Leaders from the Associated Luxury Hotels International, MPI Academy and the Society for Incentive Excellence will Present the Latest Industry Data and Trends

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE), will be taking place April 7-10, 2024 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. GMITE connects the largest selection of high-volume meeting and incentive travel buyers with global suppliers.

The unique GMITE concept, first pioneered in 2005, is an intimate, networking event that brings the most comprehensive, pre-vetted group of high-volume, North American MICE buyers to meet one-to-one with global travel suppliers in the comfort of private suites, offering the ability to have productive, private meetings, one at a time. Throughout the two day event, suppliers may accomplish up to six months’ worth of sales meetings. Plus, all attendees are treated to an unparalleled networking experience inclusive of receptions, excursions in Orlando, onsite activities, and meals.

In addition, GMITE attendees will be treated to an incredible lineup of education beginning with the State of the Industry, presented by president & CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Michael Dominguez. Plus, Jessie States, vice president, MPI Academy, Meeting Professionals International and Annette Greg, CEO, Society for Incentive Excellence (SITE), will join together to present the latest industry data and trends.

Buyers come from key purchasing sectors including corporate direct, third party, and incentive houses (full service and travel) featuring a veritable cross-section of companies including HelmsBriscoe, CWT, Prestige Global Meetings, AllianceBernstein, Stanley Steemer and more.

To learn more about GMITE visit gmiteevent.com. Stay connected on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Those interested in becoming a supplier for GMITE may click here, and those interested in applying to be a fully hosted buyer can contact Andrea Hutchinson, Industry Relations Director, Questex at ahutchinson@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:
Jennifer Rosen
jrosen@questex.com
212-400-6233

Leaders from the Associated Luxury Hotels International, MPI Academy and the Society for Incentive Excellence will Present the Latest Industry Data and Trends

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE), will be taking place April 7-10, 2024 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. GMITE connects the largest selection of high-volume meeting and incentive travel buyers with global suppliers.

The unique GMITE concept, first pioneered in 2005, is an intimate, networking event that brings the most comprehensive, pre-vetted group of high-volume, North American MICE buyers to meet one-to-one with global travel suppliers in the comfort of private suites, offering the ability to have productive, private meetings, one at a time. Throughout the two day event, suppliers may accomplish up to six months’ worth of sales meetings. Plus, all attendees are treated to an unparalleled networking experience inclusive of receptions, excursions in Orlando, onsite activities, and meals.

In addition, GMITE attendees will be treated to an incredible lineup of education beginning with the State of the Industry, presented by president & CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Michael Dominguez. Plus, Jessie States, vice president, MPI Academy, Meeting Professionals International and Annette Greg, CEO, Society for Incentive Excellence (SITE), will join together to present the latest industry data and trends.

Buyers come from key purchasing sectors including corporate direct, third party, and incentive houses (full service and travel) featuring a veritable cross-section of companies including HelmsBriscoe, CWT, Prestige Global Meetings, AllianceBernstein, Stanley Steemer and more.

To learn more about GMITE visit gmiteevent.com. Stay connected on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Those interested in becoming a supplier for GMITE may click here, and those interested in applying to be a fully hosted buyer can contact Andrea Hutchinson, Industry Relations Director, Questex at ahutchinson@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:
Jennifer Rosen
jrosen@questex.com
212-400-6233

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the premier on-premise beverage conference for chain beverage executives, today announces the finalists for the 2024 Supplier Awards.

For more than ten years, the Supplier Awards have invited beverage operators to rate their respective supplier companies on key attributes, including business-building support as well as service and support performance through live interviews. To ensure efficient, fair and unbiased balloting and analysis, results were analyzed by food and beverage industry research and consulting firm CM Profit Group. Winners were then identified in four categories including beer, wine, spirits and non-alcohol beverages, categorized by total annual case volume. 

