Deterministic-First Architectures Lead as Agentic AI Reshapes Carrier Networks

NEW YORK and LONDON and BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Network TV (FNTV) today released its 2026 Networked Agentic AI Index, a comparative assessment of how major telecom and cloud vendors are deploying networked agentic AI inside live carrier environments.

The report, AI Agents of Change, authored by Stephen M. Saunders MBE, concludes that the future of telecom AI will be decided not by who has the biggest models — but by who controls orchestration.

Ericsson tops the index (15/15), followed closely by Nokia (14/15), reflecting strong carrier trust, bounded autonomy models, and conservative placement of large language models (LLMs) outside live control paths.

Erik Ekudden, CTO of Ericsson, reinforces that architectural philosophy:

“You cannot add AI as an afterthought. It has to be built into the network fabric — distributed, energy-aware, and capable of autonomous decision-making across domains.”

Gary Smith, CEO of Ciena, emphasizes the same determinism bias in core infrastructure:

“For the foreseeable future, the core management of the network has to remain deterministic.”

From the operator side, Philippe Ensarguet, VP of Software Engineering at Orange, frames the hierarchy clearly:

“Infrastructure carries data. Data enables automation. Automation enables AI — in that order.”

And even among the most cloud-forward U.S. operators, caution prevails. John Keib, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Google Fiber, notes:

“I don’t know if we ever get to five. The industry consensus is that four is the reach goal.”

2026 FNTV Networked Agentic AI Index

Top Tier (Above the Kármán Line – 10 Points)

• Ericsson — 15
• Nokia — 14
• Amdocs — 12
• Ciena / Blue Planet — 12
• Huawei — 12

These vendors reflect deterministic-first architectures, disciplined LLM placement, and deep operational credibility within five-nines environments.

Middle Tier: Guarded Experimentation

• Cisco
• HPE (Juniper)
• IBM / Red Hat
• Samsung Networks

These players are advancing agentic capabilities but maintaining tighter execution boundaries.

Below the Line: Hyperscaler Logic

• AWS
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud
• Alibaba Cloud
• Mavenir
• Rakuten Symphony
• ZTE

Lower rankings reflect cloud-centric orchestration models that embed probabilistic reasoning deeper into operational tooling — an approach that remains culturally and operationally misaligned with carrier-grade expectations for deterministic control.

All Ranked Vendors Will Be at MWC26

Importantly, every company included in the Index will be exhibiting at MWC26 in Barcelona, making the show floor the live arena for this architectural debate.

Where To See Networked Agentic AI at MWC26

Vendor	MWC26 Booth
Alibaba Cloud	Hall 2, 2C74
Amdocs	Hall 3, 3G10
AWS	Upper-Level South Entrance
Ciena (Blue Planet)	Hall 2, 2J51
Cisco	Hall 3
Ericsson	Hall 2
Google Cloud	TBD
HPE (Juniper)	Hall 3, 3N10
Huawei	Hall 1, 1H50
IBM / Red Hat	Hall 2, 2H20 (IBM), 2F30 (RH)
Mavenir	Hall 2, 2H60
Microsoft Azure	Congress Sq, CS54
NEC	TBD
Netcracker	Hall 2, 2G20
Nokia	Hall 3, 3B20
Oracle	TBD
Samsung Networks	Hall 5, 5J64
ZTE	TBD

Caption: Information compiled from GSMA listings and vendor announcements ahead of MWC 2026.   

The Core Finding

The report concludes that orchestration is now the strategic battleground. AI is no longer just analytics layered on top of operations — it is increasingly influencing what the network does next.

The critical question is not whether to deploy agentic AI — but where to place probabilistic reasoning inside live control systems.

Carriers are not rejecting AI. They are insisting that autonomy remain bounded, explainable, and accountable.

As MWC26 opens in Barcelona, the global telecom industry will be debating a fundamental question:

In a five-nines world, how much probabilistic intelligence is too much?

To access the 2026 FNTV Networked Agentic AI Index, click here.

For FNTV sponsorship opportunities, contact Scott Gruntorad at [email protected].

About FNTV
FNTV provides independent analysis of telecom infrastructure, AI orchestration, and carrier strategy, with a focus on operational credibility and real-world deployment maturity.

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

FNTV

[email protected] 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8b2a055-1174-4d9b-9db1-6021080ba591

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the only event of its kind dedicated to the on-premise beverage industry, unveils the winners of the Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award, Innovation Award, Vista Awards, and Supplier Awards. Vibe Conference was held at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California, February 23-25.

Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and Innovation Award
The Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award and the Innovation Award honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry.

