NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The fourth annual Broadband Nation Expo, produced by Forge’s Fierce Network and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), is building major momentum for its 2026 event taking place November 18-20 in New Orleans. Nearly 100 speakers have been added to the agenda and leading companies across broadband and digital infrastructure will participate at Broadband Nation Expo and the inaugural Data Center Excellence Summit. Together with Forge’s Fierce Network and TIA, they will explore the technologies, policies, workforce strategies, and investment priorities needed to expand broadband access, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support the growing demands of the AI economy.

Broadband Nation Expo is the nation’s largest meeting ground for the U.S. broadband, digital infrastructure, and connectivity ecosystem – bringing together the decision-makers building, funding, deploying, and operating the networks that will power America’s future. The co-located Data Center Excellence Summit convenes industry leaders to scale the infrastructure behind the AI economy. Together, these events create a collaborative forum where industry, government, and technology leaders work together to address the opportunities and challenges shaping America’s digital future.

“Broadband Nation Expo and the co-located Data Center Excellence Summit continues to build incredible momentum, with new speakers and new sponsors. The energy around this year’s event is unmistakable. We’re thrilled to see the community coming together in bigger and more impactful ways,” said David Drain, Show Director, Broadband Nation Expo.

Broadband Nation Expo and Data Center Excellence Summit Speakers
The Broadband Nation Expo and co-located Data Center Excellence Summit conference programs offer a lineup of industry leaders, experts and thought-provoking discussions focused on the future of broadband, AI and digital infrastructure. With three tracks: Built to Last, Hybrid Horizons and Data Center Excellence, attendees can expect a dynamic program packed with insights, ideas and opportunities to engage with the industry.

Keynote speakers include:

• Justin Colwell, EVP, Technology Strategy & Innovation, Charter Communications
• Phil Read, Senior Director of Global Colocation Product Management, Equinix
• Gino Tozzi, Global Head of Data Center Infrastructure Quality, Google
• Rob Ward, SVP, Global Network Engineering, Lumen Technologies

Other confirmed speakers include:

• Vince Aragona, CEO, Neo Network Development
• Navid Ariaban, Managing Director, FTI Consulting
• Berge Ayvazian, Senior Industry Analyst and Consultant, Wireless 20/20
• Egest Balla, Analyst, Wire & Cable, CRU Group
• MJ Barton, Tribal Affairs & Strategic Growth, Trans-Tel Central, LLC
• Eric Bathras, Chief Technology Officer, Maryland Department of Information Technology
• Angela Bennink, General Manager, Kitsap Public Utility District
• Koby Biran, CEO, Xtream Communications, LLC
• Scott Blorstad, Sr. Project Manager, HITT Contracting
• Robert Boyle, CEO & Founder, Planet Networks
• Mike Brigman, CEO, Bridged Broadband
• Butch Brock, CSO, Dragonfly Internet
• Stephen Rose, CEO, Render Networks
• David Bronston, Special Counsel, Phillips Lytle
• Ken Budd, CEO, 702 Communications; Aurora Fiber Optic Networks
• Rick Cimerman, Vice President, External & State Affairs Lead, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
• Steve Coran, Attorney, Lerman Senter PLLC
• Elizabeth Coyne, Editor-in-Chief, Fierce Network
• Gene Crusie, CEO, Surf Internet
• Sarah Davis, Vice President, Market Development, Fidium
• Brandon Dinsmore, Founder & Executive Director, NDN Development Group
• Bob Faber, Senior ICT Consultant, Salas O’Brien
• Josh Forman, Co-Chair, Digital Infrastructure Practice, Greenberg Traurig
• Ken Frankel, VP of Sales, F-Secure
• Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office
• Jeff Freyer, Senior Vice President, Grain Management
• Leo Garcia, Director, Office of Broadband, FloridaCommerce
• Heather Gate, Executive Vice President, Digital Inclusion, Connected Nation
• Bobbie Gilbert, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Ripple Fiber
• Diana Goovaerts, Executive Editor, Cloud, Data Center and AI, Fierce Network
• Robert Griffin, Broadband Director, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
• Ronnie Hammond, Director, Office of Statewide Broadband, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
• Linda Hardesty, Executive Editor, Fierce Network
• Caleb Henry, Director of Research, Quilty Space
• Brian Horton, Senior Director, Head of Wireless Business, CCI Systems
• Glen Howie, State Broadband Director, Arkansas Economic Development Commission
• Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director, Connect LA
• Alan Jones, CNO, C Spire
• Anitha Kapu, Director of Engineering (Manufacturing & Quality), Crusoe
• Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer, Clearfield
• Bob Knight, Commissioner, Economic & Community Development, Town of Ridgefield, Connecticut
• Jeff Kohler, Co-Founder, Rise Broadband
• Bob Kolasky, Senior Vice President, Cyber and Critical Infrastructure, Exiger
• Spencer Laney, Director of Deployment, TWN Communications
• Matt Larsen, Owner and CEO, Vistabeam
• Jaimie Lenderman, Practice Leader, Omdia
• Sam Love, Chief Policy & Strategy Officer, NCTA
• Mike Lubin, Senior Advisor and VP, ViaSat
• Bree Maki, Executive Director, Office of Broadband Development – Minnesota
• Kimberly Maki, CEO, Influential Voices, LLC
• Ravi Teja Reddy Mandala, Senior Site Reliability Engineer, Oracle
• Sue Marek, Editorial Director, Ookla
• Carol Mattey, Principal, Mattey Consulting LLC
• Kimberly McKinley, Chief of Staff, TAK Broadband
• Allyson Mitchell, General Manager, Mohawk Networks, LLC
• Jason Mittler, Manager, FPUAnet, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
• Matt Myers, Chief Operations Officer, All West Fiber
• Melissa Newman, SVP, Government Affairs, TIA
• Sam Pavlick, Sales Manager, Actifai
• Mark Pearson, Broadband Interstate Coordinator, Communities Unlimited
• Jessica Pittard, President & CEO, BDI Datalynk
• Matthew Plaster, Senior Advisor for Strategy, NTIA
• Donald Ray, Chief Development Officer, BAM Broadband
• Mike Regan, VP, Business Performance, TIA
• Brandy Reitter, Executive Director, Colorado Broadband Office
• Martin Renkis, Executive Director, Data Center Infrastructure, Johnson Controls
• Peter Robins-Brown, Assistant to the President, Louisiana AFL-CIO
• Paroma Sanyal, Principal, The Brattle Group
• Steven Schwerbel, Director of State Advocacy, WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries
• Carla Shearer, CEO & General Manager, SCTelecom
• Parker Slaybaugh, VP, LINK Public Affairs
• Tom Stroup, President, Satellite Industry Association
• Bill Stueber, Partner, Telecom Partners Group
• Roger Timmerman, CEO, UTOPIA Fiber
• Thomas Tyler, Co-Founder, C207 Partners
• Kevin Uyeno, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Pivot-Tech Development, Inc.
• Drew Van Dopp, CEO, Maryland Broadband Cooperative
• Brian Vo, Chief Investment Officer, Connect Humanity
• David Waite, Principal, Fifty Elm
• Joseph Wender, Executive Director, SHLB Coalition
• Kenny Williams, District 9 Staff Representative, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
• John Windhausen, Principal, Telepoly
• Warren Woodward, Director of Broadband Services, XMission Internet
• Michelle Yirka, SVP Business Development, Chisholm Broadband
• David Zumwalt, President & CEO, WISPA

Additional speakers and sessions will be announced in the coming months.

Leading companies across broadband and digital infrastructure commit to events
Broadband Nation Expo and the co-located Data Center Excellence Summit continues to attract an impressive roster of sponsors from across the broadband, communications, and digital infrastructure sectors. Together, these organizations are helping convene the conversations needed to address deployment challenges, strengthen network resilience, expand workforce development, and prepare infrastructure for the next era of growth and AI adoption. They include:

• Returning Marquee Partner CommScope
• Platinum Partner: NCTA
• Gold Partner: Render Networks
• Bronze Partners: 1Finity; Actifai; AFL; CCI Systems; Clearfield; F-Secure; Luck Grove; Maxcell; and Ribbon.
• Exhibitors and Supporting Partners: Avion Networks; BDI Datalynk; BHN/Tango; Essentia; FiberOptic.com; Google Fiber; Intracom Telecom; MP NexLevel, LLC; Network Connex; Ooma; Praxedo; SNO Smarter Fiber Neworks; Sunrise Telecom; Trileaf; Vecima; Wesco; and Zyxel Communications.
• Industry Association Partners: ACA Connects; Fiber Broadband Association; ISE; NATE; and SCTE.

Partnership opportunities for Broadband Nation Expo and the Data Center Excellence Summit can be explored by contacting Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com.        

New to the 2026 event, the Fierce Network Innovation Awards Reception & Ceremony will take place on November 19. The Awards program and ceremony will celebrate the companies, leaders, technologies, and innovations transforming connectivity and advancing the future of broadband, cloud, wireless, and beyond. 

