#USA #New York #Event Planner Expo #EMRG Media #Power 50

EMRG Media Unveils 2026 Event Industry Power 50 Honorees at The Event Planner Expo in New York City

On October 16, 2026, EMRG Media proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Event Industry Power 50 at a press conference, highlighting the outstanding contributions of professionals in the event industry. The full list of honorees is now available at eventpower50.com/2026, showcasing their profiles prominently.

An impressive total of over 6,000 votes were cast this year, indicating a growing interest and engagement within the industry. Notably, more than 1,000 votes were submitted within just the first 24 hours of the voting period. The honorees include experts from various sectors, including event planning, production, design, entertainment, hospitality, venues, and experiential marketing. Unlike typical industry awards that focus on companies, this initiative emphasizes individual achievements, giving credit to the professionals who make significant contributions to the successful execution of events.

The event planning industry often recognizes firms, placing a badge on their websites, but the dedication of the individuals behind these firms often goes unnoticed. The Power 50 initiative aims to change that by providing each honoree with a dedicated profile on the official website, featuring their photo, name, title, and company details for an entire year. In addition, each recipient receives a badge for their LinkedIn profiles and email signatures, further acknowledging their vital roles in the industry.

As the Event Planner Expo approaches, the honorees will be celebrated on stage at 92NY during the Speaker Series on October 27, 2026. This prestigious occasion will recognize their hard work and contributions over the years. Among the speakers will be Ed Mylett, known as the number one Mindset and Performance Coach by USA Today, alongside plants designer Ed Libby and motivational speaker Dr. Delatorro McNeal II.

This year’s Event Planner Expo is anticipated to attract over 2,000 event professionals, featuring more than 150 exhibitors across two floors and over 60 speakers. The event will commence with the Speaker Series on Tuesday, followed by a networking night and a bustling trade show floor on Thursday.

How the Nominations Work

The 2026 Event Industry Power 50 honorees are determined through a combination of public voting and editorial review. Public voting contributes to 50% of the decision-making process, while the remaining half is evaluated by an editorial panel composed of industry experts. This balanced approach ensures both visibility and credibility, allowing smaller companies to be recognized alongside well-known names in the industry.

Jessica Stewart, the VP of Marketing for The Event Planner Expo, emphasized the significance of this balanced selection process: "The individuals named in this list manage companies that handle substantial budgets. They play a pivotal role in securing venues, organizing high-profile events, and setting industry standards. Each one is a valuable connection worth making in the field of event planning."

The Impact of the Event Planner Expo

The Event Planner Expo serves not only as a celebration of the Power 50, but also as a pivotal educational opportunity for event professionals. This year, the expo features a notable lineup of speakers, insightful sessions, and ample networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. The expo's education program, which coincides with the award ceremony, aims to enlighten attendees on the latest trends and best practices aimed at enhancing their event planning skills.

For more information on tickets and passes for the Speaker Series, Education Passes, VIP Education Passes, and All-Access Passes, visit theeventplannerexpo.com. There's a buzz in the air as the event date draws closer, and this year promises to be a memorable one for all involved.

The honoree wall for the 2026 Event Industry Power 50 can be accessed at eventpower50.com/2026, featuring detailed profiles of each recognized individual in the event industry.