SXSW 2026 Under Pressure to Deliver

Can a condensed edition of SXSW thrive even without its main venue?  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser Unsubscribe Thursday March 12, 2026 Greetings! Here's what's in store for you today: The Iran war has forced the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East to postpone to 2027. What makes some luggage brands so much more expensive — and are they worth it? Why SXSW 2026 is under pressure to deliver. News   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor IAPPA Iran War Pushes Inaugural Middle East Theme Park Expo to 2027 The postponement wipes out millions in revenue for the year and puts pressure on organizers to manage refunds, rebookings, and the reputation of a major new regional launch.   SKIFT IDEA AWARDS       Recognizing the most impactful and inspiring projects Early-bird rate for the 2026 Skift IDEA Awards ends on March 12. Submit your entry in five meetings and events categories: hotels, venues & convention centers, destination marketing organizations, event technology, and cruise lines. Apply Now On the road   Barbara Scofidio Editor Pexels / Mikhail Nilov Is High-End Luggage Worth It? There's a wide price gap between the luggage you will find at your favorite discount retailer and the top-rated names. What makes some brands so much more expensive — and are they worth it? Events | September 22 (New York) Skift Meetings Forum 2026 Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together event leaders for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape. More info News   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor SXSW / Dylan Johnson SXSW 2026 Under Pressure to Deliver SXSW's 2026 edition will offer a preview of how large citywide events adapt when venues shutter, schedules compress, and worrying attendance trends reshape the bottom line. Further Reading Travel Oil Price Shock Could Mean 10%+ Fare Hike Jet fuel is the single largest expense for most airlines and executives will face pressure to respond soon with higher fares. - Seth Borko   Hotels 10 Game-Changing Hotels for Meetings These U.S. hotels have caught the eye of Skift Meetings' editors. Each property — new or renewed — will impress even your most seasoned attendees. - Barbara Scofidio   News First Two Blue Angels Shows of 2026 Are Canceled Military bases have been forced to increase security in reaction to the growing threat of terrorism, leaving two organizers with no choice but to call off their popular air shows. - Barbara Scofidio   Technology Event Tech & AI News Roundup - March 2026 One major investment stole the spotlight, but most event tech companies are focused on partnerships, integrations, and — of course — AI upgrades. - Miguel Neves   News Terrapinn Grows U.S. Tech Event Portfolio While Staying Optimistic on Middle East The Iran war may cause near-term disruption, but Terrapinn is still betting on long-term growth tied to next-generation computing and renewable energy. - Andrea Doyle Defining the future of events. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | Skift Meetings Stand-Up from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.