For additional information and registration, visit Broadband Nation Expo and Data Center Excellence Summit.

Stay connected with the latest updates by following Broadband Nation Expo on LinkedIn and X.

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 TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) advances trusted digital infrastructure for a connected world. Representing more than 400 companies globally, TIA brings industry and government together through standards development, government advocacy, certifications, and industry programs to support resilient, innovative infrastructure.

About Forge
Forge is a leading global B2B events and media company, connecting buyers and sellers across high-value industries through live events, trusted media brands, digital products and year-round communities. Powered by first-party data, technology and deep market expertise, Forge helps businesses discover opportunities, build the right relationships and stay engaged well beyond the event itself. It is a company guided by a single purpose, Moving Markets.

For more information, visit forgelive.com.

Media Contact
Katie Williams
Broadband Nation Expo
kwilliams@questex.com

Corporate Brand Debuts with a Market-Led Strategy, Newly Appointed Board of Directors

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forge, the new corporate brand uniting Emerald and Questex LLC, debuted today as a leading global B2B events and media company serving customers through live events, digital media, data and year-round communities. The move follows Apollo-managed funds’ (“Apollo Funds”) acquisition of the two companies in July 2026. Forge begins with one market-led strategy and a newly appointed Board of Directors.

Forge brings together Emerald’s scaled portfolio of trade shows, conferences and commerce-driven solutions with Questex’s differentiated events, media brands and 365-day digital engagement model. The combination offers customers a single partner that stays engaged before, during and long after an event concludes. The name reflects the work itself. “To forge is to bring distinct strengths together, through pressure and precision, to build something stronger than either could be alone.” Forge brings that idea to life by creating relationships and connections that help customers anticipate what’s next and move their industries forward. This purpose is captured in the company’s new brand promise, “Moving Markets.”

As the new corporate parent brand, Forge sits above the company’s individual event and media brands, which will continue to operate under their existing names, now backed by the scale, technology and investment of the combined platform.

“Today marks the beginning of Forge, a company built on the strengths of Emerald and Questex,” said Paul Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Forge. “Together we are now the largest B2B events and media company in North America, and one of the largest in the world. We’re helping customers see what is ahead and connect with the people who matter most to them, backed by the data, talent and scale to deliver measurable value year-round. Under Apollo Funds’ ownership, we will keep investing in our products, our people and the markets we serve. That’s what it means to move markets.”

As previously announced, Paul Miller leads Forge as Chief Executive Officer, supported by the executive leadership team named in July 2026. Forge also announced its newly appointed Board of Directors, bringing together leaders who have built and scaled some of the world’s most recognized events, media and information businesses. Along with Paul Miller and representatives of Apollo Funds, the Board’s independent directors include:

• Andy Bird, former President of Walt Disney International and former CEO of Pearson
• Lara Boro, former CEO of The Economist Group and former CEO of Informa Intelligence
• Simon Kimble, former CEO and Executive Chairman of Clarion Events

The Board will guide Forge’s long-term strategy as the company invests in its portfolio and expands the markets it serves.

Under the ownership of Apollo Funds, Forge will continue investing in its people, products and technology to extend customer engagement beyond the event itself. The Forge brand will begin rolling out across events, websites and customer touchpoints over the coming weeks and months.

To learn more about Forge, visit forgelive.com.

About Forge

Forge is a leading global B2B events and media company, connecting buyers and sellers across high-value industries through live events, trusted media brands, digital products and year-round communities. Powered by first-party data, technology and deep market expertise, Forge helps businesses discover opportunities, build the right relationships and stay engaged well beyond the event itself. It is a company guided by a single purpose, Moving Markets.

For more information, visit forgelive.com.

Contact:

Kate Spellman
Chief Commercial Officer
Forge
kspellman@questex.com

100+ conference sessions added to the industry’s premier event for entertainment design and technology; Event takes place December 2-8 in Las Vegas

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Live Design International (LDI), the premier event for live entertainment technology and design professionals, today unveils its full 2026 LDInnovation™ Conference program, featuring more than 100 conference sessions. The LDInnovation Conference joins the LDInstitute with an industry-leading lineup of A-list speakers spanning lighting, audio, projection, media servers, staging, automation, immersive technologies, AI, broadcast, film, AR/VR/XR, and live production.

Taking place December 2–8, 2026, with the Expo Hall open December 6–8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall, LDI will once again bring together the creative and technical minds shaping the future of live experiences.

From award-winning designers and touring professionals to creative technologists, engineers, programmers, and production leaders, LDI offers attendees unparalleled opportunities to discover emerging technologies, gain practical skills, and connect with the global live event community.