• Jim Flaherty Industry Legend Award: Patrick Henry, Patrick Henry Creative Promotions
• Innovation Award: Nathan Grover, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar

The award winners were chosen by the Vibe Conference Advisory Council, a group of industry leaders dedicated to recognizing excellence within the beverage sector.

Brandy Rand, Vice President/Market Leader of Hospitality Group, Questex, said, “Congratulations to Patrick Henry and Nathan Grover on these well-deserved awards! Patrick has built iconic relationships and partnerships that will endure for years to come. And Nate has an unmatched talent for identifying consumer needs and turning them into successful products and promotions. We are thrilled to celebrate their remarkable achievements.”

Vibe Vista Awards
The Vista Awards are where the best in on-premise beverage takes the spotlight. The awards recognize outstanding performers in the beverage industry across leading chains and hospitality groups. They celebrate excellence in the creation, training, execution, management, and ongoing success of beverage programs.

Award winners include:

• Best Beverage Menu: Hilton  
• Best Adult Alcohol-Free Beverage Program: Virgin Voyages  
• Best Beer Program: Lazy Dog Restaurants  
• Best Spirits Program: Marriott International
• Best Wine Program: Silversea Cruises
• Best Beverage Limited Time Offer: Virgin Voyages
• Best Overhaul of Beverage Program: Vail Resorts  
• Best Overall: Airlines: United Airlines
• Best Overall: Cruise: Norwegian
• Best Overall: Hotel: Hyatt
• Best Overall: Multi-Unit Chain Restaurant: Red Lobster 

The Vibe Vista Awards entries were evaluated on the basis of positive beverage sales initiatives, operational innovations, and training and service programs that uphold high-quality standards. This year’s judging panel included:

• Brian Warrener, Judging Chair, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, Johnson & Wales University
• Dale DeGroff, Partner, DeGroff Spirits
• Maria Bastasch, Partner, Drink Company
• Christie Dufault, Professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, Culinary Institute of America
• Kim Haasarud, Beverage Consultant, Liquid Architecture

Rand said, “The Vista Awards celebrate the exceptional companies redefining the beverage experience in on-premise venues nationwide. These winning programs drove incredible revenue increases, modernized beverage programs, and increased visits, all while maintaining consistency and efficiency at scale. Congratulations to this year’s winners for pushing the boundaries of our industry.”

Supplier Awards
For more than ten years, the Supplier Awards have invited beverage operators to rate their respective supplier companies on key attributes. The results are based on comprehensive research from food and beverage industry research and consulting firm CM Profit’s annual On-Premise Partnering Study. Through in-depth live interviews with 56 leading operators, CM Profit gathered assessments of supplier service performance across the industry. Winners were then identified in four categories including beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcohol beverages, categorized by total annual case volume.

This year also included the new Momentum Award, which celebrates a partner whose impact in the on-premise channel has surged in a major way. It honors a supplier that’s not just performing well, but accelerating and showing up with fresh energy and true partnership.

Award winners include:

• Best Overall Supplier: Red Bull North America
• Momentum Award: Sazerac Company
• Best Large Beer Supplier: Constellation Brands
• Best Medium Beer Supplier: New Belgium Brewing Company
• Best Small Beer Supplier: Athletic Brewing Company
• Best Large Wine Supplier: Trinchero Family Estates
• Best Medium Wine Supplier: Jackson Family Wines
• Best Small Wine Supplier: Copper Cane Wines & Provisions
• Best Large Spirits Supplier: Bacardi USA
• Best Medium Spirits Supplier: Campari Group
• Best Small Spirits Supplier: Rémy Cointreau USA
• Best Large Non-Alcohol Supplier: Red Bull North America
• Best Medium Non-Alcohol Supplier: American Beverage Marketers
• Best Small Non-Alcohol Supplier: Fever-Tree

Shawn Fox, Partner, CM Profit Group, said, “Congratulations to the 2026 Supplier Award Winners. This year’s winners were recognized for their rapid responsiveness, fresh ideas and insights, top-notch training and education, and a deep understanding of operators’ businesses. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participating operators who generously shared their valuable insights confidentially. To further thank them for their support, CM Profit has made a $1,680 donation to CORE, with $30 donated on behalf of each company interviewed.”

To learn more about the Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com.

About Vibe Conference 
Bringing together national and regional chain, 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 Contact
Michelle Osborne
Questex
[email protected]
617.219.8305

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, a leading information services and live events company, today announced that three of its events — Sensors Converge, International Beauty Show (IBS) New York (now Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show New York) and Live Design International (LDI) — have been recognized for fast-growth performance by Trade Show Executive.

“Being named to the Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 showcases the strength of our brands and the momentum across our portfolio. This honor is a reflection of our team’s relentless drive to innovate, serve our communities and build experiences that deliver results,” said Paul Miller, CEO, Questex.

Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 list features the fastest-growing U.S. trade shows and are ranked in three categories — By Net Square Feet, By Exhibiting Companies and By Total Attendance. 

Questex’s fast-growing events include:

Sensors Converge, North America’s leading event covering the technologies driving smarter, more connected systems – from sensors and semiconductors to processing, power and AI at the edge, was featured in the Fastest 50 – By Total Attendance category.

Trade Show Executive also features the Next 50, a list of up and coming shows to watch. The International Beauty Show (IBS) New York, the longest running professional beauty event in the country, and Live Design International (LDI), the preeminent event for the live events industry, were featured in the total attendance category.

For more information about Questex, visit www.questex.com.

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

Media Contact
Kate Spellman
Chief Marketing Officer
Questex
[email protected]

Award-Winning Actress, Television Host, and Entrepreneur to Moderate Fireside Chat with Keynote Speaker Roy Choi

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, the producer of the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, today announced that Aisha Tyler will join the show’s influential speaker lineup as the Expo heads into its milestone 40^th year. The event takes place March 23-25, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Tyler is an award-winning actor, director, Emmy winning television host, NY times best-selling author, comedian, and founder of losophē, a super-premium organic ready-to-drink clarified margarita cocktail brand. Her work spans entertainment, media, and consumer brands, bringing a multidimensional perspective to leadership, culture, and creativity.

On Wednesday morning, March 25, Tyler will moderate a fireside chat with keynote speaker Chef Roy Choi, a cultural trailblazer widely recognized as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement. The candid conversation will explore leadership, cultural influence, and what it truly takes to build enduring brands and businesses in today’s ever-changing bar and restaurant landscape.

Also on March 25, Tyler will host an hour-long guest bartending session in the exhibit hall, spotlighting losophē, which will also be a featured exhibiting brand at the show.

“Aisha Tyler embodies the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership that today’s bar and restaurant operators are navigating,” said Brandy Rand, VP & Market Leader, Questex Hospitality Group. “This is the type of programming that defines the Bar & Restaurant Expo. Our speakers represent the kind of cultural and business leadership that attendees come to experience, voices that spark new thinking, meaningful connections, and tangible opportunities.”

In addition to Tyler and Choi’s keynote discussion, the Expo’s opening keynote will take place on Tuesday, March 24, featuring Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death, one of the fastest-growing and most disruptive beverage brands in the world. Known for transforming healthy beverages into a cultural phenomenon, Cessario will share how bold creativity, brand authenticity, and a mission-driven mindset fueled Liquid Death’s meteoric rise, and what today’s hospitality operators can learn from it.

Beyond the keynote stage, the Bar & Restaurant Expo will feature dozens of other industry experts, operators, brand leaders, and data professionals, delivering workshops and sessions aligned with the 2026 conference theme, “Every Moment Counts.” Programming will span operations, leadership, marketing, technology, and beverage strategy.

To register for the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com.
For sponsorship information, contact Elliot Howell, Sales Director, at [email protected].

About the Bar & Restaurant Expo
Celebrating 40 years of powering the hospitality industry, the Bar & Restaurant Expo is the nation’s leading event for bar, restaurant, and hospitality professionals, delivering the ultimate opportunity to learn, sample, and connect – all under one roof. Over three action-packed days, nearly 10,000 operators, owners, beverage directors, chefs, suppliers, and industry innovators – from independent venues to multi-unit groups – gather to source products, sharpen operations, and explore what’s next in hospitality.

The event attracts decision-makers from all 50 states and more than 25 countries, representing thousands of unique business locations. Since its debut, Bar & Restaurant Expo has helped shape the evolution of hospitality, launching trends that later became industry standards, from the craft cocktail movement to zero-proof innovation.

Unlike other trade events, Bar & Restaurant Expo brings together the entire on-premise ecosystem – operators, chains, distributors, brands, and investors – creating a truly cross-industry platform where ideas and relationships thrive. Bar & Restaurant Expo is produced by the Questex Hospitality Group, which also produces Vibe Conference, World Tea Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com and worldteanews.com.

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

About Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler is an acclaimed director, actor, comedian, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and Emmy-winning television host. Her directorial work includes the award-winning feature AXIS, the psychological thriller I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, and major television series such as Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead, Evil, Criminal Minds: Evolution, and more. She voiced superspy Lana Kane for 14 seasons on the Emmy-winning animated series Archer, was the Emmy-winning host of The Talk, is the host of Whose Line Is It Anyway and is a leading actor on Paramount+’s hit Criminal Minds: Evolution. She is the founder of losophē, a super-premium organic ready-to-drink cocktail brand that is redefining innovation and craftsmanship in the spirits industry. She is also the NY Times bestselling author of Self-Inflicted Wounds and Swerve, and a dedicated advocate for humanitarian and social-impact causes.