The 2024 Supplier Awards finalists:

BEER

Large company:  Anheuser-Busch InBevConstellation BrandsMolson Coors Beverage Company Medium company: Boston Beer CompanyMark Anthony BrandsNew Belgium Brewing / Bell’s Brewery Small company: Sapporo-Stone BrewingSierra Nevada Brewing

WINE

Large company:  Constellation BrandsE. & J. GalloThe Wine Group Medium company: Deutsch Family Wine & SpiritsJackson Family WinesSte. Michelle Wine Estates Small company: Copper Cane Wines & ProvisionsJ. Lohr Vineyards & WinesTaub Family Selections

SPIRITS

Large company: Bacardi USASazeracSpirit of Gallo Medium company: Brown-FormanCampari GroupTito’s Handmade Vodka Small company: EdringtonRémy Cointreau USAUncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

NON-ALCOHOL

Large company: Red Bull North America Medium company: American Beverage MarketersMoninNestlé Premium Waters Small company: Fever-TreeOwen’s Craft MixersRitual Zero Proof

“Congratulations to the finalists of the 2024 awards program,” said Tom Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group. “We look forward to seeing which companies come out on top at Vibe Conference.”

Vibe Conference takes place February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com. Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at https://www.barandrestaurant.com/chains.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns (for companies A-L) donna@vibeconference.com, or Fadi Alsayegh (for companies M-Z), falsayegh@questex.com.

About CM Profit Group
CM Profit Group works in the areas of National Account research, training and consulting primarily for beverage alcohol suppliers and distributors. The annual PARTNERING STUDY is syndicated research. CM Profit Group clients have included virtually every major (and many smaller) beverage alcohol supplier in the United States. http://www.cmprofit.com 

About Vibe Conference
Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. The top on-premise conference is held annually and involves high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will be held February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.

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
Michelle Osborne
Questex
mosborne@questex.com
617.219.8305

Questex’s IBS New York Show’s Newest Addition Makes a Triumphant Return to the Exhibit Floor

NEW YORK, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Powerhouse Pavilion: Celebrating Black Beauty Entrepreneurs is designed to inspire, empower, and enlighten industry professionals. Revitalized for 2024, IBS New York attendees will have a special chance to glean wisdom from some of the most influential figures in the business. The International Beauty Show (IBS NY), the longest-running beauty industry event, will co-locate with the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC NY) at the Javits Convention Center, March 3-5, 2024. Both shows are produced by Questex.

The Pavilion will feature stage presentations by iconic Black beauty entrepreneurs such as Faatemah Ampey, Keya Neal, Monae Everett, and many more. Sponsored by top black-owned brands including MYAVANA, Twelve12 Beaute, Ashtae, Knowledge by Niki, Pardon My Fro, Camille Rose and Loclicious and located on the IBS New York exhibit floor, this Pavilion honors industry trailblazers, recognizing their significant contributions and achievements, while offering education and support for today’s generation of professionals.

The 2024 Powerhouse Pavilion features new panel discussions, hosted by elite industry educators, that will provide insight, knowledge and new ways of looking at the business of Black Beauty. Highlights of those panels include:

Mental Health & the Beauty IndustryNew York State and Beyond – What Bill S6528A Means for You & TextureDeep Conditioning: Exploring Solutions to Bring Equitable Change in BeautyBreaking the Backstage Barrier: Pioneering Diversity in Hair and MakeupBeauty Industry GPS: Avoid Pitfalls and Potholes & make Successful Business Moves

The long undervalued Black beauty market has recently experienced major growth and represents 11.1% of the total US beauty market. Black Americans spend $6.6 billion annually on beauty and beauty services, and 11.6% of hairstylists in the US are black or African American. Source: Zippia.

“Questex constructed this pavilion to enlighten our audience about representation, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. There was a notable gap that required attention—a void where recognition and acknowledgment were long overdue,” stated Alexi Khajavi, President of Questex Travel + Wellness. “Recognizing the development of this vital community of entrepreneurs, who are among the fastest growing in the country and wield a significant presence in the beauty industry, became essential. This initiative marks a celebration of the progress, endeavors, and advancements achieved by this community.”

“The International Beauty Show New York has created a remarkable platform for people to speak their voices unmuted in a space that gives real world solutions to real world problems,” said Thomas James, Cosmetologist & Barber, Mr. Stateboard. “These voices typically would never be heard and I’m forever grateful IBS has created the Powerhouse Pavilion.”