The LDInnovation Conference Pass will feature 100+ sessions that embrace the unexpected:

• The Art Of Programming: A full day of sessions on the art and technology of lighting consoles, coordinated by Rane Renshaw, lighting design & programming, Rane.Design
• When Architectural Lighting Met Entertainment, featuring George Tellos, lighting designer, LightingArt
• Running on Empty: Movement, Stress, & Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry with Amy D. Luxe, Multidisciplinary Designer, LoboLux Design
• The Team of One: An AI-Native Concept Studio for Creative Directors with Stuart Fingerhut, Senior Creative Director, Hartmann Studios
• Lights, Camera, Render: Inside the Virtual Production Process: A panel moderated by lead designer Dennis Size, The Lighting Design Group
• From Screen to Space: How Cinematic XR is Reshaping Live Experience Design with Marti Romances, Co-Founder/Creative Director, Territory Studio

“Every year, LDI brings together the people and ideas that move our industry forward,” said Jessi Cybulski, Show Director, LDI. “The 2026 program reflects where live production is headed—from AI-powered workflows and immersive experiences to next-generation production technologies and hands-on professional education. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your technical skills, discover new solutions on the show floor, or learn directly from the industry’s leading experts, there’s truly something for everyone.”

Additional LDI 2026 Highlights:

• 75+ LDInstitute™ professional training courses, offering intensive, hands-on education led by respected industry experts.
• 200+ industry speakers representing the world’s leading productions, venues, manufacturers, studios, and creative teams.
• A dynamic Expo Hall showcasing 250+ companies bringing their newest products and technologies across lighting, audio, staging, projection, media servers, broadcast, AV, rigging, and production services.
• Dedicated networking events, immersive experiences, live demonstrations, and interactive activations throughout the week.
• Specialized tracks covering AI, media servers, networking, lasers, projection mapping, stage management, rigging, live audio, broadcast, film and television, and much more.

Registration is now open, with early bird pricing on LDI passes available through October 16. Attendees can also choose from LDI’s pass options, including VIP Passes, LDInnovation Conference Passes, and Expo-Only Passes.

For complete conference details, course information, and registration, visit www.ldishow.com.

Key Dates:

Pro-Training takes place December 2–8, 2026
LDI Expo Hall open December 6–8, 2026

For more information on exhibiting companies and products, visit www.ldishow.com.

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

Follow LDI on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok.  

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 takes place December 2-8, 2026, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

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
Charlene Soucy
LDI
csoucy@questex.com        

DALLAS, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the leading event for on-premise beverage executives, announces its 2027 Advisory Board, bringing together influential leaders from across the restaurant, hotel, cruise, airline and beverage sectors.

For more than two decades, Vibe Conference has served as a gathering place for the on-premise beverage community to exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships and discover strategies that drive beverage program success. In 2027, Vibe heads to the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, February 22–24, offering a new backdrop for the industry’s premier networking and educational event while preserving the close-knit community and high-level connections that define the experience.

Representing expertise across beverage strategy, operations, innovation, marketing and sales, the 2027 Advisory Board will bring real-world perspectives directly into the development of the event. Their collective insight will help shape Vibe’s programming around the most important challenges, opportunities and trends impacting today’s on-premise beverage landscape.

“Vibe connects the people who are shaping the future of on-premise beverage,” said Brandy Rand, Vice President, Hospitality Group at Questex. “Our Advisory Board is an essential part of what makes Vibe an industry-leading experience. We’re thrilled to bring together this respected group of beverage innovators.”

Members of the 2027 Vibe Conference Advisory Board include:

• Chander Bhola, Global On-Premise Key Accounts, SAZERAC
• Terry Boyer, President, Patrick Henry Creative Promotions
• Nick Briggs, Manager, Food and Beverage Operations, American Airlines
• Lynsey Buege, VP, National & Regional Accounts – On Premise, Campari Group
• Cindy Busi, VP Enterprise Beverage Strategy and Innovation, Darden Restaurants
• Drew Bussiere, Director National Accounts On Premise, Mark Anthony Group
• Antonio Carranza, Corporate Beverage Director – Americas, Hyatt
• Stephanie Craig, Director of Hospitality & Entertainment, Red Bull North America
• David Crooch, GM, Diageo Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Diageo Non-Alcoholic Brands
• Maurice DiMarino, Wine & Beverage Manager, Cohn Restaurant Group
• Stephanie Dold, Beverage Director, Disney
• Jenn Dougherty, Director, Commercial Marketing Strategic Accounts On-Premise, Suntory
• Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director of Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
• Nate Grover, Executive Director, Bar & Beverage, Applebee’s
• Indre Jasaityte, Director, Beverage, BJ’s Restaurants
• Jennifer Kellogg, VP, Food + Beverage, U.S. & Canada, Marriott
• Andrea Langus, Director, Beverage, Brinker International
• Brian Lebredo, Director of Beverage, Texas Roadhouse
• Jen Lougee, Senior Manager, F&B Operations, Topgolf
• Yvette Mathis, Head of Restaurant Chains & Large Groups, Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages
• Patrick McGinn, Vice President of Account Management & Partner, IMI Agency
• Steven Messer, Sr. Director, On-Premise, Bacardi USA
• Arthur Mooradian, Chief Operating Officer, Berg Hospitality Group
• Lisa Norberg, Division Sales Manager National Accounts, On-Premise, American Beverage Marketers
• Robbi Jo Oliver, Divisional Vice President Wine & Spirits/ Learning & Development, Mastro’s Restaurants/Landry’s
• Alex Prieto, VP, National & Key Accounts, Constellation Brands
• Todd Schuessler, Head of National Accounts, Pernod Ricard
• Desiree Springer, Vice President, National Accounts On-Premise, Fifth Generation Distilled Spirits, Inc.
• Nels Storm, VP, F&B Product Strategy, AMC Theatres
• Zachary Sulkes, AVP, Beverage Operations, Carnival Cruise Lines
• Ken Taylor, Senior Vice President, MarkeTeam
• Brian Webb, Founder & CEO, Better Beverage Bureau
• Kurt Wilson, Senior Director On Premise, The Boston Beer Company

Registration and additional event details will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.vibeconference.com

About Vibe Conference

Bringing together national and regional chain restaurant, hotel, cruise, airline, and concessionaire beverage executives with the suppliers shaping the market, Vibe delivers the industry’s most innovative conference program. Each year, the application-only event features ROI-driven content, curated tastings, and exclusive experiences designed to spark profitable partnerships and inspire the future of on-premise beverage programs. 

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

Questex’s 2026 Consumer Hotel Habits Report, powered by Datassential, finds travelers will pay more for upgrades, flexibility, and breakfast while exposing untapped loyalty opportunities.

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hotel stays remain a near-universal habit, with 80% of U.S. adults staying in a hotel at least once a year, but what keeps guests coming back has sharpened around a few clear priorities, according to the newly released Questex “2026 Consumer Hotel Habits Report” powered by Datassential. The study points to concrete, revenue-driving opportunities for operators willing to act on them.

The essentials still win. Cleanliness and comfort continue to outrank every other factor in the guest experience. Ninety-seven percent of guests say room cleanliness is important, while 94% rank comfort as a top priority, reinforcing the value of quality beds, effective temperature control, and quiet rooms. When it comes to amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi remains the clear must-have, with 86% of guests rating it essential. Parking is also one of the most valued amenities, with 97% of guests saying they use it when it’s available. The findings show that core conveniences continue to matter more than high-tech perks.

Guests will pay if the offer is clear. 74% of guests would pay extra for an in-room upgrade, most often a better view or more space, with willingness highest among men, Millennials, and Gen Z (up to half of younger guests would pay for a bigger room). Flexibility is its own upsell as roughly 8 in 10 guests would pay more for, or would consider paying for, flexible cancellation, led by younger and higher-income travelers. The findings suggest hotels have an opportunity to position flexible cancellation as a premium add-on rather than including it by default.

Value beats “cheapest.” While price is the top booking driver (71%), only 7% of travelers define good value as the lowest price. Instead, 72% say value means the right balance of price and quality. Location also plays a critical role in booking decisions, with 86% of guests rating it as important, alongside convenient access to transportation and parking.

Own breakfast; rethink the rest of F&B. Interest in on-site dining varies by daypart, but breakfast is the clear opportunity. Fifty-seven percent of guests frequently order breakfast on-site, about twice the rate of any other meal. Guests also overwhelmingly prefer a casual restaurant or café (80%) over fine dining (27%). At the same time, 69% of guests order through third-party delivery apps, many of whom also use room service. The findings suggest hotels should either make room service as fast and convenient as delivery apps or partner directly with those platforms.

The biggest opportunity is loyalty. About 82% of guests say they would stay loyal to a hotel brand that consistently meets their expectations, yet only 55% are enrolled in a loyalty program. The gap is widest among younger and lower-income travelers. The most valued rewards are also the simplest, with 71% of guests preferring free stays and 61% valuing complimentary upgrades. The report suggests hotels can strengthen loyalty by making rewards more immediate, such as enrolling guests at booking or check-in and offering an instant, relevant perk.