Media Contacts:
Sarah Belizaire	Greg Cohen
(646) 552-1118	(917) 714-8237
[email protected]	[email protected]

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The streaming industry’s fastest-growing event, StreamTV Show, today announces the release of its highly anticipated 2026 conference agenda—bringing together the leaders shaping the future of content, streaming technology and CTV advertising under one roof. StreamTV Show is produced by Questex.

Taking place this June in Denver, StreamTV Show brings together senior executives across streaming platforms, studios, FAST operators, advertisers, OEMs, OS leaders, and technology innovators. The 2026 theme — “Streaming Rewired: AI, Audiences & Attention Driving the Next Era” — reflects the industry’s pivot from scale to intelligence, engagement, and monetization performance.

The newly released agenda features executive roundtables, keynotes, fireside chats, research briefings, and cross-industry panels across Content, Advertising, Product & Technology, FAST, and Subscription tracks.

2026 Program Highlights

The newly released program dives deep into:

• Executive roundtables on CTV OS platform power, OTT bundling strategy, and retention models
• Deep-dive discussions on AI in content decisions, discovery, advertising, and UX
• FAST-focused programming on monetization, programming, creator channels, and ad scale
• Sports streaming strategy and monetization sessions across rights, distribution, and fan engagement
• The intersection of creators and premium streaming
• CTV advertising innovation panels covering interactive formats, attention measurement, self-serve buying, and AI optimization
• Product & UX leadership roundtables on personalization, discovery, and platform experience

First Round of Speakers Announced

The first confirmed wave of 2026 speakers represents leaders across platforms, content, advertising, product, and distribution, including names such as:

• Tubi –Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer & Jess Borison, Senior Manager of Creator Partnerships
• Comcast – John Dixon, SVP, Consumer Entertainment Services
• Radial Entertainment – Jeff Shultz, CEO; Cristina Guggino, VP of Co-Productions & Partnerships
• Charter Communications – Elena Ritchie, SVP, Video
• Cineverse – Tony Huidor, President, Technology & Chief Product Officer
• National Basketball Association (NBA) – Felipe Saltz, AVP Media Distribution
• Dish Network – David Teplinsky, VP Programming & Content Acquisition

From platform operators and programmers to advertisers, data strategists, engineers, and analysts, StreamTV Show delivers unmatched cross-functional dialogue across the entire streaming value chain.

“Streaming is no longer just a content conversation—it’s a product conversation, a data conversation, and a revenue conversation,” said Lucia Contreras, Director of Content and Industry Relations, StreamTV Portfolio, Questex. “This year’s agenda reflects the reality of where the industry is headed—and who is leading it.”

New for 2026: Elevated Executive Access & Next-Level Experiential Activations:

• StreamTV Marketers Summit
• Women at the Helm Leadership Breakfast
• AI & Attention Economy Breakfast Tabletalks
• Creator economy strategy sessions
• The StreamTV Open Golf Tournament
• Curated meet-ups and hosted buyer programs
• Evening industry receptions and awards events

With its expanded speaker lineup and curated agenda, StreamTV Show 2026 promises to be the most dynamic program yet.

Early bird registration is available: Register here.

Looking to speak or sponsor? Click here.

Stay in the loop! Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About The StreamTV Show
StreamTV Show isn’t just a market and expo – it’s a community! From insightful sessions to lively networking events, this is where deals get made, partnerships are forged, and the future of streaming is shaped.

Produced and managed by Questex, StreamTV is widely known as the streaming industry’s largest annual event. For more information, visit https://www.streamtvshow.com. The StreamTV Show is supported by the event’s official publication, StreamTV Insider, the streaming TV industry’s daily monitor. For more information, visit https://www.streamtvinsider.com.

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

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
StreamTV Show
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, a leading information and event services company, announces Q Connect and Q Connect Premium — a powerful new connection framework delivering curated, high-intent meetings and executive experiences across its global portfolio.

Built on Questex’s deep first-party audience intelligence, Q Connect enables structured, one-to-one meetings that thoughtfully match buyers and solution providers based on role, priorities, and commercial intent.

Q Connect Premium extends this capability into curated executive environments — private meeting suites, invitation-only dinners, leadership roundtables, and hosted small-group experiences — designed to accelerate meaningful business outcomes.

Demand for intentional, high-value connection is increasing across industries. Q Connect and Q Connect Premium formalize and scale a capability that is already driving measurable results across Questex events worldwide.

