Visit The Woodlands is proud to announce that Connect Texas + Medical and the BizBash Sports Innovation Forum will take place simultaneously in The Woodlands this October, bringing together influential meeting planners, event professionals, and industry innovators from across the country. The co-located events will highlight The Woodlands as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and sports-related events while connecting planners with Texas destinations and suppliers that support events held throughout the state.
“These events bring together the decision-makers who shape the future of meetings and events in The Woodlands,” said Josie Lewis, Director of Sales at Visit The Woodlands. “The Woodlands is grateful for the opportunity to showcase our destination while supporting planners who generate significant business throughout Texas.”
CONNECT TEXAS + MEDICAL
Connect Texas + Medical is an appointment-based marketplace designed to bring together qualified meeting planners who actively book conferences and events with destinations and hospitality partners. Through curated one-on-one appointments, education sessions, and networking opportunities, the program helps planners identify destinations and partners for future meetings and conventions. Events within the Connect Marketplace portfolio are known across the industry as places where “events business gets done,” creating meaningful connections that lead directly to future bookings.
"The Woodlands raised the bar when they hosted us in 2023, and we’re proud to return with an even stronger event experience this year," said Chelsea Justice, Regional VP of Sales, Informa Connect. "We’re confident The Woodlands will once again provide the kind of thoughtful hospitality and vibrant backdrop that makes these connections truly meaningful.”
BIZBASH SPORTS INNOVATION FORUM
At the same time, BizBash’s Sports Innovation Forum will convene leaders from the sports, marketing and events industries to explore the future of sports experiences, fan engagement and large-scale event innovation. The forum brings together professionals shaping the business of sports events for three days of education, collaboration and strategic networking designed to advance the next generation of live sports experiences.
New this year, BizBash will also introduce The Women’s Summit, a dedicated program held ahead of the forum spotlighting the voices, leadership and impact of women across the sports and events landscape. The summit will provide a platform for connection, mentorship and meaningful dialogue, further reinforcing BizBash’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation within the global sports industry.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Sports Innovation Forum to The Woodlands, a destination that truly understands the power of live experiences and community,” said Michela Giovannotto, VP of BizBash. “With the addition of the Women’s Summit, we’re not only creating space for important conversations, but also elevating the voices and leadership shaping the future of the sports and events industry. It’s an energizing moment for our community, and we’re proud to continue expanding the platform in a way that’s both inclusive and forward-thinking.”
THE IMPACT
The events will include educational programming, destination experiences, and structured networking designed to create meaningful business opportunities between planners and industry suppliers. Hosting these two industry gatherings concurrently positions The Woodlands as a hub for influential planners responsible for booking conferences, corporate meetings, and sporting events around the country—which plays a critical role in generating hotel stays, dining, transportation, and visitor spending for The Woodlands.
EVENT DETAILS
- October 27-28 | The Women’s Summit
- October 28-29 | Connect Texas + Medical
- October 28-30 | BizBash Sports Innovation Forum
