Full programme and speaker line up released

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Sept. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) today announces Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Richard Parker Mayor of West Midlands will open and close day 1 of the AHC. The Mayors’ participation cements the AHC as THE must-attend event in the industry. The AHC takes place on the 30 September – 1 October 2024 at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, UK. Register here.     

Exclusive to the AHC: Mayors of major British agglomerations confirmed to speak

In their role as Mayor of Greater Manchester and West Midlands respectively, Burnham and Parker will give direction on the future investment into, and development of, the UK hospitality sector, and the role the sector plays in developing a thriving city economy. Burnham will set the tone for the event as he takes to the stage to welcome attendees to the conference. Parker will close day 1, with a focus on driving growth and innovation across infrastructure, real estate, business and hospitality, amidst evolving economic landscapes.

“The unique blend of diversity, culture and history, urban dynamism, regulatory stability and economic resilience, has positioned the UK market as a leading destination and one of the largest hospitality markets in Europe. At the AHC we will explore how to build on these strong foundations as we welcome for the first time ever, 2 Mayors and political heavyweights to the Annual Hospitality Conference,” said Olga Andreevskikh, Senior Conference Producer, Questex Hospitality & Travel.

Full speaker line up and programme released

This year attendees will be able to hear over 100 speakers, cover opportunities across a broad spectrum of hospitality sub sectors including hotels, alternative living concepts, F&B, bars, pubs, restaurants, and much more. A snapshot of speakers include:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater ManchesterStephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, UK & Ireland, HiltonSimon Ewins, Managing Director UK Hotels and Restaurants, WhitbreadLuke Johnson, Hospitality Entrepreneur, Investor, Former Chairman of Pizza Express, the Royal Society of Art & Channel 4Tim Johnson, Chief Executive, City of WolverhamptonPuneet Kanuga, Chief Investment Officer, EQ HotelsJoanna Kurowska, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, IHGSacha Lord, Night-time Economy Advisor to the Mayor of Greater ManchesterGavin Makel, Director of Services and Operations – Entertainment District, Manchester City Football ClubKate Nicholls, CEO, UK HospitalityRonen Nissenbaum, CEO UK/Ireland, Benelux, Spain, Portugal and US development, Fattal GroupJacob Rasin, Senior Vice-President, PandoxRobert Shrimsley, Editorial Director and UK Political Commentator, Financial TimesSteven Smit, Director of Investments and Asset Management, Vertiq CapitalKristian Smyth, Managing Director, Tristan Capital PartnersJohn Straw, Serial Technology Entrepreneur, Tech Startup Investor and Leading Speaker on Disruption, New Technologies and the Ever-Changing WorldMatt Townley, Group Operations Director, Dakota HotelsRichard Parker, Mayor of West MidlandsChris Penny, Senior Vice-President, Starwood Capital

View the programme here.

New Networking Initiatives Announced

To compliment the high-calibre programme and speaker line up, the AHC has placed a renewed focus on the event experience. This year attendees will be able to enjoy two evening receptions, take part in a fast-paced, data driven networking ‘Power Hour’ and round off the conference with some tasty street food.

Sunday Evening Reception – 29th September
For attendees arriving the evening before the conference, Hamilton Pyramid is hosting an evening meet up at the recently opened Marriott Manchester Hotel Piccadilly in the heart of the city. This is a limited capacity event, there is now a waiting list in operation.

Power Hour – 30th September
A NEW networking session, focused on matching participants based on their interests and goals via the AI powered matchmaking app. This session is limited capacity, attendees will be asked to ‘opt-in’ a couple of weeks before the event.

Monday Evening Reception – 30th September
The AHC evening reception, sponsored by Peloton, will take place at the Lawn Club, a great example of indoor/outdoor hospitality. The Lawn Club sits at the heart of Spinningfields; a mixed-use development showcasing a successful blend of corporate, leisure and residential uses. Attendees can relax, capture memories in a photo booth and connect over great food, drinks and music.

TrUCK INn – 1st October
For the first time this year, attendees can break away from the exhibition floor and enjoy lunch in an informal setting from selected food trucks. From Vietnamese to Italian to Mexican, there will be something for everyone. The perfect way to end the conference with old and new-found connections.

