and mobile broadband, cloud infrastructure, application modernization, security and more to help readers analyze the day’s news and show them what they need to know and why they need to know it. Fierce Network also produces special reports that take stock of the industry’s services and finances and shed light on industry trends. To learn more, visit https://www.fierce-network.com.

About Broadband Nation Expo
Broadband Nation Expo is the premier industry event uniting the entire broadband ecosystem – from service providers and policymakers to technology innovators and community leaders. The event serves as a catalyst for collaboration, driving solutions to bridge the digital divide and ensure universal high-speed internet access. Produced in collaboration with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), Broadband Nation Expo will take place November 18-20 in New Orleans, LA.

About Questex
Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.​

Media Contact
Katie Williams
Marketing Director
Fierce Network Innovation Awards
kwilliams@questex.com

Announces Additional Executive Leadership Team Appointments

NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 – Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) have completed the acquisitions of Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE: EEX) (“Emerald”) and Questex, LLC (“Questex”). The transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading B2B experiential events and media platform with enhanced scale, expanded capabilities, and a strong foundation for growth.

As previously announced, Paul Miller has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor to the combined company. In addition, the combined company has made the following appointments to the executive leadership team:

• Vince DiMaggio, named as Chief Financial Officer;
• Issa Jouaneh, named as Chief Operating Officer;
• Kate Spellman, named as Chief Commercial Officer;
• Kurt Nelson, named as Chief Talent Officer; and
• Sara Altschul, named as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary.

The two companies will be fully integrated over the coming months.

“This transaction combines two market leaders with iconic brands, deep customer relationships, and differentiated capabilities, to create a scaled platform positioned to accelerate organic growth, invest in innovation, and deliver even greater value for customers, employees and other stakeholders,” said Shahid Bosan, Managing Director at Apollo. “We look forward to supporting and working closely with the leadership team as they build a leading B2B events and media business.”

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we embark on a new chapter as one company,” said Mr. Miller. “By bringing together the best of Emerald and Questex, we are creating a stronger, differentiated platform with the scale, offerings, and talent to better serve our customers and partners. With Apollo’s support and a strong leadership team in place, we are well-positioned to execute against our strategy, expand our portfolio, and capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead.”

With the completion of the acquisition, Emerald’s common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Emerald stockholders are receiving $5.03 per share in cash.

Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acted as legal counsel to Emerald. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as legal counsel to Questex. RBC Capital Markets and RAN Advisory acted as lead financial advisors and PJT Partners acted as financial advisor to the Apollo Funds. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP acted as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds.

About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2026, Apollo had approximately $1.03 trillion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

About Emerald
Emerald Holding, Inc. is a leading U.S.-based B2B event organizer, empowering businesses year-round by expanding meaningful connections, developing influential content, and delivering powerful commerce-driven solutions. As the owner and operator of a curated portfolio of B2B events spanning trade shows, conferences, B2C showcases and a scaled Executive Peer Network platform. Emerald also delivers dynamic solutions across leading industries through its robust content and e-commerce marketplace. Emerald is a trusted partner for its thousands of customers, predominantly small and medium-sized businesses, playing a pivotal role in driving ongoing commerce through streamlined buying, selling, and networking opportunities. Powered by an experienced, talented and deeply engaged team, Emerald is fostering impactful engagement and delivering unparalleled market access with a commitment to driving business growth 365 days a year. For more: http://www.emeraldx.com.

About Questex
Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “expects”, “will”, “may”, and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the current expectations as of the date hereof, and although they are believed to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and not guaranteed. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and other factors outside of Emerald’s control that may cause its business, industry, strategy, and financing activities to differ materially. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Emerald’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings for a discussion of factors that may affect Emerald’s business performance. Emerald undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise

Contacts

For Emerald

Erica Bartsch
EVP, Strategy & Communications
Erica.Bartsch@Emeraldx.com

For Questex

Kate Spellman
Chief Commercial Officer
kspellman@questex.com

For Apollo

Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com

Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com

MIAMI, July 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Hospitality Show today unveiled new speakers for its developing conference program, including Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta, Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Accor Group Chief Strategy Officer Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Davidson Hospitality Group President & CEO Thom Geshay, and former Disney Head of Innovation and Creativity Duncan Wardle, along with more than a dozen additional industry executives.

The event, the hospitality industry’s premier conference dedicated to improving hotel operations and performance, takes place November 2-4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

Produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Hospitality Show is the industry’s only event dedicated to hotel operations, bringing together owners, operators, management companies, franchisees, investors, and leaders to discover strategies, technologies, and solutions that optimize time, operations, revenue, guest experience, and overall hotel performance.

Sessions at the 2026 conference will examine important issues hotel owners and operators are facing in today’s competitive tourism environment, from AI and labor to food and beverage strategy, commercial performance, guest expectations, and operational efficiency.

The developing speaker lineup includes executives from leading hotel brands, management companies, ownership groups, technology companies, education, and government, with more speakers to be announced.

• Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, PRISM
• Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Accor
• Nazpari Aydin, Co-Founder & CEO, Destination AI Forum
• Malcolm Berg, Principal & Owner, EoA, Inc.
• Thom Geshay, CEO & President, Davidson Hospitality Group
• Esther Hertzfeld, Executive Editor, Hotel Management
• Amy Hulbert, Vice President, Boutique and Upscale Brands, BWH Hotel Group
• Alexi Khajavi, President, Hospitality & Real Estate, Questex
• Carl Long, President & CEO, Purchasing Management International
• Robyn Long, Director of Food & Beverage Solutions, Datassential
• Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO, AHLA
• Eliza McCoy, Vice President, Programs & Impact, AHLA Foundation
• Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton
• Brandy Rand, Vice President & Market Leader, Hospitality Group, Questex
• Peter Ricci, Ed.D., Director, Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, Florida Atlantic University
• Rich Russo, Principal, Highgate
• Steve Sickel, CEO, IHG Owners Association
• Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International
• Duncan Wardle, Former Head of Innovation and Creativity, The Walt Disney Company

Featured sessions include an exclusive conversation with Hilton President & CEO Chris Nassetta, bold strategies for driving hotel growth from prominent hotel owners and operators, a close examination of what hotel owners want from brands and how brands can deliver, and innovative partnerships tied to major demand drivers like the World Cup.

For more information or to register, visit thehospitalityshow.com.

About The Hospitality Show
The Hospitality Show is an event for the entire hospitality ecosystem with one goal: operating hotels more efficiently. Produced by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex, the event brings together top industry leaders, senior executives of hotel brands, owners, operators, management companies, procurement specialists, and their teams. The Hospitality Show 2026 takes place November 2-4, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, FL.

About Questex
Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.

About AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at ahla.com

Media Contacts:
Sarah Belizaire	Greg Cohen
(646) 552-1118	(917) 714-8237
sarah.bb@bbcomms.global	greg.cohen@bbcomms.global