“Guests are pointing to exactly where to invest including clean, comfortable rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a strong breakfast, and a loyalty program that pays off fast,” said Brandy Rand, Vice President of Hospitality at Questex “The operators who win in 2026 will nail the fundamentals and make it effortless for guests to see the value they’re paying for.” Rand will present additional findings during The Hospitality Show, taking place November 2-4, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Methodology: Findings are based on an online survey of 1,519 U.S. consumers age 21+ who stay in hotels at least once every few years, fielded in May 2026.

About Datassential
Datassential is the global authority for food and beverage intelligence, helping brands, operators, and retailers make confident decisions in a complex and fast-changing industry. Founded in 2001, the company delivers trusted food intelligence through its all-in-one platform, Datassential One, which brings together menu, consumer, and sales intelligence alongside AI-powered analysis. More than 90% of the leading foodservice and consumer packaged goods companies rely on Datassential to understand market change and stay ahead of what’s next.

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.

Media Contacts:

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

New pan-European event will bring together pharma marketing, commercialization, medical affairs, PR/communications, and policy leaders in the heart of Europe’s life sciences hub

BASEL, Switzerland, July 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, the owners of Fierce Pharma and Fierce Pharma Week, today announces the launch of a new annual event dedicated to the business of pharma. The inaugural edition of Fierce Pharma Week Europe will take place June 28–30, 2027, in Basel, Switzerland.

The event will feature dedicated content tracks and communities across Marketing, Medical Affairs, Commercialization & Market Access, PR & Communications, Competitive Intelligence, and Market Research, creating a single gathering place for cross-functional leaders driving the future of pharma.

“With the launch of Fierce Pharma Week Europe, we are creating a unique environment for cross-functional pharma teams to learn and network across companies and across countries. Europe is not one market, and our content programming will reflect that with sessions that cover the critical issues being addressed across this fragmented space,” Zohaib Sheikh, Head of Conference Programming, Fierce Life Sciences explained.

European pharma companies are dealing with a rapidly changing landscape, including an evolving U.S. drug-pricing policy, the European Commission’s new Life Sciences Strategy, and the rapid rise of Chinese biopharma innovation. These issues are reshaping how global pharma companies think about the European market, creating growing demand for a forum where these issues can be discussed.

Topics and sessions will include:

• The new geography of innovation: Where will Europe’s next blockbuster drugs come from?
• The geopolitics of drug pricing: Navigating US MFN, AMNOG reforms, and JCA implementation
• Launch excellence: Succeeding in a constrained, multi-market environment
• Building omnichannel HCP engagement across Europe
• Agentic AI at commercial scale: Deploying autonomous systems in a regulated environment
• The UK’s Post-Brexit Pharma Strategy: Navigating the VPAG Stalemate
• How to succeed in setting up a Digital & AI forward commercial organization

“Europe is entering a new era of pharmaceutical competition, and there has never been a better time to bring the Fierce Pharma Week franchise to the region,” said Rhiannon James, President, Life Sciences, Health & Wellness. “Bringing Fierce Pharma Week to Basel puts that conversation right at the center of Europe’s life sciences ecosystem, alongside the companies and policymakers who are living through these changes in pricing, market access, and global competition every day.”

Why Basel?

Basel is home to global pharmaceutical leaders Novartis and Roche and sits at the center of Europe’s most concentrated life sciences cluster, with more than 800 life sciences companies, 1,000+ research groups, and 33,000+ life sciences professionals in the region. Located at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel offers easy access from across Europe via its airport and one of the continent’s best-connected rail hubs, alongside a compact city center and more than 400 hotels.

For the launch of Fierce Pharma Week Europe, the Fierce team will be partnering with MCH (Messe Schweiz). As one of the city’s leading institutions, MCH has long served as a meeting point for the industry, connecting pharma, biotech, and life sciences stakeholders with the city itself. That local standing and convening power make MCH an ideal partner for establishing a flagship European platform in Basel from day one.

Roman Imgrüth, CEO Exhibitions & Events, MCH Group said, “For many years, Fierce Pharma Week has been one of the pharmaceutical industry’s flagship events in the United States. We are proud that Questex has chosen Basel as the home of its European edition. With its globally recognised life sciences ecosystem, Basel is the ideal place to bring together leaders from across the industry. This partnership further strengthens Basel’s position as a premier destination for international life sciences events and reflects MCH Group’s ambition to build a world-class portfolio of globally relevant life sciences platforms.”