The AHC welcomes new sources of capital

The AHC reports that 30% of investors & owners registered for the conference have not attended previously, this provides attendees with new sources of capital to connect with. The investors registered so far represent GBP£ 84bn+ AUM, which paints a positive outlook for future investment into UK hospitality.

This year the AHC is set to welcome a record 1,100+ attendees to Manchester. With major British and international industry players represented on the programme, combined with the investors, owners, operators and developers attending both on and off stage, this meeting is a true reflection of the thriving hospitality investment community.

For more information about AHC 2024 and to register for the event, visit www.theahc.co.uk

For more information about press registration, please click here.

Stay connected on X and LinkedIn.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Kirsty Joynson
Marketing Director, Operational Real Estate
Questex
opremarketing@questex.com

NEW YORK, Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Hotel Management announces the seventh annual “Influential Women in Hospitality” list, honoring 25 innovative, leading women in the hotel industry. 

The 2024 honorees were selected by the Hotel Management staff for their strong leadership and dedication to excellence in hospitality. This influential group’s list of accomplishments is as long as it is impressive, and Hotel Management is proud to feature these talented, inspiring women.

Hotel Management’s 2024 Influential Women in Hospitality are:

Adrienne Kautzman Andrews, Managing Director, JLL Capital Markets, Hotels & HospitalityMarissa Ballan, Head of Development, Radisson Blu, Choice Hotels InternationalDina Belon-Sayre, President, Staypineapple HotelsFarah Bhayani, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, G6 HospitalityPriya Chandnani, Senior Vice President, Sales, Revenue and Distribution Strategy, Sage Hospitality GroupKrishna Deva, CEO, Maya HotelsTiffany Leadbetter Donato, Chief Investment Officer, Marcus Hotels & ResortsGarine Ferejian-Mayo, Chief Commercial Officer, Sonesta HotelsDawn Gallagher, President of Hospitality, Crescent Hotels & ResortsAllison Handy, Executive Vice President, Commercial, Aimbridge HospitalityLeanne Harwood, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas, IHG Hotels & ResortsDana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, North America Luxury Brands & Global Mixed-Use, Marriott InternationalMiranda Kitterlin-Lynch, Professor, Florida International UniversityMonica Melancon, Chief Human Resource Officer, Wyndham Hotels & ResortsBarbara Muckermann, Group CEO, Kempinski HotelsColleen O’Shea, Director, Development, Northeast Region, HiltonJoelle Park, Chief Marketing Officer, BWH HotelsLibby Sims Patrick, Founder and CEO, Sims Patrick StudioKelly Poling, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Brand Officer, Extended Stay AmericaLeticia Proctor, Executive Vice President, Donohoe Hospitality ServicesDavonne Reaves, CEO and Founder, VestrrSusan Santiago, President, U.S. & Canada, Hyatt HotelsVanessa Stanley, Vice President, New Builds + Portfolio Strategies, PM Hotel GroupMelinda Griffith Wiles, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Concord HospitalityDina Winder, SVP, Asset Management, Highgate Hotels

“It is Hotel Management’s honor to recognize and celebrate the 25 hospitality professionals who make up this year’s 2024 Influential Women in Hospitality list,” said Jennifer Glatt, Hotel Management editor-in-chief and content director with Questex Hospitality. “These phenomenal women are developers and designers, collaborators, innovators, teachers and entrepreneurs reshaping and redefining the global hospitality industry. We are inspired by them and congratulate them on jobs exceedingly well done.”

The 2024 Influential Women in Hospitality honorees are featured online and in the September issue of Hotel Management. Visit https://www.hotelmanagement.net/operate/hotel-managements-2024-influential-women-hospitality to learn more.

About Hotel Management, a Division of Questex Hospitality Group
Hotel Management media and events creates content for the hospitality ecosystem with one shared goal of operating hotels efficiently and profitably. Hotel Management is a leading B2B centralized source for the latest news, trends and analysis across the hospitality industry. Stay up to date on breaking news in global and local development, technology, investment, operations, food & beverage, design and more.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy—connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contacts
Jennifer Glatt
Editor-in-Chief
212-895-8201
jglatt@questex.com

Alexandra Aldridge
Marketing Director
212-895-8284
aaldridge@questex.com

Winners to be Announced During Event October 9-11 in Washington, D.C.

