The global exhibitions industry is entering 2026 with a burst of momentum, as leading organizers push into new regions, sectors and formats through a mix of high‑profile launches and strategic acquisitions.
From safety and energy to tourism and design, established players are widening their footprints and accelerating growth plans to meet rising demand in fast‑developing markets. With new shows debuting across the Middle East, Europe and the Americas—and fast‑scaling events joining larger portfolios—the year ahead is shaping up to be one of the most expansion‑driven periods the industry has seen in years.
IAAPA Partners with PE Firm, Launches Summit in Morrocco
IAAPA, the global association representing the attractions industry, has announced a unique partnership with Expression Capital Partners LLP, marking a significant investment in the long‑term success and innovation capacity of IAAPA members worldwide.
As IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner, Expression Capital Partners will bring expanded financial expertise, investment resources, and strategic guidance to attraction owners, developers and operators across all regions, founding partner Elliot Hall announced at IAAPA’s Expo 2025 last month in Orlando. Expression Capital Partners also will be recognized as a Platinum Sponsor of all IAAPA Expos.
The firm’s “multigenerational financial expertise and deep understanding of our industry bring tremendous value to IAAPA members,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “This partnership opens the door for members to access high‑level investment guidance, strategic financial support, and opportunities to bring bold ideas to life.”
IAAPA president Jakob Wahl emphasizes the partnership’s value in bringing investment expertise to members worldwide. Photo: IAAPA
IAAPA also announced it will stage its first‑ever Morocco Summit, Jan. 19–21, 2026, in partnership with the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT). The two‑day event in Marrakesh will convene industry leaders for education sessions, behind‑the‑scenes facility tours, and networking with key decision makers. Programming will explore growth opportunities in entertainment and leisure, hotel and resort expansion, and strategies for building integrated attractions ecosystems.
Attendees will also visit Morocco’s leisure destinations, including Oasiria Marrakech, Gravity Park, and Palooza Park. “Entertainment is no longer just a complement to hospitality — it has become an essential driver,” said Imad Barrakad, Chairman& CEO of SMIT.
Leisure experiences like Oasiria Marrakech (pictured) will be highlights of the IAPPA Morocco Summit, notes Imad Barrakad, Chairman of SMIT, the country’s tourism development agency. Photo: Shutterstock
Messe Düsseldorf Grows A+A Portfolio With OS+H Middle East in Dubai
Messe Düsseldorf will debut OS+H Middle East from Oct. 12–14, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a new regional trade fair dedicated to occupational safety and health.
This launch expands the venue’s A+A network into one of the world’s most dynamic growth markets. The event will spotlight smart PPE, digitalization and AI‑based OSH solutions, exoskeletons, ergonomics and sustainable workplace technologies.
“With OS+H Middle East we are expanding our portfolio in a strategically important region with great growth potential,” said Marius Berlemann, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Düsseldorf.
“In the MENA region, demand for safety and security solutions is growing rapidly—especially in such industries as construction, oil, gas, renewable energies, health care and transport,” added Daniel Feische, Director of A+A and the international portfolio.
A+A Director Daniel Feische underscores the rising demand for safety solutions in the MENA region.
Marius Berlemann, COO of Messe Düsseldorf, announced the launch of OS+H Middle East, launching October 2026 in Dubai.
A+A’s signature Startup Zone (pictured at A+A 2025 in Düsseldorf) invites companies to present innovations for all areas of occupational safety and health. Photo: Messe Dusseldorf
Fairfest Acquires WTE Miami, Expands Into U.S. Market
Fairfest Media—organizers of OTM—has acquired WTE Miami, the international travel and tourism expo hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The move marks Fairfest’s entry into the Americas and accelerates its global growth strategy in the world’s largest travel market.
Launched in 2022, WTE Miami has scaled quickly, drawing more than 300 exhibitors and 3,500 attendees in 2025, with support from Miami International Airport, Miami‑Dade County, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. The 2026 edition, scheduled for Oct. 27–28, aims to double those numbers, with expanded B2B matchmaking and thought‑leadership programming.