“Our customers are looking for measurable outcomes,” said Paul Miller, CEO, Questex. “Q Connect and Q Connect Premium give us the ability to deliver curated, commercially meaningful meetings at scale, across sectors and geographies that deliver real ROI.”

At a time when industries are rapidly evolving and AI is reshaping almost every aspect of the business environment, live events — or “In Real Life” (IRL) solutions — are emerging as one of the few sectors largely immune to AI disruption. Trust, chemistry, deal-making, and executive alignment still happen most powerfully face-to-face. Questex’s strategy is built around owning these trusted IRL environments and extending their value through curated connection frameworks like Q Connect and Q Connect Premium — supported by year-round engagement extensions that sustain and deepen relationships beyond the event — creating a repeatable model that blends human interaction with intelligent data to drive measurable commercial outcomes.

Delivering Proven Results Across Industries
Q Connect and Q Connect Premium are already active across all Questex markets including Healthcare & Life Sciences, Wellness, Hospitality, Real Estate and Experiential Technology — and are embedded within the majority of Questex events. Examples include:

At Fierce Pharma Engage, curated one-to-one meetings and private meeting environments are now core components of integrated sponsorship packages, enabling senior healthcare decision-makers and partners to engage in focused, high-intent discussions that drive pipeline.

At Broadband Nation Expo, the Connect meetings program facilitated a pre-qualified introduction that resulted directly in a significant commercial agreement — demonstrating how structured matchmaking accelerates real business outcomes beyond traditional networking.

Across the IHIF global portfolio, Questex introduced new private meeting formats in response to rising demand for high-quality, controlled environments for capital partners, investors, and operators. These curated formats allow serious deal-making to happen seamlessly within the event ecosystem.

At Fierce Health Payer Summit and StreamTV Show, Connect programs consistently deepen buyer engagement, strengthen sponsor ROI, and replace volume-based networking with precision-driven introductions.

Across the portfolio, customers are increasingly selecting Q Connect Premium experiences as part of integrated sponsorship strategies — reflecting strong market demand for quality over quantity.

A Proven Model, Now Scaled Across the Portfolio
Questex has been successfully delivering curated, high-impact buyer and supplier meetings for years through its established hosted buyer programs. These experiences have consistently connected senior decision-makers with the right partners in structured, commercially focused one-to-one meetings designed to maximize efficiency and outcomes.

The launch of Q Connect and Q Connect Premium formalizes and expands this proven capability across the majority of Questex events — bringing the same discipline, data intelligence, and meeting architecture into new sectors and formats.

Questex’s 2026 hosted buyer events include:

• Sibec, May 18–21, San Diego, CA
• Hotec Operations, June 8–10, San Diego, CA
• Hotec Design, June 22–24, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Spatec North America, August 31–September 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Global Meeting & Incentive Exchange, September 16–18, Cancun, Mexico
• Ultra Summit, September 16–19, Cancun, Mexico

Extending Connection Beyond the Event
Q Connect Premium also supports curated executive engagement beyond traditional show formats — including invitation-only leadership dinners and sector-specific small-group experiences.

With Q Connect and Q Connect Premium, Questex continues evolving its platforms into year-round ecosystems where relevance, precision, and measurable value define the customer experience.

For more information about Questex, visit www.questex.com.

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

Media Contact
Kate Spellman
Chief Commercial Officer
Questex
[email protected]        

600+ Exhibitors, New Specialized “Neighborhoods”, More Expo Floor Experiences

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Beauty and Wellness Show New York, the fusion of two legendary industry brands – The International Beauty Show (IBS) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) – will take place March 8-10, 2026, at the Javits Center. The unified event, crafted specifically for licensed beauty, spa and wellness professionals, will showcase 600+ exhibitors and a reimagined floor plan designed to integrate beauty, spa and wellness. Don’t miss your chance to touch, test, and experience products before you buy – from the top tools and tech to the latest skincare innovations, to cutting-edge spa and beauty equipment.

The Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show New York Exhibit Hall is your one-stop destination for discovering new products and investing in beauty and spa equipment at unbeatable prices.