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Broadband Nation Expo today announces the finalists for the Broadband Nation Awards program, which celebrates outstanding achievements in solutions, programs, use cases, technology, and individual contributions across the broadband sector. The event and the awards program have been created in collaboration with Fierce Network (formerly Fierce Telecom, the telecommunications industry’s daily monitor) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the trusted industry association for the connected world.

Alejandro Piñero, Senior Director, Broadband, Fierce Network said, “We were blown away by the innovation and creativity of the programs redefining broadband throughout the United States. The finalists feature the best of the best in the industry and we look forward to see who comes out on top in October.”

The awards program finalists include:

Best Broadband & Data mapping solution or Initiative

Federated Wireless: Federated Wireless Adaptive Network PlannerVCTI: Fiber IQ ™Wireless 2020: Wireless 20/20 WiROI™ db Geospatial SaaS Platform

Best Converged Solution – Cable & Connectivity

Calix: Calix DOCSIS Provisioning Connector (DPx)Comarch: Comarch Telco SuiteCorning Optical Communications: Corning Multifiber Pushlok® Technology

Best Municipal or Public Connectivity Program

Montgomery County, MD: Montgomery County’s Broadband Services to the CommunityCity of Longmont – NextLight: NextLight® municipal internet serviceCity of Pharr, TX: Pharr Connect by City of Pharr, TXWashington County Authority: Washington County Comprehensive Broadband Initiative

Enabling Connectivity – Middle Mile Award

Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points: Carrier Neutral Internet Exchange Points – Wichita State UniversityFiberLight, LLC: FiberLight’s Middle Mile InfrastructureFujitsu Network Communications: Illinois Century Network (ICN)Zayo: Zayo Middle Mile Initiative

Excellence in FTTH Deployment

Harmonic: DOCOMO PACIFIC and Harmonic Bring Fiber Connectivity to GuamGFiber: GFiber Labs’s 20 Gig + Wi-Fi 7WOW! Internet, TV, & Phone: WOW! fiber InternetZiply Fiber: Ziply Fiber Innovates FTTH in 2023-24: From New Construction Methods to Building America’s Fastest Home Internet

Excellence in Urban, Open or Neutral Host Connectivity Deployment

Corning Optical Communications: Corning’s Everon® 5G Enterprise Radio Access Network (ERAN)RtBrick: FullStackBrain to Fingers for InCoax: InCoax Access A251 Network Termination Modem

Impact Award – Greatest Technical achievement in connecting the unconnected (Individual)

Joe Hickey, President, PomeGranJoe Webster, Chief Broadband Officer, Montgomery County, MDLucas Turpin, Executive Director Digital Extension and Inclusion, Oregon State University

Outstanding Efforts in Driving Broadband Workforce Development

The Fiber School; Broadband TrainingCorning Optical Communications: Corning’s Fiber Broadband Technician (CFBT) course through See the Light®Arizona Western College: Reetika Dhawan – Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & HealthcareVermont Community Broadband Board: Vermont Community Broadband Board Workforce Development Plan

Regional Carrier of the Year (Wireless & Wireline)

Blue Stream Fiber: Blue Stream FiberTombigbee Fiber: Calix SmartLife Managed ServicesMidwest Energy & Communications: Midwest Energy & Communications rural fiber internet

All of the submissions were reviewed and voted on by an independent panel of judges.

Winners will be announced during Broadband Nation Expo, which takes place October 9-11 in Washington, D.C. Broadband Nation Expo unites broadband service providers and industry partners with academic, local, state and federal government leaders in a unique venue that will focus on solving complex broadband-related issues such as closing the labor shortage gap and bridging the digital divide once and for all. Register to attend here.

For Broadband Nation Expo sponsorship opportunities, contact Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com. 

