From curated networking events and live podcasts to sponsor activations and hosted buyer meetings, the inaugural event brings together 1,000+ leaders shaping the future of streaming

LISBON, Portugal, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s StreamTV Europe today announces a dynamic lineup of experiences, networking events, and industry activations designed to maximize connections and collaboration when the inaugural event takes place April 13–15, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Bringing together 1,000+ executives from across the European streaming ecosystem, the event goes beyond traditional conference programming — creating an environment where platforms, broadcasters, FAST operators, advertisers, and technology innovators connect through shared experiences and meaningful conversations.

“Streaming innovation is happening across every corner of Europe, and the most important conversations often happen outside the formal sessions,” said Alejandro Piñero, Show Director for StreamTV Europe. “We’ve designed StreamTV Europe as a true industry experience — with curated networking, cultural moments, and sponsor activations that help bring the community together and spark real collaboration.”

Official Welcome from Lisbon

The event will open with official remarks from the Mayor of Lisbon, highlighting the city’s role as one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation hubs and a global crossroads for technology, culture, and creative industries.

Experiences Designed for the Streaming Community

StreamTV Europe blends industry insights with curated networking and cultural moments that help foster the relationships driving the next phase of streaming.

April 13: Secret Garden Soirée — Official After-Hours Party sponsored by Bedrock Streaming

Set inside Lisbon’s breathtaking botanical garden, the Secret Garden Soirée offers a relaxed evening of cocktails, Portuguese cuisine, and music beneath the canopy — creating an intimate setting where streaming leaders connect and new partnerships begin.

April 14: A Night in Portugal — Market Floor Reception sponsored by Wurl

On the second evening, the Market Floor transforms with Portuguese wines, specialty cocktails, regional cuisine, and music inspired by Lisbon’s vibrant culture.

April 14: Freely Cocktail Networking Break

A pop-up cocktail bar where attendees can grab a drink, continue conversations from the stage, and meet fellow streaming leaders.

Industry Conversations Beyond the Stage

The event will also feature live recordings including The Media Odyssey podcast hosted by Evan Shapiro and a special Portugal Film Commission podcast exploring the intersection of global streaming platforms and local production ecosystems.

Sponsor Activations and Community Gathering Spaces

Sponsors will host activations throughout the event designed to create welcoming gathering spaces for informal networking.

April 14: Samsung Barista Coffee Experience

A barista-style coffee experience where attendees can start the day connecting with industry peers.

April 13 + 14: CNA Global Tea Cart (Stand 104)

Featuring a curated selection of teas from around the world for attendees to recharge and network on the Market Floor.

StreamTV Connect: Curated Executive Meetings

At the heart of the event’s networking strategy is StreamTV Connect, the hosted buyer program facilitating pre-scheduled meetings between senior decision-makers and solution providers across streaming platforms, broadcasters, FAST operators, content companies, and advertising technology providers.

In addition, VIP sponsor events and invitation-only executive gatherings will take place throughout the week in Lisbon.

StreamTV Europe Mobile App

Attendees can also maximize their experience through the StreamTV Europe mobile app, which features AI-powered matchmaking, meeting scheduling, exhibitor navigation, and personalized agendas.

A New Gathering Place for the European Streaming Industry

StreamTV Europe expands the globally recognized StreamTV Show brand to create a dedicated gathering for Europe’s rapidly evolving streaming market.

“Lisbon sets the tone. The experiences deepen the relationships. And the conversations drive the business,” Piñero added. “This is more than a market – it’s where the European streaming ecosystem comes together to build the future of the industry.”

Where Streaming’s Next Chapter Takes Shape
Built for executives across content, technology, and advertising, StreamTV Europe takes place April 13-15 in Lisbon, Portugal, and is where the industry comes to align, connect, and move forward together.

From global platforms to regional powerhouses – and from monetization to product strategy – StreamTV Europe delivers the conversations and connections that matter most.

Advance savings rates expire March 20; Register to attend StreamTV Europe here.

For media registration click here.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact sgruntorad@questex.com.

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

About StreamTV Europe
StreamTV Europe isn’t just another industry event—it’s the launchpad for innovation across the European streaming landscape. With dynamic content, curated networking, and executive-level insights, it’s where strategies are set, ideas take flight, and the future of streaming in Europe and beyond is defined.

Produced and managed by Questex, StreamTV Europe is the sister event to the flagship StreamTV Show in Denver, Colorado—widely recognized as the largest annual gathering for the U.S. streaming industry.