IBS and IECSC New York SHOW HOURS:
Sunday, March 3: 10:30am – 5:00pm; Monday, March 4: 10:30am – 5:00pm; and Tuesday, March 5: 10:30am – 3:30pm

INFO:
For more information, on IBS New York, visit ibsnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For more information on IECSC New York, visit iecscnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Upcoming Events
Additional networking and educational opportunities for beauty and wellness professionals are available at IBS Las Vegas and IECSC Las Vegas, taking place June 22-24, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit ibslasvegas.com or iecsclasvegas.com for more information. Also, IECSC Florida will take place October 13-14, 2024 at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Visit iecscflorida.com for more information.

About IBS New York
Produced by Questex and presented by American Salon, IBS New York is the longest running professional beauty event in the country. IBS New York is for professionals only and reaches a wide cross‐section of participants including salon owners and managers, hair stylists, hair colorists, makeup artists, nail technicians, beauty and hair product manufacturers and distributors. Connecting serious beauty professionals with the best in the industry, the show brings hundreds of top beauty brands together under one roof for free educational classes by industry legends, workshops, and exclusive show-floor discounts. For more information, visit ibsnewyork.com.

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 American Spa, the 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. For more information, visit iecsc.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
Amanda Brokaw
IBS New York and IECSC New York
Amanda@brokawpr.com

Awards Program Honors the Best in Technologies, Solutions, People, and Companies; Call for Submissions Open through April 26

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Sensors Converge will bring together the sensors and electronics industry June 24-26 in Santa Clara, California. To celebrate the innovations, companies, and leaders making a difference in the industry, Sensors Converge and Fierce Electronics today announce the call for nominations for the Best of Sensors Awards 2024, which has honored the best in technologies, solutions, people, and companies in the sensors and electronics ecosystem for 30 years.

Charlene Soucy, Senior Director, Sensors & Electronics said, “Sensors and electronics play vital roles across every field and sector. We are excited to officially open the 30th edition of the Best of Sensors Awards program, which will celebrate the technical achievements of innovations, as well as the efforts and accomplishments from individuals and companies in our industry.”

The Best of Sensors Awards call for nominations early bird deadline is February 29, 2024. The final deadline is April 26, 2024. For more information on the awards, click here.

The 2024 Categories include:

Product Innovation Awards:

AI/Machine LearningAuto/AutonomousConnectivity/LoRA Connectivity – NEW!Cleantech/SustainabilityData Acquisition/AnalyticsEdge Technology – NEW!Embedded Computing – NEW!Industrial & ManufacturingInstrumentation & TestIoTMEMSMedicalOptical & ImagingPower – NEWWearables

Excellence Awards:

Executive of the YearStartup of the YearCompany of the YearWoman of the YearRising Star of the Year

The Best of Sensors Awards finalists will be announced in May 2024. Winners will be announced at Sensors Converge, the only event covering the biggest design engineering trends, taking place June 24-26, 2024.

Sensors Converge offers several registration options, including the VIP Pass, which provides access to the entire event including pre-conference workshops; Conference Passes; and the Expo Hall Pass, which offers access to the Expo Hall. Early bird registration rates are available now through March 1, 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.sensorsconverge.com/sensorsconvergecom/register.

For exhibit or sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com.

Stay connected with Sensors Converge on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

About Sensors Converge
Sensors Converge (www.sensorsconverge.com), formerly known as Sensors Expo & Conference, got its start 39 years ago bringing together the design engineering community to network, share ideas, and define the future roadmap for the sensors industry. Sensors Converge is part of the Fierce Technology Group, a division of Questex, which also produces the Best of Sensors Awards, Fierce Electronics and Fierce Sensors, as well as daily content and newsletters on Fierce Electronics at www.fierceelectronics.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
Sonal Patel
Sensors Converge
sonal@sonal.io

Vibe Conference takes place February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces the Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award finalists and the Innovation Award finalists. The nominees each have a passion for the industry and have helped to advance it in significant ways. The finalists for both awards show unique and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry, enhance employee culture, act as leaders and mentors, and progress social issues, mental health, sustainability and inclusivity. Vibe Conference takes place February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.