Stay connected with Broadband Expo Nation on X and LinkedIn.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
Broadband Nation Awards
csoucy@questex.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caribbean & Mexico Meeting and Incentive Travel Exchange (CMITE), organized by Questex, presented its annual event for the first time in the Lesser Antilles, on the beautiful island of Anguilla. Held in partnership with the Anguilla Tourist Board at the stunning Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, CMITE brought together North American meeting planners and incentive buyers from corporate direct, third party, and incentive houses with Caribbean and Mexico-based travel suppliers for two and a half days of unparalleled networking that included up to 20 one-to-one private appointments, receptions, discovery, and culture.

“Hosting CMITE at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club was a game-changer for this event and they proved to be an excellent partner for CMITE,” said Jill Birkett, VP, Questex Travel. “Their team, combined with the Anguilla Tourist Board, presented Anguilla as a premier destination for the MICE community and we could not be happier.”

The event kicked off with a surprise visit from Anguilla’s Premier, the Honorable Ellis L. Webster, as well as a welcome address from the Minister of Tourism & Infrastructure, the Honorable Haydn Hughes, and the Director of Tourism, Stacey Liburd, Anguilla Tourist Board, before attendees headed into a full day of one-to-one appointments in private rooms.

Each evening, guests were treated to incredible receptions, two of which were presented by the host hotel, the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, which featured a warm welcome from owner Richard Schultze at the Opening Night Reception, and a major wow-factor night-sky drone show, which was sponsored by Sunlinc, at the Closing Reception. The second night reception was hosted at the sophisticated Malliouhana Anguilla, inclusive of many exotic libations, fares and music.

All guests also enjoyed a day at Da’Vida Beach Club for lunch, sun, and fun, sponsored by the Anguilla Tourist Board.

“Super impressed,” said Patrick Halpin, vice president global sales, HPN Global. “This was my first time attending CMITE and I found it to be a great use of my time. The suppliers were exactly who I wanted and needed to meet with, and I made some great connections. The CMITE team did a great job throughout the program, and I would recommend attending another one of their events in the future.”

“CMITE surpassed my expectations,” said Carlin Richardson, destination & event specialist, Blue Sea Anguilla. “The open conversations with buyers were quite inciteful. Networking with other attendees was refreshing and for Anguilla to be chosen as the country to host this year’s CMITE was truly amazing.”

Guests enjoyed the unique experience CMITE brings and are anxious to rebook for next year, which will take place in August 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas. Those interested in becoming a supplier should click here. Those interested in applying to be a fully hosted buyer can contact Andrea Hutchinson, Industry Relations Director, Questex at ahutchinson@questex.com.

CMITE sponsors included the Anguilla Tourist Board, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Malliouhana Anguilla, Blue Sea Anguilla, Sunlinc, SITE and MPI.

To learn more about CMITE visit www.cmiteevent.com. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact:
Carrie Harper
Marketing Manager
charper@questex.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, a leading information services and event company, today announces it has been recognized for content excellence by the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards program with 14 finalist nominations. The Awards are the most prestigious recognition for excellence in editorial content and design media/publishing industry.

“Content is the foundation of our business. Our deep industry knowledge drives our communities and our live events including one on one, conferences and tradeshows to deliver our audiences and attendees with the information they need to grow their businesses,” said Paul Miller, CEO, Questex. “We have an extremely talented content team and it is an honor to be recognized as a finalist in the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards.”

The finalist entries include:

Bar & Restaurant News

Ashley Bray (Range of Work by a Single Author: B2B)How to Build a Menu Series (Series of Articles: B2B: Food & Beverage)Loud & Proud: Bar and Restaurant Operators Celebrate Pride Month, Offer Tips for June and Beyond (Single Article: B2B: Culture/Community)

Fierce Biotech

No reprieve for biopharma layoffs in Q1: Fierce Biotech analysis (Analysis: B2B)Women left out of VC club fight for their identity, pulling each other up one by one (Single Article: B2B: Healthcare/Medical/Nursing)

Fierce Network

Broadcom’s no good, very messy VMware acquisition (News Coverage: Digital, Print or Video)Fierce Network’s 2024 Mobile World Congress coverage (Planned or On Location Coverage)Lunch Ladies serve up cloud news (Podcast: Computer Science or Technology)Google Cloud’s CTO pulls back the curtain (Profile or Q&A: B2B)Range of Work by a Single Author: Diana Goovaerts (Range of Work by a Single Author: B2B)Broadband affordability hangs in the balance (Series of Articles: B2B: Technology)

Fierce Pharma

The Fierce 50 of 2023 (Profile or Q&A: B2B)

Hotel Management

Hotel Management Rebrand (Full Issue: B2B: Overall)

Live Design

Live Design: Sphere Las Vegas & U2 Editorial Coverage (Series of Articles: B2B: Technology)

To learn more about Questex, visit questex.com. 

