400-Plus Event Professionals to Attend SMU International

Highlights of the NYC event include keynotes by YouTube star Drew Binsky, and Monique Ruff-Bell, chief program and strategy office for TED. 

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International buyers and suppliers will meet at SMU International at the New York Marriott Marquis. Photo Credit: MadPixPro

SMU International 2026, Northstar’s event that will take place March 9-11 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City, will bring together more than 400 U.S. planners who organize meetings and incentives outside the United States with global hoteliers, tourist boards, DMCs, cruise lines and more. 

Highlights of SMU include the March 10 opening keynote, Lessons From Around the World: How Global Travel Inspires and Connects Us, presented by YouTube sensation and travel expert Drew Binsky. His captivating travel videos and cultural insights have earned more than 7 billion views, and created a global community of more than 20 million followers. Passionate about uncovering human stories in faraway cultures, Binsky brings attention to the fascinating and often untold stories of global communities.

Monique Ruff-Bell, chief program and strategy officer for TED,  will present the keynote session on March 11. In her role with TED, she oversees global programming and strategic initiatives, and has led transformational growth across media, technology and social-impact organizations. Ruff-Bell's expertise spans organizational transformation, revenue optimization and global community building. 

SMU International also will include two days of prescheduled meetings with 200-plus international suppliers, global F&B, numerous networking opportunities and, along with our partners from SITE Northeast, a CSR activity to support Light the Candle, a local charity founded by Jordan Lacey, CMP.

Click here to register for SMU International, or here to view Northstar's full calendar of events.