The second annual Power 50 will recognize influential leaders across planning, production, design, experiential, entertainment, hospitality, and corporate events.
NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EMRG Media today announced that applications are open for The Event Industry Power 50, produced as part of The Event Planner Expo. Applications are open through September 18, 2026, with this year’s honorees set to be recognized on stage during The Event Planner Expo, October 27th–29th in New York City.
Launched in 2025, the Event Industry Power 50 drew more than 2,000 votes in its inaugural year. The first class represented leaders across event planning, design, production, entertainment, hospitality, and corporate marketing.
Among the 2025 honorees were Colin Cowie of Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Julie Novack of PartySlate, Nic Faitos of Star Bright Floral Design, Mindy Weiss of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, Giovanni Casas of Geo Events Creative Agency, Brett Galley of Brett Galley Events, Preston Bailey of Preston Bailey Entertainment & Set Design, Jaclyn Bernstein of Empire Force Events, Marcy Blum of Marcy Blum Events, and David Stark of David Stark Design and Production.
“This industry is filled with people who are changing how events are created, produced, marketed, and experienced, but there hasn’t always been a place to recognize that influence across the industry as a whole,” said Jessica Stewart, VP of Marketing for The Event Planner Expo. “The response to the first Power 50 showed us how much that recognition matters. For 2026, we want to bring even more of those leaders into the conversation.”
A Power 50 Built Across the Event Industry
The Event Industry Power 50 recognizes professionals across categories including planning and production, design, experiential events, entertainment, corporate and media events, hospitality, and venues.
The selection process combines industry participation with editorial review. Public voting represents 50% of the selection criteria, with the remaining 50% determined by an editorial panel.
The program is designed to recognize both established industry figures and emerging leaders making an impact within their companies, specialties, and markets.
“Some of the most influential people in events aren’t necessarily the people with the biggest names,” said Erica Maurer, Partner and Co-Founder of EMRG Media. “They’re building companies, introducing new ideas, creating extraordinary experiences, and becoming the people others in this industry want to work with. The Power 50 gives us an opportunity to put those leaders on the same stage and recognize the work behind their influence.”
Honorees to Be Recognized at The Event Planner Expo 2026
The Event Industry Power 50 honorees will receive VIP access credentials to The Event Planner Expo, including access to the Expo’s education programming, main stage sessions, networking opportunities, and industry events.
Honorees will also be recognized on stage during the three-day Expo, which brings together more than 2,000 event professionals, corporate decision-makers, venues, planners, and industry suppliers in New York City.
Past Event Planner Expo keynote speakers have included Gary Vaynerchuk, Daymond John, Martha Stewart, Barbara Corcoran, Mel Robbins, Tim Grover and many other business leaders.
Applications for the 2026 Event Industry Power 50 are open through September 18, 2026. Honorees will be announced on October 7, 2026, and recognized on stage at The Event Planner Expo, October 27th–29th in New York City.
Apply and view full program details at https://www.eventpower50.com/apply
About The Event Planner Expo
The Event Planner Expo is an annual New York City gathering for the events and hospitality industry, bringing together more than 2,000 event professionals, corporate decision-makers, planners, venues, and suppliers. Produced by EMRG Media, the three-day Expo combines education, networking, industry showcases, and business development opportunities designed to connect the people and companies shaping the events business. https://www.theeventplannerexpo.com/
About EMRG Media
EMRG Media is a New York City-based corporate event planning and production company with 25 years of experience and more than 1,100 events produced. The company has produced events for Fortune 500 companies and leading global brands, including Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Netflix, Bloomberg, LVMH, and Condé Nast. Its work spans corporate meetings, conferences, product launches, holiday celebrations, experiential events, and other large-scale event productions.
Media Contact
Jessica Stewart
VP of Marketing, The Event Planner Expo
212-254-3700
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SOURCE EMRG Media