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Kate Spellman
Chief Marketing Officer
Questex
kspellman@questex.com        
212 895 8488‬

LDI takes place December 8-10, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV, with pro training starting on December 4

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Live Design International (LDI), which unites the global entertainment design and technology communities, today unveils the 2024 professional training program. The program offers seven days of unparalleled professional development through LDInstitute™ courses, keynotes and LDInnovation™ Conference sessions. LDI takes place December 8-10, 2024, at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with professional training starting December 4. Register here.

“As part of our longstanding commitment to the live events design and technology communities, we have curated an outstanding training program to help industry professionals gain the insights they need to complete their jobs successfully today as well as a glimpse into what’s in store in the future,” said Jessi Cybulski, LDI Show Director. 

The LDI Professional Training Program features over 150 speakers and A-list industry experts providing courses, keynotes, and conference sessions for the live events design and technology ecosystem. The program includes:

The LDInstitute is the most comprehensive professional training program in the industry. The 2024 program will be the largest in the event’s 36-year history with 75 courses ranging from hands-on software, lighting console, and media server training to rigging, electrical, automation, and laser safety.Keynote addresses featuring industry thought leaders, including Thibaut Duverneix of Gentilhomme, Sharon Huizinga of Rock Lititz, Emily Malone of Disguise, and light artist & experiential designer Craig Winslow.The LDInnovation Conference offers over 100 sessions over three days. The 30-, 60- and 90-minute sessions cover topics such as Design & Technology, Architectural Lighting, Houses of Worship, Stage & Event Management, and Women in Lighting.XLIVExLDI is two days of sessions featuring a curated look at things to come, including explorations of generative AI, volumetric capture/photogrammetry, and other innovations at the edge of the industry.NEW: RIGZ is an in-depth two-day rigging intensive for the entertainment rigging industry, featuring expert riggers sharing their knowledge and techniques.

Other event highlights:

Foster The Future is designed for young career professionals under the age of 25 and fosters diversity and growth through scholarships and development programs.Behind The Scenes Wellness Lounge is an alcohol-free environment where attendees have opportunities to talk one-on-one with the presenters and ask questions about nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, physical health, and mental health.Over 300 exhibitors showcase cutting-edge technologies in the Exhibit Hall, which is co-located with Digital Signage Experience (DSE).Backstage Las Vegas, a full-day insider’s tour of Vegas venues, includes the iconic Sphere.Networking events allow attendees to forge new connections and engage in industry discourse across multiple forums. Enjoy a wide range of special events, lunches, and other networking opportunities including LDI After Dark and Dining with Dinosaurs, presented by Geezers of Gear.

The LDI professional training program takes place December 4-10 with the Expo taking place December 8-10 at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Register here.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelly Tuner, Director of Sales, at kturner@questex.com.

About Live Design International (LDI)
Established in 1988, Live Design International (LDI) is built on a 36-year history as the essential trade show and conference for global live design professionals. Attendees come to LDI to see the latest gear and entertainment technology in action, covering audio, lighting, projection, video, staging, special effects, and XR. It is also a great opportunity to refresh knowledge and professional training, in addition to networking and finding inspiration from colleagues, manufacturers, and distributors at the vanguard of entertainment technology. For more information, visit http://www.ldishow.com/. LDI will take place December 4 – 10, 2024, at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
LDI
csoucy@questex.com

Keynote to Explore the Omni-Channel Experience in QSR and Beyond

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Digital Signage Experience (DSE), the preeminent event and digital platform for the digital signage industry, today announces Taco Bell Chief Digital & Technology Officer Dane Mathews will present a keynote at DSE on December 8 titled “Innovating Experience: Taking a Bold Approach to Customer Connection in QSR and Beyond.”