Partnership Opportunities

Fierce Pharma Week Europe will feature tailored content tracks and community zones, enabling participants to freely network and engage across disciplines. Attendees will enjoy educational sessions, structured networking opportunities, and interactive social activities designed to spark collaboration and innovation. Further details on programming, speakers, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

Organizations interested in early partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the Fierce Pharma team directly at: hls@questex.com learn more at: europe.fiercepharmaweek.com.

About Fierce Pharma Week

Fierce Pharma Week brings together life science executives responsible for marketing and sales, medical affairs and scientific communications, new product planning and commercial development, PR and communications to ensure pharma and biotech companies have the most integrated, agile and unified strategy needed to drive value and excel in this rapidly evolving new era. The 2026 event will take place September 14-17 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

About MCH Group

MCH Group, headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), is a globally active experience marketing company with a comprehensive network of services for global clients. Its core business includes unique community platforms such as the Art Basel shows in Basel, Hong Kong, Paris, and Miami Beach, as well as major national exhibitions such as Swissbau and Giardina. The Live Marketing Solutions division, with the brands MCH Global, MC2, and Expomobilia, offers individual experience marketing solutions from strategy to creation and implementation. MCH Group also operates the Basel Exhibition and Congress Center and Messe Zürich. The company employs over 800 people, around half of them in Switzerland and the USA.

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 Contacts

Meryl Franzman 
Fierce Pharma Week 
mfranzman@questex.com 

Katie Orrell
Fierce Pharma Week
Korrell@questex.com

Lucia Uebersax
MCH Group
Lucia.Uebersax@mch-group.com

Health Advocate Tamsen Fadal will Deliver Keynote Offering Fresh Perspectives on Leadership, Resilience, Innovation and the Power of Storytelling

Fierce Pharma Week Takes Place September 14-17 in Philadelphia; Register Here

NEW YORK, July 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Pharma today unveils the conference program for the second annual Fierce Pharma Week. The event unites over 3,000 cross-functional leaders to gain actionable insights, spark strategic conversations and explore the ideas and partnerships that define the future of healthcare. Fierce Pharma Week takes place over four days, September 14-17 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Register to attend here.

“Success in today’s life sciences landscape depends on breaking down organizational silos and fostering collaboration across commercial, medical, clinical, market access and R&D teams. By understanding the priorities and challenges of their counterparts, organizations can develop stronger products, refine medical and brand strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes,” said Jennifer Woods, VP/Market Leader, Life Sciences/Healthcare Events. “Fierce Pharma Week is designed to reflect the innovation, complexity and rapid evolution shaping the pharmaceutical industry. Following the tremendous success of our inaugural event, we’re continuing to create a forum where collaboration drives progress.”

Fierce Pharma Week offers tailored content tracks and community zones dedicated to the Pharma Marketing, PR & Communications, Commercialization and Medical Affairs communities, enabling attendees to learn, network and engage across disciplines.

Curated by the award-winning Fierce Pharma team, the program is designed to tackle the most critical issues in cross-functional communication, go-to-market strategy, commercialization and customer engagement. With more than 200 sessions across 14 content tracks, Fierce Pharma Week features keynotes, panels, sessions and case studies with thought leaders from across the life sciences ecosystem.

Tamsen Fadal, New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, podcast host of The Tamsen Show and leading women’s health advocate, is bringing one of the most important and overlooked conversations in healthcare to the stage. In this powerful keynote, Fadal shares how a personal turning point led her to uncover critical gaps in education, awareness and care surrounding women’s midlife health. Through the lens of storytelling, she explores how conversations around menopause and aging are finally moving into the mainstream and why addressing these longstanding blind spots is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting women across every stage of life.

Tracks include:

• NEW: Data, Analytics and Commercial Intelligence: Explores how pharma marketing organizations are building the data, analytics and governance foundations needed to support modern commercial decision making.
• DTC & Patient Engagement
• Field Medical
• HCP Engagement
• Late-Stage Commercialization and Launch Excellence
• NEW: Market Access: Explores the evolving payer, pricing and reimbursement landscape is shaping how therapies reach patients and deliver value.
• Media & Streaming
• Medical Affairs Strategy
• Medical Communications
• Omnichannel Marketing
• Pipeline Strategy (previously Early Commercialization)
• PR & Communications: Enterprise Strategy, Reputation, & Risk, Audience Engagement, Media & Brand
• NEW: Sales Enablement: Explores how pharma companies are modernizing commercial models by equipping field and hybrid teams with the right data, content and capabilities to deliver impactful, compliant and customer-centric engagement.