Together, these events form a global platform for streaming leaders to connect, collaborate, and shape what’s next.

For more information, visit https://europe.streamtvshow.com. StreamTV Europe is supported by StreamTV Insider, the industry’s go-to source for daily news and analysis.

Visit https://www.streamtvinsider.com to stay connected.

StreamTV Europe runs April 13-15, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. StreamTV Show runs June 16-19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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 Europe
csoucy@questex.com

NEW YORK, March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex today announces the appointment of Christa Chancellor as Chief Financial Officer. Chancellor brings global financial leadership experience across events, services, manufacturing, and e-commerce industries, as well as significant private equity–backed and public company expertise.

Chancellor joins Questex following her role as Interim CFO at Colibri Group, a private equity–owned education technology company. During her tenure, she oversaw finance and accounting functions spanning controllership, treasury, tax, and FP&A, and led a team of approximately 50 professionals. She played a key leadership role in raising over $2 billion in syndicated debt, and drove financial and commercial transformation initiatives including a Workday ERP implementation and an enterprise-wide Salesforce launch. In addition, Chancellor supported 16 acquisitions representing approximately $300 million in revenue.

Prior to Colibri, Chancellor served as Vice President of Finance at Maritz Global Events, where she led financial operations and strategy for a $725 million hospitality services business with 1,600 employees. There, she managed a 65-person finance organization, implemented Oracle ERP systems, and partnered closely on M&A evaluation, contracting strategy, and board reporting.

Earlier in her career, Chancellor held multiple senior finance and investor relations leadership roles at Monsanto Company, where she was responsible for global finance operations, investor communications, strategic planning, and large-scale capital investment analysis. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in audit and advisory services.

“Christa is a proven financial leader with deep experience in private equity environments, operational transformation, and scaling complex organizations,” said Paul Miller, CEO, Questex. “Her expertise in financial strategy, systems modernization, M&A integration, and disciplined capital management will be instrumental as we continue accelerating Questex’s growth strategy.” Chancellor is known for her collaborative, results-oriented leadership style and her ability to build empowered, analytically driven teams.

“I’m excited to join Questex at such a dynamic moment in its growth,” added Chancellor. “Questex’s portfolio of industry-leading brands and its focus on building powerful communities through experiences and content create a strong foundation for scalable, sustainable growth. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to drive operational excellence, financial performance, and long-term value creation.”

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
kspellman@questex.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2453e612-6b72-42c1-be74-d0d27c7dba35

Broadband & Beyond – The Next Era of End-to-End Connectivity – Industry Leaders, Policy Experts, and Technology Innovators to Convene November 18-20 in New Orleans

NEW YORK, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Network today announces the Call for Speakers for Broadband Nation Expo 2026, taking place November 18-20, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

Now in its fourth year, Broadband Nation Expo returns with a bold new theme, “Broadband & Beyond – The Next Era of End-to-End Connectivity,” reflecting the industry’s evolution from funding and deployment to fully-integrated, future-ready infrastructure. The event convenes the leaders shaping broadband’s next chapter – from fiber and wireless deployment to AI-enabled networks, edge compute, and sustainable connectivity models.

Broadband Nation Expo is the definitive gathering for service providers, federal and state officials, infrastructure leaders, investors, and technology innovators working across the broadband ecosystem.

“Broadband Nation Expo is where the future of connectivity takes shape,” said David Drain, Show Director, Broadband Nation Expo, Questex. “As we move into the next era of broadband, this event brings together the public and private sectors to turn strategy into execution. We’re excited to invite leaders across the industry to share insights and help define what comes next.”

Call for Speakers Open Through April 17
Industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders are invited to submit proposals for full session applications as well as individual speaker applications seeking consideration for a panel. Programming formats include: keynotes, panel discussions, standalone presentations, and moderator roles on critical topics shaping the future of broadband.

Featured Topic Areas Include:

• Hybrid Horizons: Navigating Fiber, Wireless and Satellite Interoperability at Scale  
• Built to Last: Creating Long-Term Sustainability, Resilience, and Community-Centric Connectivity  
• No AI Without Broadband: The Critical Role of Physical Networks in Enabling AI, Edge Compute and Data-Driven Services  
• BEAD & Beyond: Public Leadership, Policy Execution, and the Future of Broadband Funding  

The Call for Speakers is open through April 17. Industry leaders ready to help shape the next era of connectivity can submit proposals here.