He will explore the evolution of breakthrough omni-channel experiences centered around driving customer loyalty and brand engagement. Additionally, he will share how Taco Bell is leveraging its innovative spirit to reimagine how technology is used within their restaurants and beyond and how to harness the power of collaboration to develop a new breed of restaurant experiences.

At Taco Bell, Mathews leads enterprise digital CX & technology strategy including experience strategy & design, loyalty, customer relationship management (CRM), commerce, data analytics/automation, and foundational technologies. His team leverages Taco Bell’s cultural & brand leadership capabilities to deliver holistic, powerful experiences that create lasting connections with consumers and team members. In addition, Mathews leads Taco Bell’s digital transformation leveraging agile approaches and automation to accelerate Taco Bell’s enterprise growth agenda.

“We’re thrilled that Dane Mathews is joining the DSE 2024 program,” said David Drain, Director, Event Programs, DSE. “We’ve been following Taco Bell’s transformation and their approach to driving engagement through innovation. This presentation will be a fascinating look at how technology and omnichannel execution is changing everything.”

“At Taco Bell, innovation is ingrained in our DNA,” said Dane Mathews, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Taco Bell. “I’m looking forward to exploring how the brand reimagines technology to improve and evolve the consumer and team member experience, driving loyalty and brand engagement.”

DSE takes place December 7-10, 2024, in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Early bird registration ends August 19. Learn more and register at https://www.digitalsignageexperience.com.

DSE is co-located with Live Design International (LDI), which unites the global entertainment design and technology communities. Learn more here.

For sponsor and exhibitor inquiries, get in touch.

Stay connected to DSE on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About Digital Signage Experience (DSE)

Digital Signage Experience (DSE) is the preeminent event and digital platform for the digital signage industry, showcasing innovations in technology, market applications and creative educational content. With an increased focus on reaching key end-user markets for digital solutions and experiences, DSE will harness other audiences and platforms in hotels, hospitality, travel, healthcare, entertainment, education, sensors and communications technology and more. DSE takes place December 7-10, 2024 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact

Sonal Patel

Digital Signage Experience (DSE)

sonal@sonal.io

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) Florida, the most influential gathering of spa and wellness professionals in the Southeast, and presented by American Spa, unveiled its conference program today, which includes 34 curated conference classes and 60 exhibitor-led product focused education sessions that total over 85 hours of content. The event will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, October 13-14, 2024.

“This industry continues to change at lightning speed, and we want to make sure we’re curating content that keeps our audience ahead of the curve, while still addressing the day-to-day needs of their businesses,” said Elizabeth Fantetti Trevorrow, Event & Partnerships Director, Beauty & Spa for Questex. “More than 60% of our educators are new to the IECSC conference program, bringing with them the latest technology and the most innovative ideas to help spa professionals at any level grow their businesses.”

The conference program addresses trending topics around comprehensive wellness including gut health, hormone care and lymphatic drainage, in addition to skills-based workshops related to treating melanated skin, chemical peels and brow enhancements. Other programs include new ways to increase ticket prices, how to diversify menu offering, classes on waxing, IV therapies and lashes. All of these sessions and more fall under the following tracks: Business Management, Client Relationships & Retail Growth, Esthetics, Holistic Health & Wellness, Makeup and Beauty enhancements, Medical Spa & Spa Technology and Social Media & Marketing.

Featured conference classes:

Forward-thinking Chemical Peels for Melanated Skin, Alyna Velez, Advanced Aesthetics Instructor, Spectrum Advanced AestheticsHormones & Clinical Skincare, Courtney Sykes, Chief Admin Officer, Southeastern Esthetics InstituteMembership Matters | How to Maximize Membership Programs, Patti Biro, Owner, Patti Biro & Associates and Amanda Howard, Attorney, Healthcare Business Law FirmNourishing Beauty: The Brain-Gut-Skin Axis in Esthetics and Skin Treatments, Dr. Arlene Strugar, Founder & Research Scientist, Healuxe Skin Pure Holistic SpaMaster the Art of Sales: A Workshop for Non-Salespeople, Suzanne Rich, CEO, Lady Rich WellnessGua Sha Your Way to Gorgeous: Holistic Face Sculpting Techniques, Dr. Alissa de Jongh, Professor of Facial Esthetics, Houston Community College

View full curated conference schedule here.