Additionally, over 400 industry thought leaders in the pharmaceutical industry will be speaking at the conference. Confirmed speakers include:

• Moulakshi (Mou) Roychowdhury, PharmD., JD, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs, Advertising & Promotion at Allergan Aesthetics, AbbVie
• Tom Garner, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Acadia Pharmaceuticals
• Wendy Lund, Global CEO, Allison Worldwide
• Agatha Newman, Head of R&D Communications, Astellas Pharma Inc.
• Alan Yong, US Medical Affairs Franchise Head – Hematology & Cell Therapy, AstraZeneca
• Elizabeth Kinter, Head of Commercial, Avidity Biosciences
• Brian Cantwell, Vice President, Digital Strategy & Product Operations, Bayer Pharmaceuticals
• Christie Bloomquist, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs HP US and President, Boehringer Cares Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim
• Al Reba, Senior Vice President, Cardiovascular & Immunology Commercialization, Bristol Myers Squibb
• Rosanna Ricafort, M.D., Senior Vice President, Head of Cell Therapy Medical Affairs, Bristol Myers Squibb
• Antti Kourula, Vice President, Head of Global Market Access, CSL Behring
• Jamie DeMaria, Ph.D., MBA, Global Head, Medical Affairs Excellence, Boehringer Ingelheim
• Ryan Urgo, Vice President, Head of US Public Policy, Eli Lilly and Company
• Saurabh Shetti, Head of Data Strategy and Acquisition, Genentech
• Robert (Bob) Allen, Head, Omnichannel Strategy & Digital Transformation, Global Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences
• Zoë Lazarre, Chief Marketing Officer, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group
• William Wallace, Chief Information Officer, Intercept Pharmaceuticals
• Len Paolillo, President, Merz Therapeutics North America
• John M. O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC)
• Kevin Donahoe, Vice President, Head of Diabetes Therapy Area Marketing and Patient Solutions, Novo Nordisk
• Alex Condoleon, Chief Medical Affairs Officer of Medical Engagements & Impact, Pfizer
• Annie Herrington, PharmD, BCPS, Head of Field Medical Excellence, Pfizer
• Justin Holko, Senior Vice President & Head, Global Oncology/Hematology Commercial Business Unit, Regeneron
• Jon Florio, Head, US Brand and Reputation Communications, Sanofi
• Stephanie Loiseau, Head of Marketing, Sun Pharma USA
• Nate Capone, Head of Global Medical Communications, Global Medical Affairs, Teva

To explore the agenda, click here. View the speakers here. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Highlights of Fierce Pharma Week

• The Fierce Pharma Marketing Awards honors the most compelling, influential and innovative pharma companies and their agencies. The awards program celebrates the innovators and leaders that are making a difference and meeting global health challenges. The Awards Gala takes place on September 15 at the National Constitution Center.
• Fourth annual CINEHEALTH International Health and Wellness Film and Video Festival, part of the Fierce Pharma Marketing Awards, takes place September 15. “The CINEHEALTH Awards” will be presented in the following categories: Feature Films, Short Films, Episodic Series, Social Media Shorts and Podcasts.
• Meet over 125 partners in the Exhibit Hall where attendees can explore innovative solutions. View the exhibitor list here.
• The Fierce Pharma Week App allows attendees to reach out, connect and book meetings with like-minded peers.
• Spotlight Stage is a must-see for every attendee to discover how industry partners can help solve real-world problems. With short presentations, Spotlight Stage speakers will offer deep dives into specific topics, product demos and introductions to new services.
• Attendees can participate in over a dozen experiential activations including a Headshot Lounge, a Puppy Park, a Golf Simulator, an Espresso Bar, a Mocktail Experience and more.
• Relationship building via coffee breaks, networking events, happy hours and evening experiences.

Where the Pharma Industry Comes Together
Fierce Pharma Week takes place over four days, September 14-17 at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Register to attend Fierce Pharma Week here. To register for a media pass, click here. For sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Stay connected via LinkedIn and X.

About Fierce Pharma
Fierce Pharma is the go-to destination for the news and trends shaping the industry. Our focus daily is on news about approved drugs and every aspect of pharma’s operations as well as the people who move pharma forward. Our coverage also feeds longer-form content, podcasts and events. In staying on top of the news, our journalists have developed a loyal audience. Critically, we explain the news—often complicated technology or business maneuvers—and put it in context that brings it home for our readers and listeners in their work lives.

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 Contacts
Meryl Franzman
Fierce Pharma Week
mfranzman@questex.com        

Jesse Case
Fierce Pharma Week
jcase@questex.com        

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