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, 2026 at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans in New Orleans, LA.

For more details, visit Broadband Nation Expo.

To stay connected with the latest updates, follow Broadband Nation Expo on LinkedIn and X.

For partnership and sponsorship opportunities for Broadband Nation Expo. contact Scott Gruntorad at sgruntorad@questex.com.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) – the trusted association for the connected world, represents more than 400 organizations that enable high-speed communication networks and accelerate next-generation technology innovation. As a member-driven organization, TIA advocates for our industry in the U.S. and internationally, develops critical standards, manages technology programs, and improves business performance, all to advance trusted global connectivity.

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
Broadband Nation Expo
kwilliams@questex.com

NEW YORK, March 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Experience the future of beauty, spa and wellness first-hand when Questex’s Beauty and Wellness Show New York takes over the Javits Center, March 8-10, 2026. The fusion of two legendary industry brands – The International Beauty Show (IBS) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) – will provide a 360-degree ecosystem for professionals, bringing together hair stylists, colorists, barbers, estheticians, and spa owners for three days of world-class education, expo filled with top-tier brands and community.

“The 2026 Be+Well New York Show is designed to be an unparalleled powerhouse of inspiration and commerce,” said Elizabeth Fanetti Trevorrow, Partnership & Event Director at Questex’s Wellness Group. “By uniting two iconic brands, we are providing our community with a more holistic view of the industry, where hair artistry meets advanced skincare and wellness. Our goal is to empower professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving market.”

Check out what’s in store at the 2026 Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show New York:

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, 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.

Must-See Experiences

• Glam + Glow Stage Sponsored by Dyson, where the biggest names in beauty take the spotlight to demo pro techniques. PBA’s Leslie Roste will be on hand Monday, March 9 to discuss the cosmetology and esthetics licensure compacts – what you need to know.
• Be+Well Lounge is the spot on the show floor for creating long lasting show photo memories and ‘Community Conversations’, curated talks at 12:00pm and 2:00pm on Monday and Tuesday of the show.
• Wellness Den Sponsored by HigherDose, is the place to unwind and take a break from the expo floor.
• 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, CHI, LeChat and Hattori Hanzo Shears.

16 Specialized Education Tracks and Free Product Focused Education

• Spa and Wellness Program Tracks including Esthetics Training, Med Spa & Spa Technology, Science-Backed Skincare, Holistic Wellness
• Beauty Program Tracks include Hands-On Workshops, Hair Cut/Color Techniques & Trends, Men’s Grooming & Barbering, Makeup, Lashes & Brows, and more!
• Business Management focused classes cover: Business Growth & Leadership, Strategic Profitability, Client Relationships & Retail, Social Media & Marketing
• Over 100 complimentary product-focused, brand-led sessions that deepen your product expertise will be available to expo passholders. From ingredient science to application mastery to retail strategies—gain the knowledge from your favorite brands that helps you recommend with confidence, retail with success, and differentiate your services in competitive markets.

Check out the full conference schedule here and free product-focused education classes here.

Top Industry Talent

The Show provides the chance to learn from the experts who’ve spent decades refining their expertise and discover techniques, insights, and trade secrets that will transform how you approach your work. Check out the star-studded lineup of icons from the Spa, Wellness and Beauty worlds.

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
Amanda@brokawpr.com 

Data Shows that Gen Z Is Going Out to Eat and Drink More Frequently and Spending More on Themselves than Older Consumers

NEW YORK, March 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Hospitality Group has released a new proprietary report that offers insight into what motivates consumers to dine and drink away from home. Through a partnership with Datassential, the research focused on on-premise venue visitation, beverage consumption and demographic differences. The report launch coincides with Questex’s Bar & Restaurant Expo, which gathers thousands of independent hospitality owners/operators, taking place March 23-25 in Las Vegas.

As the eldest Gen Z reaches 27 years old in 2026, the Questex On-Premise Consumer Habits Report finds this cohort is driving important metrics that could signal a return to growth for the restaurant industry.

“Interestingly, younger consumers have a significantly higher incidence of going out to eat and drink across all on-premise segments versus other age groups,” says Brandy Rand, Vice President, Hospitality Group at Questex. “And contrary to all the headlines claiming Gen Z is a detriment to bars and restaurants, our data shows they order more alcohol and better-quality drinks. They spend more on themselves than older consumers and don’t see price as a barrier when choosing where to go out.”