Noteworthy speakers presenting include:

Savanna Boda – Med Spa Owner, Savanna Boda Aesthetics Licensed medical Aesthetician and acne specialist based in Dallas, Texas with a cult following of 363,000 on InstagramBack by popular demand, following a sold-out class at IECSC Florida 2023 Pamela R. Springer, LE, LEI, CLT, SME – CEO, Global Skin Solutions Author and curriculum developer who specializes in skin of color and educating the medical community and licensed practitioners how to provide treatments for diverse skin tones. Dr. Erin Madigan-Fleck NMD,LE, LEI – Naturopathic Physician & Esthetician, Dermaeducationtv.com Extensive academic and practical training in natural health, nutrition, naturopathy, dermatology, and alternative medicine.
Michael Razzano – Medical Aesthetician, Philly Facial Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Acne specialist and social media influencer.Highly requested speaker and social media influencer by 2023 attendees.

View full speaker lineup here.

Each curated conference class requires an additional fee and includes the unlimited, 2-Day Exhibit Hall pass. Attendees who purchase three or more classes will save $25; those who purchase six or more, will save $100.

View the full curated conference schedule here.

Exhibitor Led, Product Focused Education
Since specializing is one way for spa professionals to stay at the top of their game, attendees can also participate in over 50 complimentary exhibitor presentations through the Product Focused Education (PFE) program. Each class offers a deep dive into a specific product or service, giving attendees expert brand knowledge that they can leverage in their businesses. These classes are all included free with the 2-Day Exhibit Hall pass and do not require an additional fee.

View all Product Focused Education here.

The Studio Stage
Located on the Exhibit Hall floor, guests will be treated to an incredible lineup of high-caliber speakers, in-depth demonstrations, and intimate discussions, all included with the Exhibit Hall pass, for no additional fee.

View all Studio Stage presentations here.

Continuing Education
Attendees can take advantage of two free opportunities to earn continuing education hours, courtesy of WU Aesthetics. To claim these benefits, valued at nearly $40, attendees must stop by the WU Aesthetics booth #106.

10-Hour Continuing Education (CE) for Cosmetology Professionals – a $20.99 value. (#0501529)4-Hour Initial HIV/AIDs Continuing Education for Cosmetology Professionals – a $18.99 value. (#0501532)

Make It a Weekend and Take the Brightline – Save 25%
The Palm Beach County Convention Center is located just over a mile away from the exquisite clear waters of beautiful Palm Beach, and directly across the street from Rosemary Square, offering incredible shopping and dining, and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Organizers encourage attendees to come early and make it a weekend to experience this gorgeous destination before engaging at the event.

To sweeten the deal, IECSC Florida is offering a 25% discount off Brightline train tickets for convenient transportation from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to the West Palm Beach train station located less than a mile from the Convention Center. Click here for hotel and train information.

Register to Attend
IECSC Florida takes place October 13-14 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Register here. Register as a group of four or more to save $20 off total registration. Conference passes include 2-Day Exhibit Hall access. Media may register to attend here.

For sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, click here.

Upcoming Events
Additional networking and educational opportunities for spa, beauty and wellness professionals will take place as follows:

IBS and IECSC New York, March 23-25, 2025 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Visit and ibsnewyork.com and iecscnewyork.com for more information.IBS and IECSC Las Vegas, June 21-23, 2025, West Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Ibslasvegas.com and iecsclasvegas.com for more information.

Stay connected with IECSC Florida on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About IECSC
Produced by Questex, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conferences (IECSC) are for professionals only and reach a wide cross‐section of participants from spa and wellness product manufacturers and distributors to spa owners, directors and managers, estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists, medical estheticians, and dermatologists. With dynamic trade show floors, in-depth conference programs, and presented by America Spa, IECSC events provide the perfect meeting ground for the world’s most elite and qualified spa professionals looking to meet the top skin, cosmetic and wellness companies.

About Questex 
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. 

Media Contact
Jennifer Rosen
Marketing Director
jrosen@questex.com