Top-Tier Brands and Specialized Neighborhoods
The 2026 show floor introduces a new layout of specialized “Neighborhoods” to streamline the shopping and discovery experience. Attendees can explore 600+ high-profile brands across various sectors, including:

• Hair & Salon Essentials: Featuring industry leaders like Dyson Inc., ULTA Beauty, CHI by Farouk Systems, L3VEL3, Hattori Hanzo Shears, K18 Hair, Pureo, Rolda Cosmetics, RUSK, Aquage, GiGi, Parlux, Cree and more!
• Spa & Wellness: Showcasing product lines and equipment for the esthetician and spa pro including: Circadia, Cosgram, Eminence Organic Skin Care, Face Reality, Farmhouse Fresh, Sorella, Hydrafacial, LightStim, Repechage, Dermalogica, Skin Script, Lira Clinical, Zemits, and more!
• Nails, Cosmetics, Brows & Lashes: Including Ardell, ALEX Cosmetics, LashBox LA, Bernadette Thompson, LeChat Nail Care Products, PLA, TAD Beauty, VOESH New York, and more!
• Tech & Retail Zones: From the latest in the world of nutrition and tech to top apparel, accessories and gifts for your salon, these two areas cannot be missed
• What’s New For You Zone: Dedicated areas for first-time exhibitors and the latest technological advancements in beauty and wellness.
• Business District: Explore resources, services, and solutions designed to help your business grow and thrive.
• Plus, check out the top professional resource brands located throughout the Show floor that can help your business grow, including Squire, GlossGenius, Booksy, Mangomint, Boulevard and more!

Must-See Experiences for 2026

• Glam + Glow Stage Sponsored by Dyson, where innovation meets beauty. Experience live demos, competitions, pro techniques, and up-close looks at the products transforming the industry – featuring some of the biggest names in beauty.
• Be+Well Lounge is the spot on the show floor for connection and mindful moments. New for 2026 are Be+Well Community Conversations – curated discussions led by esteemed pros and built to foster connection for our spa and salon community.
• Wellness Den Sponsored by HigherDose, is the place to unwind and take a break from the expo floor. Treat yourself to a complimentary foot massage and reflect on what wellness means to you at the Wellness Tree – leave refreshed and inspired.
• Nail & Makeup Competitions Powered by Global Talent Beauty Cup, these live show floor competitions spotlight precision, creativity, and world-class artistry categories from Salon Gel and Gel Tips to Men’s Manicure and Stiletto Nails.
• Barber Competitions Sponsored by L3VEL3, watch the industry’s most skilled barbers compete live in high-stakes rounds showcasing precision cutting, creative styling, and pure mastery.
• In-Booth Experiences The education and live experiences continue with the industry’s favorite beauty brands offering meet & greets, demos and more at The Salon at ULTA Beauty, Aquage, CHI, Hattori Hanzo Shears, and Rusk.

“We are thrilled to unveil an unprecedented lineup of more than 600 exhibitors at Be+Well New York, featuring hundreds of new brands that represent the absolute cutting edge of beauty, spa, and wellness,” said Elizabeth Fantetti Trevorrow, Partnership & Event Director at Questex’s Wellness Group. “This year, we’ve completely reimagined the attendee journey with high-energy activations like our new specialized ‘Neighborhoods’, ensuring that every professional can engage directly with the products and tools redefining the industry. From the star-studded demonstrations on the Glam & Go Showcase Stage to the immersive What’s New For You Zone, these new show-floor experiences provide the ultimate platform for discovery and business growth.”

Attendees may register to attend the Show by clicking here.
Press may apply for a media pass here.

SHOW HOURS:
Sunday, March 8: 10:30am – 5:00pm; Monday, March 9: 10:30am – 5:00pm; and Tuesday, March 10: 10:30am – 3:30pm

Upcoming Events
Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show will take place in Las Vegas, June 27-29, 2026, and in Florida, August 30-31, 2026.

For more information on Be+Well New York, visit www.BeWellShowNewYork.com.

About Beauty and Wellness Show New York
Beauty and Wellness Show New York is the new umbrella brand bringing together legendary industry events and media serving hair, skin, and body professionals in the beauty, spa, and wellness industry.

Beauty and Wellness Media and Events includes the Beauty and Wellness Show (the new home of The International Beauty Show and International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference), American Salon, American Spa, Spatec, and Sibec, including the former Club Industry events — to create the beauty and wellness industry’s largest event and media platform. For more information on subscribing, attending or advertising, visit www.BeWellMediaandEvents.com.

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

Media Contact
Amanda Brokaw
[email protected]

Top Industry Leaders Tackle the Most Pressing Issues Facing Bars and Restaurants Today

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — More than 30 masterclasses, workshops, and keynote presentations are on the agenda for Questex’s annual Bar & Restaurant Expo, heading into its 40^th year, March 23–25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Expo’s keynote sessions will be headlined by Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death, and Chef Roy Choi, widely recognized as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement. They will be joined by over 40 influential voices shaping the future of the bar and restaurant industry, delivering three days of dynamic education sessions focused on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing bars and restaurants today.