Key findings from the report also show that the top reason people go out to eat and drink is to treat themselves (53%), followed by the desire to socialize (45%). Despite tighter discretionary spending, splurging on food and beverages at a restaurant or quick-service venue remains a priority for many consumers across all genders, ages and income levels. Convenience/ease is another reason for going out, a factor that resonates the most with younger consumers (aged 21-28), who say they go out to eat or drink because it’s faster or easier than cooking.

When choosing where to go out, quality of food and service rank high on the list. The importance of hospitality – friendly and prompt service – can make or break a visit according to most consumers. In the current economic environment, 42% also cite promotions or deals as an important criterion for selecting where to go out.

Says Rand, “As the restaurant industry looks for ways to increase frequency of visitation and grow check sizes against a tough economic backdrop, our report offers operators actionable insights they can implement right away.”

Promote ways for people to indulge and socialize.

When dining out, consumers want quality food and drink options at reasonable prices, favoring locations where they can save money. Capture consumer interest by offering promotions, weekly/daily specials and limited-time offer to build up value perceptions and generate interest. Also be sure to offer drink items that pair well with other popular menu items to build up quality perceptions.

Food quality and price are key.

These are the top drivers on where consumers choose to go when dining away from home. Focus on what this means to your customer base to ensure satisfaction. Think about the value you offer as not everyone is looking for the absolute lowest prices. Younger consumers in particular look for cool experiences away from home, and food and beverage offerings are an important factor when choosing entertainment venues.

Hospitality can make or break an experience.

A friendly greeting upon arrival, prompt seating, a server that is knowledgeable and delivers food when it’s ready helps to create an enjoyable atmosphere for consumers when dining out. It’s also critical that locations offer a standard of cleanliness for consumers – making sure the bathrooms are clean and neat and their table is well-set. This is especially important for women and older consumers, who are more likely to notice both good and bad service.

Leverage online/social media to generate interest.

While recommendations from friends and family are most likely to get consumers to try an establishment or menu item, they also look for promotions and online reviews or social media to help them decide where to go out. Update your online presence frequently on Google and Facebook, along with Instagram and be sure to mention any special promotions to keep your presence fresh.

Beverages are a key component, especially non-alcoholic drinks.

Even when consumers order alcoholic drinks, they are likely to also have a non-alcoholic beverage. Younger people are the biggest consumers of alcohol away from home and have shown increased interest in the quality of beverage options. Make sure your beverage program caters to this demographic with menus that showcase great beer and cocktail selections as well recommend alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that pair with food items.

Bringing These Insights to Bar & Restaurant Expo

These findings will be central to programming and conversations at Bar & Restaurant Expo, Questex’s leading event for bar and restaurant owners and operators. The Expo brings together thousands of industry professionals to explore trends, discover new products and gain strategies to drive profitability, enhance guest experience and adapt to shifting consumer behavior.

By combining proprietary consumer research with live education, product discovery and peer-to-peer insights, Questex continues to position Bar & Restaurant Expo as a market-leading platform where data meets real-world execution.

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 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

NEW YORK, March 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, a leading information services and events company focused on high-growth B2B markets, today announces strong performance from its recent acquisitions in Affordable Housing Finance and Multifamily Executive, along with The Conference Forum and Versalinx Global Events.

Each business has successfully delivered live events under Questex ownership and is positioned for continued growth forward.

AHF Live significantly exceeded budget year over year, reflecting growing demand as affordable housing moves firmly into the mainstream of investment and development. In Life Sciences, Versalinx Global Events successfully launched its first event under Questex ownership, while The Conference Forum portfolio is pacing strong for 2026.

Together, these acquisitions strengthen Questex’s presence across two high-growth sectors: Living—including Affordable and Multifamily Housing—and Health & Life Sciences, where regulatory complexity, innovation cycles and sustained capital investment drive demand for industry connection and insight.

“Questex has a repeatable model for acquiring, integrating and growing category-leading businesses,” said Paul Miller, CEO of Questex. “These acquisitions validate that model. Each is performing well because we stay relentlessly focused on our customers while scaling platforms that help them get business done.”

“Affordable housing is no longer a niche asset class—it is becoming a key part of a commercial real estate portfolio driven by attractive investment fundamentals — demographic demand, policy focus and institutional capital entering the market,” said Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Living & Hospitality, Questex. “The performance of the Affordable Housing Conference demonstrates how critical these communities are in bringing together leaders across finance, development and policy.”