“Joining forces under the Fairfest umbrella will allow WTE Miami to reach new heights,” noted WTE Miami Director Javier P. Palencia. “Together, we plan to double the number of exhibitors and attendees for the 2026 edition.”
Officials celebrate the opening of WTE Miami 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Photo: WTE Miami
Kelly Helfman Launches Girls Day LA Women’s Summit
Industry veteran Kelly Helfman, former Informa Fashion Group executive who oversaw events including MAGIC, Coterie and Project, has launched Girls Day LA, a new empowerment summit debuting May 2, 2026, in Downtown Los Angeles. The one‑day event blends a summit, marketplace and experiential workshops designed to inspire women through authenticity, self‑care and personal growth.
Programming will include sessions on overcoming fear, finding purpose, avoiding burnout, manifestation and “main‑character energy.” Attendees will also experience curated shopping with women‑owned brands, fine‑line tattoos, tarot and aura readings, glam touch‑ups, DIY stations and a “Soul After Party.”
“With Girls Day LA, we’re creating a space where women can show up authentically, connect deeply, and leave feeling empowered to thrive in every area of their lives,” said Helfman.
Show founder Kelly Helfman’s one-day women’s summit, Girls Day LA, launches May 2, 2026. Photo: Kelly Helfman
TechDay Launches Up/Link SpaceTech Summit in New York
TechDay has announced the launch of Up/Link Summit, a new senior‑level forum dedicated to the commercialization, investment, and dual‑use adoption of space technology. The event will debut Oct. 20–21, 2026, in New York City, conveninginvestors, enterprise innovation teams, government innovation offices, and high‑growth founders shaping the next generation of the space economy.
Event industry leader Stephen Corrick has joined as Co‑Founder, partnering with Walter Charnizon, President of TechDay HQ, to expand the organization’s portfolio into Security & Resilience Technology.
“Space is transitioning from exploration to commercialization at an unprecedented pace,” said Corrick. “Up/Link is designed for the stakeholders building real business outcomes — the buyers, investors, operators, and innovators advancing dual‑use and applied space technologies.”
“TechDay has always been about connecting innovators to opportunity,” added Charnizon. “Stephen’s leadership and vision align perfectly with our move into curated, sector‑specific platforms. Up/Link is the first step in a broader commitment to advancing Security & Resilience Technology through high‑impact, commercially aligned events.”
Walter Charnizon is one of the co-founders of the Up/Link Summit, debuting next year in New York. Photo: Walter Charnizon
Event industry leader Stephen Corrick (pictured) has joined as Co‑Founder, partnering with Walter Charnizon, President of TechDay HQ, to expand the organization’s portfolio into Security & Resilience Technology.
Easyfairs Makes First U.S. Acquisition with EPC
Easyfairs has acquired EPC – Energy Projects Conference & Expo, the world’s largest energy projects event, marking its first U.S. purchase and a major step in its North American expansion strategy. The acquisition positions Easyfairs to accelerate EPC’s growth trajectory in the booming energy market.
“EPC has the perfect profile for Easyfairs to expand our presence in the vibrant and rapidly evolving energy sector,” said Matt Benyon, Easyfairs Group CEO. “Adding EPC to our portfolio supports our goal of growing Easyfairs in the U.S. market by acquiring leading events with strong growth potential.” Launched three years ago by Josh Bull, EPC has doubled in size annually, growing from a hotel conference into a tradeshow attracting 4,500 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors and sponsors in 2025.
“We have extensive experience in geo‑cloning events, including in the U.S., where we launched the North American edition of Coiltech — the biggest launch in our company’s history,” noted Arnaud Istas, Easyfairs Group Head of M&A US. “This brings us to two U.S. events on the map, with ambitions to add more.”
Bull welcomed the acquisition: “We are thrilled to partner with Easyfairs. Their investment will support EPC’s rapid growth, and we look forward to benefiting from their tradeshow expertise and proven systems. Our community is assured of an even better, high‑quality experience.”
