ConferenceDirect Hosts CDX 2025 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

ConferenceDirect hosted its annual CDX event July 29th – August 1st, 2025 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, bringing together 194 attendees for an immersive experience focused on collaboration, education, and forward-thinking strategies for event professionals.

About the Event

The event opened with a warm welcome from Kelly Gleeson Smith and Patrick Espinoza of Caesars Entertainment, followed by ConferenceDirect President & CEO Jerry Horan, who provided key company updates and insights on current industry trends. Jerry also led two fireside chats addressing crucial topics: “Managing Housing in Uncertain Times” with Adam Briggs, Senior Vice President, Operations, ConferenceDirect, and “Risk Management & Event Insurance” alongside Ray Chiang (SPJA), Gregorio Casalenuovo (USI Insurance Services), and other industry experts.

This year’s agenda reflected the evolving needs of planners and suppliers alike, with content such as a candid Meeting Planner Panel titled “From Pressure to Progress: Navigating the New Event Reality”. Attendees also participated in “Igniting Tranquili-TEA,” a powerful somatic breathwork session led by Sepideh Eivazi, TEDx speaker and Global Wellness Institute Breath Initiative member, offering techniques to reset the nervous system and foster mindfulness amid a fastpaced industry. The event also focused on student engagement in a Hospitality Industry Workshop, led by J.J. Wills, SVP, Marketing Programs & Business Development ConferenceDirect.

Attendees experienced cutting-edge event technology throughout CDX. Braindate facilitated peerto-peer knowledge sharing and curated networking, while SnapSight, an AI-powered platform, delivered real-time session summaries, allowing attendees to revisit and absorb key takeaways on demand, long after the session ended.

Also featured was Smart Menu, an innovative solution through Encore that enhanced the attendee dining experience. By scanning a QR code at buffet stations, participants could instantly filter menu options to match their personal dietary preferences – such as gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free – making mealtime more inclusive and accessible.

An offsite reception and interactive F1® X Experience, sponsored by Visit Las Vegas, offered dynamic networking opportunities while showcasing the city’s high-energy entertainment options. The final day featured engaging general sessions, including “AI-Powered Event Planning” with Tammy Moore and Junior Tauvaa (PCMA), demonstrating hands-on applications of Spark and destinAItor tools, followed by a powerful keynote from Judi Holler, best-selling author and creative entrepreneur, on “The Transformational Art of Self-Expressionism™: Redesigning the Future of Work.”

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.