Tim McLucas, Vice President, Bar & Restaurant said, “These seven individuals are stellar examples of the passion, leadership, and innovation in the beverage industry today. We look forward to announcing the winners at the Vibe Conference in February.”

Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award Finalists

Wallace “Wally” Blair Doolin, Co-Founder of Black Box Intelligence: Previously CEO of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide and TGI Friday’s, CEO & Chairman of Buca, Inc., and CEO & Board Member for La Madeleine & President of Applebee’s, today Doolin is active on non-profit boards of Share Our Strength Emeriti and Community Wealth Partners. He also works with his company Black Box Intelligence to unlock potential in the restaurant industry through insights, knowledge, and experience. Doolin is an avid volunteer in Ethiopia, Honduras, and nationally through No Kid Hungry. He is currently focused on Talbot County, Maryland issues and is a volunteer at a food bank, farmer’s market, and shelter. Doolin and his wife established an endowment with the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation to award annual scholarships to minorities and women pursuing an education in the restaurant industry.David Commer, President, Commer Beverage Consulting: Commer is an acclaimed beverage and hospitality industry expert and speaker with 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Commer Beverage Consulting has provided independent and unbiased beverage services and strategies to numerous clients, including TGI Friday’s, Red Lobster, Cheddar’s, Chuy’s, and more. He brings deep and diverse experience in all aspects of restaurant management and operations, and his operator background has been invaluable to creating successful beverage programs at TGI Friday’s.George McKerrow, President/CEO, Ted’s Montana Grill: McKerrow is a 40-year veteran of the restaurant business. He started his career when he purchased the Log Cabin Supper Club in West Virginia. He also worked for the Victoria’s Station restaurant chain, opened the first LongHorn Steakhouse, and successfully evolved that single location into RARE Hospitality International. McKerrow co-founded We’re Cookin’ Inc. with Gerry Klaskala and Ron San Martin. The group has two award-winning restaurants: Aria and Canoe. Along with partner, Ted Turner, McKerrow founded Ted’s Montana Grill and serves as president and CEO of the restaurant company.Warren Thompson, Founder, Thompson Hospitality: Thompson began his career with the Marriott Corporation as an Assistant Manager at a Roy Rogers unit. Following, he pursued his vision of becoming a restaurateur and created Thompson Hospitality. He expanded the company’s interests into the contract food service arena and created Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC by forging a strategic partnership with Compass Group. Thompson has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts as well as his commitment to promoting diversity in business.

Innovation Award Finalists

Becky Boyd, Senior Director of Menu Innovation and Strategy for Bloomin’ Brands: With a passion for culinary and beverage excellence, Boyd spearheads the strategic direction for menu innovation and quality workstreams for Bloomin’ Brands’ casual dining portfolio of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill. Boyd’s journey with Bloomin’ Brands started in operations as an hourly employee and has grown into a management position. She is a driving force behind the continued growth and success of Bloomin’ Brands’ beverage and culinary programs in the industry.Indre Jasaityte, National Director of Beverage, BJ’s Restaurants: Jasaityte began her career as a buyer for BJ’s Restaurants. Today, she is responsible for managing supplier relationships, purchasing strategies and sourcing processes to enhance overall performance, analytics capabilities, and gross profit goals. She also creates a pipeline of new menu items and optimizes existing menu items in line with the brand vision and market research. Her previous experience includes employment at Yard House Restaurants, Thales, and Sephora.Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer, Smokey Bones: Robillard is a results-driven marketing leader and her extensive experience driving growth for multi-unit organizations has been beneficial for Smokey Bones. Since launching the new brand positioning and campaign, “Meat is What We Do,” Robillard has achieved a record-breaking year for comparable store sales in 2021. She also oversees the beverage program and has been elevating the cocktail menu. Her efforts have helped Smokey Bones earn industry recognition and acclaim. Robillard has been instrumental in launching two new virtual restaurants and BiteHall.com, the first-of-its-kind virtual food hall.

The awards were judged by Vibe Advisory Council members. Winners will be announced at Vibe Conference on February 27.