The next edition of EPC will take place June 16–17, 2026, at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
EPC 2025, the show’s third year, drew 4,500 participants to Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. Photo: EPC
Spiro Expands Global Creative Footprint with Acquisition of 2Heads
Spiro, the global experiential agency within GES, has acquired 2Heads, a London‑based creative agency known for innovative brand experiences across North America and Europe. The move strengthens Spiro’s global footprint and expands its creative capabilities in the UK and European markets, combining creative innovation, expertise, and scale to deliver next‑generation experiential solutions.
“The acquisition of 2Heads reflects our continued commitment to expanding our global experiential capabilities through Spiro,” said Derek Linde, CEO of GES. Founded in London, with locations in Los Angeles and Montreal, 2Heads has built a diverse portfolio across aerospace, technology, financial services, and consumer brands.
“2Heads shares our belief in the power of creativity and innovation to connect brands and people,” added Jeff Stelmach, Global President of Spiro.
“For more than four decades, 2Heads has championed the power of creativity and innovation to augment the brand experience and transform how household names connect with people,” said Paul Godwin, Managing Director of 2Heads.
Derek Linde, CEO of GES, cites the acquisition of 2Heads as part of Spiro’s global expansion. Photo: Derek Linde
INTERPHEX Launches Contract & Outsourcing Exchange (COEX)
INTERPHEX is expanding its platform with the launch of the Contract & Outsourcing Exchange (COEX), debuting at INTERPHEX 2026, April 21–23 at the Javits Center in New York. Positioned at the entrance of the show, COEX will serve as a dedicated hub for the outsourcing community, connecting pharma and biotech leaders with CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations) through curated matchmaking, thought leadership sessions, and exclusive sponsorship opportunities.
“COEX isn’t something entirely new — it’s a natural evolution of what has long been happening at INTERPHEX,” said Douglas Lugo, Event Director. “We’ve always had the audience and the conversations in place. What’s different now is that we’reshining a spotlight on it, giving outsourcing and partnerships their own home.”
Coming in 2026: COEX at INTERPHEX, connecting pharma and biotech leaders with CDMOs. Photo: Interphex
Terrapinn Announces New Event IPs in Saudi Arabia
Terrapinn has unveiled five new event brands set to launch in 2026 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, designed to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy and growing role as a global MICE destination.
The portfolio includes:
• ARABLAB LIVE, a leading laboratory and analytical technology event expanding into KSA
• Hyperscale Live KSA, focused on hyperscale data centers and digital infrastructure
• MOVE Middle East, a mobility and smart transport innovation platform
• Shop Arabia, a retail and e‑commerce innovation showcase
• Accounting & Business Expo, professional services and financial technology event
“Trade shows and congresses are an essential element in KSA’s economic growth and Vision 2030. Terrapinn is proud to contribute,” said Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn. These events contribute to diversifying the economy and strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a global MICE hub.
Terrapinn CEO Greg Hitchen highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global MICE hub with five new event launches in 2026. Photo: Greg Hitchen
Adventure Media & Events Holdings Acquires Financial Brand Forum and The Financial Brand
Adventure Media & Events Holdings has acquired Financial Brand Forum, the largest and fastest‑growing trade show in the banking industry, along with The Financial Brand digital media platform.
The Financial Brand Forum, held annually in Las Vegas, focuses on marketing, growth strategies, customer experience, data analytics, and digital transformation for retail banks and credit unions. It has rapidly scaled to attract thousands of C‑level executives and leading service providers.
The Financial Brand digital media platform reaches over 2.5 million banking executives annually with articles, webinars, reports, and research covering industry trends and technological advancements.
Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions, served as exclusive advisor to The Financial Brand, LLC, in structuring and negotiating the transaction.
Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions, advised The Financial Brand on its acquisition by Adventure Media & Events Holdings. Photo: Nick Curci
