ConferenceDirect Successfully Launches The Meeting Summit

NEW ORLEANS, LA (February 4, 2026) — ConferenceDirect proudly hosted the inaugural The Meeting Summit, a dynamic new event created to support valued Customers, Associates, and Preferred Partners who book “in the year for the year” meetings and events, while also helping planners strategically prepare for 2026 need dates and beyond.

Hosted at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside from January 26–28, 2026, The Meeting Summit featured two impactful days of networking, education, and destination immersion. There were 88 attendees.

“The Meeting Summit was created to address the real planning pressures our customers are navigating today,” said J.J. Wills, SVP of Marketing Programs and Business Development at ConferenceDirect. “By combining timely education, one-to-one conversations, and an immersive destination experience, we created an event that delivered immediate value while building momentum for future years.”

About The Event

The Meeting Summit featured a robust general session and targeted breakout programming addressing key industry priorities, including hotel contract negotiations, production and F&B budget optimization, AI in meetings, and effective collaboration with hotel partners. Attendees also participated in 1:1 appointments, a Networking Hub, and curated learning sessions led by ConferenceDirect leaders and respected industry experts.

A defining element of the Meeting Summit was its integration of New Orleans’ culture and character, highlighted through destination exploration tours, offsite networking events, and immersive experiences sponsored by New Orleans & Company, Hilton New Orleans, and Live Nation Special Events.

With its dual focus on short-term execution and long-term strategy, the Meeting Summit marked a strong debut and reinforced ConferenceDirect’s commitment to creating purposeful experiences that support planners, partners, and the broader meetings and events community.

About ConferenceDirect

Founded in 1998, ConferenceDirect has grown into one of the largest and most respected meeting and event management firms globally. Leveraging our extensive experience, we collaborate with clients to reduce costs, increase revenue, minimize risk, and enhance attendee experience. With over 18,000 contracts managed annually, serving more than 4000 global customers, and over 1000 events managed globally by our 120+ meeting professionals, ConferenceDirect Associates are meeting and event experts.

With headquarters in Folsom, California, ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solution company. Our diverse portfolio of services includes Virtual/Hybrid Meetings, Site Selection & Contract Negotiation, Conference Management, Housing & Registration Services, Event Technology, Strategic Meetings Management Programs, Incentive Programs, Cruise Services, Experience Design, Green Meetings, Vendor Management, and Marketing Support. For more information, visit www.conferencedirect.com.

Mission Statement

ConferenceDirect partners with organizations to help them achieve their goals and create memorable experiences for their attendees. With proven global experience, professionalism, and innovative meeting solutions, our team is dedicated to your success.

Signature Events

ConferenceDirect is committed to providing educational opportunities for our customers. Signature events, based on revenue qualifications, are exclusive opportunities available to our current customers for market-specific education.

CD Caring and Connecting

ConferenceDirect supports programs and organizations that impact wellness, corporate responsibility, and sustainability, including Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and Green Meetings, Human Trafficking Awareness, Healthy Eating and Menu Planning, Wellness Programs, and Associate Council.

Photos are available upon request.