ConferenceDirect 2026 Annual Partner Meeting

Folsom, CA (June 10, 2026 ) — ConferenceDirect held their Annual Partner Meeting at Hilton Americas-Houston in Houston, Texas May 17-20, 2026. Details are below.

About the Event:

The Annual Partner Meeting (APM) is one of ConferenceDirect’s annual signature partner and associate events. APM connects our most valued Partners with our Associates in one convenient event. Partners attending have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with over 225 qualified ConferenceDirect Associates. Total attendance was 927.

Guided by its three foundational pillars—Celebration, Education, and Networking—this year’s APM delivered an impactful experience for attendees:

• Celebration:
  The event honored outstanding achievements within the industry, recognizing top-performing associates and partners for their contributions in 2025. Highlights included Associate of the Year: Matthew Dykstra; GSO of the Year from a Major Hotel Chain: Maureen Nyamongo; Chairman’s Hall of Fame inductee: Mike Ditter.
• Education:
  Attendees participated in an expansive educational program designed to help attendees strengthen business performance and adapt to evolving industry dynamics. Programming included General Sessions, expert-led breakout sessions, and collaborative peer discussions covering AI applications, analytics and reporting strategies, sales and leadership development, financial planning, customer acquisition and retention, conference management best practices, contract negotiations and technology-focused education. “Conversations that Matter” created an interactive forum for partners and associates to engage in peer-to-peer discussions surrounding industry hot topics, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Networking:
  APM facilitated high-value interactions, strengthening relationships among industry professionals and reinforcing ConferenceDirect’s commitment to collaboration and growth.

Event Highlights:

• Sustainability & Wellness:
  ConferenceDirect continued its commitment to environmental and social responsibility through a variety of sustainability-focused initiatives incorporated throughout APM. Efforts included healthy and lower-carbon menu selections, bulk beverage stations, reduced food waste strategies, digital-first event materials, recycling initiatives, and encouraging attendees to utilize reusable water bottles and alternative transportation options./li>

Host venue Hilton Americas-Houston further supported sustainability efforts through its LEED Gold-certified operations, energy and water conservation initiatives, food waste diversion programs, and community partnerships. Houston First also contributed through destination sustainability programs, supplier diversity initiatives, and expanded green transportation options throughout the city.

Attendees also participated in wellness-focused experiences designed to promote balance, focus, and well-being in today’s fast-paced business environment. Highlights included a morning walk and tour of Daikin Park, walking breakout sessions, intention-setting exercises, and mindfulness discussions that reinforced ConferenceDirect’s commitment to wellness as a key component of professional success.

• Community Impact & CSR Initiative:
  As part of ConferenceDirect’s continued commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, this year’s CSR initiative—sponsored by IHG—supported The Landing, an organization serving survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The Landing walks alongside survivors as they take steps toward safety, healing, and freedom by providing advocacy, outreach, and supportive services designed to meet individuals where they are and support them throughout their journey.

Event Details:

Location: Hilton Americas-Houston, Houston, TX
Dates: May 17–20, 2026
Total Attendance: 927
Total Trade Show Appointments: 3,846
Education Sessions: 61