These education breakouts – all aligned with the 2026 conference theme, “Every Moment Counts” – will cover critical topics including operations, leadership, marketing, technology, and beverage strategy, providing practical, real-world insights for food, beverage, and hospitality owners, operators, and executives. Highlights include:

• “Gen Z Speaks: What They Want as Employees & Customers”
• “Creating Experiences Guests Can’t Resist”
• “How Women Bar Owners Attract and Retain Female Guests”
• “Become Your Own Influencer”
• “Turn Guest Complaints into Revenue Wins”
• “How to Avoid 3 Deadly Mistakes in Labor Cost”
• “The F&B Trends Driving Traffic for Independents”
• And many more

Among the featured speakers:

• Andrew Hunter, Head of Culinary R&D, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide
• Jackson Cannon, Beverage Director, Eastern Standard
• Mia Mastroianni, Bar Expert
• Tony Scardino, Owner, Professor Pizza
• Sean Kenyon, The Spirits Authority, Williams & Graham
• Sam Miller, Owner, Remora Bar
• Colleen McClellan, Chief Customer Officer, Datassential
• And many others

“The education sessions at the Bar & Restaurant Expo are designed to tackle the challenges operators face every day,” said Brandy Rand, VP & Market Leader, Questex Hospitality Group. “Led by the industry’s most influential leaders and innovators, they provide actionable strategies that attendees can take back to their teams and put into action immediately.”

In addition to education seminars, Bar & Restaurant Expo attendees can visit with hundreds of suppliers and explore thousands of activations and live demos taking place on the expo floor, and experience exclusive VIP events and parties happening across Las Vegas.

To register for the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com.
For sponsorship information, contact Elliot Howell, Sales Director, at [email protected].

About the Bar & Restaurant Expo
Celebrating 40 years of powering the hospitality industry, the Bar & Restaurant Expo is the nation’s leading event for bar, restaurant, and hospitality professionals, delivering the ultimate opportunity to learn, sample, and connect – all under one roof. Over three action-packed days, nearly 10,000 operators, owners, beverage directors, chefs, suppliers, and industry innovators – from independent venues to multi-unit groups – gather to source products, sharpen operations, and explore what’s next in hospitality.

The event attracts decision-makers from all 50 states and more than 25 countries, representing thousands of unique business locations. Since its debut, Bar & Restaurant Expo has helped shape the evolution of hospitality, launching trends that later became industry standards, from the craft cocktail movement to zero-proof innovation.

Unlike other trade events, Bar & Restaurant Expo brings together the entire on-premise ecosystem – operators, chains, distributors, brands, and investors – creating a truly cross-industry platform where ideas and relationships thrive. Bar & Restaurant Expo is produced by the Questex Hospitality Group, which also produces Vibe Conference, World Tea Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com and worldteanews.com.

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

Media Contacts:
Sarah Belizaire	Greg Cohen
(646) 552-1118	(917) 714-8237
[email protected]	[email protected]

Conference Delivers Insights, Networking and Deal-Making May 31 – June 2 in NYC
Co-Located Event, BxR – Brand x Residential, Dedicated to Investment, Development and Strategy within Branded Residences

NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 48th annual NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF) (formerly NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference), operated by Questex, a leading information services and event company, in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) and its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, today announces Anthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner, SkyBridge and Founder and Chairman, SALT will deliver the keynote address. NYU IHIF takes place on May 31 – June 2, 2026 at the New York Marriott Marquis in NYC.

Scaramucci is a financier, lawyer, broadcaster and former White House Communications Director. His address “Unbreakable Resilience: An Insider’s Perspective on Power, Communications and Business” will provide a rare insider’s view into how geopolitical forces and societal dynamics are shaping today’s U.S. markets. Drawing on his experience across global finance, media and government, he will explore what resilience truly means for leaders and businesses navigating volatility and uncertainty. 

With the theme “Sharpening the Edge,” NYU IHIF brings the industry together to examine the forces shaping the market. In a selective capital environment, the advantage no longer comes from deal flow alone. It comes from disciplined underwriting, smarter asset management, technology-enabled insight and the ability to act decisively when opportunity appears. From investment strategy and asset optimization to development, experience, and destination growth, the program connects big-picture perspectives with practical execution. NYU IHIF is where the next chapter of hospitality is defined. View the conference program here.

“For close to 50 years, NYU IHIF has been the definitive forum for hospitality investment,” said Jonathan M. Tisch, retired Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels & Co., and Chairman Emeritus, NYU IHIF.  “It brings together visionary leaders, active investors and global stakeholders to share insight, build relationships and drive the industry forward.”

NYU IHIF will deliver unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops and networking events. The conference will convene 2,200 attendees comprising of leading hotel brands, operators, developers, government representatives, advisors and professional services including over 450 global investors across a range of capital types representing over $132B assets under management.

