Elise Schoening

Elise Schoening

Editor, Meeting News / Senior Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

I am a Senior Editor for Northstar Meetings Group and the Editor of Meeting News, a daily newsletter covering the latest event trends and industry updates. I also oversee the Convention Cities Index and am passionate about covering the industry's strides and shortcomings when it comes to DEI and sustainability initiatives.

What Elise Covers

Domestic: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, D.C., New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)

International: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Russia, Scandinavia, Switzerland

Industry Associations: ASAE, MPI, IACC, ICCA

Industry Segments: Med/Pharma, conference centers, convention centers, sustainability, DEI

The Latest From Elise

Meaghan Ferrigno Takes Helm at Destination Canada
Meaghan Ferrigno Takes Helm at Destination Canada
Ferrigno has been named interim president and CEO, replacing Marsha Walden, who has retired following... Read More
By Elise Schoening | July 7, 2026
Julie Coker Chosen to Lead Visit California
Julie Coker Chosen to Lead Visit California
The current head of NYC Tourism + Conventions will become the second president and CEO in the Golden... Read More
By Elise Schoening | June 29, 2026
Planning Bucket-List Worthy Events in Anchorage, Alaska
Planning Bucket-List Worthy Events in Anchorage, Alaska
Northstar's latest Small & Boutique Meetings gathering showcased the one-of-a-kind experiences that... Read More
By Elise Schoening | June 22, 2026
New President Chosen to Lead Visit Greenville, N.C.
New President Chosen to Lead Visit Greenville, N.C.
Rachel Whitten will take the helm this month after Andrew Schmidt retires.... Read More
By Elise Schoening | June 10, 2026
The Allure of Hosting Events in Alaska
The Allure of Hosting Events in Alaska
Small & Boutique Meetings is heading to Anchorage, where event planners will learn about dogsledding,... Read More
By Elise Schoening | May 21, 2026
Orlando Reports Record-Breaking Tourism for 2025
Orlando Reports Record-Breaking Tourism for 2025
The Florida city welcomed 76.7 million people last year, led primarily by domestic travelers.... Read More
By Elise Schoening | May 11, 2026
Proposed N.J. Convention Center Would Cost $3B
Proposed N.J. Convention Center Would Cost $3B
It’s a sizable investment, but officials say the multiuse venue in the Meadowlands Sports Complex... Read More
By Elise Schoening | April 28, 2026
This Is the First 'Autism Friendly' Hotel in the U.S.
This Is the First 'Autism Friendly' Hotel in the U.S.
The YOTEL Washington DC has been recognized by Autism Speaks for its quiet areas, sensory-friendly... Read More
By Elise Schoening | April 23, 2026
How AI Is Changing the Future of Travel Marketing
How AI Is Changing the Future of Travel Marketing
New research shows adoption among travelers and brands is rising, while CVBs are being forced to... Read More
By Elise Schoening | April 14, 2026
EU's New Entry/Exit System Is Now in Full Effect
EU's New Entry/Exit System Is Now in Full Effect
In an effort to make travel more seamless and secure, 29 countries now collect travelers' fingerprints... Read More
By Elise Schoening | April 10, 2026
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