Vibe Conference takes place February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com. To submit an Operator qualification form by the deadline of February 9, 2024, click here. Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at https://www.barandrestaurant.com/chains.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns (for companies A-L) donna@vibeconference.com, or Fadi Alsayegh (for companies M-Z), falsayegh@questex.com.

About Vibe Conference
Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. The top on-premise conference is held annually and involves high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will be held February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.

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
Michelle Osborne
Vibe Conference
mosborne@questex.com

Conference takes place February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces generational expert, Kim Lear, Founder, Generational Researcher and Writer from Inlay Insights, will present the keynote address “Decoding Generational Trends to Shape the Future of Your Business” on February 27.

Every generation brings value to the workforce and marketplace. Lear’s presentation will highlight how the marketplace is adapting to new generational norms that upend tried and true consumer behavior. She will provide attendees with a closer look into who the generations are, the trends emerging as they adapt to new life stages and the communication tactics that bring people together.

Previously, Lear was the content director at BridgeWorks, a research firm dedicated to generational and millennial trends. Her undergrad research focused on baby boomers and longevity, and her post-grad work centered on millennials and social media trends. Prior, Lear was head of research on the book Gen Z @ Work. She also wrote the popular Substack, Kids These Days. Lear has authored whitepapers on generational wealth transfer, retirement trends, and Gen Z’s impact on higher education. Lear serves as an advisor to FORE, an AI startup focused on predictive analytics for attrition and volunteers for The 78 Cents Project, an organization dedicated to helping young women develop strong presentation skills.

“I am looking forward to meeting with beverage leaders at Vibe. Using a generational lens, we’ll gain critical insights into where we’ve been, how we got to where we are today, and where we may go from here. The study of generations isn’t about one person—it’s about a shared culture. Ask yourself, ‘If I were born in a different time, would I see this differently?’” said Lear

Tim McLucas, Vice President, Bar & Restaurant Group said, “We are delighted to welcome Kim to deliver the keynote address at Vibe Conference. Her generational insights are highly valued and will supply our beverage executives with key data and information to apply to future strategic planning.”

To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com. To submit an Operator qualification form by the deadline of February 9, 2024, click here. Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at https://www.barandrestaurant.com/chains.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns (for companies A-L) donna@vibeconference.com, or Fadi Alsayegh (for companies M-Z), falsayegh@questex.com.

About Vibe Conference
Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. The top on-premise conference is held annually and involves high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will be held February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.

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
Michelle Osborne
Vibe Conference
mosborne@questex.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d6da161-68c1-4b68-9d39-ee6ab0fc546b

 

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex today announces Alexi Khajavi, President, Hospitality, Travel and Wellness has joined the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Board of Directors, a group that includes some of the most influential leaders from all sectors of the lodging industry, including brands, owners, real estate investment trusts (REITs), management companies, branded properties, independent hotels, and state associations.

Khajavi leads the Hospitality Group at Questex, an information services and event company with deep expertise in the hospitality industry that operates Hotel Management, with more than 564,000 readers who are engaged in optimizing hotel operations. This comprises the largest US distribution in the market. Questex also produces global events, including The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF), with nearly every global hotel chain CEO in attendance, and several specialty curated buyer/seller events such as Hotec Design.  

As a member of the board, Khajavi will be part of vital discussions concerning a broad range of industry and AHLA related issues. AHLA is the largest hotel association in America and remains deeply engaged in policy issues affecting hoteliers at all levels of government. In 2023, AHLA advocacy efforts led to:

A clarification in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) eligibility guidelines that will save hoteliers an estimated $14 billionA $9 increase in the continental U.S. per diem rate that will generate an estimated $300 million for hoteliersThe release of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year 2024

Learn more about AHLA’s Board of Directors here.

“I am excited to join AHLA’s Board of Directors,” said Khajavi. “Joining this esteemed group is an honor, and I am eager to collaborate with fellow industry leaders in shaping the future of hospitality. Together, we’ll drive innovation, champion excellence, and elevate our collective impact on the dynamic landscape of the hospitality sector.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Alexi to the AHLA Board of Directors,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “Year after year, AHLA raises the bar for hospitality advocacy and member services thanks in large part to the amazing leaders from all sectors of our industry who serve on our board. We have assembled another slate of extraordinary executives in 2024. Alexi’s guidance and counsel will be instrumental to delivering advocacy victories for our members in 2024.”