“The Conference Forum and Versalinx Global Events strengthen Questex’s leadership in the Health & Life Sciences sector,” said Rhiannon James, Group President, Health & Life Sciences, Wellness and Technology, Questex. “These events sit at the center of clinical innovation, drug development and competitive intelligence market research strategy. The strong momentum we are seeing reflects the essential role these communities play in advancing collaboration across the industry.”

Questex’s acquisition strategy is built on deep first-party audience intelligence, scalable event and media platforms and year-round engagement ecosystems that extend customer value beyond the event calendar and across multiple touchpoints. These acquisitions build upon the incredible organic growth momentum in the market leading Fierce Life Sciences Events group with 25% growth in 2025.

With multiple acquisitions successfully integrated and positioned for expansion, Questex enters 2026 with strong momentum across its Living and Life Sciences sectors.

For more information on 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
kspellman@questex.com        

NEW YORK, March 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the only event exclusively dedicated to the on-premise national account beverage industry across restaurants, hotels, casinos, cruise lines, airlines and concessionaires, had its highest sponsor engagement and attendance since its inception 17 years ago.

Held February 23–25 at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, the 2026 conference welcomed a record number of attendees including national and regional chain restaurants, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, casinos, and concessionaire with operator attendance up year over year and 30% of attendees experiencing Vibe for the first time — a strong indicator of the event’s continued expansion and relevance across the beverage ecosystem.

This year’s strategic focus centered on engaging new national and regional on-premise operators with 10+ units — a segment that saw notable growth. Attending companies included industry powerhouses such as Applebee’s, Red Lobster, AMC Theatres, American Airlines, Carnival, Sodexo, Marriott, Darden, Hyatt, Delaware North, IHG, United Airlines, Texas Roadhouse, Auberge Resorts, Live Nation, P.F. Chang’s, Royal Caribbean, and Vail Resorts, among many others.

Guided by the theme “Future Forward,” Vibe delivered a highly curated agenda designed to equip beverage leaders with actionable insights across AI, customer loyalty, beverage programming, flavor trends, menu strategy and consumer behavior to drive profitability and innovation.

“This year’s Vibe Conference demonstrated the strength and resilience of the on-premise beverage community,” said Brandy Rand, Vice President/Market Leader, Hospitality Group, Questex. “With record operator growth, an influx of new companies, and a powerful lineup of C-suite leaders, Vibe continues to be the industry’s most important platform for beverage strategy, connection and growth.”

Elevated Programming with Industry-Defining Voices
A renewed focus on fresh perspectives and top-of-mind content resulted in one of the strongest speaker lineups in Vibe history, featuring influential executives and thought leaders including:

• Sam Bakshandehpour, CEO, President of Bilt and former CEO of José Andrés Group
• Alex Boerger, Chief Sales Officer, Athletic Brewing Company
• David Kaplan, CEO, Death & Co
• Michael Montagano, CEO, Dog Haus
• Alex Monahan, CEO, Ruby Tuesday
• Ari Opsahl, CEO, Outlaw Light Beer
• Jake Bullock, Co-Founder & CEO, Cann
• Jencey Keeton, Chief Marketing Officer, Punch Bowl Social
• Kimberly McKinnish, Chief Operating Officer, National Beer Wholesalers Association
• Sarah DaVanzo, Global Chief Innovation Officer & Head of Foresight, Porter Novelli
• Anthony Giglio, Contributing Editor, Food & Wine
• David Ludica, Head of Global Measurement & Insights Analytics, Uber
• Devin Burns, Vice President of Hospitality, JSX Airlines
• Marco Bustamante, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Auberge Collection
• Nels Storm, Vice President, Food & Beverage Product Strategy, AMC Theatres
• Bill Koning, Vice President of Hospitality, Chicken N Pickle

Throughout the three-day program, attendees participated in education workshops, research sessions, curated tastings and high-level networking experiences designed to foster deal-making and collaboration.

Giving Back to the Industry
CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), the 501(c)(3) national nonprofit founded by members of the beverage community and the official charity partner of the Vibe Conference, once again played an important role onsite. Through activations, auctions, and attendee generosity, the Vibe community came together to support families in the food and beverage industry facing terminal illness or sudden loss — reinforcing the industry’s deep commitment to taking care of its own.

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 Contact
Michelle Osborne
Questex
mosborne@questex.com
617.219.8305

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 sgruntorad@questex.com.

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

csoucy@questex.com 

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
mosborne@questex.com
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
kspellman@questex.com