“Held annually in New York City, the global epicenter of finance and real estate, NYU IHIF is a must-attend forum for understanding where the hospitality industry is headed,” said Alexi Khajavi, Group President Hospitality, Questex. “We are very pleased to welcome Anthony Scaramucci to our program. He will provide attendees with insight into the intersection of finance, power and global markets.” 

NYU IHIF will feature more than 80 leading companies introducing the latest ventures, investments and innovations redefining guest experiences, operational efficiency and deal structures.

A series of networking events and spaces will connect executives, investors and operators to foster partnerships and collaborations via strategic roundtables, interactive sessions, an investor lounge, content-led networking sessions and unique networking events. Fifty percent of the event space will be dedicated to one-on-one networking.

NYU IHIF supports the future of hospitality investment. A share of proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships at the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and further support the program’s mission of educating and preparing future leaders and innovators for careers in global hospitality management, travel and tourism.

“NYU IHIF has long been the gathering place for the hospitality industry’s most influential leaders, alongside the students who represent its future. The conference offers a powerful opportunity to explore where the industry is headed and how it continues to evolve as a driving force in the global economy,” said Nicolas Graf, Associate Dean of the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.

Additionally, the second edition of BxR – Brand x Residential, which is dedicated entirely to investment, development and strategy within branded residences, will be co-located with NYU IHIF for one full day of programming on June 2. The event will bring together 200 branded residential pioneers and investors to connect, deploy capital and drive developments forward to build iconic branded residences of the future.

Early-bird registration is open through February 6. Click here to register.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Robert Britt at [email protected]        .

For media registration, contact Meryl Franzman at [email protected].

Stay connected with the NYU IHIF on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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

About the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, now celebrating nearly 30 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism. Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education. Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who seek to become leaders in their fields. The Tisch Center recently launched the Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it serves. For more information, visit sps.nyu.edu/tisch.

Media Contacts
Ahna Holloran
NYU IHIF
[email protected]

Meryl Franzman
NYU IHIF
[email protected]        

Keynote announced from Intel Edge AI Architect Ganesh Kondapuram

NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Sensors Converge today unveils the 2026 conference agenda, delivering more than 50 educational sessions and in-depth workshops led by over 50 industry experts shaping the next generation of sensor and intelligent system design. Taking place May 5–7, 2026 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Sensors Converge is built around the theme “Design Smarter, Build Faster, Power What’s Next.” The program explores the technologies and trends driving intelligent sensing across industries—including next-generation sensor technologies, edge AI, energy harvesting, IoT connectivity, autonomous systems, and system-level design.

“Every intelligent system starts with the sensor,” said David Drain, Show Director, Sensors Converge. “Sensors Converge 2026 is where engineers and system architects come to understand not just what’s next, but how to design systems that actually work in the real world—efficiently, reliably, and at scale.”

Focused Education Across New Conference Tracks
The 2026 agenda introduces targeted tracks designed to address the most critical design challenges facing sensor and system engineers today:

• Sensors + AI
• MCU & Sensor Architectures for AI/ML
• Connectivity & System-Level Design
• Automotive & Transportation Sensing
• Medical & Healthcare Sensing
• Power Management & Efficiency 

Keynote Announced from Intel
Ganesh Kondapuram, Edge AI Architect at Intel, a senior technologist with more than 25 years of experience advancing AI-driven camera connectivity, sensor fusion, and intelligent edge system architectures, will deliver a keynote address.

In the address, “Software-Defined Sensor Fusion for Autonomous Systems,” Kondapuram will explore how decoupling perception logic from fixed hardware enables faster innovation, scalable integration of new sensor modalities, and consistent performance across platforms. The session will examine how modern, software-centric fusion frameworks allow autonomous systems—from humanoids and mobile robots to next-generation aerial and ground platforms—to combine diverse sensor inputs into a coherent world model.

Where the Sensors Ecosystem Comes Together
Sensors Converge 2026 brings together engineers, system architects, product leaders, and innovators working across automotive, industrial, medical, consumer, and infrastructure markets—making it the industry’s most comprehensive event dedicated to intelligent sensing and system design.

Registration is now open. For agenda details and registration information, visit www.sensorsconverge.com.

Contact Abigail Chun at [email protected] or Melinda Hurley at [email protected] for sponsorship and exhibit information.

To register for a media pass, click here.

Follow Sensors Converge on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

About Sensors Converge
Sensors Converge (www.sensorsconverge.com), formerly known as Sensors Expo & Conference, got its start over 40 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 Experiential Technology Group, a division of Questex, which also produces the Best of Sensors Awards, as well as daily content and newsletters on Fierce Sensors at www.fiercesensors.com.

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

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
Senior Director, Marketing
[email protected]