AHLA and Questex joined forces in 2023 to launch The Hospitality Show, a bold new event for the entire hospitality ecosystem that empowers the industry to operate hotels more efficiently and profitably. The inaugural event brought together more than 3,800 attendees from across the entire sector, including senior executives of hotel brands, owners, operators, management companies, developers, investors, and technology partners, for two days of education, networking, and curated buying experiences. This year’s event will be held October 28-30 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, please visit www.thehospitalityshow.com.

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 www.ahla.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. 

Contact: Alexandra Aldridge, Marketing Director, Questex 212-895-8284 aaldridge@questex.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d0abce9-9681-4000-824a-80cb79b6ab8e

Top-tier Exhibitors and Brands Line the Halls Offering Professionals-Only Prices

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s International Beauty Show (IBS New York) and the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference (IECSC New York) return to the Javits Convention Center March 3-5, 2024, with an extraordinary list of hundreds of exhibitors selling must-have brands and products at professionals-only prices.

The co-located shows offer unique opportunities for brands to get in front of thousands of hair stylists, colorists, barbers, nail technicians, makeup artists, lash specialists, estheticians, spa and salon owners & managers, and wellness professionals. The events are the perfect launchpad for new products and services.

The IBS New York 2024 exhibit floor will feature hundreds of high-profile brands, including: Andis, Aqua Hair Extensions (new!), Chi by Farouk, DNA Hairtools, HALOCOUTURE Extensions, Hattori Hanzo Shears, Korea Pavilion (new!), Myavana, Nail Alliance, Pibbs, Pureo Natural Products, Sutra, Turbo Power and many more! For the full list to date, click here.

IECSC New York 2024 exhibiting brands will include: Celluma, Circadia, Dermalogica, Eminence Organic Skin Care, HydraFacial, Face Reality Skincare, FarmHouse Fresh, Glymed Plus, LightStim, Silhouet-Tone USA, Procell Therapies, Repechage and more! The full list can be found here.

Attendees may register to attend the Shows by clicking here. Exhibit Hall passes include all free classes at IBS, all free Product-Focused Education at IECSC, and unlimited access to each Exhibit Hall. Master Classes, Hands-on Workshops at IBS and the curated conference sessions at IECSC are available for additional fees. All paid conference sessions include 3-day Exhibit Hall entry to both expo floors. Press may apply for a media pass here.

All professionals are encouraged to register by February 4th to receive their badges by mail in advance of the show. This will enable a quick entrance upon arrival and allow for more time to experience the show. 

SHOW HOURS:
Sunday, March 3: 10:30am – 5:00pm; Monday, March 4: 10:30am – 5:00pm; and Tuesday, March 5: 10:30am – 3:30pm

INFO:
For more information on IBS New York, visit ibsnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For more information on IECSC New York, visit iecscnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Upcoming Events
Additional networking and educational opportunities for beauty and wellness professionals are available at IBS Las Vegas and IECSC Las Vegas, taking place June 22-24, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit ibslasvegas.com or iecsclasvegas.com for more information. Also, IECSC Florida will take place October 13-14, 2024 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Visit iecscflorida.com for more information.

About IBS New York
Produced by Questex and presented by American Salon, IBS New York is the longest running professional beauty event in the country. IBS New York is for professionals only and reaches a wide cross‐section of participants including salon owners and managers, hair stylists, hair colorists, makeup artists, nail technicians, beauty and hair product manufacturers and distributors. Connecting serious beauty professionals with the best in the industry, the show brings hundreds of top beauty brands together under one roof for free educational classes by industry legends, workshops, and exclusive show-floor discounts. For more information, visit ibsnewyork.com.

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 American Spa, the 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. For more information, visit iecsc.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
Amanda Brokaw
IBS New York and IECSC New York
Amanda@brokawpr.com